Published on 26/01/2022
“When the customer rings up and says, ‘You’d better get some more of that stuff in, we’re running short’, it’s a pretty good sign…”
The stuff in question is Mainman, Nufarm’s novel new insecticide for aphids and tomato/potato psyillid (TPP) in potato crops.
Launched only a year ago, it’s hit the mark so well Brenan admits to being a bit surprised. “I’ve actually been quite heartened by how quickly the industry has taken it up. Feedback has been excellent, and it’s going really well. It’s certainly found its place in the potato market.”
So what’s driving the response from end users? “It’s a really good product, and they realise they need it,” he says.
Mainman is a systemic insecticide which contains the active ingredient flonicamid, discovered and developed by Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha (ISK) of Japan. It’s a brand-new molecule, with a unique mode of action, and it has an excellent fit with integrated pest management (IPM) programmes.
“A lot of growers were aware of it before we launched because of its use overseas, and we expected there would be quite a lot of demand for it as soon as it became available. Even so, it’s taken off,” Brenan says.
Mainman’s mode of action is different from other insecticides such as neonicitinoids, and it is the only insecticide in the IRAC Group 29 class.
A key attribute is its ability to stop aphids and TPP feeding within an hour, working through both contact and ingestion. Mortality occurs within two to five days, but the fact that they’re not feeding so soon after application really helps limit crop damage and disease transmission.
Formulated as a water dispersable granule (WG), Mainman is rainfast within three to four hours, and has residual activity for two to three weeks. Translaminar and systemic movement within the plant allow the active ingredient to reach new growth as well as the underside of leaves, which is essential for controlling both TPP and aphids.
Critically, Mainman has no reported cross-resistance with other insecticides, and poses low hazard to beneficial insects, so as well as offering a valuable new rotation option for insecticide resistance management, it is also ideal for IPM programmes.
Mammalian toxicity is low, and the new product is registered for both ground and aerial application.
Both aphids and TPP pose potentially costly losses to NZ potato growers, Brenan says. Several species of aphid are vectors of potato leaf roll virus (PLRV) and other viral diseases.
PLRV-infected plants are stunted and have upward rolling o the leaves. Diseased plants produce fewer and smaller tubers. TPP meantime causes stunting and yellowing of potato foliage and transmits a bacterium which causes a tuber disease known as Zebra chip. Infected plants again produce small tubers and are unsuitable for processing as they exhibit dark stripes when fried.
“TPP has had a devastating effect on commercial crop growers since it was first detected here in 2006,” Brenan says. “The more tools they have at their disposal to help manage this pest, the better.”
Field trials with Mainman in NZ have shown exceptional control of aphids and good control of TPP, comparable to current commercial standards.
The recommended application rate is the same for both pests (160 g per ha), with no more than two applications per crop, and withholding period of seven days.
Mainman comes in a 1 kg pack and qualifies for Priority Partnership.
For more detail talk to your local Nufarm territory manager.