SPO GROWS RANKS AND UPS THE ANTE ON VIRUS CONTROL.
THE Seed Potato Organisation (SPO) now has more than 40 grower members throughout Scotland and is looking to recruit seed growers in the rest of the UK.
The SPO played a major part in securing approval for the paraffin oil product Olie-H to be approved for use from tuber initiation onwards, to suppress non-persistent virus levels in seed stocks (for more on this see our news section).
SPO Chairman Mike Wilson said the organisation was particularly thankful for the support it received from the Horticulture Crop Protection Ltd (HCP), the organisation set up in the turbulent wake of AHDB Horticulture’s closure.
“We are now properly established and working towards issues that affect the seed growers in other parts of the country. The Oli H oil approval was the first step, which will give growers more options for aphid / virus control throughout the UK, especially in warmer higher pressure areas,” said Mike.
Following its recent meeting, Mike said the SPO has agreed to sponsor the Fight Against Blight campaign run by the James Hutton Institute and is also a sponsor of Potatoes in Practice which is due to take place August. British Potato Review is media partner for Potatoes In Practice.
“Scottish Agronomy are doing more trial work for aphid / Virus reduction using straw mulch and are investigating using dye and other none insecticide ways to reduce virus numbers in potato crops and we are proud to be a sponsor in a very important cause,” said Mike.
“We are also hosting a reception at the Royal Highland Show on June 21st where all UK seed members are invited to attend to discuss issues with seed potatoes and have a bit of networking with growers on what the future has for us.”
