Tight blight management will be crucial if this year's crop is to survive in store, warned specialists who joined a record 500-plus visitors to the BPC-sponsored event hosted by SCRI,SAC and CSC PotatoCare.
Tuber blight was the biggest immediate issue facing the industry, according the SAC's Stuart Wale.
"Greater care is needed when lifting crops or there'll be problems with rotting and breakdown in store."Growers should pick off all rotting and blighted tubers from harvesters and grading lines, he advised. "Then get as much ventilation into the harvested crop as possible."