Sprout suppressant receives authorisation

1,4SIGHT (1,4-Dimethylnapthalene or DMN), a sprout suppressant for stored potatoes, is now approved for use in GB, DormFresh has announced.

DMN was first discovered as a natural volatile given off by potatoes, it is suitable for both the fresh and the processing sector, in all storage types and conditions.

DormFresh Technical Manager Ajay Jina says: “Its approval without restrictions means that growers will have an important new option in their toolbox for sprout control over a full storage season. This is an important step forward for the GB potato sector.”

Applied as a hot fog, 1,4SIGHT does not just burn off the sprouts, it will stop their formation and put the tubers into a dormant state he explains.

“This results in less weight loss during storage, and potatoes come out of store looking almost the same as when they went in.”

First identified by Dr Harry Duncan who discovered its stand-alone properties, 1,4SIGHT® has been in commercial use since 1996. It is currently approved in 23 European countries, the United States, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and Brazil.

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