Review and development of the CIPC application process and its impact on potatoes stored for processing

Further work has now been carried out to investigate additional options for reducing the impact of fogging on processing quality. This has included the use of alternative fuel sources, such as methanol and LPG, and the modification of existing fogging equipment to include a catalytic conversion system. In experimental scale treatments, a fogger fitted with a CAT system resulted in lower ethylene levels and improved processing quality compared to  a standard fogger. 

The potential for using an ethylene blocker, which limits plant responses to ethylene, to reduce the deleterious effects on fry colour was also tested. The results suggested that regular re-treatment may be required, making the approach unlikely to be cost effective.

Options for CIPC application using controlled release technology were also evaluated. This involves the use of CIPC vapour as a sprout suppressant. Work carried out during the first two years of the project indicated that CIPC vapour can inhibit sprout growth under the right conditions. Subsequent work investigated different materials, to identify those that had good CIPC loading and release properties and might be used to provide a source of CIPC vapour in stores. The results from the work have been developed further in project R288.

The final report on work carried out during the project is provided below. There is also a report on two trials using a thermal fogger fitted with a CAT-kit modification.