Three products that enhance the natural dormancy of stored potatoes are now
registered for use in Canada.
Following years of research and use by growers and shippers, these 1,4-DMN based products have proven to be successful in controlling sprouts while maintaining the “field freshness” of potatoes.
Two of the products, 1,4SIGHT® and 1,4SEED® are in-store treatments while the third, 1,4SHIP®, is applied in a shipping container.
What is 1,4-DMN?1,4-DMN is a naturally occurring plant substance found in potatoes that is associated with the dormancy of potatoes.
As early as 1952, scientists in the UK observed that stored potatoes contain “volatile chemicals” capable of suppressing sprout growth. since then, several naturally occurring volatile chemicals have been identified as evolving from stored potatoes and evaluated for their ability to suppress sprouting.
One substance, 1,4-DMN, was identified as one of the most potent sprout suppressants. When 1,4-DMN is present in sufficient concentrations, the potato will remain in a non-sprouted dormant state.
Relief from Sprouting and Pressure Bruise1,4SIGHT® offers a new option for relief of common storage problems. applied in storage it has been highly effective in controlling peeps and sprouts on over 500 million cwt of potatoes in North America since 1997.
In numerous studies in the US and Europe, it has proven to be effective in controlling sprouts while maintaining the “field fresh” quality of stored potatoes. Potatoes treated with 1,4SIGHT® maintain their crispness while resisting pressure bruise. In several quantitative studies, shrink was 1-5 percentage points lower. Resistance to pressure bruise results in lower defect scores. Used alone or in a reduced rate CIPC-based application program, 1,4SIGHT® represents a step up in quality control.
1,4-DMN for Seed Potatoes1,4SEED® is a revolutionary new tool for seed management. It restores and extends the natural dormancy of the potato while maintaining the seed’s vigor.
The sprout suppression is temporary in nature and fully reversible. It dissipates out of the potato over a period of time, depending on the storage temperature, ventilation, rate and time applied. 1,4SEED® can be applied immediately after harvest, during the storage season, or up to 30 days prior to planting.
Ship with Confidence1,4SHIP® is an aerosol dormancy enhancer that treats fresh potatoes right in the shipping container. Its specially formulated fog permeates bags and boxes, giving them one final application on the way to market that controls peeps and maintains their fresh appearance.
Nothing is more frustrating than dealing with a rejected load of fresh potatoes that left the dock in great shape. Whether sent in a semi-truck, railcar, or shipping container, fresh pack shippers are dependent upon transport companies to get their potatoes to market before they start to sprout. Delays, such as breakdowns, weather, or lost railcars almost inevitably result in partial or total load rejections or discounts. This simple, cost effective product, 1,4SHIP®, is helping shippers “vaporize” costly load rejections.
Source: 1,4 Group Canada News