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Return on rhizoctonia control confirmed
After resounding results on heavily infected fields, the rhizoctonia agent Allstar now also appears to score well in moderate infestations. The seed potato grower benefits from more kilos, less sorting work and more peace of mind.
"We already knew this from our own tests, but now we have also analyzed the results of tests by third parties and they also look good." Rolf Scholtens is a technical product specialist at BASF and has been conducting trials with the rhizoctonia agent Allstar for more than 10 years. He explains: "Over the past 5 years, we have also had Allstar tested by the SPNA and Vertify, the former Zwaagdijk testing ground. Those tests were on moderately contaminated soil. And what turns out? Allstar produces on average almost 2,5 tons more potatoes than the market reference." Scholtens quickly calculates the financial advantage of this additional yield at hundreds of euros per hectare. "And I'm not even talking about the lower sorting costs. Allstar gives you much more peace of mind during the sorting season and less worries about the export worthiness of a batch."
Tried extensively for 3 years
The tests confirm the picture that already emerged from BASF's own tests. Allstar was extensively tested for 3 years on a plot with a heavy rhizoctonia infestation in the Noordoostpolder. Scholtens: "We compared the product with the market reference in 10 important varieties that were submitted to us by trading houses. This resulted in an average benefit of almost 3 tons of seed potatoes in salable sizes. With the prices of recent years, this means a return of approximately €1.000 per hectare.
Soft on the tuber
The good results that Allstar shows in the trials are not only due to the good rhizoctonia effect. "Allstar is also very soft on the tuber", Scholtens knows. "You don't suffer from germ damage. In many trials we see that the Allstar objects often emerge a little faster and more evenly and give more stems. That also contributes to the increased yield." The advisor also hears in practice that seed potato growers also positively evaluate the practical side of Allstar. "With 0,8 liters per hectare you need very little of it; that saves a lot of lugging. And thanks to the good solubility and mixability of the Allstar, you can be sure that you can continue working without delay during planting."
Nice white seed potatoes
Scholtens expects that many seed potato growers will again make the switch to Allstar this spring. "We have already shown for 3 seasons that you can harvest beautiful white seed potatoes with Allstar. And now the yield is also indisputable."
View the technical results here.
