When growing potatoes, it's crucial to take all measures to protect the plant from the most common pest, the Colorado potato beetle. Otherwise, in a short time, only leafless stems will remain on the potato. Yields will decline, and the plant itself may even die. A modern product called Tabu will help protect potatoes; we recommend learning more about it below.
What kind of remedy is this?
Tabu is a product from the Russian manufacturer Avgust that helps protect potatoes from wireworms and Colorado potato beetles. Gardeners have also found that it repels other pests, including winter moths, aphids, leafhoppers, and the French and Hessian flies. In addition to potato tubers, the product is recommended for use on the seeds of the following plants:
- rapeseed;
- sunflower;
- corn;
- wheat;
- soybeans;
- flax;
- sugar beet.
The product is available as a concentrated, pink-tinted aqueous suspension. During treatment, potatoes are coated with a special film that dries on the skin and remains intact, repelling dangerous pests.
Tabu is available in large plastic canisters with capacities of 1 liter and 5 liters. It is sold in specialized gardening stores. The approximate price depends on the container size:
- 1 liter canister – 900-1000 rubles;
- 5 liter canister – 4500-4700 rubles.
The product can be purchased in bulk, as it has a long shelf life of three years at temperatures from -10°C to +40°C. After this period, the product should not be used, as it loses all its properties. It is also important to note that once opened, it becomes ineffective within a short time.
If Taboo is not used immediately after purchase, it should be stored in a "sealed" form, that is, the factory packaging must not be destroyed.
Chemical composition
The main insecticide in the product is imidacloprid, a neonicotinoid. Its concentration is 500 g/l. In addition to this substance, Tabu contains additional additives such as:
- antifreeze;
- thickeners;
- adhesive;
- wetting agents;
- dyes.
What is the mechanism of action?
After treating potatoes while they're growing in the garden, the product "moves" into the stems and leaves. Pests, after consuming small amounts of the treated plant, are exposed to neurotoxic effects. Furthermore, the product is toxic upon contact with the potato. Tabu inhibits the insect's nerve receptors, causing paralysis and death.
The drug acts for 40-45 days or until the third pair of true leaves grows.
In general, this product doesn't last longer than 1.5-2 months on plants, as its effectiveness is reduced by sunlight. In any case, do not eat potatoes for this period after treatment!
Compatibility with potato varieties and other preparations
It's important to remember that not all potato varieties can be treated with Tabu. This applies to early-ripening varieties, as the tubers may ripen long before Tabu decomposes and becomes safe. Furthermore, young potatoes intended for storage should not be treated, keeping in mind that the product only evaporates after two months.
In other cases, Tabu can be used even in combination with other products that complement its action. For example, it cannot kill fungal diseases, so for complete crop protection, it must be combined with fungicides. These include:
- Bunker;
- Vitaros;
- Vial Trust.
Compatibility of Tabu with fungicides
| Fungicide | Compatibility | Recommended sequence |
|---|---|---|
| Bunker | Full | Mix immediately before processing. |
| Vitaros | Partial | Separate application with an interval of 2-3 days |
| Vial Trust | Full | Combined use in one tank mix |
Additional preparations dissolve in water along with Taboo, but if a precipitate forms, it means they are incompatible and should not be used together, as the result should be a homogeneous liquid.
Methods of processing potatoes
There are two methods for treating potatoes. Each is worth considering separately, but in any case, it's important to keep in mind that the timing of irrigation depends on the weather. It's important that the weather is dry, sunny, and windless, as the soil needs time to dry out after treatment. Only then will Tabu be effective.
Pre-planting treatment
Before planting, potatoes undergo vernalization, during which the buds sprout to a depth of 1 cm. Only then can they be treated, preferably 2 hours before planting. The process is as follows:
- Prepare a Tabu solution. To spray 100 kg of potatoes, you'll need 8 ml of the product dissolved in 1 liter of water. It's best to first dilute the solution in a glass of water and then pour it into the main container.
If you're planting more than 100 kg of tubers, you need to calculate the correct dose of Tabu. 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).
- Lay out the potatoes ready for planting in a single layer on a tarpaulin or oilcloth.
- Spray the tubers with the preparation. The treated side turns pink.
- Turn the potatoes over and spray again. Each potato should be at least 3/4 coated.
Taboo consumption rates for different categories of tubers
| Tuber category | Weight (g) | Consumption of the drug (ml/100 kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Small ones | 30-50 | 6-7 |
| Average | 50-80 | 7-8 |
| Large | 80-120 | 8-9 |
| Very large | 120+ | 9-10 |
Optimal conditions for processing
- Air temperature: +10…+25°C
- Relative humidity: 60-80%
- Wind speed: no more than 3 m/s
- Time of day: morning (after the dew has dried) or evening
Don't plant the seeds until the Tabu is completely dry. If the potatoes are large, they will need to be cut in half, but it's best to do this during vernalization to allow the wounds to heal, as freshly cut potatoes are not recommended for processing.
Processing during planting
This method involves spraying the holes or furrows where the potatoes are planted. It significantly reduces the time required for preliminary preparation. The method is as follows:
- Prepare a solution using 4 ml of Tabu per 10 liters of water. This is enough to spray the holes in 100 square meters. If the tubers are planted on 200 square meters, the optimal dose is 8 ml per 20 liters of water. If on 1.500 square meters, use 6 ml of Tabu per 15 liters of water. The general formula is to multiply the number of square meters by 4 to obtain the dose and by 10 to obtain the volume of water.
When preparing a solution, the preparation must first be dissolved in 1 liter of water, and then the remaining water must be added to reach the required volume.
- Place the tubers in the holes and spray with the prepared solution at a rate of 30-35 ml per potato.
- Fill the holes.
Consumption of working solution for different types of soil
| Soil type | Solution consumption per 100 square meters (l) | Processing depth (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Sandy | 8-10 | 10-12 |
| Sandy loam | 10-12 | 12-15 |
| Loamy | 12-15 | 15-18 |
| Clayey | 15-18 | 18-20 |
If there is any remaining product after processing, it cannot be stored, so all leftovers must be disposed of.
For safety reasons, it is not recommended to dig up potatoes earlier than 2 months after planting.
Tips for use
Like any drug, Taboo comes with instructions attached to the cardboard backing and states the following:
- Before handling, be sure to wear a respirator, rubber gloves and protective clothing, as the product is toxic and direct contact with it should be avoided;
- For processing, use a sprayer, as it is convenient to use and saves the product;
- When planting, do not handle tubers without gloves;
- make sure that there are no children or animals nearby;
- Avoid exposing potatoes to sunlight for long periods of time, as Tabu quickly evaporates under its rays;
- After treatment, take a shower and wash your body with soap.
Critical errors when working with Taboo
- Processing in windy weather (more than 5 m/s)
- Using food-grade utensils to prepare the solution
- Storage of opened packaging for more than 24 hours
- Use after expiry date
- Violation of waiting regulations (less than 60 days before harvesting)
By following these recommendations, you can avoid all negative consequences from contact with the drug and get only benefits from it.
Toxicity Taboo
If you plan to treat potatoes, remember that Tabu is a toxic product. It has a toxicity rating of Group III and is considered dangerous not only to insects but also to other animals and even humans. Therefore, when planting potatoes, keep an eye on pets. Keep them away from the treated area, as they could be poisoned.
This drug is particularly disruptive to liver function, as it acts as a barrier to the drug's toxins. Symptoms that indicate a person is susceptible to poisoning include:
- difficulty breathing;
- swelling in the eye area;
- trembling of the limbs;
- slowness of movements;
- dizziness;
- nausea;
- weight loss.
Half-lives of imidacloprid in different environments
| Wednesday | Half-life (days) | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Soil | 30-90 | Depends on soil type and microbiological activity |
| Water | 30-150 | At pH 7 and temperature 20°C |
| Plants | 40-45 | In potato tissues |
Despite its toxicity, Tabu is considered a reliable pesticide that protects potatoes from various pests without causing harm to humans. It evaporates 60 days after application, traveling up the stems and not down to the roots.
After harvesting potatoes, the solution remains in the ground for some time and then evaporates on its own.
The difference between Taboo and Taboo VSK
These are the same product, just packaged in different containers. Taboo is designed for large-scale potato treatments and is available in 1-liter and 5-liter containers, while Taboo VSK comes in 10-ml glass ampoules and is more suitable for gardeners. A single bottle of Taboo VSK costs 130-140 rubles. Either size is designed for single use.
Which is more effective: Taboo or Prestige?
Comparative characteristics of Taboo and Prestige
| Parameter | Taboo | Prestige |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Imidacloprid 500 g/l | Imidacloprid 140 g/l + Pencycuron 150 g/l |
| Duration of protective action | 40-45 days | 37-40 days |
| Fungicidal activity | Absent | Eat |
| Price for processing 100 square meters | 35-40 rubles | 50-55 rubles |
Many gardeners are unsure between Taboo and Prestige, and often ask which is more effective. A comparison of their characteristics reveals that both are effective in their own right. Taboo has a longer duration of action—1.5 months—while Prestige lasts for 37 days. However, it also has fungicidal properties, so it also protects tubers from fungi. It's worth noting that Taboo is less expensive than Prestige. Therefore, the choice should be based on your personal preferences and budget.
Pros and cons
The following positive aspects of the drug can be highlighted:
- After spraying, there is no need to worry about the safety of the crop - all pests die within 24 hours;
- has a prolonged effect, so you don’t have to worry about any insects damaging your potatoes for about 2 months;
- the Colorado potato beetle does not develop resistance to this poison, so the same remedy can be used again next season;
- Tabu fights aphids (although this is a small insect, it is a carrier of fungal infection);
- It is very convenient to apply the product, since it colors the potatoes pink and you can immediately see what area has been treated;
- The effectiveness of the preparation is not affected by weather conditions, so it protects the plant in rain, frost and heat.
Even with many positive qualities, Taboo also has its negative sides:
- You cannot process tubers unless you are wearing a protective suit;
- Before etching you will need rubber gloves, glasses, a respirator, and boots;
- It is important to remember the toxic properties of the drug and take precautions - during contact with Tabu, you should not consume food or water, and smoking is dangerous.
How to provide first aid in case of poisoning?
In case of poisoning with the drug, the following steps must be taken:
- Take the victim away from the place where the potatoes were treated.
- Remove his protective suit and allow him to wash with detergent.
- If the drug has been ingested due to some careless action, it is advisable to flush the stomach and rinse the mouth with water.
- If you have activated charcoal, take 1 tablet.
- If the medication comes into contact with your skin, wipe the area with wet wipes and then wash with soap. If the medication gets into your eyes, rinse with running water.
- If you feel unwell, call an ambulance.
Reviews of the drug
We present to you reviews from gardeners who have already used Tabu:
So, Tabu simplifies the potato growing process by protecting the tubers from harmful insects. It's easy to apply, either by spraying the tubers or by drenching the holes. Within 24 hours, Tabu will kill all pests. The product dissipates within 60 days. It's worth noting that the product is not poisonous to earthworms and won't harm plants growing in adjacent beds.