On January 1, 2020, the Chlorprofam Ban Act (CIPC) entered into force in the EU.
Recall that the EU banned the use of this substance and, inter alia, as an anti-sprouting potato, after the publication of the report of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
The date of the last possible use of chlorprofam in the EU will be October 8, 2020, so the drug will not be used for processing potatoes when laying for storage in the 2020/21 season.
Now, storage owners are forced to solve two problems at once: the first is related to the need to clean the warehouses from CIPC residues, since chlorprofam tends to accumulate on surfaces, the second - with the search for an alternative to a prohibited inhibitor. Among the most effective, safe and cost-effective replacement options, European experts call ethylene.
We will tell you about the features of storage using this gas in more detail.
To begin with, the technology of storing potatoes and onions in a gaseous environment using a natural ethylene growth inhibitor was developed more than 20 years ago in the UK.
Currently, Restrain technology has been successfully used in more than 40 countries. Its implementation allows farmers to increase the shelf life of table, seed, chips and potatoes for processing on fries, as well as onions, while maintaining high quality and complete environmental safety of products.
Simplicity and reliability
Restrain technology is based on the ability of natural gas ethylene to suppress cells responsible for growth.
The creation of an ethylene atmosphere in the storage is provided by the Restrain generator: it is very compact (dimensions: 46cm * 40 cm * 52 cm; weight: 16 kg) and an easy-to-use system.
After the start of the generator, the gas is evenly distributed in the storage for 30 minutes.
The equipment is easy to install and connect (only an outlet is needed to start), the technology does not require additional reconstruction and modification of storage facilities. The Restrain generator is configured to maintain the required low level of ethylene concentration in the room throughout the entire storage period.
A certain low level of gas concentration (measured and regulated by the Restrain sensor-sensor) is then maintained during the entire storage period.
Volatile gas is distributed throughout the entire volume of the product, regardless of how the crop is stored: in bulk, in containers or bags.
Efficiency of application
Restrain technology is used when storing table potatoes: thanks to the effect of ethylene, the tubers remain in perfect condition (they retain turgor and do not germinate) until the new crop.
The use of this technology when storing seed potatoes is very effective: treatment with ethylene at a certain temperature conditions leads to an increase in the number of sprouts on tubers, which subsequently leads to an increase in the number of stems and an increase in the number of tubers, and also affects the uniformity of the crop.
Ethylene has been used successfully in the storage of potato chips and potatoes for the production of fries. Products stored in a gas environment have the same qualities as those that underwent chlorprofam treatment (which is confirmed by the results of domestic and foreign Research) At the same time, storage with ethylene is cheaper; moreover, gas does not accumulate in tubers and on surfaces in the storage.
Restrain technology also helps to significantly reduce storage losses of onions. The constantly maintained gaseous medium prevents diseases from developing; the bulbs are protected from germination. In addition, the product itself, which has been treated with ethylene, does not contain any toxic compounds and, therefore, is absolutely safe for consumption (which is very important, given that onions are often used in raw form).
Experience in use in Russia
Alexander Legezin, chief agronomist of Zarya-2000 LLC, Belgorod Region
- Our farm has been using Restrain technology for storage of seed and table potatoes for several years. The results are encouraging, although the starting conditions for us are not always simple.
For seed potatoes, the effect of ethylene exposure is also extremely positive: our experts note that tubers after storage by technology produce more shoots, from which more stems subsequently form.
And what's important: getting started is very simple. To start the generator producing ethylene, you only need a socket.
Alexander Firsov, Head of Plant Production Department, Dmitrov Vegetables Group, Moscow Region
- Our company has been using Restrain technology for storing table potatoes for over 5 years. Initially, we installed this equipment in a test mode. During the year we saw that the apparatus really works, the growth processes in the tubers stop, until the moment of sale the potatoes retain the proper quality.
We ship the last lots of potatoes at the end of June, and they correspond to all the wishes of the customer.
In our country, Restrain technology has been known for more than six years, the company is the official supplier of equipment and technology for its use LLC PEYA Agro.
127411, Moscow, Dmitrov highway, 157, bld. 11, of. 11102
Phone: +7 (495) 980 09 74;
+7 920 591 18 35
Email: d.ravich@peja.ru
Daniel Ravich
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