Certis pledges lower residues on stored potatoes

Lower chemical residues on stored potatoes to help growers meet the aspirations of retailers is the new pledge from Certis, the company that recently acquired the Luxan Gro-Stop chlorpropham (CIPC) product portfolio.

A determination to drive down residues even further below the proposed ten parts per million threshold dominated discussions at today's (Jan 16) Potato Storage Conference near Grantham, organised by the British Potato Council and sponsored by Luxan Certis.

"We've heard today how retailers are calling for growers and store managers to reduce further or even eliminate residues," noted Certis' Malcolm Nursey. "Zero CIPC residue is an unrealistic aim, especially in a season like this one in which stored potatoes have been particularly susceptible to sprouting. But we can and should reduce residues."

Trials with Gro-Stop have shown typical residues of just 0.5-1.8 ppm, with excellent quality maintained under the Luxan low dose programme, pointed out Mr Nursey. The company has recently launched the STAR (Storage Treatment and Residues) Initiative to help growers and store managers keep on top of sprouting problems without increasing residue levels. "STAR Initiative members receive tips and updates on product and regulation developments." A new six-page guide, launched at PS2007, has also been produced to help growers get the best from the company's low dose, low residue programme.

The emphasis on low residues is set to continue following the acquisition of Luxan products by Certis just before Christmas last year, added Mr Nursey. "Certis is absolutely committed to minimising residues and developing innovative products that can give growers the confidence they need to supply the market with quality potatoes."

But as stores are unloaded, growers may need to tailor CIPC applications to contractual obligations, Mr Nursey advised. "The spotlight on residues means it's more important than ever to observe minimum withdrawal periods following a CIPC application. This is 21-28 days for most CIPC products, or just two days with Gro-Stop 100."

Introduced to the UK two years ago, Gro-Stop 100's two-day withdrawal period gives growers the advantage of sprouting protection right up to the point at which they need to fulfil a contractual requirement, and the ability to meet short notice market opportunities.

For information or to join the STAR initiative, e-mail enquiry@luxan.co.uk or visit the Luxan website (www.luxan.co.uk).