The Wonders of Sumitomo Chemical's Progibb on Potatoes in Jalandhar

Do You Want to enhance your production of Table Crop Potato?

Do you wish to see clean, shiny and attractive potatoes?

Do you wish to have a healthy produce of potato?

Punjab is known to have two types of table crops:

1. August Sown crop
Ø Generally a 65-75 days crop. Ø Want to supply in the market as early as 
Ø Want a good and even size. Ø Potatoes come in the market 3rd week of ØVaries from 85-95 days crop. ØWant to supply in the market as per the rate . ØHarvesting depends upon the climatic conditions and market rate. 

2. February sown crop:Potatoes come in the market in May

#These blogs were written as a part of the internship program at Sumitomo Chemicals.

Use of Progibb in Potato Cultivation Area of Punjab

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) are an important high-value commodity for producers in the Punjab Region. Intensive fertilizer management is necessary in loamy soils to ensure proper nutrient supplies to growing crops. Such soils generally have overall low organic matter, low cation exchange capacities, and low total nitrogen (N) in the upper horizon, which means that little N is mineralized from soil organic N sources and N must be applied with fertilizer to match crop uptake needs. Generally, only 1 to 3% of total organic N concentrations in the soil become available to a crop within the growing season. Nitrogen management is one of the most important aspects for potato production. Tuber deformity and secondary growth are historically correlated with moisture; however, other environmental factors that initiate and decrease growth, such as N fertility, may also be a cause.

Nitrogen application timing is one of the most important management techniques that producers can use to increase their fertilizer N use efficiency. Fertilizer should be split between at planting, at dragoff (approximately 30 days after planting when potato plants are beginning to emerge, are bedded during cultivation, and the bed height is reduced), and immediately prior to bloom. Split N applications are recommended to increase overall yield and fertilizer use efficiency. However, N applications too late in the growing season can significantly delay maturity and decrease tuber quality. Nutrient availability is not only important for overall yield in potato production, but is also important for disease management. Fertilizer applications can significantly impact both foliar and tuber disease. Growth regulators have been researched for decades to help producers manage tuber sugar content, maturity, and sprouting after harvest and during storage. However, results are mixed depending on the factors studied. In conclusion, N rate has the greatest impacts on deformity, tuber rots, and yields for potatoes. 

Gibberellic acid (GA) is applied to potato tubers cultivated from true seed (TPS) either by immersion of intact tubers in aqueous solutions, or by the excision of a small area of the tuber close to the point of detachment from the stolon and immersion of this region only in GA. Corresponding treatments with deionised water were used as controls. Tubers that had been treated with GA broke dormancy earlier than the controls, especially when the tubers were cut prior to treatment. Dormancy breakage correlated with higher weight loss and an increase in the rate of respiration of tubers following sprout emergence. The optimum time of immersion in GA to achieve dormancy breakage was 2 h, irrespective of GA concentration over the range tested (1–50 mg L⁻¹). The bisection of tubers at various times after GA application to the point of detachment from the stolon indicated that GA movement longitudinally within the tuber was necessary for it to have an effect on sprouting. GA did not affect the rate of ethylene production by the tubers, but increased starch breakdown and α-glucosidase activity in the bud, as well as the RNA content, especially at the sprout apex, prior to sprouting.

Sumitomo Chemical recommends the use of Progibb for the same !

#These blogs were written as a part of the internship program at Sumitomo Chemicals.

The Greatest of the Great Minds are Recommending Validacin!

#These blogs were written as a part of the internship program at Sumitomo Chemicals.

Sumitomo Chemical's Dantotsu is Doing Wonders on Pest of Potato!

Pests in Potato are no more a problem now! With Sumitomo Chemical's pesticide called DANTOTSU, the pests are no more a problem to the farmers.

Dantotsu was invented and developed by Sumitomo Chemical Takeda Agro Company Ltd. Japan and the chronology goes like this:

2001:  In Japan, Dantotsu was first registered as “Fullswing” for lawn grass in December 2001

2002:  Registered as DANTOTSU for food crop in Japan and Korea 

2003:  Taiwan, Ukraine, Romania (a.i. –registered in USA, Brazil, Canada, Australia)

2004:  Hungary, Poland, India, Mexico, Dominican Rep., Turkey, USA

2005:  Ecuador, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Germany, Italy, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru (Italic :expectation) Many more countries till date.

Main Characteristics of Clothianidin:

> Unique mode of action

> Effective against strains resistant to other type of  insecticides

> Good systemic action

> Broad insecticidal spectrum

> High insecticidal activity with low dosage

> Long residual activity

> Low toxicity to mammals and the environment as well as low risk of phyto-toxicity to crops

Key Features of Dantotsu:

qVery strong root absorption

qTranslaminar action

qVery strong  and rapid translocation  in trees

qHigh insecticidal activity with low dosage

qStrong oral activity

qEffective against  all stage of insects

qRapid action as compared to other neonicotinoides

qLong residual activity as compared to other neonicotinoides

qGood rain fastness property

Method of Application

1st – Seed treatment @ 24 gm per acre (Spray on 1 acre seed along with the tank mix of Validacin for seed treatment)

2nd – Top dressing @ 40-50 gm per acre along with the fertilization. (Mix 40-50 gm of Dantotsu in 1 Ltr of Water and mix in 5 kg of Sand then mix with the fertilizer to be applied.

#These blogs were written as a part of the internship program at Sumitomo Chemicals.

Sumitomo Chemical Aims for a Pest Free Potato Production Area in Jalandhar

Sumitomo Chemical is creating awareness among the Potato cultivators of Punjab region in India so as to reduce the losses in the produce of this year. The major pests in potato are as follows:

Greasy Cutworm/ Black cut worm: Agrotis ipsilon

Potato tuber moth: Phthorimaea operculella

White grubs: Holotrichia sp.

Tobacco Caterpillar: Spodoptera litura

Green Leaf Hopper Empoasca kerri

Green peach aphid: Myzus persicae

Whitefly: Bemisia tabaci Greasy Cutworm/ Black cut worm: Agrotis ipsilon Symptoms of damage Young larvae feed on the epidermis of the leaves. Older larvae come out at night and feed young plants by cutting their stems They also damage the tubers by eating away part of them. Identification of pest Larva Adult Eggs Creamy white, dome-shaped eggs, laid singly on lower surface of the leaves Larvae Newly emerged young larva is yellow in colour The full-grown larva is dark or dark brown with a plump and greasy body. Pupa Dark brown pupae are found in earthen cells lying underground in the potato fields. Adult Moth Dark with some grayish patches on the back and dark streaks on the forewings. ___________________________________________________________________________________ Potato tuber moth: Phthorimaea operculella Symptoms of damage It is a pest of field and storage Larva tunnels into foliage, stem and tubers Galleries are formed near tuber eyes Potato tuber moth infested tuber Potato tuber moth infested tuber  Potato tuber moth Infested leaves Larvae Adult Identification of pest Egg - laid singly –the ventral surface of foliage and exposed tubers. Larva - Yellow coloured caterpillar with dark brown head. Pupa: Pupation occurs within a cocoon among the trash, clods of the earth in the field. Adult: Small narrow winged moth, greyish brown forewings and hind wings- dirty white. ___________________________________________________________________________________ White grubs: Holotrichia sp. Symptoms of damage Grubs feed on roots and tubers Identification of pest Larva:   ‘C’ shaped grub  Adult Brown beetle with pale prothorax ____________________________________________________________________________________ Tobacco Caterpillar: Spodoptera litura Symptoms of damage The young larvae first feed gregariously and scrape the leaves. Older larvae spread out and may completely devour the leaves resulting in poor growth of plants. Larva Adult Identification of pest Egg: -masses appear golden brown Larva: - pale greenish with dark markings Gregarious in the early stages Adult Forewings – brown colour with wavy white marking Hind wings-  white colour with a brown patch along the margin ____________________________________________________________________________________ Green Leaf Hopper Empoasca kerri Symptoms of damage Tips of affected leaves become brown, turn upwards and get dried up Identification of pest Egg - elongated yellow-white egg is deposited in leaf vein. Nymph - Pale – green, wedge shaped Winged pads extend up to the fifth abdominal segment. Adult It is a wedge shaped and pale green insect ____________________________________________________________________________________ Green peach aphid: Myzus persicae Symptoms of damage Aphids suck sap of plants, as a result of which leaves turn pale and dry up. This pest also transmits various viral to potato plants. Identification of pest It resembles wingless adult but the size is small. __________________________________________________________________________________ Whitefly: Bemisia tabaci Symptoms of damage Nymphs suck sap from the leaves and lower their vitality. Yellowing and curling of leaf Sooty mould develops on affected leaves Identification of pest Egg It is smooth, sub elliptical, stalked at broader basal end. Its colour is light yellow, when freshly laid, turn dark brown later on. Nymph Pale-yellow in colour Adult It is small winged insect having light yellow Wings are pure white and has prominent long legs. ________________________________________________________________________________ #These blogs were written as a part of the internship program at Sumitomo Chemicals.

Valida - The Shield Against Potato Diseases

Sumitomo Chemical has successfully addressed the problems faced by the potato cultivators of Punjab. There has been an increase in the incidence of the black scurf of potato. Punjab alone, has witnessed an increase in incidence of this disease by 12% as compared to the last year. The disease commonly affects the tubers, sprouts, stems and stolons. The most common symptom is black scurf comprising of dark brown to black irregular lumps sticking on the surface of tubers. These irregular lumps are closely adhered to the tuber surface and do not wash off easily. Other symptoms on the tuber include skin cracks, crater like depressions, pitting, stem-end necrosis and shape deformity. The disease often causes sprout injury both in storage and in fields after planting. The affected sprouts show discoloration of tissue. The heavily infected sprouts cannot emerge from soil leading to gappy germination.The emerging sprouts when infected later develop cankers causing girdling of stem bases. Such affected plants show upward rolling of leaves with pinkish or purplish margin. Often small green or reddish aerial tubers are also formed in the axils. The infection also spreads to roots and developing stolons resulting in rotting of cortical tissues. Such infected roots later shed away hence infected plants have poor root system. Infected stolons give rise to deformed tubers.

Till date the following chemicals are used for the control of black scurf in potato:

• Emison + Carbendazim
• Boric Acid + Carbendazim
• Monceron

Sumitomo Chemical introduces a new product "Validacin" to combat this deadly disease. Validacin is a Japanese product meant for Rhizoctonia solani. It is different from other products available in the market because it is systemic in nature, while others are contact in nature. Validamycin 3% L is both systemic fungicide and antibiotic. It is the best solution for control of Rhizoctonia fungus.

Key features:

• Lesser cost as compared to existing
• Longer effect
• No residue in crop as well as soil
• Bio Pesticide & Eco Friendly
• Non Toxic to beneficial insects & Human
• Real Natural Systemic fungicide and Antibiotic

Validacin pricing:

• Market Price: Rs. 500/ltr
• QUANTITY DISCOUNTS –10 RS ON 1000 LTRS.                                                                                                  –20 RS ON 2000 LTRS.

Mode of action:

The chemical is absorbed by the cells of the pathogenic fungus as nutrilite and transmitted through the hyphae (filaments which constitute body of fungus), whose growth is affected as soon as the contact with the active ingredient is established. This makes the hyphal top abnormal and inhibits the growth of the hypha through inhibiting the synthesis of inositol which is the essential for the growth of the fungi.

Comparison:

Method of application:

1. As a spray: 250 ml per pump Validacin spray on 6-7 Qtls potato, change the side and then spray once more with the new solution of same dose and dry it in shade.

2. As a dip: 250 ml per 100 Ltr of water dipping for 6-7 Qtls and dry it in shade. 

How is an antibiotic an Edge with Validacin?

> Antibiotics are chemicals that are used to treat infections caused by bacteria and other organisms like parasites, and fungi e.g. Streptomycin.

> They either kill bacteria or keep them from reproducing.

> Chemical substance that in dilute solutions can inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms also.

So with Validacin we are having an edge of Systemic on all the existing contact fungicide as well as of Antibiotic too.

#These blogs were written as a part of the internship program at Sumitomo Chemicals.

Sumitomo Chemical combats diseases in potato

Sumitomo Chemical, a renowned agro-chemical company, has always had an upper hand in creating awareness among the farming community of India. It has shown its presence in the Punjab region too. Sumitomo Chemical company is now educating the farmers of Jalandhar, focusing mainly on the potato cultivators of the region.

The main disease of the region being the black scurf caused by Rhizoctonia solani, was highlighted by the company. 

The following are the symptoms of the disease:

• Black speck, black speck scab, russet scab on tubers

• At the time of sprouting dark brown colour appear on the eyes

• Affected Xylem tissue causes to wilting of plants

• Infected tuber contains russeting of the skin

• Hard dry rot with browning on internal tissue

• Spongy mass appear on the infected tuber.

• Seed tubers are source of spread

• Moderately cool , wet weather  and temp 23 °C are the favourable for the development of disease

About pathogen:

The mycelium is hyaline when young and brown at maturity. Hyphae are septate and branched with a characteristic constriction at their junction with the main hyphae. The branches arise at a right angle to main axis. Sclerotia are black. A basidium bears four sterimata each with a basidiospore at the end. The basidiospores are hyaline, elliptical to obovate and thin walled. They are capable of forming secondary basidiospores.

Mode of spread and survival:

The fungus is capable of leading a saprophytic life on the organic material and can remain viable in the soil for several years. The sclerotia on the seed tubers is the principal source of infection of the subsequent crop raised with these tubers. On return of favourable conditions the mycelium present in the soil may develop producing new hypae.

Management:

Disease free seed tubers alone should be planted. If there is a slight infection of black scurf in the harvested potatoes it can be controlled by spraying 250 ml per pump Valida spray on 6-7 quintals potato, change the side and then spray once more with the new solution of same dose and dry it in shade or dip them in 250 ml per 100 Ltr of water dipping for 6-7 quintals of potato and dry it in shade.

#These blogs were written as a part of the internship program at Sumitomo Chemicals.

Sumitomo Chemical Active at Kapurthala Farmer Fair

Sumitomo Chemical, one of the leading manufacturers of agro chemicals, actively participated in the farmer fair at Kapurthala, Jalandhar in Punjab. Ever since its establishment, Sumitomo Chemical has contributed largely to the society through its business activities. It promotes an environment which eliminates pollution and helps increase crop yields.

The one day farmer fair at Kapurthala was held on 25^th September 2014, which was inaugurated by the Agriculture Minister of the Punjab. The fair witnessed more than half a thousand of visitors who had come from various nearby areas. With its exclusive product range for potato cultivators of Punjab, Sumitomo Chemical Company educated the farmers regarding their products. The company also addressed to various queries of the crowd.

Large potato cultivating farmers of Punjab from over 25 different villages had visited the fair where in various demo plots of the Sumitomo products were displayed. Out of these, the most attractive demo plot was that of “Progibb” - a growth regulator used to control a wide range of deformities in potato.

Mr. Sudheer Godara promoting the usage of Sumitomo Chemicals for potato cultivators

farmers at the Kapurthala fair in the Sumitomo stall

Mr. Mohit Chahal, a representative of Sumitomo Chemical promoting the usage of the right chemicals at the right time

Mr. Shafat Hussain, a representative of Sumitomo Chemical addressing the issues of the farmers

Mr. Shelke Sagar, a representative of Sumitomo Chemical addressing the issues of the farmers and educating them regarding the products and their usage.

Mr. Shafat Hussain, a representative of Sumitomo Chemical educating the farmers of Punjab about the products

Educating the farmers regarding the products of Sumitomo Chemical

Demo plot of Progibb

Demo plot of Progibb – a growth regulator by Sumitomo Chemical

In Punjab, out of the 22 districts, most of the potato cultivation is concentrated in 11 districts, namely Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Pathankot, Tarn Taran, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Gurdaspur, Ludhiana, Moga, Shahid Bhagat Singh Nagar and Rupnagar. Although their share to the total geographical area of Punjab is 44.4%, their contribution to total potato acreage of the state28 is about 81.1%. The farmers of Punjab grow three potato cultivars of late (Kufri Badshah), medium (Kufri Jyoti) and early (Kufri Pukhraj) maturity groups. Together, these three cultivars account for about 90% of total potato acreage in Punjab. The potential production at various locations in Punjab is brighter if the farmers are properly educated regarding the use of various protection supplements.  The crop in the northern plains of India comprises the states of Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Punjab and Haryana contributes 90% of total potato production in the country.

The farmers appreciated the results that the products gave and said that the future of this year’s potato produce is bright when these products are effectively used in cultivating potato by the farmers of Punjab. Sumitomo Chemical Group will continue to contribute to solving the problems faced by the agrarian society of the nation. 

#These blogs were written as a part of the internship program at Sumitomo Chemicals.