In Scotland, Albert Bartlett, a leading supplier in the potato industry, has collaborated with Fera Science Ltd to address aphid infestations and reduce viral infections in seed potato crops. Aphids, known for stunting potato growth and compromising tuber quality, are vectors for viruses like PLRV and PVY, which can slash ware crop yields by up to 50%.
The initiative comes in response to rising aphid populations, attributed to warmer winters and a scarcity of effective insecticides for seed crops. For the 2024 growing season, 45 growers are participating in a monitoring program funded by Albert Bartlett, submitting sampling traps for analysis to gauge aphid populations and assess virus transmission risks.
Weekly reports from Fera will detail aphid counts and virus risks, aiding growers in optimizing insecticide use. This monitoring effort aims to protect the health of the UK's potato seed stock for 2025. Aphids, which reproduce rapidly and can spread to new plants via winged females, present a challenge for control, especially as they often inhabit the underside of leaves. Predatory insects like ladybirds and parasitic wasps serve as natural aphid predators.
Source: potatonewstoday.com