SHORTAGE OF TELONE II AND AVAILABLE ALTERNATIVE FOR RKN CONTROL
Below is an update on the shortage of Telone II and an available alternative from Dr. J. Michael Moore, University of Georiga Extension agronomist, and Dr. Paul Bertrand, University of Georgia Extension pathologist (retired):
It looks like we are in the same situation as 2009 where Telone II stocks will be well short of Georgia tobacco farmers’ needs. However, unlike in 2009, we do not have any contact nematicide options. This leaves Pic Plus as the only option. The suggested use rate of 48 lb (4 gal) in row / Acre is in-line with recommendations in both North and South Carolina. Both of their grower guides say Pic Plus will provide excellent control of root-knot nematode (RKN) but with quicker population resurgence or rebound of RKN in the tobacco root systems in mid- to late season than is seen with Telone II. They have not seen a yield penalty associated with this late season RKN rebound in their trials.
Pic Plus treatment at the recommended rate will cost growers 48 lb x $3.15/lb = $151.20/acre. This is higher than the cost of Telone II in previous years. However, in the absence of Telone II availability and the lack of any contact nematicides for use in tobacco, there seems to be no other material for this use.
Growers should be warned not to expect additional benefits beyond nematode control from Pic Plus. Numerous trials conducted in Georgia with multi-purpose fumigants have never shown any level of black shank control in the absence of RKN. When RKN is also present the level of black shank control with multi-purpose fumigants is related to the level of RKN control and does not exceed black shank control achieved with Telone II, a nematicide only. Growers who use Pic Plus and who also have black shank issues must be advised not to try and save costs by cutting back on their black shank control program.
Below are a label, pamphlet and MSDS for Pic Plus for your use.
Dr. Bertrand also talks black shank and RKN control as well as tomato spotted wilt virus trends on On The Farm below:
