In the shadow of further restrictions on slug pellets containing metaldehyde, Interfarm UK are reminding growers of the effective and less risky alternative in methiocarb. Formulated as a high quality pellet containing 4% methiocarb, Cobra has full label recommendations for potatoes, cereals and oilseed rape as well as a number of other vegetable and horticultural crops and is considered to have a reduced risk of water pollution.
"With the high level of concern about metaldehyde in water, growers are investigating alternatives ways of controlling slugs and Cobra is well worth considering integrating into a slug control programme. Being less soluble, methiocarb has less risk of surface water contamination, although we would strongly advocate all growers who are applying slug pellets to read and adhere to the Stewardship guidelines," advises Dr. David Stormonth, Technical Manager for Interfarm (UK).
He explains the new guidelines for metaldehyde that are being recommended give a maximum single application of metaldehyde of just 210 gms/ha (down from 250 gms/ha), with this also being the maximum total dose between 1st August and 31st December. "With this dose rate restriction, it makes sense to use both active ingredients within a programme. In potatoes Cobra can be applied at a maximum individual dose of 3.75 kgs/ha up to a total maximum of 11.5 kgs/ha per season, equivalent to over 3 applications. In this crop applications can start from 50-70% ground cover and end 18 days before harvest, giving plenty of time to apply. In cereals up to 2 applications of 3.75 kgs/ha of Cobra can be used and in oilseed rape up to a maximum of 7.5 kgs/ha can be recommended."
"Cobra should be regarded as the backbone of any slug control programme, particularly as more restrictions on metaldehyde are now being recommended. Farmers are being set a 2011 deadline to bring concentrations of metaldehyde in watercourses down to an acceptable level. Using it less and methiocarb more will help to reach this objective. Even when it is cold and wet, methiocarb will still kill these pests as it acts as a stomach poison. Because it is a high quality wet extruded pellet, Cobra maintains its integrity, even in wet conditions, and it is very durable, offering long lasting persistence," says David.
Marketed by Interfarm UK Ltd, Cobra is a pelleted bait containing 4% methiocarb for the control of slugs, snails and strawberry seed beetle, with a reduction in leatherjackets. It is recommended in barley, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, forage maize, oats, oilseed rape, outdoor lettuce, outdoor spinach, potatoes, rye, strawberry, sunflower, triticale, wheat and all non-edible crops. It has Maximum Individual Doses of between 3.0 and 3.75 kgs/ha per crop and Maximum Total Doses per season of between 3 and 11.5 kgs/ha depending on the crop. It has no LERAP but it is important to keep out of watercourses. It is packed in boxes of 2 by 10 kg poly bags.
