Gran Bretaña: Lifting of maleic hydrazide label restrictions positive for potato sprout suppression

Mark Taylor of the Fresh Potatoes Suppliers Association (FPSA) says: “Since the announcement of the non-renewal of chlorpropham (CIPC), having a restriction on the use of maleic hydrazide-treated crops had an even greater impact for growers and packers.

“By working together, we have achieved an extremely positive outcome, for which many will breathe a sigh of relief.”

Stewardship group member and head of crop storage research at AHDB, Adrian Cunnington says: “MH is an important active for volunteer control and, particularly in the current environment, for sprout control as part of an integrated programme.

“We are pleased that the industry has been able to work with CRD, via stewardship, to reach this important and sensible decision.”

In a review of ‘Maleic hydrazide as a potato sprout suppressant’ written by Mr Cunnington, he says timing of application is important. “Applying too early reduces yield; too late reduces the efficacy of uptake and sprout control is compromised. Late July or early August application (around five weeks before defoliation) is favoured for best results.”

Mr Cunnington says reductions in the permitted treatment rates for CIPC have driven an increase in MH use in recent years. In 2016, 15 per cent - 8,000 hectares of the potato crop was treated with MH.