The programme, run by UPL, offers successful potato growers or store owners a free fogging treatment, covering the cost of sprout suppressant Argos (orange oil) and the application by their usual contractor.

Since the loss of CIPC, the industry is still experimenting with alternative in-store sprout control products. The competition aims to provide growers and storekeepers with a cost-free opportunity to see how Argos fits into their storage programmes.

Argos is a natural product containing pure food-grade orange oil. It provides a physical mode of action on contact, drying and disrupting the soft tissues on which it is applied. Even sprouts that the naked eye cannot see are removed, says Geoff Hailstone, potato technical specialist at UPL.

“Argos is being used successfully in various stores, situations and for different end markets,” adds Geoff. “Proving itself to be a very effective and flexible product.

“Once the crop has been treated, there is no MRLs or withholding period, meaning potatoes can be moved out of the store 48 hours after treatment. Normal ventilation can resume only 24 hours after treatment, saving energy costs, minimising tuber weight loss and allowing flexibility to use ventilation to manage wet crops.”

Crop safety from the products replacing CIPC has been a continued concern for growers and storekeepers. There have been zero reported issues from growers using Argos for the past two years, adds Geoff.

To enter, growers should visit https://goodgrowingclub.co.uk/offers/enter-the-argos-sprout-control-challenge-today/