A nationwide potato growers’ survey is set to evaluate the wider implications of all key soil pest issues, and assess whether growers are winning the battle against losses, or identify if problems are getting progressively worse.
The first full survey directly addressing all key potato soil pests, it seeks to evaluate how growers perceive the effectiveness of current Integrated Pest Management (IPM) measures in the field, and the impacts that adopting new practices have on profitable potato production.
Syngenta Potato Campaign Manager, Mark Britton said: “The recent AHDB-funded survey has given a good snapshot of potato cyst nematode (PCN) incidence,” said Mark. “But it is crucial to now assess how growers view the control options available, and how that impacts on the complex interaction of all soil pests in practice.”
PCNs are 1-mm long roundworms, which comprises around 12 species. It is the most important potato pest in the UK and has the potential to cause substantial yield losses. Symptoms of PCN attack on potatoes reflect those of plants with an inefficient roots system i.e. poor growth, wilting during periods of water stress, early senescence and reduced tuber yield up to levels in excess of 80%.
Mr Britton highlighted that the survey questions have been designed to focus on the practical and financial implications for growers here and now, but would also have a valuable function in helping to shape future research and trials’ priorities to develop appropriate solutions.
Results of the survey would be fully available to all growers and to help the industry develop best practice for soil pest management, added Mark. “We would actively encourage all growers, and their agronomists, to take part in the survey. The more responses received, the better the picture that can be developed on the extent of soil pest problems, and future actions required.”
The on-line survey will evaluate the number one soil pest, PCN, along with Free Living Nematode (FLN) and wireworm.
