In storage areas, storage specialists from CZAV already come across many potato batches that need additional sprouting inhibition.
The potatoes are sprouting this year,” says Ruud Janssens of CZAV. According to the crop advisor, this has everything to do with the difficult growing season. ‘Stress in the growth phase, for example due to heat, drought or flooding, makes the potatoes in storage restless.’
Janssens discussed the current affairs concerning potato storage during a technical webinar of CZAV this week. With regard to the points for attention for an optimal storage process, he pointed out to 260 viewers the added value of a potato crop that grows evenly. ‘A good supply of moisture and drainage and the occasional use of plant enhancers can certainly be of added value.’
Cost price reduction
According to Janssens, spraying with MH (active maleic hydrazide) forms the basis for the germination inhibition of ware potatoes. ‘It provides flexibility in storage and reduces the cost price, because custodians do not have to start gasing the more expensive sprout inhibitors until later.’
One of the audience wants to know from Janssens how reliable an application with MH is. The questioner has a bad experience this year. After spraying MH over the crop, he had to gas in November because the first germs were visible on the potatoes. ‘It looks like MH hasn’t done anything. So why should this be a standard treatment for potatoes that you want to keep for a long time? ‘, The potato grower wonders.
Correct application time
Janssens explains that CZAV has many years of experience with MH in potatoes and that those experiences are generally positive. He acknowledges that in the 2020 growing season determining the right time to apply MH was very difficult. ‘Spraying on time has a lot of influence on the effect. But also this year we see that MH contributes to the germination inhibition, which means that spraying pays for itself quickly.
