The demand for green crop protection products is growing. A biorational that is already in the spotlight NEMguard DE† This 'purely natural' product has garlic extract as the active ingredient. "It tackles all nematodes and insects such as carrot fly in one fell swoop," says technical specialist arable farming Maarten van der Marel. "It's an effective nematicide and insecticide in one."
Biorationals are plant protection products of natural origin. Their role is growing every year. "They fit in with the greening trend," says Van der Marel. "Residue-free crops are expanding and the range of conventional products is getting smaller and smaller. Sometimes a green product is the only option."
Certis is working hard to broaden the 'green package'. Nemguard already had an approval against nematodes. The label has now been extended with an authorization against carrot fly larvae. "That is a wonderful addition," said the specialist.
High Quality Polysulfides
The active ingredient of Nemguard is garlic extract. High-quality polysulfides are created by processing garlic according to a patented process. When these multiple sulfur compounds come into contact with nematodes and carrot fly larvae via soil moisture, they are absorbed through the skin. Various reactions take place in the interior, to which the nematodes and larvae soon succumb.
Root vegetables and onions
Since its introduction a few years ago, carrot growers in particular have shown a lot of interest in the product. "That is easy to explain, because carrot cultivation struggles with 2 important soil pests," says Van der Marel. "Nematodes cause branching of the tap roots and larvae of the carrot fly eat the roots. Both infestations make the carrots unmarketable."
Nemguard also provides relief in other root crops where nematodes are an issue. Growers of parsnips, chicory and chicory, among others, have had good experiences with it. In onion cultivation, the product appears to work well against Trichodorus nematodes.
PlanetProof and Skal
Growers who participate in PlanetProof have the advantage that the amount of active ingredient of Nemguard is not counted. The product even provides a bonus point and is also allowed in organic crops (Skal).
Application
NEMguard DE is supplied as granulate in bags of 20 kilograms. It is important that the granulate is placed close to the seed. Application in the row during sowing is therefore preferred. Keep the soil around the root moist for up to 6 weeks after sowing, irrigate the plot after sowing if necessary. With granulate spreaders on seeders, the granulate can be distributed well. The dosage is 20 kilograms (ie 1 bag) per hectare.