Fungicide and nectar mix results revealed at key potato event

UK premier field-based potato event Potatoes in Practice once again showcased cutting-edge research, trade exhibits, and demonstrations for growers to make informed decisions about their crop.

Agrochemical giant BASF was among companies at the event last month, sharing insights on environmental mixes and fungicide performance.

The annual event held at Balruddery Farm near Dundee, hosted by The James Hutton Institute, SRUC, and Agrii, focuses on facilitating practices and solutions which improve farming resilience.

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BASF agronomy manager Scott Milne said:  “We enjoyed welcoming growers and advisors from across the potato supply chain, exchanging insights on the current season and demonstrating our trial plots.” 

Aphid management

One of the plots contained a beneficials nectar mix, designed for integrated pest management, providing food for natural predators that help control aphids

“Aphid-borne viruses affect both ware and seed growers and can cause significant economic losses,” said Scott.

According to a seminar given on site by Adrian Fox of Fera Science, potato leafroll virus is a re-emerging threat to potato production in the UK and in recent years has become the main virus intercepted in seed certification inspections.

New blight solutions

Late blight was a common topic of conversation on the BASF stand, as Phytophthora infestans has developed resistance to two key fungicide active ingredients, bringing exceptional pressure to late blight management strategies.

The fungicide Privest (Initium + potassium phosphonates) works systemically and is active against all late blight genotypes with no resistance issues.

“It’s very strong efficacy helps to build a sustainable programme for current crops and future crops.

“We also have another standalone protectant late blight fungicide coming to market soon (subject to approval) which will give growers another option in the ongoing fight against this disease,” said Scott.

Other trial plots included two fungicides.

Tuber treatment

Honesty is a liquid tuber treatment containing Xemium, which is available in partner packs with an application enhancer.

It has strong activity on Rhizoctonia, silver scurf, and black dot, with incidental activity against dry rot and gangrene.

These diseases can have a significant impact on the yield and marketability of potato crops.

“Honesty brings physiological benefits, giving more stolon initiation, leading to more uniform potatoes and higher marketable yield, as seen from the tubers dug up from the plot,” noted Scott.

In-furrow fungicide

Also containing Xemium, the protectant fungicide Allstar is applied as an in-furrow treatment at planting. This gives moderate control of black scurf caused by soil-borne Rhizoctonia solani.

With in-furrow application, the soil around the planted potato is treated, rather than the potato itself.

“Allstar reduces Rhizoctonia symptoms such as misshapes, growth cracks, elephant hide, and irregular skin setting, and helps crops develop faster and produce more potatoes,” said Scott.