Soleto - getting it right the first time

There’s an old saying about growing potatoes that Gary Marshall from Grochem says is still very relevant today. “If you need two applications of spray for weeds, before canopy cover, you’ve probably got it wrong.” However, he says there’s a readily-available solution to ensure you get it correct, first time. “The right herbicide combination, and favourable weather, and you’re on the road to achieving a successful crop.”

Soleto from Certis Belchim is distributed in New Zealand by ADAMA. Netherlands-based Certis Belchim develops and delivers sustainable and innovative crop protection solutions backed by advanced technology and a thorough market understanding.

The company’s, Soleto is a pre-emergent herbicide containing 500g/L Metobromuron for the control of annual broad-leaved weeds in potatoes. Gary says Soleto works by inhibiting photosynthesis in weeds including fathen and redroot. Both weeds have the potential to seriously impact yield in seed, process, and table potatoes.

Fathen is an aggressive weed which can outcompete and even smother emerging potato crops, it is however, relatively easily controlled by cultivation or the right herbicide programme. Redroot (also called Prince of Wales feather, Powell’s amaranth and pigweed) is most likely to be found in the North Island as it favours warmer temperatures. Owing to that it is a significant threat to potato crops in prime potato growing areas including Pukekohe.

Gary says Soleto has been proven in the UK and Europe for over ten years. “It’s also done exceptionally well in New Zealand since its introduction here five seasons ago.” Soleto was also assessed for efficacy and crop safety in multiple trials in Canterbury and Pukekohe, this country’s potato growing hubs, for over three years, prior to the product’s registration.

Gary says Soleto is especially well suited to the high-value seed potato crops grown predominantly in Methven and Darfield in the central South Island due to its safety record on other sensitive varieties

He says it has some quantifiable advantages for growers, over and above its proven efficacy. “Soleto has very high crop safety – there are no known variety restrictions. It’s crop safety is unsurpassed.”  This applies even to VR808, and Innovator potatoes processed for frying and baking. Both of those varieties, can be very sensitive to Metribuzin

“Soleteo has a good half-life of 22 days in the soil. That means you give potatoes their best chance to get to canopy closure. After canopy closure, the potatoes are at less of a risk from serious weed competition and you’re basically done and dusted. Getting the potatoes to that point is what growers are aiming for.”

Gary says Soleto is effective under all conditions and delivers consistent results. “Some pre-emergent sprays can’t tolerate waiting for rainfall or irrigation, Soleto is flexible in this regard and will see you through.

“Soleto also has broad compatibility which provides tank mix flexibility. The agronomist can tailor a herbicide mix based on the likely weed spectrum present based upon their regional knowledge and paddock history”

Craig Watson, Product Manager Horticulture for PGG Wrightson, echoed Gary’s thoughts. “You only get one go at getting herbicide right in potatoes.” He says crop safety and the ability to tank mix safely are also absolutely vital. “Soleto is a good option. It’s very strong.”

Soleto should be sprayed at 3L per hectare when applied alone, or for specific tank mix recommendations, talk to your Fruitfed Advisor.

Contributing almost one billion dollars to the New Zealand economy, potatoes are a staple of Kiwi’s diet; per capita, it’s estimated we eat around 66 kg a year.

New Zealand growers produce yields of an average 50 tonnes per hectare, while up to 70 tonnes is not uncommon.

For more information on Soleto, contact your local Fruitfed Advisor or Grochem Commerical Manager.

Registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997, No. P9699. See www.foodsafety.govt.nz for registration conditions. Approved Pursuant to the HSNO Act 1996, Number HSR 101457. See www.epa.govt.nz for approval conditions.