New orange oil product: First fogging in UK

THE very first application of a a recently-approved orange oil sprout inhibitor for stored potatoes was applied recently to an ambient bulk store of more than 2,000 tonnes of Arsenal potatoes grown for a crisping potato processor by grower Robin Griffiths.

Registration of ARGOS (MAPP number 19799) was granted by CRD in early October for post-harvest use on potatoes in GB and NI. 

The potatoes were grown without the use of maleic hydrazide because of the relative short storage required but break of dormancy meant that action was needed.  The store was at 12 degrees C for the operation, which was carried out by Superfog, one of the UK’s largest fogging contractors, and the product applied was UPL's ARGOS. 

Robin said the results had been excellent, while Director of Superfog (2020) Ltd, Andrew Wagstaffe, was very satisfied with the performance of the orange oil. “Initial impressions of using ARGOS are very positive. ARGOS runs through the machine well and produces a good dry fog. Early results are extremely pleasing,” he said.

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