Monsanto, the world leader in pesticide production has recently delayed the launch of its new pesticide, Nemastrike which as it claims is responsible for Nematode management in crops like Soybean, Corn and Cotton. Brain Naber, U.S. commercial operations lead in the company stated, “We did not make this decision lightly, but you, our growers, as well as our employees and partners, are the heart of our company. We want to ensure that all have the best possible experience with any of our products.”
Nemastrike technology has been approved by Environmental protection agency(EPA), earlier this year. Monsanto chief technology officer Rob Fraley, at farmer’s meeting in late August stated, “Growers significantly underestimate nematode presence, often, symptoms get ignored. For this reason Nemastrike technology is found useful.”
Field trials for the same have been carried by Monsanto for three years which has resulted in following details:
7 bushels per acre in corn
3 bushels per acre in soybeans
80 pounds lint per acre in cotton
An interesting feature of Nemastrike is not only Nematode protection but it provide roots protection against drought.400 growers have used Nemastrike under Monsanto’s ground breaker programme 2017.EPA findings have been stated by Monsanto prior to approval which state that the technology is safe to use. But some skin irritation cases have brought it to stop the launch in 2018. They are evaluating the problem and found that the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) appears to be an important factor.
