FORTRIE Farms near Ellon, Aberdeenshire, produces seed potatoes for both domestic and export markets and has adopted a risk-based approach to seed treatment.
Farm director Craig Bartlet said the business routinely uses Gavel and, where appropriate, Storite Excel to protect seed quality during storage and transport.
“Export varieties that are going to be in containers for a long time, such as Hermes going to Egypt and Atlantic going to Asia, will get treated, along with varieties that we know are likely to be in store for longer periods.”
Craig said treatment decisions are influenced by a combination of agronomic advice and practical experience.
“A lot of it comes from SAC Consulting and our agronomists, but it’s also our own experience. Some varieties clearly benefit from that extra protection in store.”
Potato manager Craig Coutts said variety characteristics are a major factor when assessing disease risk.
“It’s very variety-driven,” he explained. “Some varieties store exceptionally well, while others need more help.
“When you’ve got seed travelling long distances or sitting in storage for extended periods, you want to do everything you can to protect quality.”
The business uses Gavel as the foundation of its seed treatment programme, with Storite included where disease risk and market requirements justify a dual approach: Storite is believed to bolster skin spot activity.
For Craig Bartlet, maintaining tuber quality throughout storage and transport is essential.
“As seed growers, quality is everything,” he said. “If the crop arrives in good condition and performs for the customer, that’s all that matters.”
