Potato growers are increasingly sending their farm-saved seed potatoes to NIAB for testing prior to planting, according to the potato experts.
NIAB's analysis of the quality-tested samples has spelled good news for growers. Levels of PVA are much lower than previous years and levels of potato leaf roll virus are lower with only one per cent of samples showing infection levels at more than five per cent of the stock.
The figures for PVY are largely similar to previous years with 31 per cent of potato samples having infection levels of more than five per cent.
However, NIAB potato specialist, Dr David Kenyon, is urging growers to opt for quality testing of seed potatoes as a matter of course to avoid problems with next year's crop.
"Potato growers are looking for assurance that their farm-saved seed stock is healthy before they put it in the ground,” he said. “Advanced knowledge of any potential problems helps them modify their management of the crop to maximise yield.
"Our quality testing of their seed stock gives them peace of mind and helps them to make informed management decisions. It is an option that increasing numbers of growers are taking advantage of."
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