The approval of 1,4SIGHT (1,4-Dimethylnapthalene or DMN) means that growers will now have an option for sprout control throughout an entire storage season.
DMN was first discovered as a natural volatile given off by potatoes; it is suitable for both the fresh and processing sector, and for all storage types and conditions.
When applied as a hot fog, 1,4SIGHT will not just burn off the sprouts but it will put their tubers into a dormant state and prevent their formation.
“This results in less weight loss during storage, and potatoes come out of store looking almost the same as when they went in,” explains DormFresh technical manager Ajay Jina.
1,4SIGHT has been in commercial use since 1996, and was first identified by Dr Harry Duncan. It is currently approved in 23 European countries, the US, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and Brazil.
“We also have a lot of experience with the product in commercial stores as it was approved for use in the Netherlands in 2015,” Mr Jina said.
“Feedback from our users shows they have found 1,4SIGHT to have excellent efficacy as well as leaving tubers with a good skin bloom and skin finish, and they have also reported a reduction in compression damage and bruising.”
