Speaking at BP2015 in Harrogate Dr Storey, Chair of the Potato Industry CIPC Stewardship Group urged the industry to ‘get ready for 2017’. He highlighted a two pronged approach to deal with the expected reduction in maximum dose rate for CIPC products used in the UK.
“Maximum dose rates for CIPC have been decreasing under the ‘Be CIPC Compliant’ campaign (www.beCIPCcompliant.co.uk) since 2012 from the maximum level that was originally 63.5g/tonne,” stated Dr Storey. For the 2015-16 season, new statutory limits on total dose rates, approved by Chemicals Regulation Directorate (CRD) are 30g/tonne for the fresh market and 50g/tonne for processing (including fish and chip shops, and peeling).
“The maximum total dose rate will continue to reduce over the next two seasons from 50g/tonne to the EU level of 36g/tonne. It is likely that statutory label requirements further limit the dose used on crops stored for the fresh market,” said Dr Storey.
Best practice, in-line with Red Tractor Farm Assurance and the NAAC applicator group, permits just one application in cold stores (<5°C), early in storage, before temperature is decreased below 7°C.
Research carried out at AHDB Sutton Bridge Crop Storage Research (SBCSR) in collaboration with the industry has clearly demonstrated the benefit of ventilation management during application of CIPC, particularly in bulk stores.
“Box stores are more challenging,” said Adrian Briddon, Technologist at SBCSR. “Active recirculation achieved by use of supplementary fans results in more uniform application of CIPC and minimises the risk of an MRL exceedance. “This approach is already best practice and is likely to be a condition of use of CIPC products from 2017 onwards. The approach will also enable store managers to more effectively cope with the reduced CIPC doses that will be available.”
Growers yet to adopt active recirculation need to act now. For more information on CIPC management contact Adrian Briddon on 01406 359412 and see www.beCIPCcompliant.co.uk
