Velum Prime approved by EPA for potatoes

Velum Prime, a non-fumigant nematicide from Bayer, is now federally approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use on potatoes and state registrations in Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington and Wisconsin are expected to follow.

“The federal registration of Velum Prime from EPA is a significant step forward in our effort to introduce a much needed nematicide/fungicide crop protection tool to the potato market,” Bayer Product Manager Joel Lipsitch said. “Velum Prime is registered for application early in the potato growing season (six-to-12-inch rosette stage) via overhead chemigation. Velum Prime offers potato growers protection from nematodes and diseases that helps sustain high plant vigor and maximize crop yield potential.”

In field tests, Velum Prime immobilized key potato nematode species, white mold and early blight.

“Velum Prime is not intended as a replacement for fumigants, but it is a supplement for standard nematode management programs for improved nematode and disease protection, and ultimately, increased yields,” Lipsitch said. “Field trials have shown that Velum Prime significantly increases yields, when compared to the current industry standard program, and has an even greater impact when used in concert with a nematode management program with Movento and full disease management program with products like Luna Tranquility.”