In the face of a looming threat to the UK potato industry, the James Hutton Institute has achieved a significant milestone by securing funding for the continuation of the national blight monitoring scheme. This development comes as a beacon of hope for potato growers, who are grappling with the challenges posed by a new strain that jeopardizes the health of their crops.
Sustaining The Fight Against Blight (FAB) Scheme
The significance of the Fight Against Blight (FAB) scheme cannot be overstated, as it serves as a critical tool in alerting growers to the emergence of new disease strains. This function has become even more essential with the recent appearance of a fungicide-resistant strain in Ireland. While previously funded by AHDB Potatoes, the scheme has now garnered support from 18 diverse organizations, ensuring its continuity and effectiveness.
Unveiling the Threat of Genotype EU43
The menacing presence of the new genotype EU43, with its resistance to key fungicides such as OSBPI and CAA, poses a formidable challenge to potato crops not only in Ireland but also in the Netherlands and Denmark. The early detection of this strain is paramount in shaping robust integrated pest management strategies for the upcoming 2024 potato crops, underscoring the critical role of proactive surveillance and intervention.
Early Signs of Blight Outbreaks
The inclement weather conditions and the presence of unharvested crops have set the stage for potential late blight outbreaks, with reports already surfacing in regions like Jersey and Kent. The blight monitoring scheme, initiated in 2004, hinges on the collaborative efforts of agronomists, growers, and industry representatives, who diligently submit field samples for analysis, with up to 1,500 samples processed from suspected outbreak sites.
As the blight monitoring scheme continues to be a pillar of support for the potato industry, its role in safeguarding crops from evolving disease strains and unforeseen challenges remains indispensable in ensuring the resilience and sustainability of potato cultivation in the UK.
