CONTACT US
Biocare GmbH
Wellerser Str. 57
37586 Dassel-Markoldendorf
0049 – 5562 – 95 05 78-0
For job applications: jobs@biocare.de
Attract and kill
Biologically effective in potato and asparagus cultivation
Wireworms, the larvae of click beetles, cause massive problems in many potato-growing regions. Together 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® – a granulate for reducing wireworm infestations in potato and asparagus crops with light to medium infestations.
We are currently in the European approval process.
The placing on the market and use of ATTRACAP® has been authorized for Germany and Switzerland in accordance with Article 53 of Regulation (EC) No. 1107/2009 in the past years.
Attract-and-kill strategy
Intelligent and effective: ATTRACAP® lures wireworms with CO2 and infects them with an entomopathogenic fungus. With the help of baker’s yeast, this patented solution simulates a plant that emits CO2 during respiration. Instead of food, however, the wireworm finds the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium brunneum Cb 15-III, which grows out of the ATTRACAP® granules in the soil.
When the wireworms come into contact with the fungal spores, they become infected and die after a few days, depending on the temperature and soil conditions. During this process, the infected wireworms spread the fungus further in the soil. Thus, with regular application, the wireworm population can be reduced to a low level in the long term.
Application
Application technique for potato planting
ATTRACAP® is applied in spring when planting potatoes in a single step as a band application in the plant furrow. By registration, it must be applied using a granular applicator. Suitable and currently listed devices can be found on the homepage of the Julius Kühn Institute (> suitable granular applicators).
Application technique: late application
ATTRACAP® can also be applied as a late application in May/June/July. This is particularly beneficial if a cold spell (up to 10°C soil temperature) is expected after planting the potatoes.
Application technique: asparagus cultivation
ATTRACAP® is recommended for asparagus crops with low to medium wireworm infestation. It is applied between March and April. The ridge is mowed down so that the asparagus is about 10-15 cm below the surface. The granules are scattered on the mowed-down ridge and then re-raised in the same operation. Good soil moisture and warm soil temperatures can enhance the effect.
Your benefits
Service-Infos
Frequently asked questions about ATTRACAP®
When is the use of ATTRACAP® recommended?
ATTRACAP® is recommended for low to medium wireworm infestations. The highest possible temperature in the first three days after application can have a positive influence on the effect of ATTRACAP®.
How and when do I apply ATTRACAP®?
ATTRACAP® is applied as a band application in the planting furrow in spring when the potatoes are planted.
The application must be carried out with a granular spreader:
- which is equipped with a separate switch-off device for the metering unit
- and which has a tight-fitting lid and
- where the downpipe is laid as far as possible in a straight line to the application coulter.
The suitable and currently listed devices can be viewed on the homepage of the Julius-Kühn -Institute (www.jki.bund.de).
The metering device of the granular spreader must be switched off in good time – but at least 4 m before reaching the headland – to ensure that the granules are completely covered.
If granules come to rest on the ground surface, they must be removed immediately or subsequently worked in.
How can I buy ATTRACAP®?
ATTRACAP® is distributed via the agricultural trade. If you have any questions about dealers in your area, please contact us. We will be happy to help you!
How can ATTRACAP® be applied together with fungicides?
Laboratory and field tests have shown that Monceren Pro is compatible with ATTRACAP®. The compatibility of the following products has been tested in the laboratory and joint application is possible: Emesto Silver, Proradix, Funguran progress, Cuprozin progress, Ortiva, Moncut, Risolex® liquid, SolaNova and Rhizovital 42.