SCOTLAND’S BIGGEST potato event in 2005 will give growers the opportunity to see the latest research and what’s new in the industry, say organisers.

“Potatoes in Practice” will be held on August 11 and will include field trials, seminars, research and industry exhibits, together with machinery and storage displays.

Research into controlling common scab by using methods other than water and a diagnostic test for soil borne diseases are likely to be of particular interest to growers this year, said the SAC’s Stuart Wale.

“We will also be looking at the impact of soil compaction on crop growth as part of cross compliance to encourage best practice for soil cultivation and the impact of soil moisture on potato bruising.”

A host of other projects and research activities will be on display by the Scottish Crop Research Institute, Scottish Agricultural College and British Potato Council.

The free event, which has been allocated training points for the Continuing Professional Development Register, will be held at Gourdie Farm, by Invergowrie, Dundee.

Further information is available from the BPC, which sponsors the event – www.potato.org.uk