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, reports Syngenta Technical Manager, Sean Loakes.   

Orders for NemaTrident F and LTAP for the 2025 season must be completed by 5^th 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. 

"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," Sean advocates. 

"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.

Watch the best use guidelines, below, to optimise results with NemaTrident F

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"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," highlights Sean.

"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," he advises.  

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.      

The first 150 orders of LTAP this season 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. 

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 in autumn 2025 must also place orders before the 5^th September deadline. 

Planning for a strategy using nematodes and ordering early will enable the implementation of complimentary ITM practices through the season 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.