Potato Review

4 POTATO REVIEW SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 NEWS Editor Stephanie Cornwall 01778 395055 stephanie.cornwall@warnersgroup.co.uk Multimedia Sales Executive eresa Geeson 01778 392046 theresag@warnersgroup.co.uk Publisher Juliet Loiselle 01778 391067 Julietl@warnersgroup.co.uk Design Dean Cole deanc@warnersgroup.co.uk Subscriptions 01778 392464 subscriptions@warnersgroup.co.uk Subscriptions & advertising copy Potato Review, Warners Group Publications, e Maltings, West Street, Bourne, PE10 9PH www.potatoreview.com ISSN 0961–7655 © AREMI Ltd 2019 e publishers are not necessarily in agreement with opinions expressed in this journal. No responsibility can be accepted for statements made by contributors or advertisers. POTATO REVIEW is published by: Warners Group Publications, e Maltings, West Street, Bourne, PE10 9PH Printed by Warners (Midlands) Plc Manor Lane, Bourne, Lincs. PE10 9PH September/October 2019 PRINTED BY WARNERS 01778 395111 Emerger, Bayer’s new residual herbicide containing aclonifen, was described as giving ‘valuable control’ of a broad spectrum of weeds in potato trial plots at Long Sutton. Approved earlier this year for application at 1.75 litre/ha, Emerger has been widely discussed as a suitable replacement to linuron. Jack Hill, Bayer Commercial Technical Manager for Norfolk, said: “It gives good control of a wide range of weeds particularly brassica and Chenopodium species. This, alongside its residual persistance,” said Jack. “The active substance is absorbed strongly onto soil particles and has low water solubility, making it virtually immobile in soil and therefore low risk to groundwater. As the weed emerges its hypocotyl (broad-leaved weeds) or coleoptile (grasses) picks up the herbicide as it grows through the product film on the soil surface.” For best results it should be applied to a fine seedbed. “It needs to be applied uniformly to an even, friable seedbed to form a consistent film and the soil should not be worked after application as incorporation will reduce its activity,” said Jack, adding that it is elatively less a ected by soil moisture or light exposure than other residuals. “In practice, Emerger is ‘moderately persistent’, providing between two- and three-months’ activity. It has given good control in programmes with several tank-mix partners, but its best performance has been when applied in combination with Artist (flufenacet + metribuzin),” he added. Graham Tomalin of VCS Potatoes, New herbicide is providing ‘valuable control’ of weeds evaluated Emerger at the AHDB SPot Farm East demonstration site at Elveden Estate. Emerger was part of a herbicide trial that considered the weed spectrum and crop safety considerations of widely used products. “It has a few gaps in its weed spectrum but was a useful mixing partner with no crop safety concerns either on its own or in a mix with eight other active substances,” said Graham. “Those on light soils will find it is particularly useful for controlling fat-hen and small nettle.” New factory responds to business growth Charles and Edward Tong at the site of the new factory ABOVE LEFT: Bayer Commercial Technical Manager Jack Hill said the active substance is absorbed strongly onto soil particles. ABOVE RIGHT: Agronomist Graham Tomalin evaluated Emerger in trial and said it is particularly useful for controlling fat-hen and small nettle. Tong Engineering, manufacturer of potato grading and handling equipment, has started work on a new purpose-built production facility in Lincolnshire which will allow it to expand and take on additional sta . The new factory is being built as a two- phase project on a seven-acre site in the company’s hometown of Spilsby, with the £3.6 million first phase building expected for completion by spring 2020. The fourth- generation family business currently operates across two sites in Spilsby and Wainfleet. On completion of the phase one build, all production will take place in Spilsby. Managing Director Edward Tong said: “Having developed our current site in Spilsby from its early beginnings in the 1930s, we have had to be very resourceful in how we utilise and maximise our manufacturing space. Our new purpose-built manufacturing facility will provide over 20% more capacity.” A £500,000 grant from the Greater Lincolnshire Growth Fund and East Lindsey District Council has helped to fund the project and 26 new jobs will be created there. Chairman Charles Tong said that while Spilsby has been the company’s home for almost a century, as the business has expanded, it has outgrown its current premises. Its second factory opened in Wainfleet around 10 years ago, but operating at two sites, 10 miles apart, created logistical challenges. “Our UK customers are continuing to invest in advanced equipment and our exports have grown by 40% over the last five years. As we continue to grow, we need bigger, more modern premises to increase our production capacity,” he said.