NemaStrike Technology Ready for Nematode Control in 2018

In time for the 2018 planting season, Monsanto now offers NemaStrike Technology by Acceleron Seed Applied Solutions as a new seed treatment solution to control root knot, reniform and other nematode species that exist in a range of soil types across the Cotton Belt.

A broad-spectrum nematicide, NemaStrike Technology is designed to work in the root zone where nematodes attack, while providing consistent yield protection. Tioxazafen, the active ingredient in NemaStrike Technology, has a novel mode of action for controlling nematodes. Trial results showed an average yield protection advantage in cotton of 80 pounds of lint per acre versus the competitive standard, with an 86% positive response rate in cotton (results varied based on nematode pressure in each field).

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In 2016 field testing, NemaStrike Technology showed advantages in the early summer period. Above ground, plants from seed treated with NemaStrike Technology had an additional node and more lateral growth than the untreated check. Below ground, plants from seed treated with NemaStrike Technology had more root mass. Overall, the plants from treated seeds were healthier throughout the early growing season.

Davie Wilson, Monsanto’s seed treatment product development manager, says this technology stands apart as a means to protect yield.

“The launch of NemaStrike Technology is an exciting milestone for our industry, because the technology is the first of its kind providing broad-spectrum control of plant parasitic nematodes in corn, soybeans and cotton,” said Wilson. “Southern farmers have been battling the nematode problem for years. NemaStrike Technology is important not only because of its superior yield protection and efficacy performance, but because it delivers these strong results in an easy-to-use manner with the chemistry staying focused in the root zone where it is needed most.”

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Root knot nematodes and other nematode species feed on the roots of cotton plants, reducing plants’ ability to absorb water and nutrients and exposing vulnerable root systems to secondary infections. The damage is often invisible, while above-ground symptoms – if they appear – are often misdiagnosed as nutrient deficiency, disease, or drought. An estimated 10.7% yield loss in cotton annually is attributed to nematodes.

“With the addition of seed treatment with NemaStrike Technology to Deltapine nematode resistant varieties, growers now have access to the more comprehensive nematode solution in the industry,” said Wilson. “Cotton growers currently have access to root knot nematode resistant varieties, but other nematode species, such as reniform and columbia lance, are still robbing yield potential from fields across the Cotton Belt.”

With a novel mode of action and low water solubility, NemaStrike Technology stays in the root zone as plants grow for up to 75 days. Wilson shared, “the relative reproductive rate for nematodes is high, with many species having several generations in a growing season. The active ingredient (tioxazafen) branded as NemaStrike Technology prevents the synthesis (translation) of proteins in the mitochondria, which leads to disruption of the life cycle of the nematode.”

In May, the U.S. EPA issued registration for the product containing NemaStrike Technology. Since the approval, the technology has gained approval for application to seeds in 45 states.

For more information about nematodes or NemaStrike Technology, visit the NemaStrike Technology webpage.

 

Source – Monsanto

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