Ongoing research from the has reinforced the importance of soil testing as the basis of IPM (integrated pest management) strategies for managing PCN this spring.
The research, led by Dr Price, a molecular biologist and nematologist at the James Hutton Institute in Scotland and project lead for PCN Action Scotland, indicates that targeted management of the pest not only by population, but also by species is key.
Dr Price explains: 鈥淧art of our project work is to help highlight the value of accurate and early PCN detection through soil testing to effectively combat this pest to growers.
鈥淕iven that cysts are about half a millimetre in size, it鈥檚 crucial to soil test thoroughly and sample appropriately to understand the population. Knowing your specific issue and disease pressure is a vital part of knowing what next steps to take.鈥�
Best practice guidelines
Dr Price also highlights the precision needed for soil sampling. 鈥淥ur advice is to understand your soil, determine what鈥檚 in there鈥攂oth good and bad鈥攁nd establish the PCN population at species level, whether it鈥檚 Globodera pallida or Globodera rostochiensis.鈥�
If soil sampling indicates the need for nematicides such as fosthiazate as part of an IPM strategy, the group advises growers to follow its 鈥樷��, as NSP chair Patrick Mitton explains.
鈥淲ith the planting season nearly upon us, we strongly recommend growers and operators revisit our best practice guidelines when it comes to using nematicides, to protect the environment and ensure operator safety.
鈥�Our advice is to understand your soil, determine what鈥檚 in there鈥攂oth good and bad鈥攁nd establish the PCN population at species level鈥�
Molecular biologist and nematologist Dr Price
鈥淭he principles recommend operators hold PA4 or PA4G certification, complete the , and be NRoSO members.
鈥淎long with soil sampling to assess pest pressures, seek advice from a BASIS-qualified agronomist before using granular nematicides.
鈥� is also critical 鈥� (National Sprayer Testing Scheme) and regularly monitored during application to meet Red Tractor requirements," he adds.
Growers are encouraged to to update their knowledge on best practices for fosthiazate granule nematicide application before planting.
The NSP website also offers a detailed guide: .
What is the NSP?
The NSP was formed in 2015, to promote the correct use of granular nematicides.
The programme includes all stakeholders involved in the supply, distribution and use of these products, along with those who purchase crops, including representatives from the NFU, PPA, Syngenta UK Ltd, Red Tractor Assurance, FPSA, NIAB and agrochemical distribution
and to sign up to the ARTIS e-learning
.
