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Hot, dry conditions can trigger secondary growth in potato crops, resulting in a second generation of tubers competing with the primary crop for water, nutrients and starch. While this may appear beneficial, it can reduce tuber uniformity, quality and marketable yield. Early identification and careful management are key to protecting the value of the primary tubers and maintaining crop performance.
Read articleThe loss of diquat has transformed potato desiccation from a simple “burn-down” into a more managed, staged process where chemistry, timing and application are critical. PPO inhibitors such as Gozai (pyraflufen-ethyl) now play a central role in delivering effective haulm destruction. As a contact herbicide, Gozai relies on direct spray coverage, making application quality essential for consistent results. Its activity is driven by light, rapidly breaking down plant tissue and delivering visible effects within hours under bright conditions. Successful programmes depend on good coverage, favourable conditions and, in many cases, a staged approach combining chemical and mechanical methods to ensure effective canopy removal and stem kill.
Read articleAs oilseed rape crops move towards harvest, protecting yield becomes the priority. Pod shatter can result in significant losses, particularly where harvest is delayed or weather conditions deteriorate. Pod sealants such as Iskay provide a reliable solution, reinforcing pod integrity to minimise seed loss and helping growers secure the full value of their crop.
Read articleDry springs are putting early-season weed control under pressure, with residual herbicides less reliable where soil moisture is limited. Staggered weed emergence increases the risk of early competition and yield loss.
Gozai (pyraflufen-ethyl) complements residual programmes by delivering fast, contact control of emerged broad-leaved weeds, without relying on soil moisture.
Applied early to small weeds, Gozai helps maintain clean ridges, protect yield potential, and build resilience into programmes when conditions challenge residual performance.
Read articleItalian ryegrass is now one of the most challenging grassweeds in UK cereal systems, with widespread resistance reducing the reliability of post‑emergence herbicides. This article explores why optimising spray performance is critical and how adjuvants such as Sorrento can help maximise the effectiveness of existing chemistry, reducing survivors, protecting herbicide longevity, and supporting integrated resistance management strategies.
Read articleEffective weed control is a cornerstone of successful potato production, yet variable conditions and narrowing chemistry options are making programmes harder to deliver consistently. Formulated as Gozai, pyraflufenethyl provides a valuable contact option for controlling emerged broadleaved weeds, helping to reinforce residual strategies when conditions are less than ideal. Used as part of a planned programme, it supports cleaner crops during critical early growth stages and improves consistency across variable field conditions.
Read articleA practical spring agronomy checklist for 2026, focused on reducing risk and building crop resilience from the start. From soil readiness and drilling decisions to nutrient efficiency, weed control and IPM stewardship, this guide supports informed planning to help crops establish evenly and perform consistently through the season.
Read articleMoncut® seed treatments provide essential protection against Rhizoctonia (black scurf) at the very start of the potato growing season. With wet conditions delaying drilling, careful inspection and treatment of seed tubers is critical where disease risk is identified. Available in both liquid (Moncut Max) and powder (Moncut DS) formulations, Moncut acts as a vital safeguard against a disease that cannot be effectively controlled later in the season.
Read articleResearch shows Newton Seed Treatment enhances seedling vigour and promotes emergence 4–5 days earlier than untreated or singly treated seed — an advantage that can be critical when drilling early into cool, heavy spring soils.
Read articleAt Nichino, we recognise adjuvancy as a fundamental yet often overlooked science that underpins effective crop protection. Without the right adjuvant technology, spray performance can be compromised in the tank, during application, and on the leaf surface, reducing efficacy and increasing environmental risk. Nichino’s adjuvant range is designed to ensure every droplet reaches its target and remains there, delivering consistent, responsible performance in modern agronomy.
Read articleCold, wet weather is tightening spray windows this season, making T0 applications increasingly difficult. With early‑season leaves highly waxy and prone to run‑off, adjuvants play a vital role in improving coverage, retention and uptake—delivering more reliable spray performance when conditions are far from ideal.
Read articleSpring crops grow quickly—but so do weeds. With narrow post‑em windows and higher risk of crop stress, effective pre‑emergence protection is crucial. BackRow Max keeps herbicides where they’re needed in the upper soil layer, improving weed control while safeguarding crop roots. Its mineral‑oil formulation resists breakdown in warm spring soils, extending herbicide activity and supporting control of later‑emerging weeds. BackRow Max also enhances soil‑applied fungicides like Azoxystrobin in potatoes, helping maintain longer‑lasting protection.
Read articleRhizoctonia gives growers just one real opportunity to protect yield and value — at planting. Once the crop emerges, the window to control black scurf on developing daughter tubers has closed. In a season where blight programmes, irrigation, fertiliser and labour all demand investment, it’s a huge loss to arrive at harvest and see size variation and skin blemishes that push produce out of premium grades. That’s why seed and in‑furrow treatments remain some of the highest‑leverage decisions in potato production.
Read articleThe potato industry faces a pivotal year in 2026. Following a record EU harvest and price collapse in 2025, growers across the UK and Europe must navigate continued volatility, tightening regulations, and global competition. While domestic supply and demand appear balanced, international trade pressures and climate uncertainty loom large. Innovation in crop protection, stress-tolerant varieties, and sustainable practices will be key to safeguarding profitability. Nichino is committed to helping growers adapt and thrive in this dynamic market.
Read articleAs oilseed rape crops develop dense autumn canopies, effective spray penetration becomes critical. Kantor, Nichino’s multi-functional adjuvant, enhances fungicide and PGR performance by improving droplet spread, retention, and canopy penetration. Backed by trials showing yield gains up to 0.37 t/ha, Kantor offers a low-cost, high-impact solution for managing disease pressure and optimising canopy structure in OSR.
Read articleRhizoctonia solani, or black scurf, poses a hidden threat to potato crops, often going unnoticed until emergence issues arise. Moncut, based on flutolanil, offers long-lasting protection by shielding seed, shoots, and daughter tubers from infection. Available in dry and liquid formulations, Moncut ensures thorough coverage and creates a protective zone within the ridge—reducing soil-borne inoculum risk and boosting yield potential
Read articleNichino’s Newton: Making Nutrients Work Harder in Late-Drilled Cereals Newton is a biostimulant seed treatment designed to enhance nutrient uptake, root development, and stress resilience—especially in late-drilled crops where conditions often compromise performance. Trials show it can accelerate emergence by 4–5 days, helping growers achieve results comparable to earlier drilling. When used as part of an integrated strategy with Bridgeway and BackRow Max, Newton tackles key risks like poor rooting, grassweed competition, and inefficient nutrient use—setting crops up for a stronger harvest.
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