TELONE™ USA R&D – Potato Field Trials 2024

Posted on | by Randy Huckaba

This blog post will cover common nematodes affecting potatoes in the Pacific Northwest, and recap a potato field trial that was done to demonstrate TELONE™ efficacy.

Let’s dive in!

The Problem: Nematodes in PNW Potatoes

Nematodes are a common pest in potato-growing areas, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. They are typically found in coarse-textured, sandy soils. The two most common are Meloidogyne chitwoodi (Columbia root-knot nematode) and Meloidogyne hapla (northern root-knot nematode). Above ground symptoms can range from stunted growth and wilting under moisture stress, accompanied by distinct galls on potato tubers, ultimately affecting marketable yields. Detection of these symptoms can be challenging, with some cultivars showing more pronounced effects, and tubers may be heavily infected without visible signs.

Soil Fumigation

Soil fumigants are injected into the soil as a liquid and quickly evaporate into a gas. The vapors move through soil pores and eventually dissolve into soil water. That movement through the soil is fundamental and essential to the effectiveness of fumigation for pest control.

“True” fumigants—such as TELONE™ soil fumigant—differ from contact nematicides in that true fumigants move through the soil on their own, rather than requiring water or incorporation for movement. Using TELONE™ to “prep” the soil ahead of planting forms a zone of protection with less nematode pressure. So, when tubers are planted, they can establish healthy roots and plants, offering more consistent results than contact nematicides. And because TELONE™ is applied to the soil before planting, it leaves behind no residuals and never touches the actual plant/crop.

TELONE™ Can Help

Due to the nature of nematodes—where they’re found, how they move, what affects them—the most effective product for control is a soil fumigant, such as TELONE™. There are currently no alternatives to match the efficacy of TELONE™ when it comes to managing nematode populations. TELONE™ does more than just control nematodes, though. It allows potatoes to grow stronger roots and establish into healthier plants. By creating a zone of protection around roots in the first 6 to 8 weeks of growth, TELONE™ allows roots to develop in an environment where nematodes are controlled and soil-borne diseases are managed. The result is extensive, healthy root systems capable of producing high-yielding, high-quality potatoes with increased marketable yields, and improved grower ROI.

PROPER APPLICATION TO MAXIMIZE BENEFITS

In order to maximize the efficacy of TELONE™, be sure to adhere to the label’s application requirements. Applying TELONE™ at the correct soil depth, and at the correct soil temperature/soil moisture are key to ensuring TELONE™ can move through the soil freely, and at the right depth, to lessen nematode pressure.

  • TELONE™ soil fumigant works best in seedbed-ready soils, free of clods and non-decomposed plant material.
  • Applications of TELONE™ should be made at soil temperatures between 40˚ F and 80˚ F at depth of injection.
  • Refer to label for full explanation, but in general, use the “feel” method to gauge proper soil moisture for application success.
  • TELONE™ should be injected at least 12 inches below the final soil surface (measuring from the bottom of the outlet tube).
  • Some applications require an injection depth of at least 18 inches.
  • Read and follow all appropriate label instructions.

Field Trial Data

The field trial data shown below was collected in 2023 in Eltopia, Washington. The trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of TELONE™ II (1,3-Dichloropropene) pre-plant soil fumigant for managing Columbia root-knot nematodes in potato, as compared to an untreated control. Columbia root-knot is a serious pest of potato in many parts of the world, including the Pacific Northwest. The treatments were replicated six times in a small-plot test design, on a test site cultured for heavy infestations of Columbia root-knot. The TELONE™ was applied as a broadcast treatment.

Marketable Yield & Nematode Counts At Harvest

KEY TAKEAWAYS: TELONE™ II @ 18 GPA treatment increased marketable yields by more than 3x as compared to untreated control. The data clearly confirms the tremendous yield increase provided by TELONE™ II for controlling Columbia root-knot nematodes.

REMEMBER, THERE’S NO COMING BACK FROM A POOR START!

Visit www.TeleosAg.com to learn more.

Disclaimer:
The resources and information provided are meant purely for educational discussion, contains only general information about legal matters, and is not to be construed as advice. Please note that any information or resources provided are not legal or regulatory advice, and should not be treated as such. You must not rely on the information provided as an alternative to legal advice from your attorney or other professional services. Teleos Ag encourages readers to consult with counsel, and their local, county, and state regulators. We make no representations or warranties, express or implied, in relation to the information provided through our resources and blog posts. It is the readers responsibility to know the laws related to 1,3- D, appropriate PPE, Licensing, etc., in his or her City, County, State, and Country.

Randy Huckaba
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