POTATO growers have been urged to "get ready for 2017".

New measures will come into force reducing the amount of a key sprout suppressant that can be used in their potato stores.

From 2017, the amount of CIPC (chlorpropham) that can be used will be reduced to a total of no more than 36 grams/tonne – down from the current 50 grams/tonne.

Speaking at BP2015 in Harrogate last week, Dr Mike Storey, chairman of the Potato Industry CIPC Stewardship Group, urged producers to get ready now.

He highlighted a two pronged approach to deal with the expected reduction in maximum dose rate for CIPC products used in the UK.

"Maximum dose rates for CIPC have been decreasing under the 'Be CIPC Compliant' campaign since 2012 from the maximum level that was originally 63.5g/tonne,” Dr Storey said.

For the 2015-16 season, new statutory limits on total dose rates, approved by Chemicals Regulation Directorate are 30g/tonne for the fresh market and 50g/tonne for processing, including fish and chip shops and peeling.

Dr Storey said: "The maximum total dose rate will continue to reduce over the next two seasons from 50g/tonne to the EU level of 36g/tonne. It is likely that statutory label requirements will further limit the dose used on crops stored for the fresh market."

Where storage will ultimately be at 5C or below, only one application should be made before the crop temperature is reduced below 7C.

Research carried out at AHDB Sutton Bridge Crop Storage Research (SBCSR) in collaboration with the industry has clearly demonstrated the benefit of ventilation management during application of CIPC, particularly in bulk stores.

Adrian Briddon, SBCSR technologist, said: "Box stores are more challenging. Active recirculation achieved by use of supplementary fans results in more uniform application of CIPC and minimises the risk of an MRL exceedance.

"This approach is already best practice and is likely to be a condition of use of CIPC products from 2017 onwards. The approach will also enable store managers to more effectively cope with the reduced CIPC doses that will be available."

Mr Briddon said growers who still have to adopt active recirculation need to act now. For more information contact Adrian Briddon on 01406 359412 and see beCIPCcompliant.co.uk.