But the exceptional palatability isn’t the bait’s only advantage as Ash Pace, UPL NZ. Regional manager, central South Island explains.
“Unlike coated slug baits, which only have active on the outside, with Metarex Inov the active (metaldehyde) goes right to its core. Not a crumb is wasted.
“The gap between these kinds of baits is significant. 40 grams of active per kg for Metarex Inov, compared with just 18 grams for coated granules. The edible rate for Metarex Inov is also superior.”
Colzactive technology is responsible for Metarex Invo’s exceptional palatability and that of BioGro certified Ironmax Pro, which gives farmers another option without loss of efficacy. Created by the research and development team from French company De Sangosse, the global leaders in slug and snail bait technology, Colzactive comprises specially selected oil seed rape extracts.
The De Sangosse R&D team evaluated 20 different plant species, identifying 50 potential molecules for their attractiveness to slugs, and ultimately selecting two molecules slugs found irresistible.
Pace says the company’s research shows that slugs actively prefer feeding on Metarex Inov to feeding on seedings.
Money is tight on farms and Pace says Metarex Invo can help.
“With Metarex Inov the application rate is 3-5 kg per ha. Compare that to coated bait at 10-15 kg per ha. That’s a lot of extra refills and fuel.”
And, he says, the advantages of Metarex Inov go further.
“Reliable deliverability of the product is essential – minimising waste.
“Metarex Inov is a consistent shape, unlike coated bait which is irregular. With Metarex Inov spread is regular and predictable.
“For those choosing a ‘greener’ option there’s also Ironmax Pro, which stands on the shoulders of Metarex. It’s Bio Gro certified, IPM friendly and treads more gently on the earth without losing any efficacy.”
Slugs are an often underestimated but major pest in brassicas, maize, cereals, forage crops and pasture with the potential to cost the economy millions of dollars.
“There is a lot at stake. No-one can afford to have a spring or autumn sowing fail. Slugs are right up there in their ability to cause serious crop damage - just a little bit behind grass grub. And slugs can decimate high value crops like brassicas,” Pace says.
“Any slug, or slug damage, you see is just the tip of the iceberg. Slugs are active year-round though population pressure and damage typically peak in autumn and spring – the persistence of their life cycle makes them a constant threat.
“UPL’s slug baits give your farmers that critical protection, especially when they have seedlings coming out of the ground, and they’re looking to get them off to the best start.”
Metarex Inov and Ironmax Pro are manufactured with the finest durum wheat using a unique wet manufacturing process.
All-weather bait, they are very rainfast, so they continue to perform in the damp conditions that the slugs thrive in without deterioration.
And, importantly for those at the business end of application, like contractors, there’s less dust and both products are much easier on the gear.
For more detail contact your local technical representative or phone Ash Pace, 021 987 735.