New botanical nematicide aims to boost yield, manage disease in potatoes

Biological crop protection company BioWorks has launched a new botanical nematicide formulated with a proprietary blend of botanical oils.

TotalNema A_x, a 25(b) botanical nematicide, is designed to prevent yield loss, stunted growth and wilting from nematode damage in specialty crops including potatoes, onions, strawberries and leafy greens, according to a news release.

The product controls plant-parasitic nematode populations through direct contact, disrupting respiratory systems and causing paralysis, with zero-hour REI and multiple application methods, according to the release.

In a field trial recording vascular ring on Manistee potato, TotalNema A_x reduced vascular ring symptoms associated with Verticillium infection by 80%, according to the release.  In a field trial recording the management of early die complex on potatoes, crops treated with TotalNema A_x had anincreased total yield of 22.5%.

Application methods include pre-plant broadcast, in furrow, drip and drench.

“This product marks an important step forward as we continue to grow our open-field crop portfolio, bringing new innovative solutions that go beyond traditional chemical approaches,” BioWorks general manager Chris Rose said in the release. “We’re really excited to offer specialty crop growers a flexible, effective, sustainable approach to manage plant-parasitic nematodes and protect yield.” 

The product is available now through authorized BioWorks distributors.