UK: Diquat ban could strike ‘huge blow’ to potato industry

The European Commission has proposed to withdraw the use of herbicide active ingredient diquat, the loss of which could have serious consequences for potato producers. Contained in products such as Reglone, it is a vital tool for preharvest desiccation of haulm in potato crops, helping to manipulate tuber size to meet market specifications, reduce disease transmission on to tubers and aid harvesting. Since a ban on sulphuric acid, diquat has been the go-to desiccant for potato growers, with limited alternative products available, which are less effective and crop safe. While industry focus has been on the re-registration of fellow broad-spectrum herbicide glyphosate in recent weeks, the threat to diquat has “slipped under the radar” according to Peter Blaylock, agronomist at potato packer and producer E Park & Sons. He explained its loss would be a “huge blow”. More