CHEMICAL AIDS TO VEGETABLE STORAGE

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29819, 11 May 1962, Page 6

CHEMICAL AIDS TO VEGETABLE STORAGE

Most vegetables store quite well for the first half of winter. But as soon as the weather becomes warm again there is always a tendency for them to start into growth, thus reducing the usable crop* still remaining. Modern scientists have been greatly interested in the way in which plants work, and one of the by-products of this investigation has been an interest in chemicals which can control growth. Some chemicals stimulate growth, whilst others depress them. We use this knowledge every day of the week in hormone sprays, rooting hormones and so on. One of the lesser appreciated aspects of this work is in vegetable storage, using chemicals which have the power of depressing growth. There are quite a number of them. One of the earliest introduction was maleic hydrazide. Although it was originally hoped that this chemical would aid in reducing the trimming of lawns and hedges, it was gradually abandoned for this work. But maleic hydrazide is still used to inhibit sprout production in onions, and one of the largest growers in Canterbury regularly treats his crop with this chemical. Potatoes are treated with

two alternative chemicals to reduce the liability of iproutmg. One is the methyl ester of the chemical NAA, closely allied to the root-inducing chemicals. Applied to ahoots, however, which is what dormant potato eyes are. it has the opposite effect and inhibits growth. Depending on the strength used it can prevent growth for periods up to eight months. The other chemical used is TCNB, which is beneficial in reducing the disease Dry rot as well.

The chemicals may be applied as sprays, dusts, or impregnated on to paper. But however it is applied, and whether at storage at this time of year, or later In the season, when sprouts sre commencing to appesr. the manufacturer’s directions should be strictly adhered to. The strength of chemical used, and the quantity of vegetable it is to be applied to should be exactly followed. or damage may result. If you intend to use your own potatoes for seed next season they may be treated as long as they are exposed to the open air for six to eight weeks before planting. This gives the chemicals opportunity to volatilise, and sprout development afterwards will be quite normal.