Potato Review

NEWS Ethylene: Why to switch NATURAL sprouting inhibition based on ethylene is rapidly gaining ground in the potato chain, according to Fernando Rubio Lòpez, ethylene expert and Technical Manager at Restrain. Many growers and large processors like McCain Foods UK have already switched over. Last year, more than 1,000 potato growers and processors switched to Restrain’s ethylene sprout inhibition. The method is currently applied in 40 countries on a total of more than two million tonnes of potatoes worldwide. Now that CIPC sprout inhibitor is no longer permitted, many countries and parties in the potato chain have already stopped using CIPC for the 2020 harvest. “We notice that users who turned to alternatives such as mint oil, orange oil and DMN are now also exploring the possibilities of sprout inhibition with ethylene. This is because ethylene is a lot cheaper than the alternatives. In addition, the method is odourless,” said Fernando. Despite these advantages, making the switch can feel like a big step, he said, but it is actually very simple. For example, Restrain works with a generator that converts liquid ethanol into ethylene gas. The software- controlled generator continuously distributes a low concentration of ethylene evenly throughout the potato storage, a sensor measures the ethylene concentration in the storage and a smart generator automatically adjusts the gas production to the measured values. It leaves no residue. • Fernando gives more insights and advice in a special feature on the Potato Review website - www.potatoreview.com/features GRIMME is the on-farm specialist and HAITH provides innovative solutions for processors and packers. As farm scale and specialisation increases, growers require the unique, end to end solutions that GRIMME and HAITH can deliver. Together, GRIMME and Haith produce the most comprehensive range of specialist root crop and vegetable harvesting / handling equipment in the market today. FROM PLANTING TO HARVEST GRIMME leads the world in the huge range of innovative solutions it offers for seed bed preparation, planting, weed control, harvesting and on-farm handling. These are not just for potatoes but all kinds of other root and specialist vegetable crops too. HANDLING INNOV