NEW NIMITZ® Nematode control equals ops without the risks

Nematodes have been the bane of potato and carrot growers’ lives for years. But the traditional solutions have problems of their own – particularly around user safety and environmental profile.

ADAMA NZ portfolio manager Hamish Mulcock says Nimitz®, a novel nematicide developed by ADAMA, has a unique active that provides the breakthrough in nematode control growers have been looking for.

“Nematodes including root-knot nematode, root lesion and potato cyst nematodes damage root vegetables causing disfiguration and galls, reducing both total and marketable yield.Nimitz maximises the crop’s potential, providing greater returns for growers, and there’s low to no risk of harm.

“Nimitz provides equal performance to older now superseded organophosphate (OP) chemistry across potatoes, carrots, kumara and parsnips and it’s better for the end user and the planet.”

Hamish says nematodes are a constant. “You have beneficial ones in the soil and harmful ones. Even if you’re not seeing a huge impact on a crop, they’ll be there, and proactive action is encouraged before marketable crop yield is lost.”

Fluensulfone, the active in Nimitz, belongs to a unique chemical class with a new mode of action. Nimitz contains 480 g/L fluensulfone in an emulsified concentrate (EC) formulation.

Studies have shown that fluensulfone kills nematodes by contact, rather than using a temporary nematostatic (paralysis) activity as with previous organophosphate chemistry.

Hamish says that’s an important difference. “Nimitz is truly nematicidal in action, not just nematostatic like older chemistry. OPs only ‘freeze’ nematodes, which can recover once the active ingredient has dissipated. This has been an issue, particularly in higher rainfall areas.”

In contrast, Nimitz has rapid permanent activity. Within one hour of contact nematodes cease feeding, dying within three days. Eggs laid after exposure to Nimitz are unlikely to be viable, and if juveniles do hatch, they won’t survive. Long-term use of previous nematicide options has allowed some organisms in the soil biomass to adapt to break down OPs and carbamates; Nimitz is not affected by this.

Nimitz is also selective so it doesn’t harm beneficials, and is Integrated Pest Management compatible. The product is applied by broadcast spraying seven days prior to planting, at a recommended rate of 4–8 L/ha. Following spraying, Nimitz should be mechanically incorporated to a depth of 15–20 cm. Hamish says there should be just one application per crop, and no more than 8 L/ha per year.

Nimitz has been extensively tested globally since 2007, and in New Zealand since 2013. In field trials, Nimitz consistently demonstrated equal or better nematode control when compared with industry standards, including the organophosphate fenamiphos.

ADAMA NZ continues to listen and learn from local growers and industry leaders to deliver cutting-edge and safer chemistry to the market. We take immense pride in investing in innovative solutions that redefine the industry standards.

To learn more about our groundbreaking solution, Nimitz, contact your local horticultural supplier, or ADAMA commercial manager today.