Potato Review

Advertorial Furthermore, with changing climatic conditions, the frequency and severity of stress effects are becoming greater. Periods of heat and drought are generally becoming longer and more extreme, and when conditions change the effect is more sudden and intense. The ten hottest years on record in the UK, for example, have all occurred since 2000. Furthermore, as climatic conditions have changed over recent years, prolonged heat periods are becoming more frequent. For potatoes, independent research has shown the optimum root growth occurs at soil temperatures of 15 to 20⁰C, with a fall off when temperatures exceed 20⁰C. Hotter soils have also been shown to limit tuber initiation and the numbers of tubers. Has that been seen in field effects? Last year Syngenta ran the UK’s biggest ever field-scale trial of biostimulant use in potatoes with Quantis in growers’ crops. In the 32 field trials experiencing temperatures of greater than 25ºC for more than four hours over the duration of the application programme, yields from the treatment programme were an average 2.2 t/ha greater. The 14 sites that experienced a heat event in excess of 30ºC recorded an average 1.9 t/ha yield increase. It has also been notable that over the years of Quantis trials, the greatest responses in yield and tuber size were repeatedly in seasons and situations with highest temperatures. What effect does heat stress have in potatoes? Plant physiological studies indicate that when plants come under stress, cells respond at a molecular level to try and mitigate the effects. Whenever cell function adapts, it requires energy that may otherwise be utilised for growth and carbohydrate storage – in potato roots and tubers, for example. The result can be a yield reduction in both the number and size of tubers, along with the consistency of quality. That’s where the heat stress relief of Quantis is targeted to minimise the damage. How does Quantis relieve abiotic stress? The major component of Quantis is organic carbon, which includes sugars and organic acids with anti-oxidant properties. These anti-oxidant effects are crucial to minimise the toxicity caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS - known as free radicals) in cells in plants under abiotic stress. A strength of Quantis lies in its relatively high proportion of short chain carbon molecules, which are particularly effective at helping the plant prevent the creation of ROS during periods of stress. Organic carbons and amino acids in Quantis will also supply energy and protein building blocks. These are both necessary for active photosynthesis and more efficient nutrient uptake that may be reduced under stressed conditions. The multi-function approach to stress relief in potato plants gives the potential for higher yield and better tuber size under heat conditions. What is the osmoprotectant function of Quantis? As soon as cells are deprived of water, they become less efficient. The osmoprotectant function of Quantis can strengthen the plasma membrane around the cell to better maintain turgor pressure that holds water in the cell, which enables it to continue to function. How do you use Quantis in this season’s potato agronomy? Extensive trials with Quantis have shown best results from three applications at a rate of 2.0 l/ ha, at the onset of tuber bulking; a second two weeks later and third at canopy closure. Highest yield responses from Quantis have been associated with periods of heat stress in potatoes – where there have been days of high temperature and/or periods of hot weather. Application research has shown it to be physically compatible with blight fungicides in trials and using the same application techniques. For further information on Quantis visit: www.syngenta.co.uk/quantis Syngenta UK Ltd. Registered in England No. 849037. CPC4, Capital Park, Fulbourn, Cambridge CB21 5XE Tel: 01223 883400 Fax: 01223 882195 Technical Enquiries Tel: 0800 169 6058 Email: customer.services@syngenta.com QUANTIS™ is a Registered Trademark of Syngenta Group Company. Always read the label and product information before use. For further product information, including warning phrases and symbols, refer to www.syngenta.co.uk Why is heat stress more of an issue? Plants are constantly adapting to stress from environmental conditions. However, when stress is extreme, or prolonged, plant stress tolerance mechanisms may no longer be able to cope naturally and suffer potentially significant damage. Quantis is the exciting new biostimulant from Syngenta for field-scale crop production. With the benefit of in-depth R&D applied by Syngenta scientists and researchers, there is a better understanding of how biostimulants work and the benefits they can deliver in the field. Head of Technical for Syngenta UK, Ireland & Nordics, Dave King, answers questions on the science behind Quantis as an essential new tool for growers and agronomists to manage abiotic heat stress this season in potatoes.