Growers are reminded that Fazor (maleic hydrazide) is approved for use on bulb onions in order to suppress internal sprouting in-store. Its use maintains the quality of bulbs and so extends the storage period, allowing growers to market bulbs at optimum times and aiding continuity of quality supplies from the UK.
"Application timing must be judged on a crop by crop basis, but typically, to get the best from Fazor, it should be applied using a conventional sprayer between 10%-50% necking," explains Andy Leader, Principal Biologist for Dow AgroSciences.
"You need green tops for the absorption of Fazor through the foliage, as the product needs to be translocation to the bulb. Though it gets into the plant quite fast, a minimum of 4 days must elapse between treatment and topping," Andy explains.
"Fazor should be applied at 3.5 to 4.0 kg product/hectare in 500 to 600 litres water per hectare with a maximum of one application per crop. For best results, it should be applied when no rain is forecast. "
He warns that onions must not be sprayed earlier than two weeks before maturity or the risk of producing spongy bulbs may result. "The length of sprout suppression will depend on many factors including variety, application and conditions, the amount of maleic hydrazide in each bulb and the storage conditions. Fazor treated bulbs should be checked regularly in store after Christmas. There is a pre harvest interval of 7 days and a MRL of 15 mg/kg, though typical residues are around 3 to 5 mg/kg."
Andy points out that Fazor is included in the Assured Produce protocol. It is recommended that growers check with their supplier before making an application.
Fazor also has an off-label approval for use in garlic and shallots. Growers need to obtain a copy of the notice of approval to use Fazor in garlic and shallots via the CRD web site, ADAS offices, the HDC or NFU. The SOLA reference number for Fazor on outdoor garlic and shallots is 2007/2795.
Fazor contains 60% w/w maleic hydrazide, formulated as a water-soluble granule and is packed in a 2.5 kg bag. It is recommended on bulb onions, second earlies and maincrop potatoes. It has SOLAs in garlic, shallots, parsnips and carrots.
