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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 30 Oct 1947

Vol. 108 No. 8

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pitted Potatoes—Prevention of Sprouting.

asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he has any information in regard to a chemical preparation which prevents the sprouting of Arran Banner and King Edward potatoes in pits; and whether he will cause this preparation to be tested here, with a view to conserving potato supplies which might otherwise deteriorate.

I am informed that the manufacturers of certain chemical preparations claim that application of these to potatoes controls dry rot and excessive sprouting. I am not prepared to express an opinion as to the merits of such preparations, pending the results of tests which I have arranged to have carried out.

Would the Minister be good enough to say if he has instructed tests to be made of the Bayer products and of the I.C.I. and of the Dupont Company of America? Will he have several tests made with a view to determining which of the available preparations is most suitable for use here?

I was not aware which of the chemical preparations the Deputy had in mind in putting down this question. There is no indication in the question itself as to which he had in mind. The one we are most inclined to go after is one known as Fusarex.

I believe there are three —Bayer's, I.C.I. and Dupont.

I am aware only of two, but the one in which we are most keenly interested is the one I have named.

Perhaps the Minister would consider the desirability of testing the three, if he believes it useful to do so?

I will consider that.

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