This year’s “wettest drought in history” and the lessons to learn from it will be up for discussion in an address by Cranfield University’s Dr Jerry Knox at the East of England Potato Day on Thursday. It will be held at Frederick Hiam’s Hill Farm, Tuddenham, near Bury St Edmunds.

Knox will examine how the economics of irrigation are changing and what growers should consider in terms of improving irrigation management and learning how to cope with climate extremes.

Cambridge University Farm’s Dr Mark Stalham will also be at the event and will be discussing cultivation timing and depth, and the impact these have on soil workability. Both speakers will then conduct a practical in-field session.

Dr Sharon Hall, head of communications at the Potato Council, will open the event and give an update on activities, including the Potato Council initiative to help shoppers rediscover potatoes and drive value.

The day also offers demonstration opportunities. Potato Council technical executive Gary Collins said: “We have followed last year’s successful formula of repeating the morning sessions in the afternoon. Manufacturers will be on hand to discuss various seed treatments, and there will also be a range of varieties from major breeders and agents on display. Moreover, with alternaria becoming a growing threat in the eastern counties, there will be an important opportunity to discuss control of this disease with specialists from Agrii who will be using spore traps in the demonstration field to monitor populations.”

The event is organised by Potato Council with the help of Frederick Hiam, NFU and the Country Landowners’ Association and is sponsored by Branston, Fenmarc, McCain Foods and QV Foods.

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