Arable
Staffordshire farmer confirms successful results following 12-month trial Velum Prime applicator delivers liquid nematicide and other soil treatments, freeing up sprayer time during a busy spring schedule, says potato grower Sam Daw. News on the withdrawal of Vydate (oxamyl) for control of potato cyst nematode (PCN) in January last year was a devastating blow for UK potato growers. However, it also gave one grower a timely opportunity to replace powdered formula soil treatments with a move across to Velum Prime (fluopyram) – a liquid nematicide formulation – to help him suppress root damage from free-living nematode (FLN) and reduce symptoms of tobacco rattle virus (TRV) on the 200–250ha of potatoes he farms annually in Staffordshire. Farmer Sam Daw, of WB Daw and Son, who manages the 1,600ha family farm which is based between Rugeley and Tamworth, saw the key benefits of a liquid formulation that is both easier to use than powdered or granular nematicides, and can be applied at lower dosage
rates when applied in-furrow or by broadcast spray. Mr Daw comments: “On hearing the news on Vydate and having decided to switch over to a liquid-only system, my first call was to Tom Neat, managing director at Techneat Engineering. I have known Tom for several years and, as well as purchasing four applicators from his company within the last 10 years, we have successfully collaborated on several other projects. He knows the potato industry extremely well and the firm has already successfully developed a number of applicators specifically aimed at potato growers. “In 2020, I first became aware that he was trialing a new applicator specifically designed to apply Velum Prime and other soil treatments simultaneously, so the decision to contact him was a no-brainer. “Purchasing the Velum Prime applicator in February 2021, we
initially set up the machine with a single dosatron chemical injection pump that mixes the Velum Prime but, following a difficult start to the season encountering Rhizoctonia solani, we then decided to upgrade to two dosatron pumps and two 10-litre chemical tanks, allowing us to apply Allstar (fluxapyroxad) for control of rhizoctonia simultaneously in-furrow alongside the Velum Prime. “Rear mounting the applicator on our GB215 Grimme 2-bed planter, set up was straightforward, with the applicator’s 220-litre water tank centrally positioned at the rear of the planter and all the pipework going forwards. The applicator is equipped with two 10-litre chemical tanks and two dosatron chemical injection pumps that mix the chemicals with water and pump it directly into the spray line, where it’s applied into the soil via two main outlets.
“Nozzles are mounted at the opener of the planter and are pointed backwards as we’re targeting the soil as it’s folded in around the potatoes as they’re planted. “One of the key benefits of the Velum Prime applicator is that it’s simple to use, quick to set up, and uses the same Garmin GPS electronic rate controller as other Techneat machines – cab-mounted and designed for easy output monitoring. There have been no maintenance issues to date and, providing you clean out both the tank and spray lines following use, there is very little else to go wrong. “After 220ha of planting last year, I can confirm that the new applicator delivers both Velum Prime and Allstar into the soil accurately and, if required, simultaneously. It does so without drift or reduction in nozzle pressure and has excellent anti-blockage properties. Importantly, for us as a business, it also frees up use of our sprayer, which we could have used to treat the potato beds prior to planting as an alternative system. “The cost benefits of reducing an additional pass, combined with the agronomic benefits of protecting our soil with a single-pass planting system are an added bonus,” concludes Mr Daw. FG
The Kelly Tillage System is the ultimate tool for weed control. Using powerful Kelly Disc Chains, the Kelly uproots existing weeds! Whilst shallow soil disturbance brings weed seeds to the surface and encourages early germination. Improving soil health now and for future generations
www.kellytillage.com April 2022 www.farmersguide.co.uk 35
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