Mocap last in early potatoes

The nematicide Mocap 15G can be used for the last time in the cultivation of lilies and early potatoes in the spring of 2020. The product can be used until March 21 next year. With the disappearance of the active ingredient ethoprophos, another important remedy is no longer in the resource cabinet of potato and bulb growers.

At the beginning of this year it was already known that the registration of the active substance ethoprophos would not be renewed. This is the main component of Mocap 15G, which is marketed by Certis. The product may be sold until February 1, 2020 and used until March 21, 2020. This means that it can still be used for planting lilies and growing early potatoes. Empty containers must be returned to the supplier by April 30 at the latest.

Alternatives
“We are looking for replacements, but we don't have an alternative to Mocap at the moment,” explains Edwin Hendriks of Certis. "Especially in the northeastern Netherlands, the product is widely used in potato and bulb cultivation to tackle wireworms and nematodes, among other things."

Available alternatives are Vydate and Nemathorin or a biological alternative like Nemater. Drug manufacturer Corteva expects to receive authorization for the drug Belem in our country. This microgranulate works against wireworms.

Future of Vydate
The sector will thus rely even more on Vydate (active ingredient Oxamyl). This substance has an authorization until April 1, 2020, but is in a re-registration process. The file is now available for public inspection at the European Commission. Albert Heijn no longer allows the use of Vydate in their own sustainability scheme. PlanetProof limits the dosage to 1 kilo per hectare. With the absence of the insecticide seed coating in onions and carrots, Vydate will be used more often from this year.

Niels van der Boom

Niels van der Boom is a senior market specialist for arable crops at DCA Market Intelligence. He mainly makes analyses and market updates about the potato market. In columns he shares his sharp view on the arable sector and technology.

n.vanderboom@boerenbusiness. Nl

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