Nimitz Nematicide Receives Emergency Exemption On Carrots In Michigan

Crop protection company Adama has announced that the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has issued a Crisis Exemption under Section 18 of FIFRA for use of NIMITZ 480 EC nematicide to control northern root knot nematodes on carrots in Michigan.

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Nimitz, a non-fumigant nematicide, received federal registration from EPA in September 2014 for use on cucurbits, including cucumbers, watermelons, cantaloupe and squash, and fruiting vegetables including tomatoes, peppers, okra and eggplants.

The Michigan Crisis Exemption allows growers temporary use of Nimitz on carrots while EPA completes the process of granting the Section 18 registration for that crop. The approved use period is April 14, 2015 through June 15, 2015.

Northern root knot nematodes, even at relatively low populations, can result in crop losses exceeding 50%. Carrots attacked by nematodes develop galls on their lateral roots, resulting in forking and quality loss.

As the first new chemical nematicide to be introduced in more than 20 years, Nimitz has a unique mode of action which categorizes the product within a new chemical classification. It has the least restrictive signal word of ‘Caution’ on its label, no re-entry interval and does not require certified applicator training. Additionally, personal protective equipment is minimal.

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“This section 18 emergency exemption is welcomed news for Michigan carrot growers,” says Herb Young, Adama brand leader.  “Nimitz is ground-breaking technology that will provide growers with an immediate control tool alternative for defense against nematodes.”

Michigan granted the Section 18 as a result of a 2015 market shortage in available nematicide products for use on carrots in Michigan. Earlier this year, DuPont announced that Vydate would not be available until after the 2015 season – causing market concerns about the required volume of nematicides needed to treat Michigan carrot acres.

Michigan carrot growers affected by the Section 18 should contact their local retailer or Adama representative for use rates, application timing, and other product information. Additional information is available by visiting Adama.com.

 

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