Have your say on new potato cyst nematode management guidelines

Potato growers and agronomists are invited to have their say on the structure and information included in a new guide for controlling their number-one pest – potato cyst nematode (PCN).

A PCN management guide was released by Maff – Defra’s former guise – in 1999 as a response to the rise of a more virulent PCN species, Globodera pallida.

G. pallida has now reached epidemic levels across Britain, largely due to the majority of commercial potato varieties susceptible to the species, allowing the pest to multiply.

The loss of chemical control options and the slow adoption of cultural controls such as longer rotations and resistant varieties are also fuelling the problem.

See also: Dutch lead the way in potato cyst nematode control

In response, AHDB Potatoes has contracted a consortium, led by independent plant nematologist Sue Hockland, to collate the information required to refresh the “best practice” guide.

The consortium includes nematode experts from advisory bodies Fera and Sasa, along with Harper Adams University and the Dundee-based James Hutton Institute.

Dr Hockland says the update will bring the 1999 guide up to speed with the evolving PCN situation and latest agronomic advice on controlling the pest.

“Although agronomists are the main target [for the guide], it’s also critical that growers know about PCN population dynamics and the importance of identifying species.

“We would like to consult agronomists and growers on the format and information that should be included,” she tells Farmers Weekly.

Along with content, Dr Hockland would also like to hear about growers’ experiences of PCN management and any success stories that individuals may have had.

These success stories could include rotational changes, using resistant varieties or newer strategies such as biofumigation or trap crops.

So far the consortium has focused on the following key areas:

  • Species biology and identification
  • Lifecycle and population dynamics
  • Varieties and how tolerance and resistance work
  • Field hygiene to avoid the spread of infested soil
  • Sustainable methods of control, including rotation, varieties, integrated chemical control and biofumigation and trap crops.

Stakeholders wishing to give feedback to the consortium should do so by mid-October, ahead of the final content being submitted to AHDB Potatoes at the end of January 2016.

They are advised to contact Dr Hockland directly via email at sue.hockland@plantparasiticnematodes.com.

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