July/August 2019 - 16

The Value of 1,4SIGHT®
The growing season offers a plethora of potential problems
for potato growers. Growers need to ensure their products
make it to the marketplace in excellent condition. This means
they must reduce shrink in storage, resist sprouting and remain
resistant to fungal and bacterial pathogens.
Along with these concerns, growers also know their
customers are starting to become aware of how some
chemistries can have a negative impact on the environment,
so being as green as possible is almost as important as
bringing a quality product to market. Given increased
global regulation, there has been a search for alternatives to
CIPC. One such alternative sprout inhibitor is the naturally
derived molecule 1,4-Dimethylnaphthalene (DMN), which is
naturally found within potatoes.
1,4SIGHT®
, a post-harvest product created by 1,4GROUP,
Inc. has the potential to check all those boxes. The active
ingredient 1,4-Dimethylnaphthalene is a registered
" biocontrol " product by North American Regulatory Agencies.
This product can be used along with any conventional or green
chemistry currently on the market to keep potatoes fresh and
sprout-free until they are ready for shipment.
To verify and extend the research and findings of
1,4GROUP, Inc. biology professor, Michael Campbell,
Ph.D. of Penn State University, The Behrend College, is
conducting genetic research on potato samples treated with
1,4SIGHT®
. Campbell's
studies are focusing on
how these changes in gene
activity influence sprout
inhibition, stress reduction
and the fungistatic effects
seen by growers.
1,4SIGHT®
works on
a genetic level. Research
has shown the product regulates genes associated with
water-holding proteins, potentially reducing weight
loss. Genes associated with pathogen resistance are also
regulated potentially increasing resistance to fungal disease.
1,4SIGHT®
Addie Waxman, Ph.D., global director of research and development
With regards to retaining water while in storage, Dr.
Campbell's findings so far include some genes being altered
when exposed to 1,4SIGHT®
that are associated with a
decrease in drought stress.
" This is the thing about science. The best way to look at
good science is when you see it replicated in other avenues.
I would like to see some growers come back with data on
how they see 1,4SIGHT®
respond to fungal pathogens and
dehydration and shrink, " Dr. Campbell said. While he can't
yet speak to what the results are downstream, Dr. Campbell
encourages growers to bring back data about what they see
happening in their storage.
Addie Waxman, Ph.D., global director of research and
development at 1,4GROUP, Inc., leads the research for
1,4SIGHT®
, helping to discover potential secondary benefits
's mode of action is fungistatic, the fungus is
prevented from growing, allowing other non-pathogenic
microbes and fungi to out-compete for nutrients. 1,4SIGHT®
changes other genes to prevent the potatoes from sprouting.
Unlike other chemistries such as CIPC, 1,4SIGHT®
changes
are temporary. If no further treatment is applied, normal
activity is expected to begin within five to six weeks
depending on variety and storage conditions.
While Campbell's research isn't complete, his initial
findings include a " possible improved shelf life, predicated
on gene expression changes. There are genes associated with
decreased sprout growth and alteration of starch and sugar "
that are being investigated by some secondary studies. He
also noted that " we did see some genes associated with
response to fungi and we treated fungal cultures and their
growth slowed. "
of the sprout inhibitor. She has been with 1,4GROUP nine
years testing storage crop protectants in small-scale, largescale
and commercially sized potato storage units.
" It's a more-green approach to handling sprouting and
fungal growth in storage, " Dr. Waxman said. " It works
well with conventional chemistries, biologicals and organic
treatments. "
Both Campbell and Waxman suggest growers reach out
to their representative at 1,4GROUP, Inc. to ensure they
use the correct applications for their growing and harvest
conditions. 1,4GROUP, Inc. representatives will consider
the length of the storage program (two to twelve months),
the other chemistries being applied, the variety of potato and
the growing season to advise growers on the best application
schedule for growers' specific needs.
Dr. Campbell's articles are available upon request.
To learn more about how 1,4SIGHT®
can improve your
potato storage longevity visit www.14group.com or call
800-881-0823.
*1,4SIGHT®
is a registered trademark of 1,4GROUP, Inc.
ADVERTISEMENT | © 2019 1,4GROUP, Inc.
http://www.14group.com
July/August 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of July/August 2019
