UK: New supplies of nematicide Vydate not available in time for 2016 potato planting

The DuPont factory in the United States which produces nematicide Vydate for controlling potato cyst nematodes (PCN) in the soil, was damaged in an accident in November 2014 and will not re-open until January 2016. This will be too late for potato growers for next season as the product needs to be made and then sent to France for formulation before being imported to Britain. In the UK, DuPont says it has written to customers informing them they will be unable to buy the nematicide in time for planting next year and suggesting they take this into account as they plan their rotations and crops. Independent agronomist John Sarup of Spud Agronomy says growers who suspect their fields may be infested with PCN or free living nematodes should have soil tested prior to making decisions about next year’s planting. More