Growers Launch Into 2019 Plantings Season with AgLogic™ Aldicarb
At a time when crop protection choices are dwindling, growers have options in 2019. AgLogic™ aldicarb has made a rather remarkable comeback to the marketplace. Originally marketed under the brand name Temik, aldicarb was mostly unavailable to growers for several years until 2016.
“I told growers after we lost Temik that we would probably start seeing pest problems occur that we hadn’t seen for years,” says Jack Royal, crop consultant in Leary, GA. “Sure enough, it started happening. Everybody got so used to aldicarb, they didn’t realize how much protection they were getting from the product.”
Early Season Vigor
More than 45 years of university trials have consistently shown that cotton treated with aldicarb emerges as a stronger, more vigorous seedling.
“Over the years you didn’t even have to know which row was treated or untreated in field trials,” Royal says.
“Most of the time it was just obvious.”
The Root Factor
Nematode protection is one of the critical cornerstones of pest management, according to Royal. “Our rotations often include cotton, peanuts and corn. Different species of nematodes affect different crops.
“Aldicarb is not registered on corn, but you can make a significant difference in nematode pressure over multiple rotations and years because you can use aldicarb on both cotton and peanuts, even though not corn.”
“That works very well to knock down nematode populations – immediately and over time. You have to consider more than just one season.”
Thrips, Aphids & Mites
After emergence, seedlings are generally attacked by a plethora of early season insects beginning with thrips.
“The plant has a stronger root system in the first place,” Royal says. “Then it jumps out of the ground. Additionally, AgLogic™ aldicarb provides protection against our most devastating early season foliar pests.
“Since we started using aldicarb again, we haven’t seen the level of problems we were starting to see with thrips, aphids and spider mites.”
AgLogic™ vs. Seed Treatments
During the absence of aldicarb, some growers turned to seed treatments to fill the void. “At first, it was an acceptable alternative,” Royal says.
“However, after a few years, the seed treatments began to lose effectiveness. Then, we had to start using over-the-top clean-up sprays for secondary pests.”
Less Herbicide Injury
“In fields where growers needed to use herbicides prior to planting, we started seeing more herbicide injury during the absence of aldicarb,” Royal says. “We’re not seeing that now. The plant is simply stronger coming out of the ground with aldicarb under it.”