Sprout control woes: Will DMN be available for use in the UK this season?

DMN (1,4-dimethylnapthalene) is a potato sprout suppressant currently going through the registration approval process in the UK.

AHDB Potatoes announced the following on its website late this week:

• DormFresh, the approval holders for DMN, are seeking clearance for the product, but have advised that the process for the full UK approval they require will extend into the next storage season.
• Following consultation with key industry stakeholders and DormFresh, AHDB is supportive of an emergency approval application to seek clearance for use of the product in the interim, and is taking action to submit the necessary documents to Chemicals Regulation Division.

AHDB Potatoes says it is hoped this may expedite the availability of DMN to industry but, at this stage, there are no guarantees the application will be successful or what the terms and timeframe may be.

For further information on AHDB’s position, get in touch with Rob Clayton, AHDB Potatoes Strategy Director, on [email protected]