Potato Grower

WWW.POTATOGROWER.COM 23 CROP HEALTH IS IMPERATIVE FOR YOUR LONG- TERM SUCCESS Our superior potato portfolio features reliable, high- quality products with active ingredients proven to help deliver peace of mind and consistent protection against yield-robbing pests and weeds. FEATURED PRODUCTS FOR POTATOES Yoduo is a unique protein hydrolysate fertilizer that gives plants a nutritional kick when they need it most. When applied correctly, Yoduo trips growth triggers that boost plant health and vigor while protecting against abiotic stressors. Provides long-term residual control of difficult-to-control grasses and broadleaf weeds with active ingredient Rimsulfuron. Provides economic, long-lasting residual control of sucking and chewing insects and limits feeding activity with a world- class Imidacloprid formulation. Featuring two convenient Methomyl- based formulations to combat Lepidopterous pests, Nudrin acts as an ovicide, larvicide, and adulticide. Features an oxamyl-based solution that decreases nematode feeding, movement, and reproduction to nurture a healthy root system in crops. To learn more, visit www.RotamNorthAmerica.com/portfolio/potato or contact us at (866) 927-6826 Special Terms and Conditions This reference guide is not intended as a substitute for the product label for the product(s) referenced herein. Always read and follow label directions and precautions for use. Product(s) referenced herein may not be registered in all states. Confirm your state's registration status with your Rotam representative. © Copyright 2021 Rotam North America, Inc. All rights reserved. Hinge, Montana, Nudrin, ReTurn XL, and Yoduo are registered trademarks of Rotam. NEW 4088-7RotamNorthAmerica12h.indd 1 4088-7RotamNorthAmerica12h.indd 1 3/25/21 9:14 AM 3/25/21 9:14 AM there is also typically less bait shy- ness or behavioral resistance. With acute toxicants like zinc phosphide, bait shyness is common, which can result in reduced rodent acceptance / effectiveness. With zinc phosphide, there is no antidote and user safety is a greater concern. With anticoagulants, Vitamin K1 is the antidote — a consid- eration when concerned about direct consumption of bait by non-target pets or livestock. Anticoagulants can be applied via spot treatments, placed around burrow openings, or placed in bait stations along perimeter fence lines and in pivot corners where they are closest to in-migration pests and less likely to be run over with equipment. Ground squirrels typically forage up to 500 yards from their burrows. Bait stations every 20 to 100 feet along a crop field perimeter of less than a square mile have been effective at drawing ground squirrel populations out of the crop. Landowners most commonly fail by not building and maintaining enough bait stations for the size of the field they are trying to protect or the level of the ground squirrel infestation. Ad- ditional tips and suggested bait station density diagrams can be accessed at www.liphatech.ca/ag-field-orchard/ ground-squirrels. VOLES Unlike ground squirrels, voles do not hibernate. They are a cyclical problem. Even when their chewing may not stop emergence or kill a crop seed- ling, rodent feeding can substantially impact plant vigor, reducing its ability to withstand disease. Voles are sexu- ally mature in only three to six weeks and can have a new litter every four to six weeks, averaging two to five litters a year. A pair of voles can breed to 40-plus offspring in just a few months. Vole populations easily explode under ideal conditions every several years. CONTROL MEASURES Removing vegetative cover via mow- ing or the use of herbicides along ditch banks can change vole habitat enough so that voles seek more favorable con- ditions to avoid predation. Vole baiting using anticoagulants is most effective at reducing crop damage when undertaken as a perimeter bor- der treatment two to four times a year: once or twice pre-plant to lower vole populations that carry over from win- ter breeding, and once or twice starting in late summer to lower pre-harvest vole populations before crops mature. Anticoagulants are not labeled for use in-crop, but some are labeled for crop border broadcast and most for bait station use around crops. Chlorophaci- none also has an aerial broadcast bor- der use label in Idaho. Zinc phosphide is labeled for use in-crop, but is only effective when conditions are very dry. All of the anticoagulant and zinc phos- phide baits listed are restricted-use pesticides. Always read the entire label and follow directions. Labels can be found on Agrian, CDMS and manufac- turer websites. Farmers are naturally vigilant in caring for their crops. A consistent and attentive approach to rodents can help reduce negative impact on your operation.

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