Cartridge change to ensure accurate nematicide application

Potato growers switching from Temik to Nemathorin this season must change to the right Apcal Cartridge to assure correct and accurate application rates, advises Graham Basil.

Following the decision to revoke the use of Temik on potatoes, growers switching to Nemathorin to tackle PCN and wireworm also need to change the metering mechanisms on their nematicide applicators, advises Graham Basil of Apcal.

He reports the company's one-piece nematicide metering cartridges are specific to the flow characteristics of the different nematicides and can not be reliably used with other products. "The construction of the Nemathorin cartridge uses entirely different components to those for Temik, Mocap or Vydate. Growers should not attempt to recalibrate or adjust Temik rotors for the application of Nemathorin or other nematicides.

"To ensure accurate and consistent application, growers need to be using the right cartridge. A difference of just a few per cent will quickly repay the cost of new cartridges, along with implications of inaccurate application for reduced soil pest control and environmental stewardship."

The one-piece Apcal cartridge, available from Techneat Engineering, can be safely and cleanly installed in minutes, replacing the complete conventional rotor metering mechanism. Once initially calibrated and set up, the cartridges have proven to remain remarkable accurate and consistent for many hectares. Mr Basil advocates product specific conventional rotors should be routinely replaced in any case, to ensure accuracy.

"Nemathorin users have found the hard-wearing Apcal cartridges improve the accuracy of application, reduce downtime during the busy planting season and give longer life before replacement, compared to conventional rotor metering mechanisms," he added.