GROWERS, seed producers, agronomists and other members of the potato industry gathered to see Restrain’s AccumulatR potato seed treatment at a recent open day.
The event, held in partnership with Cockerill’s, Malton, brought together leading figures from across the sector to demonstrate how the treatment can improve seed efficiency and increase marketable yield.
A highlight of the day was a season update from Restrain’s trials partner, Gavin Prentice of SAC Consulting, who shared observations from current field trials and discussed the challenges and opportunities facing growers this season.
AccumulatR uses a carefully-controlled combination of ethylene and temperature management during storage, applied through Restrain’s treatment protocol for 120+ days prior to planting. The treatment encourages an increase in the number of stems produced per seed tuber, resulting in more tubers per plant.
In addition to increasing tuber numbers, treated seed promotes quicker and more uniform crop emergence, according to the producer, supporting a more even tuber size distribution across the crop, helping growers maximise output within target market specifications.
The combined effect of increased tuber numbers and improved size uniformity delivers higher marketable yields in both Seed Multiplication (28-55 mm) and Salad Production (28-45 mm), those present were told, which is a key factor in improving overall seed efficiency, crop value and returns per hectare.
AccumulatR is not a new concept for UK growers. The technology has been used commercially for more than 20 years, with customers located throughout the country, from the Black Isle in Scotland to Norfolk. Over that period, the treatment has demonstrated consistent results across more than 200 potato varieties, supporting both seed multiplication businesses and salad producers.
As the potato industry continues to focus on both profitability and sustainability, achieving more output from the same seed inputs remains a key priority for many businesses.
Restrain is also investigating how AccumulatR can improve seed efficiency in ware production. By increasing the number of stems produced per seed tuber, the treatment may enable growers to reduce seed rates while still achieving target stem densities, it states. Early trial work is exploring the potential to lower input seed requirements while maintaining crop performance.
Product Manager Nathan Edgar said: “With continued pressure on growers to get more value from every hectare, improving seed efficiency has never been more important.”
