INSIDERSPlant Growth RegulatorsHow to Win the Storage Battle

How to Win the Storage Battle

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This morning, I spoke with a grower from the Maritimes who described his storage bin as his “battleground.” He wasn’t exaggerating.

A rollercoaster growing season, tough harvest conditions, and stressed spuds going into storage have left him battling dormancy breaks, sprouting, and shrinkage.

It doesn’t have to be that way. What he needs, I told him, is a rescue plan.

1,4ZAP —a sustainable bio-chemical option that offers more than 95 per cent burn-back, even on sizable sprouts, is a sustainable bio-chemical solution that gives growers a powerful tool to protect their crop and their bottom line.

What makes 1,4Zap stand out? It’s greener, safer, and incredibly versatile. It can be applied as a standalone product or paired with 1,4SIGHT to manage peeping and extend dormancy. Together, they deliver a powerful one-two punch against sprouting, helping growers maintain quality and extend shelf life.

Unlike traditional chemicals like CIPC, which only work if particles come into direct contact with each eye on a tuber, 1,4ZAP is applied as a vapor. This allows it to flow evenly through a settled pile, reaching every tuber. Even better, 1,4Zap leaves no significant residue. That means cleaner bins, no contamination worries, and the ability to meet growing consumer and regulatory expectations.

Safety is another key advantage. 1,4Zap is worker-friendly, with no strong odor and no need for personal protective equipment just 24 hours after a thermal fogging application.

While growers in Western Canada have embraced 1,4Zap in the past five years since it was introduced to Canada, adoption has been slower out east. I get it. Change can be daunting, and many farmers still rely on traditional storage chemicals. However, our potato industry is evolving. Regulatory pressures are mounting, and processors are placing more value on quality. Clean, sprout-free tubers are becoming a competitive advantage, with many processors offering bonuses for premium products.

Sprout management isn’t just about avoiding losses — it’s about maximizing returns. 1,4Zap is more than an alternative; it’s a better solution that helps growers stay ahead of industry shifts while protecting their hard work.

If your storage season feels like a battle, know that help is here. With 1,4Zap, you can win the fight for quality and profitability — one storage bin at a time.

Bill Orr
Bill Orrhttps://14group.ca/
Canada Technical Representative, One Four Group - Bill Orr started in the sprout inhibitor application industry quite by accident. After college, he worked for a tree care company and sprout inhibitor applications were its fall area of business. This was before the VFD was introduced into the application process in Canada. After enduring those dirty times cleaning up after applications, Orr continued on for another 14 years in the industry. He quickly moved on to doing applications, then technical training for applicators, next to managing the entire application process, and eventually to owning his own sprout inhibitor application company. His application experience has allowed him to do application in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Orr finds sprout inhibiting a very interesting and unique industry, and he enjoys all the dynamics and challenges it has to offer.