Potatoes

Get the best Potato desiccation results with REGLONE
potato crop at dessication

REGLONE® provides fast and effective desiccation of potatoes, making harvest easier and helping growers to control tuber size. REGLONE® also aids tuber skin set and helps to maintain crop quality during storage. It can also contribute to a reduction in late season transmission of diseases to the soil. 

Getting the best results from REGLONE® desiccant is dependent on several factors, according to Syngenta NZ Technical Services Lead Paul Hassan, these include: 

Timing: REGLONE® should be applied about 14 days before the proposed harvest date, as a single or split application. Delay application if leaves are heavily laden with dew, as this can cause the chemical to run off, leading to poor leaf desiccation. 

Applications: If the crop is very dense or harder to desiccate a split application can be more effective than a single application, with the first spray opening up the crop, allowing improved coverage of stems with the second spray. 

Environmental conditions: REGLONE® works faster when applied in sunny conditions, but the end result can be better when applied during cloudy conditions or later in the evening, although desiccation may be slower. 

Moisture stress: Delay REGLONE® application if the crop is under stress due to lack of moisture, as this increases the risk of tuber damage (vascular browning). In dry areas, dust stirred up by high winds or equipment can coat the leaf surface and reduce the activity of REGLONE®. 

Nozzle selection: For improved penetration into the canopy, angled spray nozzles are better than vertical flat fan nozzles. Syngenta DEFY 3D nozzles is designed to improve coverage in crops with complex canopies such as potatoes and brassicas. 

Water volume: Optimum water rates will depend on crop density, nozzle selection and operating speed. If using vertical flat fan nozzles, water rates of at least 500 L/ha may be required with speeds of 6 to 10 km/hr. If angled spray nozzles are used (such as DEFY 3D nozzles), water rates can be reduced to 350-400 L/ha with operating speeds of up to 12 km/hr. 

Spray adjuvant: The addition of an adjuvant is NOT recommended with REGLONE® on potatoes during haulm destruction due to the increased risk of vascular browning in tubers, particularly if the crop is under stress from low soil moisture.

Rainfastness: REGLONE® is fast acting and rain occurring 30 minutes or more after application will not negatively affect its efficacy. 

Spray drift management: Operate nozzles at a pressure to produce medium to coarse spray droplets. Do not spray if conditions are completely still or too windy and keep the boom height down to half a metre above the crop. Air induction (AI) nozzles can be used as a reduced drift option in marginal conditions, but angled nozzles with medium to course droplets are generally best for desiccation. 

Download the REGLONE® Potato Technote for more information or contact your local Syngenta Territory Sales Manager.