Protect Your Potatoes; Get More Flexibility and Improved Nematode Control

While farmers cannot control the weather, or supply chains that often rely on inefficient transportation options, they can protect their crops with reliable products that help mitigate diseases and pests.

Potato growers must attempt to stay ahead of those diseases and pests before they cause irreversible crop damage. One of the biggest pests in potato production is one that cannot be seen with the naked eye — the nematode. These microscopic roundworms move less than 4 feet per year but cause damage that can leave entire potato fields unmarketable.

Root-knot nematodes, stubby-root nematodes and lesion nematodes will stunt growth and rob a potato plant of its ability to remain vigorous, resilient and healthy.

“Nematodes damage root systems and inhibit a plant’s ability to take up water and nutrients from the soil. Without those critical nutrients, a plant’s yield potential is severely placed at risk,” says Kevin Cochrane, territory manager, Crop Protection, Corteva Agriscience. “There are many things a grower should consider when trying to control nematodes and get a positive return on their investment. I see more growers putting Reklamel^™ active in their arsenal of nematode control tools because it gives them the flexibility of not having to apply a fumigant five months in advance of planting. Salibro^® nematicide with Reklemel ^™ active and Vydate^® C-LV insecticide/nematicide can be just as effective as an in-season application that can be tailored to your acres rather than just a widespread, blanket fumigant application before planting even begins.”

Contracts, or the lack thereof, are placing some potato growers in a position of thinking further ahead. Many are considering planting alternate crops like wheat, peas or soybeans on potato ground. Cochrane reminds his farmer clients to avoid an alternate crop that might harbor nematodes, like field corn.

In addition to that added flexibility, Salibro^® nematicide with Reklemel^™ active delivers selectivity.

“Salibro nematicide is very selective in what it controls. It does not negatively affect those beneficial nematodes that are important to soil health,” Cochrane says. “Some growers are utilizing both of our nematode control products and applying Salibro nematicide and maybe alternating it with Vydate^® C-LV insecticide/nematicide for systemic foliar control. It is highly compatible with soil health preservation because it does not impact nontarget, beneficial organisms, including bacteria, fungi and free-living nematodes. This works well and supports production efforts to improve soil health which is increasingly important to farmers.”

There are various grower-directed government programs supporting the use of cover crops, and Cochrane is beginning to see an increase in cover crop acreage. Because of the sandy soils in the growing region, cover crops help prevent erosion, which can lead to unsustainable soil loss.

“Cover crops can offer both positive and negative aspects to potato production,” Cochrane says. “Cover crops like certain sudangrass should be avoided because they tend to be conducive to increases in nematode populations. Other cover crops, like mustard, would help suppress nematodes.”

Keep in close contact with your pest control advisor and/or consultant. Make a plan that includes Salibro nematicide. Get more application flexibility and proven nematode control and improve your chances for a strong end-of-year return on investment.

For more information on how to control plant-parasitic nematodes with Salibro nematicide, visit Corteva.us/Salibro. Add Vydate^® C-LV insecticide/nematicide to your toolbox and strengthen your overall program approach to nematode control.

^{™ ®} Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. Vydate^® C-LV is a Restricted Use Pesticide. Reklemel^™ is a registered active ingredient. Salibro^® and Vydate^® C-LV are not registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Always read and follow label directions. ©2024 Corteva.  020608  BR (03/24)  CAAG4SBRO057