Order LTAP now for timely autumn leatherjacket control

Golf and sports turf managers can now order the Leatherjacket Total Approach Pack (LTAP), to take advantage of the special offer and ensure the timely delivery of this autumn’s treatment strategy.

The LTAP agronomy programme utilises the research-proven and industry patented strategy of an Acelepryn insecticide treatment, followed by an application of NemaTrident F predatory nematodes within the following week.

Research in the UK, Europe and the US has shown the sequence of using the two treatments improves both the reliability and the consistency of overall leatherjacket control.

How and when to apply for best results

Orders for NemaTrident F and LTAP must be completed by 1^st September. Early ordering of LTAP ensures the timely production of the NemaTrident F living nematodes in prime condition for transport and delivery.

Care in the transport, storage and spray techniques for nematodes is critical to ensure the maximum number are fit and active at the time of application.

Leatherjacket Total Approach agronomy schedule

• 30th June – 5th September: Plan and order the Leatherjacket Total Approach Pack and NemaTrident F
• 5th September: Deadline for LTAP & NemaTrident F orders
• 13^th – 17^th October: Delivery of LTAP & NemaTrident F
• On or around 20^th October: Acelepryn application timing
• Within one week; 23^rd – 30^th October: NemaTrident F application

Repeated seasons of monitoring adult crane fly populations and egg laying timing has demonstrated that the initial application of Acelepryn on or around the 20^th October, when conditions are right, can optimise targeting of Tipula paludosa leatherjacket larvae at early emergence. A treatment with NemaTrident F within a week enhances control of the larvae at the earliest opportunity and when they are most vulnerable.

To further improve the efficacy of results, the LTAP offer includes the specifically developed NemaSpreader and a set of Syngenta 08XC Nozzles to optimise application, along with a step-by-step guide and video tutorial to maximise results.

The purpose designed NemaSpreader helps with the safe tank mix and application, along with creating ideal conditions in the soil profile with a film of moisture to better enable the predatory nematodes to move and seek out leatherjackets for longer.

Why timing and soil conditions matter

Soil moisture, either from natural rainfall or irrigation, is essential for nematode survival and activity. Where possible, Syngenta research suggests soil moisture should be raised to 30% at the time of application, and maintained at 25%+ for a week to 10 days to optimise results.

Application using the 08XC Nozzles facilitates a water volume of at least 800 l/ha when spraying greens at 4 km/hr at an optimum pressure of 2.25 bar.

The 08 nozzle creates larger droplets that are less likely to stick on leaves and better penetrate to reach the desired target soil surface. The larger orifice is also less likely to cause any damage to the living nematodes as they are applied.

Each LTAP order* now comes with a free soil thermometer, to check conditions before NemaTrident application.

Using the thermometer pushed into the green surface in days prior to application can check that soil temperatures are consistently above 8⁰C, when the specific nematode species in NemaTrident F, Steinernema feltiae, is most active.

For a well-timed nematode application in late October, that typically poses no restriction in virtually all areas of the UK. If soil temperatures are seen, or are forecast, to be falling, however, then earlier application is recommended.

What’s included in the LTAP offer?

• NemaSpreader – for safe tank mixing and creating ideal soil conditions with a moisture film for better nematode mobility

• Syngenta 08XC nozzles – for optimal application at 800 l/ha, 4 km/hr, and 2.25 bar; larger droplets penetrate better and protect nematodes

• Step-by-step guide and video tutorial – to help get the most from every application

• Free soil thermometer – included with the first 150 orders in 2025

LTAP is a well proven and cost-effective option to optimise the control of leatherjackets on golf greens and high value sports turf surfaces.

Customers ordering just NemaTrident F nematodes to treat wider areas must also be place orders before the 1^st September deadline.

Ordering before 1^st September will enable the planning of complimentary ITM practices to minimise leatherjacket impacts, along with ensuring timely delivery of the LTAP elements to maximise control and protection of golf greens and high value sports turf surfaces.