The Nematicide Stewardship Programme (NSP) has issued a reminder to growers to follow best practice with granular nematicides this spring to ensure that protects remain protected for the future.
Mark Taylor, chair of GB Potatoes and working group member of the NSP, said: “PCN represents the most significant and widespread challenge in the potato industry. Our access to quality land is diminishing, making the responsible use of nematicides, within an integrated approach, paramount to managing this issue effectively.”
He stressed the importance of the NSP in demonstrating the industry’s commitment to responsible applications. “The stewardship programme, as it has evolved, embraces these aspects and reinforces the importance of training and resource availability for growers.”
There are six areas of the NSP protocol:
- Qualify – All operators must have a PA4 or PA4G certification and have completed the ARTIS Nematicide Stewardship e-learning course to apply granular nematicides. They must also be members of NRoSO.
- Calibrate – Applicators must be checked daily for damage or wear, to ensure all pipework is correctly fitted. The applicator must be inspected and certified as fit for use by a qualified National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) engineer at least every two years. The amount of product used should be calculated according to the area treated to make sure the correct volume per hectare is applied.
- Single pass – The product should be incorporated within a single pass, immediately before planting with no granules left on the surface of the soil.
- Shut off – All applicators must be fitted with a device in the cab that allows operators to shut off granule flow at least 3 metres from the end of each row. The shut-off time allows for all piping to run out before the machine is lifted out of the ground.
- Spillages – Use the same filling point in the field to allow any spillages to be identified quickly. Bury small spillages immediately to ensure no granules are left on the surface. If the spillage is large, remove it to an empty nematicide container, clearly label it and return it to the manufacturer, burying any remnants immediately.
- Check – Check treated fields 12 to 24 hours after application for adverse effects on wildlife. Check field edges and areas where application equipment is turned on and off, but also inside headlands and breaks in the middle of the field.
For more information go to www.nspstewardship.co.uk