Abuse of returnable nematicide containers and slow return rates has led one manufacturer to introduce a deposit-based system, and two others to consider the possibility.

The rate of container write-offs for the Ultima closed transfer system, which Mocap 10G is supplied in, hit a record high of 40% in 2008, Bill Lankford of Bayer CropScience says.

Each container costs €30 and is designed to last for six years. “When such a high proportion are damaged or unusable it makes the economics of the system questionable.”

Providing replacements adds €12 to the price of each pack of Mocap sold in the UK, he says. “That’s almost two-and-a-half times the amount allowed for in the product price. It’s in everyone’s interest to look after these containers, so they can be collected and returned for refilling.”

Neamticides have a regulatory requirement to be supplied in this type of closed transfer pack, Dr Lankford explains. “They help to reduce any risk of operator exposure when filling the application hoppers.”

A deposit charging system to recover the cost of unnecessary container write-offs is one way of overcoming the problem and keeping to budget, he suggests.

“But we’ve decided not to introduce this for 2009, although it’s something we can’t rule out for the future. We’re confident that there will be a better return rate this year.”

But DuPont, manufacturer of Vydate, which comes in the Ecolite closed transfer system, has decided to take that step.

“It’s the timeliness which is the biggest problem for us,” says Neil Beadle of DuPont. “We need to get sufficient numbers coming back, but we also need them to be returned on time.”

The Ecolite containers cost between £25 and £30 and should have a five-year life, he says. “After this time, we can then submit them for safety testing to extend their life. There’s an obvious cost burden when they aren’t returned.”

That’s why DuPont is introducing a deposit-based system for 2009, Mr Beadle says. “We’ve also invested in a tracking system, so we can monitor where the containers are and who has sent them back.

“This means that the majority of growers won’t be penalised. And of course if pesticide containers aren’t returned, growers now have to pay for their disposal.”

Like Bayer, Syngenta currently has no plans to charge a deposit for its nemathorin Surefill containers but the firm’s Tom Whitworth warns: “It may be something that has to be implemented if we want to keep prices close to current levels. It’s frustrating, as this should be an efficient system.

“The containers either come back to us in very bad condition, or they’re returned very late, which makes it difficult for us to get them turned round and refilled in time for the following year.

“It’s very costly when the containers don’t come back or get damaged. If the return rate doesn’t improve, it will eventually impact on the price of the product.”

Growers should store the empty containers as if they were full. “All too often they’re left stacked on the farm for a long time, in less than ideal conditions. They then become contaminated,” says Dr Lankford.

Bayer has produced a booklet to help operators with the handling and storage of nematicide containers this spring, he adds.

“Users can follow the 12 steps illustrated in the book. It means they will find it easy to fill applicator hoppers and keep emptied containers in good condition, so they can be collected and returned to the factory for refilling.”

Changes to Nematicide Recommendations

Only Vydate can now be used for in-furrow applications this year. But DuPont is now recommending a 17 week interval from application until either green top lifting or initial haulm destruction, confirms Neil Beadle. “The market is aware of these recommendation changes and a new product manual has been sent out.”

In-furrow treatment is no longer a recommended option for reduction of wireworm and spraing with Nemathorin, says Syngenta.

“The in-furrow application techniques are not accurate enough to give a consistent distribution of the chemical,” explains Tom Whitworth.

“For PCN control and reduction of spraing, growers should use 30kg/ha broadcast overall and incorporated before planting,” he advises. “For reduction of wireworm damage, the rate is 15kg/ha broadcast and incorporated.”

Mocap recommendations are unchanged, says Dr Lankford.