A record number of growers, merchants, packers and processors reportedly attended the BPC’s Potatoes in Practice even near Dundee to discuss the challenges that today’s potato industry faces.
The event, which is now established as the leading field-based potato event, was hosted by SCRI, Scottish Agricultural College, and CSC PotatoCare, and had over 500 attendees.
Dr Jon Pickup from the Scottish Agricultural Science Agency (SASA) gave a presentation on the ramifications of the new Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) directive, which comes into force in July 2010. He told both seed and ware growers that they will have to commit to their seed area before they plant, “as the rules governing a pre-crop soil test for PCN have changed”.
In the past, only marketed seed required a pre-crop test, but once the directive is put into force, all land destined for seed will need the test, unless the seed is to be planted on the same premises as it was produced.
“This move will go a long way to increase the use of classified seed, since it will restrict the movement of farm-saved seed between holdings within the same business,” added Pickup.
Dickeya dianticola and its prevention was the subject of one seminar, presented by the SCRI’s Ian Toth. He gave an outline of current information on the disease, and on the Safe Haven Accrediation Scheme.
“No cases have yet been found in Scotland, but it is a threat. The best way to keep it out is to buy Safe Haven seed,” said Toth.
Branston’s David Nelson spoke to growers about the challenges of a shrinking pesticides armoury. With 60 percent of pesticides which were approved for use in 1993 set to have been removed from the market by 2008, growers may need to look at tighter phytosanitary control of their seed.
“Pesticide usage has dominated public opinion to date, but issues such as water quality and the industry’s carbon footprint are set to dominate. Considerable skill and expertise will be needed to meet rising demand and adapt to external pressures,” said Nelson.
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