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Pre-sowing treatment of potato tubers is a very important procedure that allows you to reliably protect young plants from various pests, including annoying Colorado potato beetles and wireworms. Previously, many processed potatoes the old fashioned way, using various folk remedies. But with the advent of effective chemicals, such treatment has faded into the background.
Many effective means have been created for pre-sowing processing of potatoes. In this article we will talk about the popular drug Taboo.
Description of the preparation
Tabu is a modern potato disinfectant from the large company “August”, which is the leader in the production of pesticides for agriculture. The main purpose of Taboo is the fight against all kinds of pests of potatoes, which include:
- Colorado potato beetle and its larvae;
- wireworm;
- breadcrumbs;
- blocks;
- cicadas;
- grass aphid;
- winter owl and others.
At the same time, to protect against all these insects, potatoes need to be treated with this drug only 1 time. Such a one-time treatment is more than enough to protect potato bushes during the initial – the most sensitive stage of growth.
Chemical composition
In terms of its chemical composition, Taboo is very similar to another popular disinfectant – the foreign drug Prestige. Despite the similarity of compositions, these protectants are not analogues, but can be used together. The main active ingredient of these preparations for the protection of potato tubers is imidacloprid. It belongs to the neonicotinoids class of insecticides.
In the Taboo preparation, the concentration of imidacloprid will be 500 grams per liter. This concentration of the active substance is moderately toxic to humans, but it will be detrimental to insects. Once in the body of an insect, imidacloprid blocks its nerve receptors, causing severe paralysis and further death.
In order to avoid such an effect, the processing of potatoes with this or other products containing imidacloprid should be carried out without the participation of children.
In addition to imidacloprid, the Tabu disinfectant contains the following substances:
- antifreeze;
- dispersants;
- adhesive;
- thickener;
- wetting agent;
- dye.
Mechanism of action
Taboo begins to act within 24 hours from the moment of processing. At the same time, the period of its activity lasts 45 – 50 days. During the processing of tubers, the insecticides included in its composition are absorbed into the potatoes. At the same time, due to the presence of a dye in the preparation, the treated tubers turn pink.
After planting the potato and its germination, the active substances through the vegetative system penetrate into the young shoots of tubers. When insects attack these shoots or their underground part, insecticides enter their body. There they have a neurotropic effect on the nervous system of the insect. After 24 hours, paralysis of the main organs of the pest occurs, causing its death.
Release form and packaging volumes
Insecticide Taboo is produced in the form of a water-suspension concentrate. This greatly simplifies its use. After all, such a solution is extremely quickly mixed with water.
As for the volume of packaging of the drug, then it will be possible to choose from two options:
- bottle with a capacity of 1 liter;
- canister with a capacity of 10 liters.
Pros and cons of Taboo
The use of Taboo as an insecticide has several advantages:
- Ease of use. Due to the convenient form of release in the form of a water-suspension concentrate, it is not difficult to prepare a working solution. At the same time, unlike bulk products, this disinfectant will not form dust and settle at the bottom of the container in the form of sediment.
- Even application. The substances included in its composition allow the working solution to be evenly distributed between the tubers without draining.
- Coloring processed potatoes pink.
- High efficiency against potato pests, especially the Colorado potato beetle and wireworm.
Of the negative properties of this Taboo, only its toxicity can be noted.
The use of the drug Taboo to protect potatoes
Processing potato tubers from pests using Taboo can be done in two ways:
- Processing of potato tubers before planting;
- Treatment of potato tubers during planting together with the planting furrow.
Both methods have the same efficiency, they will differ only in the concentration of the working solution.
Personal Safety Measures
Taboo refers to chemicals with toxic effects, so before using it, attention should be paid to personal safety measures. Without this, its use is strictly prohibited.
Personal safety measures include:
- Protective clothing such as a face shield and gloves;
- Carrying out treatments either outdoors or in technical rooms where there is no access to food and water;
- Refusal to eat and drink during the treatment of tubers with the drug.
Processing potato tubers before planting
This is a classic way to use Taboo and similar protectants. It is distinguished by its simplicity, safety and efficiency.
For pre-sowing processing of potatoes, it is necessary to prepare a working solution. Given the water-suspension form of release of the drug, it will not be difficult to prepare a working solution. The instructions indicate that to process 100 kg of potatoes, 8 ml of the drug should be diluted in a liter of water. In this case, first the drug must be diluted in a glass of water, stir well, and after that add the remaining water.
Before processing, the tubers must be laid out on a tarpaulin or film in one row. After that, the working solution should be shaken well again and sprayed onto the spread out tubers. In order for the tubers to be evenly covered with the solution, it is recommended to turn them over during processing. At the same time, due to the dye in the preparation, you can immediately see which tubers have not been processed.
After processing, the potatoes should dry out a little. Only after that, it can be planted in the ground.
Processing potato tubers during planting
The possibility of spraying potatoes already planted in the holes is an innovative solution of the Tabu drug manufacturers. This method of processing significantly saves time and has the same efficiency as pre-sowing processing.
For this method, the working solution is prepared in a lighter concentration. To process one hundred square meters of land, 4 ml of the drug must be mixed with 10 liters of water. In this case, the drug must first be diluted in a glass of water, and then mixed with the remaining water.
Now it remains only to spray the potato tubers laid in the holes or furrows.
The company “August”, which is the manufacturer of the drug Tabu, has prepared a special video about its product. Before using the drug, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with it:
We will also give reviews of people who have already used this disinfectant in their gardens.