Velum Prime is Bayer's liquid nematicide containing fluopyram. After AHDB was granted an extension of authorisation for minor use, it can now be used for the control of free-living nematodes on parsnips. This is good news for growers who have been contemplating ways to protect parsnips after authorisation for oxamyl was withdrawn in late 2020. According to AHDB Horticulture, that situation has been described as 'close to desperate' for growers.
Joe Martin of AHDB Horticulture said: “The loss left parsnip growers without an effective nematicide, but with this extension of authorisation there is an additional means of control for FLN [free-living nematodes]. Since oxamyl was withdrawn last year we have been contacted by many growers asking us to make representations on their behalf."
Martin said a positive of Velum Prime was the reduced operator exposure and greater flexibility in application. "Applying for an EAMU [authorisation for minor use] for Velum Prime is one example of the work we have done on their behalf and we have been successful,” he added.
Until recently, Velum Prime was limited to potatoes and carrots where it is approved for the suppression of plant parasitic nematodes. But with this new EAMU, it becomes the only low volume nematicide approved for use in parsnips.
Source: farminguk.com
