Collaborative Effort Aims to Empower Farmers Against Potato Cyst Nematode Pressure
A pioneering effort to bolster the effectiveness of trap cropping in mitigating potato cyst nematode (PCN) pressure is underway, spearheaded by a collaborative feasibility study backed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Innovate UK.
The initiative brings together key stakeholders including Produce Solutions, CHAP (part of the Agri-Tech Centres), Harper Adams University, and VCS Potatoes, with support from five potato growers—TC & N Taylor Ltd, J.M. Bubb & Son, ME Furniss & Sons (Farms), James Foskett Farms Ltd, and A.F. Machinery Ltd.
Trap cropping involves planting specific crops to attract pests away from the main crop, thereby reducing pest damage. In the case of PCN, which poses a significant threat to potato yields, trap cropping could offer a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution.
By investigating and enhancing the reliability of trap cropping methods, the project aims to equip farmers with effective tools to combat PCN infestations, ultimately safeguarding potato yields and ensuring the long-term sustainability of potato cultivation.
[Watch the video here] [Find out more about the project here]
