Ruas resist Reglone

Press, 17 January 1986, Page 10

Ruas resist Reglone

The recommendation for the chemical desiccant Reglone for use on droughtstressed seed crops of the potato variety, Rua, has been withdrawn.

“The desiccant had variable results on last year’s Rua haulms apparently ‘hardened’ by the hot, dry Canterbury conditions,” said the 1.C.1. Rural Division South Island sales manager, Mr Neville Youngman. The only chemical registered in New Zealand to destroy potato haulms, Reglone is widely used by seed growers to stop growth and so retain the small tuber size required for seed potatoes. Mr Youngman stressed that the decision did not change Reglone’s recommendations for other potato

varieties or crops. Nor had it been taken as an easy way out of 1.C.1.’s obligations to Rua seed growers. “Already this season we have fully briefed retailers on the situation, and over the next few weeks our sales team will be making every effort to visit all growers.” While Mr Youngman said the recent rains could help avoid • the problem this season, 1.C.1. was determinedto find an early solution. “Once the extent of the problem was realised last February, our research team conducted several local trials without obtaining any conclusive data. “We have had discussions with our own United Kingdom researchers who devel-

oped Reglone, those involvedin the breeding of the Rua variety and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, to find a quick solution.

“With no-one yet able to come up with a satisfactory answer, 1.C.1. New Zealand will be intensifying its own research efforts this year.” • Mr Youngman said that this research would evaluate such things as spray application variables, as well as the use of different methods of application such as air-blast spraying techniques.

“If a grower is concerned about the suitability of his crop for treatment, he should contact his local 1.C.1. representative or our office in Christchurch,” he said.