British Potato 2017: Latest technical updates from potato event

The latest potato agronomic developments were showcased and industry concerns aired at BP2017, held in Harrogate, North Yorks. More data is needed to assess and respond to the threat posed by the Dark Green 37 blight strain, which has shown resistance to fluazinam. David Nelson, field director, Branston said more understanding of the Dark Green 37 strain was needed. “It is the biggest challenge in blight control since metalaxyl resistance in the 1980s. We don’t understand it really and need to collect information in the next 12 months. We need a lot more blight scouts. Loss of glyphosate could limit land availability for growing potatoes, warned Paul Colman, technical director, Greenvale AP. “It is a critical herbicide for controlling volunteer potatoes. Landowners renting out land may make the decision they don’t want potatoes in the rotation anymore.” BASF has launched an SDHI fungicide, Allstar (fluxapyroxad) for control of rhizoctonia in potatoes.The active is also available for use in cereals. Fera has been working with OptiGene to develop an in-field diagnostic test to distinguish between different species of root knot nematode to help inform management decisions. Bayer is developing a new liquid nematicide which can be applied in different ways. PeKacid, a highly acidic, soluble phosphorous and potassium fertiliser aimed at keeping irrigation drippers or holes open, particularly where water is hard, has been launched.
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