By Jim Chaput, OMAFRA Minor Use Coordinator

The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) recently announced the approval of minor use label expansion registrations for Velum^TM Prime Nematicide/Fungicide for the suppression of nematodes on ginseng, caneberries, pome fruit and stone fruit in Canada. Velum^TM Prime Nematicide/Fungicide was already labeled for use against nematodes on several crops in Canada.

These minor use proposals were submitted by Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, Pest Management Centre as a result of minor use priorities established by growers and extension personnel.

The following is provided as an abbreviated, general outline only. Users should be making pest management decisions within a robust integrated pest management program and should consult the complete label before using Velum^TM Prime Nematicide/Fungicide.

For control of soil-dwelling, root feeding nematodes in ginseng, apply Velum Prime at 500 mL/ha. Apply by field sprayer at a high water volume (2,000 to 4,000 L/ha) to ensure the product moves into the straw. Application should be followed immediately by rainfall or overhead irrigation to move the product into the root zone.

For best results, apply at seeding in fall and before or during seed germination in spring of the seedling year.

Note: Root lesion nematodes have not been shown to be a problem on ginseng beyond the seedling year, although their damage can linger until harvest. Nematode controls applied beyond the seedling year will have no effect on this damage.

Do not apply more than 500 g fluopyram/ha per year, regardless of formulation or method of application (soil or foliar) (500 g fluopyram = 2 applications of Velum Prime). Note: Luna Sensation (250 g fluopyram/L) applied for Alternaria control will reduce the maximum number of applications of Velum Prime per year. When Velum Prime is applied as a soil application, use a different mode of action for the first foliar fungicide application (i.e. not Luna Sensation).

The Pre-Harvest Interval for Velum Prime is 7 days.

Velum^TM Prime Nematicide/Fungicide is toxic to birds, aquatic organisms and non-target terrestrial plants.  This product demonstrates the properties and characteristics associated with chemicals detected in groundwater. The use of this product in areas where soils are permeable, particularly where the water table is shallow, may result in groundwater contamination. Do not contaminate off-target areas or aquatic habitats when spraying or when cleaning and rinsing spray equipment or containers.

Follow all other precautions, restrictions and directions for use on the Velum^TM Prime Nematicide/Fungicide label carefully.

For a copy of the new minor use label contact your local crop specialist, regional supply outlet or visit the PMRA label site https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/pesticides-pest-management/registrants-applicants/tools/pesticide-label-search.html

Note:  This article is not intended to be an endorsement or recommendation for this particular product, but rather a notice of registration activity