Potato Review

42 POTATO REVIEW MAY/JUNE 2022 HERBICIDES 3.0 l/ha and metabromuron at a rate of 2.0 l/ha, which would cost nearly £55/ha and proved slightly weaker on cleavers. Andy said using Defy at 4.0 l/ha plus metribuzin at 0.5 l/ha could also reduce costs, but the trial showed that overall effects on some weeds could be reduced. “It is important to know the target weed spectrum when putting together mixes of the most cost-effective actives and appropriate rates,” he said. As well as the wide spectrum of broad- leaved weeds controlled by Defy, it also offers control of grass weeds including meadow grasses and ryegrass. Using a higher rate extends the residual activity and means applications can be conveniently made soon after planting, until soil is rising over emerging potato shoots, to keep fields clean through to crop emergence. New Syngenta potato trials for the 2022 season are set to investigate the extra benefit of total weed spectrum control from “Some options with newer herbicides in the trial add up to in excess of £100 per hectare, with others as low as £20.” Pre-emergence herbicide application in potatoes. InCa™ Plus is an advanced foliar spray which uses patented CaT™ technology to increase calcium mobility, by stimulating selective ion transport channels in membranes. It improves structural strength, reduces calcium deficiency and improves resilience to stress in potatoes and root vegetables. Calcium is an essential nutrient for the structure of cell walls, providing strength and rigidity. Deficiency results in localised cell collapse, increasing susceptibility to diseases such as potato scab. InCa Plus raises the calcium concentration in cells, increasing calcium movement to maintain cell integrity. Optimal calcium mobility for stronger, higher yielding crops WITHMOBILITY COMES STRENGTH InCa™ Plus is manufactured by Plant Impact Ltd and distributed in the UK by Omya UK Ltd. For your nearest distributor, contact David McLellan on 07710 712030. r y u r s ri or, o D