Potato bosses are warning the industry to be vigilant to avoid the spread of disease.
Growers need to assess the risk of dry rot to their crop and seed producers should be on the look-out now for signs of the disease as they grade-out stocks, is the advice from the British Potato Council. A new BPC guide has been issued to levy-payers to help them identify problems in store and the actions needed to minimise the threat of the disease developing.
“Dry rot is the most significant fungal rot of potatoes in Great Britain and affects around one per cent of tubers annually,” advises Jeff Peters, BPC plant pathologist at Sutton Bridge.
“Seed suppliers should be assessing the likelihood of rot developing in their stocks, especially susceptible varieties, such as Hermes, Estima and Maris Piper. Ware growers should consider the risk of rot when they source their seed.”
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