An early break in potato dormancy is likely to follow this year’s hot summer, say root crop agronomists. Much will depend on update of sprout suppressant maleic hydrazide during the dry weather. Good uptake will help to delay any break of dormancy – but poor uptake will exacerbate the... Read more
Tractor and trailer drivers are being reminded to stay safe when carting root crops during the darker months. The Root to Success initiative is promoting all aspects of safe towing following a 16% rise in trailer incidents over the past 18 months. It is highlighting the need to comply... Read more
MJP Supplies, the UK distributor of the German-developed seaweed biostimulant Algifol, will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a special offer at this month’s British Potato event. Since taking on Algifol in 2005, the company has witnessed growing adoption among British potato growers, crediting the product’s efficacy for rising demand... Read more
Thousands of visitors are expected to attend British Potato 2025, which takes place on 19-20 November at the Yorkshire Event Centre, Harrogate. Organisers say the two-day “seed to shopping trolley” extravaganza will bring together growers, packers, processors, retailers and suppliers for a two-day trade exhibition and seminar programme. Held... Read more
Wireworm risk should be routinely assessed ahead of potato planting to combat the increased threat of pest damage to crops, say experts. Historically associated with grassland rotations in south-west England, changing farm practices and climatic conditions have seen a continuous creep of the soil-borne pest to other regions in... Read more
Threat more prevalent this season Changing rotations and reduced tillage could explain why a key disease is becoming more prevalent and damaging in potato crops. Potato growers need to be alert to the threat of Rhizoctonia solani this spring – especially farms moving less soil between crops. Reduced tillage... Read more
Careful crop management required Prospects remain good for sugar beet – despite an 18% price reduction. But careful crop management is needed, say advisers. Three pricing options were available to beet growers for the 2025/26 crop – a fixed price of £33/t for up to 70% of contract; a... Read more
New varieties extend choice for growers
Root Crop 03/04/2025
Six new varieties have been added to the 2026 sugar beet list – with more traits to choose from when growing the crop. The 2026 list includes more varieties with in-built tolerance to pests and disease. That said, the number of available varieties has increased by just one to... Read more
New genetics offer greater flexibility New genetics, advanced seed and herbicide technologies are making sugar beet an increasingly beneficial addition to arable rotations. “It’s a superb break crop,” says KWS UK AgroService sugar beet manager Martin Brown. “Pest, disease and weed problems that may have built up in cereal-based... Read more
Good progress is being made in the quest to grow potatoes sustainably – benefiting farm businesses and the environment, say researchers. The Transformative Reduced Input Potatoes (TRIP) project brings together researchers from Dyson Farming and Bangor University with a host of other partners – including commercial companies. Funded by... Read more
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