Strong interest grows in new Adama nematicide, Nimitz

Nimitz, from Adama, offers a unique chemical mode of action that provides rapid activity on nematodes in capsicum, chilli, eggplant, tomato, cucumber, honeydew melon, pumpkin, rockmelon, squash, okra, watermelon, zucchini and sugarcane crops.

A recent permit has also allowed its use in sweetpotatoes, while further registration for its use in other crops and areas across Australia is expected soon.

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A number of Queensland rural resellers and agronomists attended an update event and field tour on Nimitz held by Adama in the Bundaberg area recently.

Nematodes are among the most destructive and problematic pests for growers worldwide, causing yield losses of more than $125 billion annually, and there are plenty of them – in fact, more than 28,000 known species that can be numbered in their millions every square metre.

These “hidden killers’’ severely impact crop development and yield, and expose crops to secondary pests such as soil-borne diseases.

Hidden pest

IN many situations, growers may not be aware of the extensive damage caused by nematodes.

Adama head of portfolio, Dror Dagan, said compared with other standard nematode treatments, the new mode of action in Nimitz, with the active ingredient, fluensulfone, made it a “true nematicide’’, delivering irreversible activity immediately following application.

“Other standards aren’t true nematicides and so inhibit, rather than kill, nematodes. With other treatments also disappearing from the market, Nimitz has become a great option for growers,’’ Dror said.

“With Nimitz, within one hour of contact, nematodes cease feeding and quickly become paralysed. Within 24 to 48 hours, pest mortality occurs, rather than the temporary ‘freezing’ of nematode activity, as occurs with other treatments.’’

Nimitz can be used to control root-knot nematode and/or root lesion nematode.

Dror said it had consistently demonstrated equivalent or better nematode control than standard treatments in trials and, in many cases, had resulted in a significant increase in marketable yield.

He said the trials had also highlighted its unique handling benefits.

“Nimitz is safe and easy to apply using existing application methods, low rates and with minimal impact on non-target and beneficial species – and the environment.’’

“It eliminates many of the stringent use requirements for existing treatments, including fumigant management plans, extended re-entry intervals (REI) and restrictive buffer zones.

“In contrast to other older products, Nimitz simplifies nematode management by significantly improving user safety and reducing complex handling practices. It is used at low rates, has a very short REI and requires minimal personal protective equipment.’’

Application options

APPLICATION options include simple injection via drip irrigation, and broadcast or banded spray application with mechanical incorporation.

“For most growers, this means operations can be carried out without the need for additional equipment or input from an external contractor,’’ Dror said.

ADAMA also recommends rotating Nimitz with treatments featuring a different mode of action.

“Nimitz should be used as part of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program to control nematodes. IPM programs using cultural practices, farm hygiene, planting of resistant varieties to reduce infestations caused by nematodes, monitoring or other detection methods, proper pest identification and rotation of products with different modes of action will help prevent economic pest damage,’’ Dror said.

For further information about Nimitz, growers, advisers and agronomists can contact their local ADAMA representative.