ATTRACAP®
Effective wireworm control in potato and asparagus crops
Effective wireworm control in potato and asparagus crops
Wireworms, the larval stage of click beetles, cause massive problems in many potato-growing regions. In collaboration with the University of Göttingen, the Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences, and Trifolio-M, we have developed a solution as part of the BLE project “ATTRACT”. ATTRACAP® is an insecticide in the form of granules, formulated for the control of infestation in potato and asparagus crops under mild to moderate pest pressure.
ATTRACAP® has been reapproved for marketing and use in Germany in accordance with Article 53 of Regulation (EC) No. 1107/2009 for a period from 19 February until 17 June 2024. The product is designed for the control of wireworms in potato and asparagus crops in areas under the threat of infestation, over a total surface of approximately 3,500 ha.
Intelligent and effective: ATTRACAP® attracts wireworms with CO2 and infects them with an insect-destroying (entomopathogenic) fungus. Owing to the addition of baker’s yeast our patented insecticide mimics a plant releasing CO2 in the process of respiration. However, instead of a food source, wireworms find Metarhizium brunneum Cb15-III, an entomopathogenic fungus which grows from ATTRACAP® granulate distributed in the substrate. Wireworms get into contact with fungal spores, which results in their infection and death within a few days, depending on the temperature and soil conditions.
Intelligent and effective: ATTRACAP® attracts wireworms with CO2 and infects them with an insect-destroying (entomopathogenic) fungus. Owing to the addition of baker’s yeast our patented insecticide mimics a plant releasing CO2 in the process of respiration. However, instead of a food source, wireworms find Metarhizium brunneum Cb15-III, an entomopathogenic fungus which grows from ATTRACAP® granulate distributed in the substrate. Wireworms get into contact with fungal spores, which results in their infection and death within a few days, depending on the temperature and soil conditions.
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When is ATTRACAP® treatment recommended?
ATTRACAP® is recommended for use in crops under mild to moderate pest pressure. Sprinkling is recommended in dry weather conditions.
How and when should ATTRACAP® be applied?
ATTRACAP® should be applied in bands, in soil furrows, at potato planting time in the spring.
The application is performed with a granule spreader:
Compatible devices are listed on the homepage of the Julius Kühn Institute (www.jki.bund.de).
The dosing device of the granule spreader must be switched off in good time, at least 4 m before reaching the headlands to ensure that the granules are distributed evenly.
If the granules remain on the soil surface, they must be removed immediately or ploughed in.
Where can I buy ATTRACAP®?
ATTRACAP® is sold via an agricultural product distribution network.
Can I use ATTRACAP® in combination with fungicides?
Both laboratory tests and field studies have shown that ATTRACAP is compatible with Monceren Pro. The mutual tolerance of a number of agents has been tested in the laboratory setting, with compatibility demonstrated for Proradix, Funguran Progress, Cuprozin Progress, Monceren G, Moncut, Risolex® liquid, and Rhizovital 42.