September 4, 2013 – AMVAC Chemical Corporation has received registration from the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) for the use of SmartBlock in Canada.
SmartBlock is a potato sprout inhibitor used for preserving potatoes during storage.
The Canadian registration was part of a joint submission filing with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). European registrations have been filed, and these approvals are progressing on schedule.
SmartBlock represents a new class of potato sprout inhibitors that offer a new approach for eliminating sprouting in storage and restoring dormancy to potato tubers. The product (3-decen-2-one) is a naturally occurring molecule that is also classified (by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration) as an approved direct food additive and by the EPA as a biopesticide and exempt from the requirement of a tolerance. It provides a safe, rapid sprout burn-off on all varieties of potatoes without affecting potato quality and is easily applied through existing fogging equipment.
“The registration of SmartBlock in Canada represents a significant opportunity to expand the AMVAC potato product portfolio,” said Eric Wintemute, chairman and chief executive officer of AMVAC. “Based on the excellent results observed already in the United States, we look forward to working with potato management professionals in Canada to better serve that market.”
“We believe SmartBlock could become a preferred alternative for potato storage managers who want a novel, efficacious and green approach for sprout control, and processors, quick service restaurants and grocery chains that are looking for potatoes with reduced overall chemical residue.”
“I have tested SmartBlock and found it easy to apply through our standard thermal fogging equipment,” said George Burkholder, owner of GRB Ag-Technologies, located in Mitchell, Ont. “The fogging vapour moves easily through the storage and will be an excellent tool for sprout control in the future. Potato growers and processors will be pleased with the outcome of long-lasting, safe sprout control, while maintaining the skin texture and fry quality of the potatoes.”
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