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SAC And 'New Approaches To Potato Protection'
Free living nematode potato damage (opens in new window)
SAC is a member of a research consortium awarded a share of a £25m package to find ways of helping farmers and growers cope with recent changes to EU pesticide rules which banned some key crop protection products. The project involving SAC will investigate ways of controlling soil-borne pests of potatoes.
Free living nematodes (FLN) are becoming a major problem for potato growers. Populations of the tiny, thread-like creatures are expected to increase due to climate change and the removal of approved “nematicide” chemical controls. They feed on potato roots, causing direct damage and reducing yields and quality. They also indirectly transmit Tobacco Rattle Virus (TRV).
Research Nematologist Dr. Andy Evans is SAC’s representative on the team. By assessing the damage FLN feeding causes to the roots of selected commercial potato varieties in field trials they will evaluate new control strategies and study the effects on tuber quality and virus transmission. In parallel, molecular markers will be developed to help in the breeding of new, TRV-resistant, varieties.
Supported by the Potato Council because of its importance to the GB potato industry the research is led by Cygnet Potato Breeders Ltd. Other members are McCain Foods (GB) Ltd, PepsiCo International, DuPont, The Cooperative Farms, Eden Research, Mylnefield Research Services Ltd, SCRI, Plant Health Care UK Ltd, Tozer Seeds Ltd, Dawnfresh Seafoods Ltd.
£13.5m of the package is from Government through bodies like the Technology Strategy Board and BBSRC.