Getting the most from Tervigo for nematode control
Ornamentals Advisory Blog

We all know managing resistance, especially in nematodes is important to protect your ornamental crops. 

Tervigo is a suspension concentrate (SC) containing 20 g/L Abamectin with the addition of an iron chelate, Fe-EDDHA 400 g/l. Abamectin is the active ingredient that provides the nematode control. Iron chelate is a micro fertilizer that provides crop enhancement effects especially in alkaline soils.

The science

The Mode of Action in Tervigo is highly effective against the rootknot nematodes and other species of plant parasitic nematodes. Abamectin, the active ingredient in Tervigo, affects plant parasitic nematodes by blocking the transmittance of electrical activity in nerves, muscle cells stimulating the release and binding of gammaamino butyric acid (GABA) at nerve endings.

This causes an influx of chloride ions into the cells, which lead to hyper polarization and subsequent paralysis of the neuromuscular systems and then death.

This unique mode of action is effective on nematodes that are resistant to other organophosphates and carbamate nematicides.

Which species does Tervigo target?

Tervigo interacts with different stages in the life cycle of nematodes and controls a number of nematode species

  • Strong side effect on eggs in the soil
  • Fast elimination of soil moving stages
  • Stops nematode invasion and gall formation

Crop Enhancement Effects

Beyond its excellent nematode control, Tervigo shows significant crop enhancement effects through increased root mass and greening effect on leaves due to the unique chelated formulation.

This leads to more vigorous, healthier and higher yielding crops. In areas where Tervigo was applied the soil exhibited higher levels of micro elements especially Magnesium, Potassium and Phosphorus for uptake by the plant roots. The capacity of the soil to hold on cations is CEC which is soil fertility.

  • Low CEC soils are more likely to develop K+ and mg2+ & other deficiencies
  • High CEC soils are less susceptible to leaching losses of these cations
  • The lower the CEC, the faster the soil pH will decrease with timing
 

By following these guidelines we’re sure you will get the most out of Tervigo:

Application timing

Apply Tervigo after appropriate nematode extraction, identification and counts. Proper sampling should be carried out to determine the infestation levels in order to choose the most appropriate application intervals.

Mixing and compatibility

Tervigo mixes completely with water and can easily be tank mixed with a wide range of other soil applied fungicides, insecticides and liquid fertilisers. Recommended to mix in Tank A (Nitrates) and not Tank B (Sulphates). Iron is not compatible with Sulphates. All safety precautions should be adhered to during preparation, mixing and application by wearing protective clothing as per the label recommendations.

Crop tolerance

Tervigo has been tested for phytotoxicity on several ornamental crop varieties and has a wide margin of safety on the varieties tested. However, it is recommended to do phytotoxicity tests on new varieties before wide scale use.

Resistance management

Use Tervigo as a rotation partner with other nematicides of different modes of action. Tervigo is an excellent tool for the control of nematode populations suspected to be resistant to carbamate and organophosphate nematicides.

IPM fitness

Tervigo fits well into IPM programs. It is safe and systemic; beneficials (bees and natural enemies) are not affected during and after application. It is also compatible with paecilomyces lilacinus.

 

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