Sprout inhibition of fall-grown potatoes by airplane applications of maleic hydrazide

Summary

In Tulare County, California, airplane application of maleic hydrazide as MH-30 on fall grown potatoes retarded sprouting in field storage and in subsequent common storage. Weight loss in common storage was significantly reduced. Total yield was not significantly affected. Three pounds of maleic hydrazide per acre were generally as effective as were 6 pounds.

There was a wide range in the amount of maleic hydrazide residue found in the tubers at harvest. On the average, about twice as much maleic hydrazide was found in the tubers from plants treated with 6 pounds of maleic hydrazide per acre than was found in those from the 3-pound plots.

Specific gravity of tubers harvested on February 26, 1959 and on March 23, 1960, was not affected by treatment.

Preliminary results in 1957–58 showed that hand-sprayed maleic hydrazide prevented a reduction in specific gravity of soil-stored potatoes when harvest was delayed.