The "Commander" preparation for processing potatoes

Komandor is an affordable and effective way to combat harmful insects and small rodents that can destroy potato crops in minimal time.

General characteristics of the drug

Komandor is a contact-intestinal insecticide, its maximum effectiveness is demonstrated in the fight against:

• Colorado potato beetle;
• wireworm;
• aphids;
• bedbugs;
• leaf beetles;
• scale insects;
• locusts;
• thrips;
• spider mites;
• whiteflies;
• weevils;
• butterflies;
• mole crickets;
• and even small rodents.

The Commander is capable of destroying not only mature insects, but also the larvae laid by pests, which is a very significant advantage (not every product can boast this).

The active ingredient in the product is an extremely potent organic poison called imidacloprid. Its concentration is estimated at 200 g per liter.

According to the instructions, this product is non-phytotoxic to vegetable crops, meaning it has no detrimental effect on plant structure when used at the recommended dosage. It has a hazard class 3 rating and a soil stability class 2 rating.

This insecticide is a water-soluble concentrate packaged in 4-, 10-, 20-, and 100-millimeter containers (also available in 1- and 5-liter containers for treating larger areas). Komandor maintains its effectiveness against these pests at various temperatures.

Due to the fact that it is water-soluble, it is necessary to carry out additional treatment after precipitation (the entire preparation is washed away even by light rain).

Composition of the Commander

This product contains only one active ingredient: imidacloprid. It is often used in combination with other chemicals used in the sanitization and pest control of potatoes (and other crops). It is suitable for both agricultural and household use. It is formulated as a water-soluble concentrate.

Imidacloprid is a synthetic neonicotinoid. In other words, it's similar to tobacco-based medications. Its effectiveness is not affected by ambient temperature.

Komandor can deteriorate at certain temperatures, but its melting point of 136 degrees Celsius (276 degrees Fahrenheit) is impossible to reach under the growing conditions of various crops. The only requirement is a temperature of at least -5 degrees Celsius (-23 degrees Fahrenheit), as imidacloprid will begin to lose its beneficial properties under these conditions.

The Commander's operating principle

After applying the product to plants (by spraying or watering), it is quickly absorbed by the leaves, stems, and roots. Then, it's a simple matter: after contact with the treated plant, whether by eating or simply touching it, the insects receive a dose of the active ingredient.

After this, the Commander affects the body:

• the substance imidacloprid binds to postsynaptic receptors of the nervous system of insects (nicotinic acetylcholine);
• The consequence is the induction of convulsions, paralysis and the final death of the pests.

To ensure potatoes remain safe, wait approximately 20 days before consuming them. The product affects the entire potato plant, and its effectiveness lasts for 28 days. Over time, the product loses its properties due to the plant's internal processes and the elimination of harmful/unnecessary substances (including the Komandor itself). Potato plants will not be harmed by this product if the recommended doses and rates are followed.

The product's maximum effect on pests is achieved 3-5 days after treatment. The risk of insect resistance to the product is completely eliminated.

The Komandor product penetrates the sap of potato plants, spreading throughout all parts of the plant, from the roots to the tips of the shoots. Biologists have noted the adverse effects of imidacloprid on microorganisms in the soil, where residues can persist for up to a year (the half-life is approximately 185 days).

Pets may suffer severe poisoning through direct contact, resulting in damage to the liver and nervous system:

• uncertain movements;
• respiratory system disorders;
• severe diarrhea;
• vomit.

If contact with the substance is constant, but in quantities that are insufficient to cause acute poisoning, animals experience weight loss and loss of appetite.

Komandor is critically dangerous for children. Imidacloprid damages the developing nervous system, affecting neurons and brain structure. This reduces children's learning ability and significantly impairs memory.

The active ingredient in Komandor causes mass mortality of bees, so its use near apiaries is strictly prohibited. For the same reason, potatoes should not be treated during the flowering period.

How to use it correctly?

To maximize the effectiveness of Commander and successfully protect potatoes from pests, it is recommended to apply the treatment in dry, windless weather. It is also important to monitor weather forecasts to ensure there is no precipitation in the next 4-5 days.

It is important to remember that the weather forecast does not guarantee 100% accuracy, so you should be careful when choosing the time to process potatoes.

Adhering to these conditions will allow the toxic substance of the product to be better absorbed by plant cells. Avoid watering the plants on the day the chemical is sprayed. Water will wash away some of the product, thereby reducing its effectiveness.

Preparation of the working staff

The spray solution should be prepared according to the following formula: 2 ml of Commander per 10 liters of water. It's best to first dissolve the specified amount of product in 1 liter of water, stirring thoroughly until a suspension forms. Then, slowly add the remaining water to bring the volume up to the specified 10 liters. The solution should be continuously stirred throughout the entire process. This will improve the properties of Commander.

Potatoes can be watered or sprayed with this solution. However, this method has been shown to have a slightly reduced effectiveness, as it takes time for the Komandor to be absorbed by the roots, penetrate the plant's sap, and then be distributed throughout the plant.

Processing process

Potatoes are treated with a sprayer or a watering can (for spraying and watering, respectively). This can be done in two ways:

• When spraying potato foliage and stems, according to the instructions, Commander should be applied so that the foliage is wetted as evenly as possible. It is also recommended to use freshly prepared product when spraying.
  If the preparation is used for irrigation, then no additional actions are required.
• Potato seedlings can also be treated. To do this, lay the tubers in a row before planting and thoroughly treat them with Komandor. Once completely dry, the tubers can be planted in the soil.

Safety rules

The insecticide Komandor has a certain toxicity, so it should be handled with caution. However, if key safety requirements are followed, its use will not cause any hazards:

• The duration of work with the drug should not exceed 3 hours.
• The use of personal protective equipment (special protective suit, waterproof gloves, respirator, etc.) is considered mandatory.
• At least 20 days must pass after treatment. Only after this time will the tubers be completely free of the toxic substances in the Commander product, and the potatoes will be safe to eat.
• During the potato treatment process (especially when spraying), it is strictly forbidden to eat or drink. Toxic vapors immediately settle on food, and over a considerable distance, so avoid eating.
  

  You are only allowed to eat after removing all clothing and taking a shower (not a bath).

• Smoking while treating potatoes with the product is strictly prohibited. It's better to wait and smoke later than to do it on the spot and be poisoned by toxic fumes. These fumes are inhaled through the cigarette, not through an open mouth, so smoking while wearing a mask is still a bad idea.
• If there's a slight wind, be sure to stand facing the wind (when spraying Komandor). If you stand against the wind, the potatoes won't be effectively treated due to particles blowing away. These particles will blow directly into your face, causing severe poisoning. Of course, in windy weather, it's generally recommended to avoid spraying your plants altogether.
• All pets should be removed from the treatment area and kept out of the area for at least 24 hours.

Safety tips

• ✓ Use a respirator with an A2B2E2K2 filter
• ✓ Work in a waterproof suit and rubber gloves
• ✓ Have a first aid kit on hand
• ✓ Do not store any leftover working solution
• ✓ Dispose of empty containers according to the instructions
• Don't follow any advice you find on using this product. Carefully read the instructions that come with the Commander you purchased. Only these instructions will provide accurate information on how to properly use this insecticide.

In case of poisoning or direct contact with the drug, the following actions must be taken:

• remove all protective equipment;
• carefully and slowly wipe the affected areas with a cotton swab or gauze sponge (you should wipe off the product, not rub it in);
• rinse the affected areas of the body with warm water for at least 10 minutes;
• At the end, the same areas of skin are washed with soap and water.

If the suspension (or any other form of the drug) comes into contact with mucous membranes (nose, eyes, etc.), it is important to rinse them thoroughly with water, according to the instructions above, and be sure to see a doctor.

Pros and cons

Like any other pest control product, Commander has certain pros and cons.

IN advantages You can safely add:

In addition to its advantages, the drug also has flawsHowever, these are not related to the Commander's overall poor performance, but are directly related to the product's improper use:

As you can see, this insecticide has no direct downsides. If you carefully read the instructions and follow all the specified conditions, rules, and precautions, it will perfectly combat all pests in your area and preserve the integrity of your plants.

Compatibility and analogues

Komandor can be used with other products, as long as they don't produce an alkaline reaction. If this happens, the potato plants will be irreparably damaged and spoiled.

It is best to combine Commander with the following medications:

• Ribav Extra;
• Zircon;
• Epin.

These products promote the growth and development of potatoes, increase yields, and also act as insecticides and fungicides.

As for analogues, the Commander can be replaced with the following products:

• Confidor Extra;
• Anti-Colorado;
• Bombardier Aqua.

When combining these products, there will be no side effects, and the plants will receive exceptionally good results.

Storage rules and shelf life

If products are stored in unsuitable conditions, their effectiveness will be significantly reduced. As for Komandor, it should be stored in a dry place, out of the reach of children and pets. The room temperature should be between -5 and +30 degrees Celsius.

Do not store the insecticide near food, medications, or animal feed. This includes towels, linens, and/or any other items that are in constant contact with humans.

Undiluted Komandor can be stored for up to 36 months (this is its official expiration date).

But in any case, it's important to check when the specific medication you purchased was manufactured. If it was manufactured some time ago, its shelf life is significantly reduced.

The Commander product must be stored away from fire, otherwise it will spoil.

Purchase and price

Komandor insecticide is available in virtually any specialty store. It's also available for purchase from a wide variety of online retailers.

This product is most commonly available for $36 per liter (approximately 2,200 rubles). However, 10 ml of the product can easily be purchased for no more than 50 rubles. If you plan to treat a small garden plot or vegetable patch, even 5 ml will be more than enough for one season.

Reviews

Komandor effectively combats a wide variety of pests when used at the recommended dosage. Many gardeners report its effectiveness, helping them save large quantities of potato tubers. However, the key is not only the correct proportions of the product, but also its correct and safe application.

Frequently Asked Questions