By Tom Nicolette
TFB Radio Network Producer
A new mode of action against nematodes for corn, cotton and soybean crops could be a game-changer for farmers in Texas and other states, according to Monsanto Co.
NemaStrike is a new nematicide being offered by Acceleron Seed Applied Solutions, according to Katie Whittiker, a seed applied solutions representative with Monsanto. The novel mode of action stays in the root-zone where nematodes attack, she said.
NemaStrike Technology will provide broad-spectrum control of plant parasitic nematodes and consistent yield protection performance in corn, soybeans and cotton.
This technology will advance farmers’ ability to control nematodes in their crops as they have more toolbox management abilities.
“This is broad spectrum across the different nematodes out there,” Whittiker said in an interview with Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network.
“What we’re seeing on corn, we’re looking at a seven-bushel advantage, a three-bushel advantage on soybeans and 80 pounds of lint on cotton. That’s yield that farmers have lost,” Whittiker said. “So, that’s not yield that we’re gaining. We’re just re-gaining that back from those nematodes, and taking our yield back from them. So, it’s going to be a game-changer for these farmers and really provide that broad spectrum control.”
NemaStrike has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency in Texas and many other states, with more approvals pending.
Monsanto is expecting the full launch of this nematicide across the United States in 2018.