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British growers turn to
NIAB's potato quality tests |
Cambridge , United Kingdom
2004
Potato growers are increasingly sending their farm-saved seed
potatoes to NIAB for testing
prior to planting - because it gives them peace of mind.
NIAB's analysis of the quality-tested samples spells 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.
Levels of PVY remain broadly similar to previous years with 31
per cent of samples having over five per cent of potatoes
infected.
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.
He said: "Potato growers are looking for assurance that their
farm-saved seed stock is healthy before they put it in the
ground. 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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