Potato Review

28 POTATO REVIEW JANUARY 2022 CROP PROTECTION P EST pressures and the loss of crop protection actives are making their mark on the potato industry, but new research shows there is still a firm commitment from growers to continue producing the crop. The research, commissioned by BASF and carried out by Carol Willey, was carried out in July amongst 100 potato growers and further in-depth discussions with 15 further growers. A total of 11,367 hectares of potatoes, covering fresh consumption, chipping, crisping and seed production were covered by the survey, which was presented at a BASF event to coincide with British Potato 2021, and represented more than 11,367 hectares of potatoes grown for fresh consumption, chipping, crisping and seed production. The majority of respondents described potatoes as their main source of income, demonstrating the importance for specialist knowledge, infrastructure and market access, however there were real concerns surrounding the fragmented knowledge of sustainable practices within the sector (50% of respondents). On average, 61% of respondents’ production was grown on contract, and whilst growers were keen to explore new contracts and increase their production area. There was real concern that the capital investment required to upscale would be difficult to justify. Many growers A new armoury Eight new crop protection products launched as survey shows growers are determined to keep going. also noted that buyers’ size specifications often limited potential yield and, as such, quality was more important than quantity, to deliver a strong return on investment. Independent agronomist Howard Hinds said at the event: “Growers have some real challenges ahead. The control of both Blight and Alternaria will be more difficult without mancozeb and whilst there are effective fungicides on the market, some are more vulnerable to a resistance breakdown. “We have lost Vydate for nematode control, Linuron for weed control and Biscaya for aphids, and in the case of nematicides, the alternatives are limited or are yet to be used widely. The fluctuating weather pattern is also allowing pests to survive milder winters making climate change a real concern. “Whilst there are a wide range of IPMsolutions available from trap cropping to wildflower strips, cover crops and sampling for nematodes, the lack of potential research, with the loss of AHDB, could have real consequences for future innovation.” The rise of more aggressive late blight strains is putting pressure on even the strongest blight fungicides on themarket, and the loss of over 10 actives to the potato crop in last few years, and another 50 under threat in the future, makes new innovation vital. It costs between £250 and £350million to bring a new active to themarket, and can take over a decade of investment, research, and trials. Between 2022 and 2024 BASF plans to launch eight newproducts, demonstrating a strong commitment to the potato sector. BAS657 is set for approval in early 2022 and has two unique modes of action including a multisite, for the management of late blight. It has systemic mobility with recommendations for early application, four to five weeks after planting, during canopy growth. BASF Business Development Manager for Specialities, Paul Goddard said: “There is only one other systemic fungicide on the market that is not affected by resistance. “It works best when the plant is strong and growing, therefore early application is essential. It has an optimised syn- tec formulation, allowing the actives to target infection and reduce selection pressure, playing a key role in anti- resistance management strategies.” Eurofins and SRUC trials have demonstrated BAS657’s ‘top draw’ protection “We are really excited about Honesty as it complements ALLSTAR®, which also has strong control of rhizoctonia in-furrow treatment.” Paul Goddard, Business Development Manager for Specialities, BASF L-R: Paul Goddard, Sophia Sutherland and Howard Hinds