CIPC is the world’s leading sprout suppressant for potatoes and the only effective solution for long-term storage of crops destined for the high quality processing market.

CIPC overview

CIPC is the main growth regulator used in potato sprout suppression and is dominant in this market.

Aceto has had a position in the CIPC market for more than 20 years - supplying approximately two-thirds of the world demand - and has supported its ongoing registration. Throughout Europe, Aceto sells CIPC to be formulated by distributors who support their own products at local level and these include Whyte Agrochemicals in the UK, Agriphar (Belgium), Agrichem (Netherlands) and Frowein (Germany).

CIPC works by affecting plant cell division effectively preventing new growth and thereby suppressing sprout formation.

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Sprout Suppression

The use of CIPC treatment at approved treatment rates is seen as essential by the UK processing industry to control sprouting in potatoes stored long-term.

Low temperature storage is not an option due to its adverse affect on fry quality.

Low-dose regimes are effective for short-term storage but cannot provide reliable security longer term - and can result ultimately in higher dosage rates over time.

Maleic Hydrazide used during growing for suppressing volunteers provides variable protection against sprouting in long-term storage - crops should be checked very carefully to ensure timely treatment with CIPC as and when required.

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History of CIPC

CIPC was patented in 1953 by PPG (then Pennsylvania Plate Glass) and was used first as a pre-emergence herbicide in the USA before its value as a growth regulator to control sprouting in potatoes was exploited.

It had an early entry into the potato processing field with use in helping to provide year-round raw materials for dried potato for the troops after the Second World War.

CIPC's major market is sprout suppression in stored potato crops but it is also registered as a herbicide for use in horticultural crops, other vegetables such as onions, and flower bulbs.

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Regulatory Position

The recent European Union (EU) pesticides review of CIPC has confirmed the treatment is consistent with modern user, consumer and environmental safety standards.

The EU has set a maximum residue level (MRL) of 10 ppm for CIPC in its review concluded in June, 2005.

Established treatment regimes under GAP (Good Agrochemical Practice) in the UK and Europe have consistently fallen well within this margin - including up to 4 treatments per season applying the UK maximum total dosage of 63.75 g CIPC per tonne (127.5 ml/tonne of the 50% formulation).

As a result of the review, CIPC is now supported by extensive analysis and data packages in Europe - with comprehensive information on toxicity, metabolism, residues and environmental impact.

Aceto Agricultural Chemicals Corporation supported CIPC in the EU review process and will continue to support and develop the product and application technology in the future.

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CIPC Stewardship Action Plan

Chlorpropham (CIPC) is vital to the potato industry in GB and there is a crossindustry consensus that recognises the need to improve the level of stewardship. The rapid establishment of a Stewardship Group and the development of an Action Plan is a reflection of this commitment.

The Action Plan will deliver the following outputs:

• A committed cross-industry group responsible for development and delivery of a CIPC Stewardship Action Plan agreed with ACP.

• A communication strategy to promote the uptake of existing knowledge and the targeted delivery of future advisory information.

• An ongoing commitment to support R&D to address factors affecting the variability of CIPC residues (Action 3).
• Review of R&D to identify gaps and priorities for future research.

• Development and implementation of a Code of Best Practice for use of CIPC.
This would include operator training and certification, equipment operation and store management and adherence to Crop Assurance protocols.

• Commitment by the industry to provide additional samples to complement PRC residue monitoring of CIPC.

• Industry surveys to benchmark understanding of CIPC use and monitor progress of the Action Plan.

Click here to download the action plan.

Aceto Corporation fully support the drive by Assured Produce towards the increased use of specialised fogging contractors who adhere to strict guidelines.