Potato Review

16 POTATO REVIEW NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022 ADVERTORIAL A RGOS is developed for potatoes in store and designed to be applied as sprouts are seen on potatoes, inhibiting their growth whilst leaving no residue, smell or taste on the produce. e product from leading agrichemicals company, UPL, is very cost e ective and is ideal for the upcoming winter season. ARGOS is made from d-limonene which is a natural substance obtained by physical extraction of the oil from whole oranges. e orange oil is applied as a hot fogging concentrate. Upon contact with the potato, the oil disrupts the growing point of newly emerging sprouts, burning them o and preventing germ growth. It gained registration in 2020 in the Netherlands, Belgium and France following commercial trials since 2015. During the extensive trials, it was found to be very e ective at burning back sprouts and weeks could be left between applications. e banning of CIPC meant the industry had to rethink storage strategy and many initial alternatives to the chemical required long withholding periods or impacted quality. With extended research and development on a global scale, ARGOS is much more versatile. It can be applied up to nine times a season and be used right up to just 48 hours before leaving storage, giving good shelf life to a fresh product. It can also be used in boxed or bulk situations, in all varieties for chipping, crisping and fresh markets, and is exible for use in a programme with other sprout suppressants such as following eld applied maleic hydrazide. ARGOS is applied at a rate of 100ml per tonne of potatoes and a 21-day minimum interval must be observed between applications. e frequency of multiple applications is dependent on the susceptibility to sprouting. For best results carry out regular inspections to spot the break of dormancy. Although much larger sprouts have been successfully controlled, the best control and shortest intervals come from timing the fog to when 20% of tubers have the ‘white points’ of new sprouts visible. It is a ready to use product and is applied in the UK as a hot fog by specialist contractors using suitable, temperature-controlled fogging equipment. It is important tomaintain a gentle and uniform ow of air during treatment for improved e cacy and to avoid condensation and this should be maintained for 24 to 48 hours after application. Only stores dedicated for potato storage can be used and treatment using ARGOS can begin with the rst symptoms of germination on dry potatoes. More than two years on from the banning of chlorpropham (CIPC) in potato production in the UK, a natural alternative developed from the oil in orange peel has soared in popularity. Natural orange oil alternative to CIPC for winter season For more information visit the website www.UPL-ltd.com