Potato growers reminded to follow 6 steps for nematicide use
© Gary Naylor Potato growers are being urged to follow the Nematicide Stewardship Programme (NSP) best practice guidelines ahead of spring planting to optimise inputs, protect crop health and support profitability.
With input costs remaining high and margins tightening, getting the basics right has never mattered more, says Simon Alexander, independent potato agronomist and NSP group member.
“Granular nematicides, such as fosthiazate, represent a significant proportion of input costs, so getting nematicide use right isn’t just responsible practice, it’s good business,” says Simon.
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“Now is the time to make sure equipment is National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) certified so nematicides can be applied as accurately as possible.
Combined with properly trained operators who are up to date with National Register of Sprayer Operators ( NRoSO) and Niab training, he days these efforts will ensure granular nematicides are used efficiently where they are most needed, protecting yield, safeguarding margins and protecting wildlife alongside the wider environment.
“It’s also vital to remind growers at this point that incorporating nematicides in a single pass is the optimum way to ensure the above actions are achieved in line with NSP best practice guidelines.”
Another key element of the guidelines is that everyone remembers to thoroughly check treated fields 12 to 24 hours after application for adverse effects to wildlife, he adds.
NSP best practice reminder for 2026
The NSP best practice steps ensure the responsible use of fosthiazate granular nematicides and are part of the Red Tractor standard. The six steps are as follows:
- Qualify – All operators must have a PA4 or PA4G certification and must have completed the Niab nematicide stewardship e-learning course to apply granular nematicides. They must also be members of NRoSO.
- Calibrate – Applicators must be checked daily for damage or wear to ensure all pipework is correctly fitted. The applicator must be inspected and certified as fit for use by a qualified National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) engineer at least every two years. The amount of product used should be calculated according to the area treated to make sure the correct volume a hectare is applied.
- Single pass – The product should be incorporated within a single pass, immediately prior to planting and with no granules left on the surface of the soil. This is to prevent wildlife and operators coming into contact with granules, as well as ensuring optimum performance of the product.
- Shut off – All applicators must be fitted with a device in the cab that allows operators to shut off granule flow at least 3m from the end of each row. The shut-off time allows for all piping to run out before the machine is lifted out of the ground.
- Spillages – Use the same filling point in the field to allow any spillages to be identified quickly. Bury small spillages immediately to ensure no granules are left on the surface. If the spillage is large, remove it to an empty nematicide container, clearly label it and return it to the manufacturer, burying any remnants immediately.
- Check – Check treated fields 12 to 24 hours after application for adverse effects to wildlife. Check field edges and areas where application equipment is turned on and off, but also inside headlands and breaks in the middle of the field.