Potato Review

www.potatoreview.com POTATO REVIEW MAY/JUNE 2022 43 HERBICIDES increasing Defy rates to 5.0 l/ha, at marginal extra cost in a high-pressure situation, as well as mixes with new and existing herbicides. “Some options with newer herbicides in the trial add up to in excess of £100 per hectare, with others as low as £20. It’s vital to tease out what each component is contributing, to enable better informed decisions in the future,” he added. Weed multiplication One shepherd’s purse plant, for example, can produce over 3000 seeds, and is capable of cycling three generations in a season if left uncontrolled. The seeds are long-lived and will emerge quickly when brought to the surface by potato seedbed cultivations. “Growers should also be aware that shepherd’s purse is a host for white blister, which can be spread to brassica crops if they are grown in the rotation,” said Andy. Although seen as relatively easy to control, the burden and the costs of control are rising. Adrian Howell. Andy Cunningham advocates a clean potato seedbed for emergence. In independent trials, InCa Plus reduced the effect of stress on the crop, limiting the abortion of tubers and resulting in greater marketable yield. The increase in tuber calcium creates a better skin finish and improves storability, leading to better quality produce after storage. InCa Plus is compatible with most crop inputs although jar tests are recommended to confirm compatibility. Regular application at low rates increases calcium mobility, crop quality and shelf life. To find out more about the science behind InCa™ Plus, visit www.croptechnologies.co.uk 40 36 32 28 24 20 Number of tubers Time Maximum number of tubers formed Without InCa Plus With InCa Plus End of initiation 45 days after Emergence Early initiation InCa Plus reduces the effect of stress and limits the abortion of tubers = more marketable yield InC