PCN Forum and Workshop

CUPGRA are working with NIAB to catalyse conversations around research needs for the potato industry by bringing people together to understand how we can align research more closely and focus on solutions to meet industry needs.. The aim of this workshop is to bring together knowledge and insights from science and practice to support the potato industry to meet the widespread challenge posed by potato cyst nematodes (PCN).

The CUPGRA fellow at the Crop Science Centre, Sebastian Eves Van den Akker, is leading work to understand plant-pathogen interactions and ultimately support development of new potato varieties that are resistant to PCN. However he comments that: “Although in the long-term solutions will be genetic; these solutions won’t be quick. In the short term there will need to be agronomy and rotational solutions within an IPM framework”.

Nematicides used for PCN control also give some control of wireworm and free living nematodes (FLN).  All these soil-borne pests can cause damage that results in large yield losses and reduction in the quality of the final product. However, even in the presence of nematicides 100% control of nematodes is not possible.  Therefore a range of  integrated systems incorporating biofumigants and other control options have been developed to provide additional levels of control within the rotation.

With Scottish seed only grown on PCN free soils, and in the absence of good control measures going forwards, the potential for their only being 5 seed crops left in Scottish soils could have devastating effects on the UK potato industry.

Please join us to explore….