b'Hope for Wireworm ControlA new wirewormPOTATO GROWERS FEARING a shrinking tool- Edward Island Potato Board. We knew that bro-box for wireworm control have a recent reasonflanilide was being tested as part of the Canadian control productto cheer. This past fall, BASF announced CanadasHorticultural Councils wireworm trials for parts from BASF,Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) hadof the last two (Canadian Agricultural Partner-finalized registration for broflanilide.ship) funding clusters. But we didnt know (which Cimegra, is givingThe long-awaited Group 30 insecticide, thecompany) it was from or what it was called. first Group 30 registered for use in Canada, offersAbout a year ago, we found out BASF was moving growers hopein-season control as well as population controltowards registration of a product. Its been very following years ofover difficult to manage chewing insects. Soldexcitingnew options and new chemistries are as Cimegra insecticide for use in potatoes andvery welcome.products beingcorn, the new product will be available to potatoAgriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) producers to apply in-furrow for the 2021 season.Research Scientist Christine Noronha led the phased out. Cimegras unveiling comes with excellentresearch group which conducted broflanilides BY: MADELEINE BAERG timing. In 2017, the PMRA ordered a three-yearpotato field trials on P.E.I. over the last handful phaseout of the insecticide bifenthrin (Capture),of years. The team analyzed both the wireworm requiring it be off retail shelves by Dec. 31, 2019population and tuber damage at the end of the and no longer used by producers as of Dec. 31,season as compared to populations and damage 2020. PMRA continues to allow phorate (Thimetin fields treated with either Thimet, Capture or 20-G), but has implemented applicator systemTitan (clothianidin). restrictions, making use more difficult and oftenThe team found that in terms of both control cost prohibitive.and damage, Cimegra was similar or better to Weve been hoping for a new wireworm in- the other products. However, unlike Capture and secticide for quite some time, says Ryan Barrett,Titan which only paralyze the insects for a season, research and agronomy specialist with the Princeallowing them to cause damage in subsequent 20 SPUDSMART.COM WINTER 2021'