Potatoes reproduce both vegetatively and by true seed. The latter, though viable at an early stage of berry development, are generally a less extensive source of weed potato infestation. The greatest increase in volunteer problems arises as a consequence of vegetative reproduction. Varieties such as Cara and Maris Piper are renowned for their capacity to produce large numbers of small tubers.

Chemical and husbandry control measures are avaialable and it is an integration of these tools that will provide the most effective method of gaining control of this challenging weed.

Starane 2 is a widely used and well established systemic herbicide, extensively used for broad-leaved weed control, especially of cleavers. The application timing for cleaver control often coincides with that appropriate for volunteer potato control - GS39. Thus a cost effective strategy for the control of both weeds is adopted by cereal producers, where the two crops overlap in rotation. Starane 2 applied at a rate of 2.0 L/ha in wheat or barley, severely scorches and distorts potato foliage and tranlocates to daughter tubers. In the process it affects the plants capacity to produce viable tubers in the year following application.

Ally, a well established and cost effective ALS-inhibiting broad-leaved weed herbicide, gives suppression of potato haulm when used alone in cereals or linseed. Superior levels of control have been shown to be achieved where Ally is tank mixed with Starane 2 in cereals. There is no specific approval for the use of Ally for volunteer potato control.