The Chemicals Regulation Directorate has granted approval for a new treatment for sprout control in potatoes. Following three years of commercial trials in the UK and widespread use across Europe, Biox-M has received approval for use on potato crops in store in the UK.
Peter Hall, director of Juno (Plant Protection) Ltd, the UK marketing agents for Biox-M said: “We are delighted that approval has been granted in time for use on the 2012 crop. We have worked closely with a number of growers, packers, processors and fogging contractors over the last three years and know that the market is keen to have an additional tool in the cupboard. Warmer autumns and pressure on alternatives make this an excellent time to introduce a new product.”
Biox-M is applied as a hot fog and confers control of sprouting throughout the season. Application rates and frequency of application depend on storage temperature and the quality of store.
Nick Tapp, a fellow director at Juno said: “Our work with a range of varieties in different conditions suggests that Biox-M can be used as a part of a sprout control strategy using a combination of products and at a range of storage temperatures.”
