R463 CIPC Use in Low Temperature Pre-pack Stores

Industry Challenge

CIPC is the main sprout suppressant used in GB. Due to exceedances in the Maximum Residue Level (MRL) the chemical was referred to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides, and a cross-industry stewardship group set up, tasked with improving standards of usage. Low temperature overhead throw box stores have been identified as being at particular risk of exceeding the MRL. This is thought to be due to sprout suppression by CIPC being limited by a low saturation vapour pressure at 3-4°C, rather than availability of the chemical in-store. This suggests that dose rates lower than those employed currently will result in sprout control and much reduced risk of exceeding the MRL.

Collaboration

Sutton Bridge Crop Storage Research (SBCSR), University of Glasgow

Approach

Objectives:

a) Carry out standard and reduced rate applications of CIPC to separate sample boxes of fresh market potatoes during pull-down to holding temperature.

b) At critical stages, analyse air samples for CIPC vapour and tubers for CIPC residue concentration.

c) Assess sprout control efficacy at store unloading.