WHAT’S NEW
INTRODUCING IRONMAXPRO®– NEW ZEALAND’S FIRST BIOGRO CERTIFIED SLUG AND SNAIL BAIT At UPL we remain committed to providing sustainable agricultural solutions to New Zealand growers and are actively driving the adoption of bio-based solutions. Through our concept of OpenInnovation we leverage our partnerships and networks to address grower challenges. Our aim is to provide resolutions and tailor products that meet the unique farmer requirements. This season UPL launches the first BioGro certified molluscicide in New Zealand, IRONMAXPRO®, developed and manufactured by De Sangosse, global leaders in slug and snail bait formulation. “It offers the same best-in-class efficacy as Metarex inov®. It means those growers seeking a high-quality alternative to metaldehyde have a proven choice,” says Scott Hanson, New Zealand country manager.
It means those growers seeking a high-quality alternative to metaldehyde have a proven choice The high performance delivered by IRONMAXPRO® is the result of a combination of unique innovative technologies, IPMAX and COLZACTIVE®. IPMAX is the maximised performance of the active ingredient at a lower concentration that clearly differentiates IRONMAXPRO® from the standard basic iron-based molluscicides. And it does not stop there, the innovation continues to utilise the innovative bait technology of the premium metaldehyde slug bait in the market, Metarex Inov®. IRONMAXPRO® is engineered with the exclusive COLZACTIVE® technology to deliver exceptional palatability and attractiveness, ensuring fast-acting performance, with the pellet physics to give persistence and spreadability. George Follas, UPL’s R&D lead, explains that “a key feature of the technology is that IRONMAXPRO® enables mortality at lower ingested doses in comparison to other iron-based molluscicides.
As a result, there will be more bait remaining available for other slugs to be attracted and killed. This ensures continued protection for a longer period.” Trials showed that IRONMAXPRO® has a different mode of action that matches the high in field performance of the best in class metaldehyde-based Metarex Inov®. IRONMAXPRO® works as a stomach poison, fatal once ingested. It leads to vital organs (such as the digestive gland) being overloaded with iron, which impairs the digestion process and ultimately the ability of a slug to process food. Feeding stops almost immediately and slugs may retreat underground to die. Because of this, effects on slugs can be less visible, and it is therefore recommended to observe that crops are protected rather than looking for dead slugs. George reiterates that due to the extensive damage caused by slugs and snails it is imperative for growers to have reliable and effective control. Now they can do this with a low hazard, lower environmental impact solution. The UPL team is looking forward to bringing these benefits of IRONMAXPRO® to New Zealand growers this season.
For more information about IRONMAXPRO® go to www.ironmaxpro.upl-ltd.com or email enquiry.nz@upl-ltd.com, www.upl-ltd.com/nz
NZGROWER : APRIL 2021
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