A recent potato trial in Scotland has demonstrated that specific biological products and agronomic techniques can significantly increase tuber numbers in seed crops—by up to 30%. With sustainability and virus control becoming increasingly critical, these findings are a game-changer for seed potato growers.
In an era where seed potato production faces increasing pressure to maximize yields, a new trial led by SAC Consulting in collaboration with Steven Jack of Organic Potato Growers, Lamb Weston, and the SAC Association of Potato Producers (SACAPP) offers fresh insight into how biologicals and smart agronomic interventions can enhance tuber multiplication.
The goal? Increase tuber counts in seed potato crops, especially in commercial processing varieties like Innovator and Ivory Russet, which naturally produce fewer tubers per plant.
The Trial Setup
Conducted in the north of Scotland, the trial applied a split-plot design using quad planting on de-stoned traditional ridges, aimed at optimizing root space. Six distinct treatments were evaluated:
- Standard agronomy (control)
- Increased seed rate
- Physical interventions (tipping tubers between boxes, black plastic covers)
- Calfite Extra – foliar phosphate booster (Unium Bioscience)
- Luxor – in-furrow + foliar biostimulant (Unium Bioscience)
- Phosta – soil agent for phosphate release
Results and Findings
The most striking results came from biologicals:
- Luxor: +30% tuber number increase
- Phosta: +20%
- Physical interventions (tipping + covering): +24%
- Calfite Extra: +13%
- Increased seed rate: minimal effect
“These statistically significant results confirm that non-conventional interventions—especially biostimulants—can meaningfully impact tuber multiplication,” said Kyran Maloney, SAC’s senior potato consultant.
Interestingly, while the variety Innovator responded strongly to these interventions, Ivory Russet did not, showing no statistically significant increase. This suggests varietal responsiveness is a key factor in biostimulant success and should guide future trial design and product recommendations.
Biostimulants: Mechanisms and Market Implications
The products tested are part of a growing field of biostimulants aimed at supporting:
- Phosphate availability
- Root development
- Stress resilience
- Microbial soil health
Biostimulants are increasingly relevant in light of:
- Rising input costs
- Stricter regulations on synthetic chemicals
- Need to maintain seed health and reduce aphid-vectored virus exposure
The European Biostimulants Industry Council (EBIC) projects that the global biostimulant market will grow at 11.8% CAGR, reaching $6.2 billion by 2027, underscoring their rising role in sustainable intensification.
The Scottish potato trial highlights the powerful synergy between biology and agronomy. Products like Luxor and Phosta show real promise in enhancing seed tuber production, especially for varieties with low natural multiplication rates. For seed growers, this means higher efficiency, better virus management, and a path toward more sustainable production systems. As research continues, understanding how different varieties interact with these biological tools will be key to scaling these solutions industry-wide.
