Higher tuber yields with BoCaN and LimiN

In various potato varieties and different soil types and environments, LimiN leads to higher crop yields. This is shown by research in the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands and France.

LimiN promotes crop growth, even in times of stress. It promotes the efficient use of carbon and ensures a strong development of the tubers. In addition, essential nutrients for optimal metabolic and enzymatic activity are stimulated.

Without nitrogen (N), plants show a characteristic growth pattern. They remain small, are less vital and may be more susceptible to disease and environmental pollution.

Offer form nitrogen
The growth rate of crops is determined by nitrogen uptake. The synthesis of growth hormone in crops mainly depends on the form in which the nitrogen is offered:

• Nitrogen in the form of nitrate (NO3) promotes the production of auxins, which is beneficial for vegetative growth (green plant forms new shoots).
• Nitrogen in the form of amine (NH4/NH2) promotes the production of cytokinin, which promotes vegetative growth (what we harvest).

When we apply nitrogen to crops, it is generally absorbed as nitrate, regardless of the form in which it is presented. This means that the nitrogen is mostly used for the growth of the foliage. In crops such as potato, we have to deal with the contradiction between the application of nitrogen for growth and the natural tendency of crops to use nitrogen for growth of the leaves instead of the tubers. This leads to a reduction in the setting and size increase of the tubers.

Better tuber setting and development
Levity Crop Science Ltd developed the so-called LimiN technology. LimiN is applied in a foliage application that exposes the crop to short bursts of amine nitrogen. This helps to steer growth in the direction of tuber development. Research shows that exposure in the most important growth stages has a positive influence on the location where the crop uses its resources. The LimiN technology makes use of this to achieve a better setting and development of the tubers.

BoCaN contains:
15% N • 5,6% CaO • 0,1% Cu • 0,3% B • 0,3% Mn • 0,8% MgO • 0,6% Zn (% by mass).

Administration, amounts and time
BoCaN can be applied at a concentration of 5 l/ha during vegetative growth from the moment plant rows start to touch (BBCH 31) until late in the tuber growth stage (BBCH 80). To promote the number of nodules formed, dosing should be no later than the beginning of tuber formation (BBCH 40-45), followed by application at the beginning of tuber growth plus at least one more time (10-14 days later) mid-stage of tuber growth. In order to maintain and extend the green canopy, which promotes further starch formation, administration late in the tuber growth stage is also recommended.

Go to the Plant Coaching's website for more information on the effect of BoCaN.