The future availability of the nematicide and insecticide Mocap (ethoprophos) is now secured for potato growers by its addition to the EU Annex 1 list.
Bayer CropScience's Dr Bill Lankford, campaign manager for root crop protection, welcomed the decision by the EC's Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCFA), announced on March 22nd.
"Mocap is an excellent alternative to Temik – the previous industry standard for PCN and free-living nematode control – and offers class-leading control of wireworm. Its addition to Annex 1 is good news for potato growers whose armoury of soil treatment options was depleted by Temik's withdrawal earlier this year.
"Temik was widely relied on for its ability to control the increase in PCN population triggered by potato growing. On any soil type, Mocap gives just as good a yield response, and on silts and sands frequently outperforms all other nematicides at population control. It could make the difference between sticking to your rotation or having to let it slip a year."
