Volunteer potatoes threaten sugar beet yields

UK - May 28, 2008

Volunteer potatoes, if left uncontrolled, threaten sugar beet yields, warns Dow AgroSciences.

“The yield robbing effect of volunteer potatoes in sugar beet can be substantial,” warns Rene Pollak, Dow AgroSciences’ broad leaved crop specialist.  “Just one potato in a square metre is sufficient to justify treatment at current sugar beet prices. What’s more the benefits of control will also be gained in following crops.

“Use a three spray programme of 0.35 l/ha Dow Shield (clopyralid) once the crop has a couple of leaves, followed by two further applications at the same rate at two weekly intervals,” advises Mr. Pollak.