When growing potatoes, it is very important to take all measures to protect the plant from the most common pests - the Colorado potato beetle. Otherwise, in a short time, only stalks without leaves will remain on the potato. Productivity will decrease, and the plant itself may even die. To provide protection to potatoes will help the modern drug Taboo, which we suggest that you read further.
What kind of remedy?
Taboo is a product from the Russian manufacturer August (Avgust), which helps protect potatoes from wireworms and Colorado potato beetles. In addition, gardeners revealed that it also scares away other pests, including winter scoop, aphids, cicadas, Swedish and Hessian flies. In addition to potato tubers, it is recommended that the agent treat the seeds of the following plants:
- rapeseed;
- sunflower;
- maize;
- wheat;
- soybeans;
- flax;
- sugar beet.
The drug is available in the form of a concentrated aqueous suspension, colored in pink. During processing, the potato is covered with a special film that dries on the skin and remains unchanged, deterring dangerous pests.
Taboo is available in large containers - plastic canisters with a capacity of 1 liter and 5 liter. Sold in specialized stores for the garden. The approximate price depends on the capacity:
- 1 liter canister - 900-1000 rubles;
- 5 liter canister - 4500-4700 rubles.
The drug can be purchased in bulk, as it has a long shelf life of 3 years at temperatures from -10 ° C to + 40 ° C. After this time, the tool should not be used, since it loses all its properties. In addition, it is important to consider that after opening it becomes ineffective in a short time.
If Taboo is not used immediately after purchase, it must be stored in a “sealed” form, that is, factory packaging must not be destroyed.
Chemical composition
The main insecticidal agent in the composition of the drug is imidacloprid, which refers to neonicotinoids. Its concentration is 500 g / l. In addition to this substance, additional additives are included in Taba in the form of:
- antifreeze;
- thickeners;
- adhesive
- wetting agents;
- dyes.
What is the mechanism of action?
After processing potatoes in the process of growing on a bed, the drug “moves” into the stems and leaves. Pests, having eaten the treated plant in small quantities, are exposed to neurotoxic effects. In addition, the drug is toxic in contact with potatoes. Taboo has an inhibitory effect on the nerve receptors of the insect, so it paralyzes and dies.
The drug acts 40-45 days or until a third pair of true leaves grows.
In general, this remedy on plants does not last longer than 1.5-2 months, since its effectiveness decreases under sunlight. In any case, during this time after processing, you should not eat potatoes!
Compatibility with potato varieties and other preparations
It must be remembered that not all varieties of potatoes can be processed taboo. This applies to early ripening varieties, because the tubers can ripen much earlier than the taboos decompose and become safe. In addition, young potatoes that are laid for storage should not be processed, remembering that the drug disappears only after 2 months.
In other cases, Taboo can be used, even combining with other means that complement its action. For example, it cannot destroy fungal diseases, therefore, to fully protect the crop, it has to be combined with fungicides. These include:
- Bunker;
- Vitaros;
- Vial Trust.
Additional preparations are dissolved in water with Taboo, but if a precipitate is obtained, it means that they are not compatible and should not be used together, since there should be a homogeneous liquid.
Ways to process potatoes
There are 2 methods for pickling potatoes. Each should be considered separately, but in any case, you need to consider that the time for irrigation works depends on the weather. It is important that it be dry, sunny and calm, because after processing the soil must have time to dry out. Only then can Taboo prove its effectiveness.
Pre-planting
Before planting, the potato undergoes vernalization, during which the eyes germinate by 1 cm. Only after this, processing can be performed, and it is advisable to do this 2 hours before planting. The technology is as follows:
- Prepare a solution of taboo. To sprinkle 100 kg of potatoes, you will need to take 8 ml of the drug and dissolve in 1 liter of water. It is advisable to first dilute the drug in a glass of water, and then pour it into the main container.
If more than 100 kg of tubers are planted, you need to calculate the correct dose of Taboo. To do this, divide the seed weight by 100 and multiply by 8. For example, if you plan to plant 150 kg of potatoes, the optimal dose is 12 ml (150: 100 × 8).
- Put the potatoes ready for planting in one layer on a tarpaulin or oilcloth.
- Sprinkle the tubers with the preparation. The treated side is painted pink.
- Turn tubers over and spray again. Each potato must be at least 3/4 stained.
Seeds are not planted until the Taboo is completely dry. If the potato is large, it will need to be cut in half, but it is better to do this during vernalization, so that the wounds heal, since it is not recommended to process the freshly chopped potatoes.
Processing during landing
The method involves spraying holes or furrows, where potatoes are directly laid out. It allows you to significantly save on preliminary preparation time. The method is as follows:
- Prepare a solution at the rate of 4 ml Tabu per 10 liters of water. This is enough to spray holes on 1 acre. If tubers are planted on 2 acres, the optimal dose is 8 ml per 20 liters of water, if on 1.5 acres - 6 ml of Tabu and 15 liters of water. The universal formula is as follows - multiply the number of hundred by 4 to obtain a dose of the drug and 10 to obtain a volume of water.
When preparing the solution, the drug must first be dissolved in 1 liter of water, and then pour the remaining water to the desired volume.
- Put tubers into the wells and sprinkle with a ready-made solution at the rate of 30-35 ml for each potato.
- Bury the holes.
If a little preparation remains after processing, then it cannot be stored, so all residues must be disposed of.
For safety, it is not recommended to dig up potatoes earlier than 2 months after planting.
Application Tips
Like any drug, Taboo has an instruction that attaches to a cardboard backing and reads as follows:
- Before processing it is imperative to wear a respirator, rubber gloves and protective clothing, since the product is toxic and direct contact with it should be avoided;
- use a sprayer for processing, as it is easy to use and saves money;
- during planting, do not pick up tubers without gloves;
- make sure that there are no children and animals nearby;
- avoid prolonged exposure to potatoes under the sun, as Taboo quickly disappears under its rays;
- after treatment take a shower, wash your body with soap.
If you follow these recommendations, you can avoid all the negative consequences of contact with the drug and get only benefit from it.
Toxicity Taboo
If you plan to process potatoes, you must remember that Taboo is a poisonous drug. It has a group III toxicity, it is considered dangerous not only for the life of insects, but also for other animals and even people. So, when planting potatoes, you need to monitor pets. They must not be allowed to be on the treated area, as they can be poisoned.
This drug especially destroys the functioning of the liver, since it is a barrier to the poisons of the drug. Symptoms by which it is determined that a person is subject to poisoning manifest themselves in the form of:
- difficulty breathing
- swelling in the eye area;
- trembling limbs;
- slow motion;
- Dizziness
- nausea
- weight loss.
Despite its toxicity, Taboo is considered a reliable tool that protects potatoes from various pests, but does not harm human health. It disappears 60 days after treatment, climbing up the stems and does not go down to root crops.
After harvesting the potatoes, the solution remains in the ground for some time, and then independently disappears.
The difference between Taboo and Taboo VSK
This is the same drug, just packaged in different containers. Tabu is designed for processing potatoes in large quantities and is available in 1 liter and 5 liter containers, and Tabu VSK is available in glass ampoules of 10 ml each and is more suitable for summer residents. The cost of one bottle of Tabu VSK is -130-140 rubles. Any volume is designed to be used for 1 time.
What works more efficiently: Taboo or Prestige?
Many gardeners do not know what to choose - Taboo or Prestige, and often ask the question which drug is more effective. If you compare their characteristics, then both are good in their own way. Taboo has a longer effect - 1.5 months, but Prestige is valid for 37 days, but it has fungicidal capabilities, therefore it also protects tubers from fungi. It is worth noting that Tabu is cheaper than Prestige. So, you should choose from your own preferences and financial capabilities.
Positive and negative sides
The following positive aspects of the drug can be distinguished:
- after spraying, there is no need to take care of crop safety - all pests die during the day;
- has a prolonged effect, so you can not worry about 2 months that any insects will damage the potatoes;
- the Colorado potato beetle does not develop addiction to this poison, so the same remedy can be used again next season;
- Taboo fights against aphids (although this is a small insect, it is a pedigree of fungal infection);
- it is very convenient to apply the drug, because it stains the potatoes in pink and you can immediately see what area is processed;
- the effectiveness of the drug is not affected by weather conditions, so it protects the plant in rain, frost and heat.
Even with a large number of positive qualities, Taboo also has negative aspects:
- you can not handle the tubers if you do not wear a protective suit;
- before etching you will need rubber gloves, glasses, a respirator, boots;
- it is necessary to remember the poisonous properties of the drug and observe precautions - during contact with Tabu you can not eat food and water, it is dangerous to smoke.
How to provide first aid for poisoning?
In case of drug poisoning, the following steps must be taken:
- Take the injured away from the place where potatoes were pickled.
- Take off his protective suit, give the opportunity to wash with a detergent.
- If the drug has got inside due to some careless actions, it is advisable to rinse the stomach and rinse your mouth with water.
- If there is activated charcoal, drink 1 tablet.
- If the drug has come into contact with the skin, wipe this area with wet wipes, and only then wash with soap. If the drug gets into your eyes, you need to wash yourself with running water.
- If you feel unwell, call an ambulance.
Reviews on the use of the drug
We bring to your attention the feedback of gardeners who have already managed to use Taboo:
Natalia, 55 years old, Moscow region. Each year, the potato was processed with various fungicidal agents, but they acted for a short time, so it was necessary to periodically re-process it. A neighbor advised using Tabu. I read the instructions, bought a respirator and gloves. I spread the tarpaulin on the ground, spread the potatoes in one layer, and sprayed with a product. The earth did not begin to irrigate. Over the summer, I did not notice a single bug on the potato. The harvest was excellent.
Mikhail, 66 years old, Rostov Region. In the spring I wandered the preparation, processed potatoes and holes just in case. Beetles have not seen all summer. The crop was much higher than usual. I was pleased with the drug.
Sergey, 54 years old, Saratov region. For 2 years I observed that neighbors process potato seeds before planting. Himself was afraid to try everything. The scarecrow is that the drug has toxic properties. At first I wanted to try to plant pickled potatoes in a small area, but still I processed all the seeds. In the summer I was specifically looking for, maybe even see one beetle, I have not met. I didn’t worry about potatoes all summer, I just spud and weed. Harvest also pleased me. The tubers were not damaged by the wireworm, the potatoes turned out beautiful and smooth.
Maxim, 59 years old, Kostroma region. The drug was recommended to me by a saleswoman. At first I didn’t want to take it (after all, this is toxic chemistry, and the tubers themselves need to be processed), but then I decided that the beetle still causes more concern. I tried to fulfill all the requirements according to the instructions. He planted potatoes, indeed, did not see the larvae of beetles on the leaves and stems. The crop was good, the tubers were not damaged.
Lyudmila, 45 years old, Penza region. Last year, I thought it was better to buy potatoes in the market than to suffer, collecting every day the beetle larvae from the planted plant. But here she acquired Taboo. It is applied very easily, but what effect is obtained. There were no bugs on the potato, received a good harvest, and was pleased with the acquisition.
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So, Tabu simplifies the process of growing potatoes, protecting its tubers from harmful insects. It is easy to apply by treating tubers or spraying the holes. Already within 24 hours, Taboo will destroy all pests. Itself disappears in 60 days. It is worth noting that the drug is not poison for earthworms and plants growing on neighboring beds do not suffer from it.