Apr 27, 2015

Nimitz receives Michigan exemption for carrots

Raleigh, North Carolina-based Adama issued a news release April 27 stating the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has issued a Crisis Exemption under Section 18 of FIFRA for use of Nimitz 480 EC nematicide to control northern root knot nematodes on carrots in Michigan.

According to the news release, Nimitz is a non-fumigant nematicide with simplified application features and upgraded user safety. The product received federal registration from the EPA in September 2014 for use on cucurbits, (including cucumbers, watermelons, cantaloupe and squash), and fruiting vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, okra and eggplants).

The Michigan Crisis Exemption allows growers temporary use of Nimitz on carrots while EPA completes the process of granting the Section 18 registration for that crop. The approved use period is April 14, 2015 through June 15, 2015.

Northern root knot nematodes, even at relatively low populations, can result in crop losses exceeding 50 percent. Carrots attacked by nematodes develop galls on their lateral roots, resulting in forking and quality loss. Hence the need for a new solution to target this costly pest.

According to the news release, as the first new chemical nematicide to be introduced in more than 20 years, Nimitz has a unique mode of action that categorizes the product within a new chemical classification. Nimitz has the least restrictive signal word of “Caution” on its label, no re-entry interval (REI) and does not require certified applicator training. Additionally, personal protective equipment (PPE) is minimal.

As a non-gas formulation, Nimitz is distributed through the soil and into contact with nematodes through irrigation or rainfall. Unlike other chemistries, according to the release, with Nimitz there is no mandatory tarping or specialized machinery requirement. Applications can be drip-injection, and broadcast or banding with mechanical incorporation.

“This section 18 emergency exemption is welcomed news for Michigan carrot growers,” said Herb Young, Adama brand leader. “Nimitz is ground-breaking technology that will provide growers with an immediate control tool alternative for defense against nematodes.”

According to the news release, Michigan granted the Section 18 as a result of a 2015 market shortage in available nematicide products for use on carrots in Michigan. Earlier this year, DuPont announced that Vydate would not be available until after the 2015 season – causing market concerns about the required volume of nematicides needed to treat Michigan carrot acres.

Michigan carrot growers affected by the Section 18 should contact their local retailer or Adama representative for use rates, application timing and other product information. Additional information is available by calling 866-406-6262 or visiting here.