A liquid nematicide for potatoes applied in-furrow at planting.

Product Profile

Important Information

Finally. An easier way to treat PCN.

Protecting potato yields from PCN has just become a lot easier with the arrival of Bayer’s new nematicide Velum Prime. It’s an ultra low dose, liquid nematicide for in-furrow application which will change the way PCN is managed:

• Easy handling – dramatic reduction in nematicide bulk and returnable packs
• Easy application – just 0.625 L/ha to apply by conventional in-furrow applicator
• Easy management – no harvest interval so easy to use on any crop type
• Easy decision – make Velum Prime the core of your nematicide strategy

In its development Velum Prime has been investigated from every angle, under extreme pressure and throughout the British Isles. It protects yield and delivers the level of population management needed to help keep potato production sustainable.

Population management

Managing PCN population is an important consideration for a sustainable rotation. Growing a potato crop can lead to an increase in egg count many times the initial population and they can remain viable for up to 30 years.

The effectiveness of nematicides in limiting an increase in population when a potato crop is grown is measured by the ratio of the final population (Pf) to the initial population (Pi). This was assessed across 26 UK trials conducted from 2012 to 2018 comparing the performance of Velum Prime (fluopyram) against Vydate (oxamyl) and untreated.

On average the population in the untreated controls increased fivefold, i.e. the Pf/Pi ratio was five. Velum Prime limited the Pf/Pi ratio to 3.7 giving an average reduction of 26%.

Yield protection

In lower pressure situations Velum Prime will provide yield protection and population management as part of an integrated PCN management plan. In higher pressure situations Velum gives extra yield protection when used in conjunction with granular nematicides.

The graph below shows the results across 10 UK trials, targeted to these situations, from 2016 to 2018 where the performance of granular nematicides Nemathorin (fosthiazate) and Vydate was compared against Velum and their use in conjunction with Velum.

While use of either granular nematicide on its own gave a greater yield response than Velum, the use of half-rate granules plus Velum produced a yield increase over and above that achieved by either granular nematicide used on its own. The best result came from using Velum plus half-rate Vydate: an average yield increase of 14 t/ha over untreated.

Pests controlled

Velum Prime is effective against both species of potato cyst nematode (PCN): Yellow potato cyst nematode (Globodera rostochiensis) and white potato cyst nematode (Globodera pallida). However, in some soils with high organic matter, control of Globodera pallida may be less effective.

Application

Apply Velum Prime as in-furrow spray, using on-planter application technology. It is important to direct spray into the planting furrow and not onto the seed tuber. Application should be made using two nozzles per row; one at the front of the planting share and directed down into the furrow and the second at the rear of the share and directed so to spray the soil as it closes around the planted furrow.

If the crop is intended for processing consult the processor before use.

Succeeding crops

Cardoons, celeries, Florence fennels and crops belonging to the category ‘other stem vegetables’ cannot be allowed as succeeding crops.

Varieties

Velum Prime may be used on all commercial varieties of potatoes. Whilst no additional data (crop safety and efficacy) has been provided, crops grown under plastic can be treated at the grower’s risk.

Velum Prime contains fluopyram (pyridinyl-ethyl-benzamide). As nematicides are not included in the mode of action classification scheme of IRAC, fluopyram is not assigned to any mode of action class by IRAC. However, fluopyram also controls certain plant pathogens and is classified by FRAC as a member of the Succinate-Dehydrogenase Inhibitor (SDHI) group of fungicides. A resistance management strategy in the crops where Velum Prime is applied also requires consideration of uses of other SDHIs for disease control.

Nematode Resistance

Velum Prime contains an active ingredient with a new mode of action for use as a nematicide. The resistance risk in nematodes is considered to be low based on experience of the use of organophosphates.

Potatoes

Where Velum Prime has been applied the first foliar fungicide application made to the crop must not be a member of the SDHI group.

See FRAC for more information on SDHI fungicides