After planting potatoes, there is often a problem of destruction or damage to the tops and tubers by insects and diseases. Compliance with cultivation agrotechnology is not always a guarantee of protection from parasites. Weather conditions or soil conditions are favorable for their appearance and reproduction. In such cases, chemical treatment of the potato site cannot be dispensed with.

general information

Commander is a kind of insecticidal group preparations designed to destroy parasitic insects. Treatment with this drug is indicated for the destruction of aphids, Colorado potato beetle, thrips, bear, whitefly, as well as rodents. The use of the Commander is allowed for processing any varieties of potatoes. Treatment with this drug is effective against both adults and larvae. The principle of action is based on the defeat of the insect's nervous system by a poison derived from nicotine - imidacloprid. This substance enters the body, causing paralysis and atrophy of all vital functions of the insect: movement, nutrition, so the pest dies.

Commander + for processing potatoes

You can treat the territory with the drug in 2 ways:

  • Through a spray bottle,
  • In the process of watering.

The plant can be processed at any stage: pre-planting dressing of tubers, irrigation of tops and soil during the period of active growth. The maximum effect is observed within 1 month from the moment of treatment, but the agent is completely removed from the plant tissues after 50 days, which means that by the time of harvesting, there will be no toxic substances in the tubers.

The principle of action of the Commander - active components penetrate the tissues of the green part of the potato, tubers and soil, insects come into contact with the treated surface or eat the plant and get poisoned.

Characteristics of the Commander tool:

  1. Economical consumption, therefore, it is beneficial to use the product on large areas;
  2. It can be used for any kind of potato;
  3. The poisons contained in the composition do not poison plant cells, affect only insects;
  4. Application is allowed during the entire growing season;
  5. Multiple treatments are usually not required. The agent accumulates in plant tissues, and the growing shoots are already protected from the attack of pests;
  6. The drug is effective against almost all insects;
  7. It can be used in any climatic zone and weather conditions;
  8. Over the years, insects have not developed immunity against the Commander, so it consistently shows good results;
  9. The destruction of insects occurs 2 hours after treatment. Complete extermination of the population occurs in 1 day.

It is important to know! This drug kills not only pests, but also beneficial insects, such as bees. Therefore, it is strictly forbidden to use the drug near the apiary and during the flowering period, when bees are actively pollinating the plants.

Processing rules

The content of the toxic component in the product is 200 g per 1000 ml. The volume of the concentrate is selected, depending on the treated area: from 1 to 100 ml. Consumption of funds - 1 ml per 100 m2. Potatoes should be treated with the Commander's solution at the rate of 2 ml of the product per 10 liters of water. The product is also available in the form of a powder marked "Maxi" on the packaging.

Tuber processing:

  • Spraying should be done immediately before planting;
  • On the ground, you need to lay out a film or other moisture-proof material;
  • The potatoes must be laid out in one layer;
  • Prepare a solution. First you need to dilute the ampoule in 1 liter of water, mix thoroughly and dilute with another 9 liters of water. To prepare the solution, it is best to take a special container, which will subsequently be used only for this drug. It is also worth keeping it isolated from other gardening tools and buckets;
  • Spray an even thin layer onto the tubers;
  • Turn all planting material untreated side up and repeat the procedure;
  • The processed potatoes are left in the fresh air until they dry completely and start planting.

Processing of the green part of plants:

  • Spraying of the ground part of the plants is carried out exclusively in the morning or evening, in calm weather (no wind). The optimum air temperature for processing is + 15… + 25 ˚C;
  • Pets, children and adults must not be on the field without protective equipment (respirator, rubber gloves, boots, mask, protective suit or other clothing specially prepared for chemical treatment);
  • It is not recommended to water the potatoes before processing. It is also worth knowing the weather forecast for the next few days in advance. Despite the fact that the manufacturer claims the same effectiveness of the drug in dry and rainy weather, practice shows that after rain, the drug is washed off the leaves, and the treatment has to be repeated;
  • It is necessary to apply the product evenly through a spray bottle, both from the inside and from the outside of the leaf, starting from the ground and going up to the tops of the stem.

You can also process potatoes with the composition with ordinary watering from a watering can. You need to water not at the root, but the whole plant. This method is not very good because it is difficult to get the preparation applied to the lower part of the leaves.

Rules for the chemical treatment of potatoes

In order to process potatoes, Commander (the variety description usually contains information on the acceptability of chemical processing and the resistance of the crop to pests) is the best choice.

However, it is worth observing security measures:

  1. From the moment the solution is prepared until the end of the treatment, you need to wear special clothing and protective equipment;
  2. It is forbidden to eat, smoke during the treatment, as there is a risk of the product entering the body;
  3. Within 24 hours after the procedure, the site should be completely isolated for animals and children;
  4. Do not store unused solution. It needs to be disposed of: wrap it in paper or newspapers, wrap it in a thick cloth and bury it in the ground far outside the living area, where animals cannot dig it out;
  5. If the solution accidentally gets on the skin, it should be gently blotted with a cloth and the skin should be washed under running water with soap or other hygiene product. In case of contact with eyes, rinse with clean water until the burning sensation disappears. If the product gets into your mouth, you need to drink 1 liter of clean water and take activated charcoal (1 tablet per 10 kg of body weight), then you need to cleanse the stomach. After that, you should immediately consult a doctor to diagnose poisoning and prescribe medication;
  6. Potatoes can be eaten no earlier than 3 weeks after processing;
  7. The concentration of the drug must be regulated strictly according to the instructions attached to the package;
  8. Spraying the solution must be done strictly in the direction of the wind in order to eliminate the likelihood of getting the product on clothes and skin;
  9. It is forbidden to use the product after the expiration date or if the storage rules are not followed. The Commander can be used within 3 years from the date of production, it must be stored in a cool dark place in a sealed form. Opening of the package is allowed immediately before the start of processing.

Substitutes and analogues

Komandor plus for potato processing (instructions are included in the package) - a modified alternative to protect planting varietal potatoes. This product has no big differences with the Commander, its formula is more gentle and designed specifically for processing before planting.The peculiarity is that it is completed with Energen AQUA regenerating agent, which helps to replenish strength after exposure to chemical components.

Commander + is completed with Energen regenerating agent

Also, the presence of potassium components in the preparation helps to increase the yield. Release form - 2 vials of 25 ml. This volume is enough for processing 1 quintal of potatoes. The price for 1 package in Moscow is about 150 rubles. The product can be purchased from professional gardening stores or online. In its action, Commander Plus is similar to the popular Prestige product from Bayer Garden, which is also used before planting potatoes. The main active element of these funds is the same - imidacloprid. The difference is that an antifungal component is also added to Prestige, therefore, according to the manufacturer, the product saves not only from insects, but also from diseases. The cost of the Prestige drug is from 300 to 350 rubles.

Attention! Commander combines well with any preparations for accelerating growth and increasing yields that do not give an alkaline reaction. However, it is forbidden to alternate the Commander with means of a similar spectrum of action, since the guarantee of a positive result is significantly reduced.

Every summer resident dreams of getting a good harvest and protecting plants from diseases and pests. The commander will be a good helper in this matter. Compliance with safety measures and recipes for the preparation of the solution will be a guarantee of safety and a successful procedure.