ONE CRITICISM often batted at the British potato industry is that our approach to tackling blight is not as integrated as that taken by our continental counterparts - the Dutch in particular. I would disagree.

Thanks to the hard work and vigilance of many in the industry, our approach has been highly successful and is delivering tangible results. One notable and practical success over the past two years, for example, is the improved management of outgrade piles. These have been identifi ed as the main source of blight outbreaks, and we have channelled resources into refi ning best practice to keep regrowth under control. The annual blight scout survey we carry out shows farm hygiene, particularly in relation to outgrade piles, has improved signifi cantly.

On the research side we have ongoing strategic and applied projects. These are helping refi ne our understanding of the changing blight populations and how best to tackle the disease. Examples of current BPC-funded projects include the blight populations work led by SCRI. This involves mapping the different genotypes in the GB blight population. The work is vital to assess whether strains are reproducing sexually, which could lead to diffi culties controlling the disease.

Other related research includes a review of aggressiveness and fi tness of blight genotypes. Further work is taking place here to establish the likely impact on the effectiveness of current best practice control strategies.

Nor is BPC research work undertaken in isolation - there are strong links with researchers at SCRI looking into more fundamental issues, such as blight genetics, resistance mechanisms and potato germplasm improvement. We will also continue to liaise with partners in the Europe-wide Eucablight project. This provides a platform to allow discussions between international research centres to get reports back to key players in the British potato industry.

We also have excellent mechanisms in place to deliver research-based information back to growers and alert them to realtime localised blight information. Since 2003 the BPC’s Fight Against Blight campaign has raised awareness of blight and highlighted best practice. A central part of the campaign has been the work of 350 blight scouts, with local outbreaks mapped on the BPC website (www.potato.org.uk/blight) and growers are alerted via e-mail, SMS and press alerts.

So our approach is not only integrated, it is dynamic and effective. But its success relies on everyone in the industry being involved. If we’re to stay on top of blight we need a rapid reaction to outbreaks, wherever they occur, so it’s important growers and agronomists sign up to the SMS and e-mail alerts. Survey data also shows control of volunteers - a signifi cant source of blight - needs to improve. And it’s important growers understand the changes in blight populations and stay up-to-date with developments. We have a blight strategy that works - let’s all work towards keeping it that way.