Potato growers have received a regulatory boost with the news that they are now allowed to use 25 percent more Reglone.

Growers can now use up to five litres of Reglone to dessicate crops this season, which should enable complete desiccation of strong growing ware crop canopies and vigorous crops destined for seed, according to Syngenta’s potato manager, Simon Parker.

“Having extra Reglone could prove particularly valuable this year, to burn off any regrowth if harvesting is delayed by wet soils after initial desiccation.”

The new rate will be especially valuable for flail operators, advised Parker, where Reglone applied at 1 l/ha a week before flailing can increase work rates by 50 per cent and reduce fuel costs by a third.

“We would always advocate the inclusion of Shirlan with all Reglone applications, to minimise any zoospore activity and tuber infection. This is even more important with the very high risk of blight infection this season,” he added.