By: Dr. Bob Kemerait
In my wheelhouse, planting field corn is once again upon us, or soon will be. I know I get repetitive, but the message at this point is the same. Corn growers will have one chance to fight nematodes, IF they need to.
Producers have ONE CHANCE to make a BEST decision. Using a nematicide where a grower doesn’t have a nematode problem is not a “best” decision. Using a nematicide where a grower DOES have a nematode problem IS a “best” decision.
Products growers may consider at this point for nematode control on corn include:
Counter 20G (do not use with ALS herbicides)
Propulse (I do not recommend mixing with a starter fertilizer)
Velum (I do not recommend mixing with a starter fertilizer)
Overland (abamectin, not enough data to recommend)
At-plant fungicide
Xyway LRF (flutriafol, applied in 2 X 2 pattern and NOT in-furrow directly on seed. This fungicide is marketed for season-long control of diseases like northern and southern corn leaf blights and grey leaf spot. I have not had the product in a trial where I had a problem with those diseases, so I am not sure it is true of not. FMC reports that Xyway can be mixed with starter fungicides. I have not done that work.)