Dow AgroSciences is reminding growers that Fazor is approved for use on bulb onions when trying to suppress internal sprouting in stores.

Its use maintains the quality of bulbs and so extends the storage period, allowing growers to market bulbs at optimum times and aiding the continuity of quality supplies from the UK, the firm claims.

Andy Leader, principal biologist for Dow AgroSciences, said: “Application timing must be judged on a crop-by-crop basis but, typically, to get the best from Fazor, it should be applied using a conventional sprayer between 10-50 per cent necking.

“You need green tops for the absorption of Fazor through the foliage, as the product needs to be translocation to the bulb. Alhough it gets into the plant quite fast, a minimum of four days must elapse between treatment and topping.

“Fazor should be applied at 3.5-4kg product per hectare in 500-600 litres of water per hectare, with a maximum of one application per crop. For best results, it should be applied when no rain is forecast.

“The length of sprout suppression will depend on many factors including the variety, application and conditions, the amount of maleic hydrazide in each bulb and the storage conditions. Fazor-treated bulbs should be checked regularly in store after Christmas. There is a pre-harvest interval of seven days and a MRL of 15mg/kg, though typical residues are around 3-5mg/kg.”

Fazor also has an off-label approval for use on garlic and shallots.

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