Archive Article: 1998/07/24

24 July 1998

IN BRIEF

&#8226 POPLARS could prove a profitable alternative cash crop according to The Mersey Forest project. To attract the maximum grant of £6500/ha land must be taken out of arable production and trees planted at 2m x 4m spacing. Over half the grant is paid in year one, on completion of planting. Establishment typically costs £3000/ha over three years, and crops mature in about 30 years. Outside of community forest areas grants are £600/ha less.

&#8226 HGCAs second crop management booklet, free to cereal levy payers, contains seasonal action plans covering harvest and establishment. It is designed to help growers become more efficient at low cereal prices. It provides a quick summer and autumn check list and identifies further relevant reading (0171-520 3945).

&#8226 GERMAN scientists are reported to have developed a chemical-free method of ridding cereal seed of pathogens. Low energy adjustable radiation is used to avoid damaging the embryo.

&#8226 WAYS to predict potato skin finish and assess tuber quality at various points in the production and storage cycle are among the targets of two new British Potato Council-funded research projects. Total budget is £260,000.

&#8226 PROTECTING glass light fittings is essential for Assured Combinable Crops Scheme approval. The following may help storekeepers find the necessary raw materials.

Fotolec (01842-763752) shatter proof bulbs up to 150W £8.95, fluorescent tubes 2.4m (8ft) £10.56, halogen flood 300W £32.50.

Campbell Environmental Products (0161-7779494), light bulb covers (max 60W) £1.55, PLC lamp 100W £13.50, reusable tubeshield 2.4m (8ft) £11.18, halogen floodlight (230W-500W) £15.15.