NATIONAL POTATO CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW 2007 ......LOUTH John Carroll, Paughanstown, 041-6857658 086-2489212 Dunleer MEATH Mark Sheridan, Kilberry, Navan 046-9024351 086-2769369 Paddy

NATIONAL POTATOCONFERENCE

& TRADE SHOW

2007

IFA/Teagasc Potato 2007

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Welcome from Organisers 3

Conference Programme 4

U S E F U L I N F O R M A T I O N

List of Teagasc Potato Advisors 5

IFA National Potato Committee 2007 7

S E E D P O T A T O C E R T I F I C A T I O N C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N

Department of Agriculture & Food Seed Certification Division 8

Seed Potato Inspectors 8

C O N F E R E N C E P A P E R S

Nematodes in Potato Production 13

Aphid & Wireworms Problems in Potatoes 17

Re-inventing the Potato: A Marketing Approach for the 21st Century 23

Cross Compliance, the Nitrates Directive & the Potato Grower 32

Potato Nutrition, the Art is in the Appliance of Science 40

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Contents

N A T I O N A L P O T A T O C O N F E R E N C E 2 0 0 7

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The potato industry has gone through a number of difficult years but financialreturns to growers have improved somewhat in recent times. Supply anddemand is one of the key driving forces of financial returns to the grower.However, these returns are being eroded year on year due to the availability ofsuitable land to grow high quality potatoes. Access to land will continue to be aproblem especially in light of the Nitrates Directive.

The Nitrates Directive will place an added burden on growers and inevitablysome will find the extra work load too much to bear. The numbers activelygrowing potatoes continues to decline and the remaining growers will continueto increase acreage and get more specialised.

For growers who remain growing potatoes it is becoming more important thanever to be at the cutting edge of technology and to be fully up to date withdevelopments in the industry.

The four papers presented to you today will address some of the current issuesfacing the industry presently. We hope that the presentations and the tradestands will be helpful to you this year.

The IFA and Teagasc conference wish to acknowledge the assistance and supportof all exhibitors and sponsors of the event.

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2 0 0 7

Welcome to IFA/TEAGASC National PotatoConference 2007


M R . W I L L I A M M O N A G L EChairman, National Potato Committee,IFA, Irish Farm Centre, Bluebell, Dublin 12.Phone: 01-4500266 Fax: 01-4565146www.ifa.ie

M R . M I C H A E L H E N N E S S YTillage Specialist,TEAGASC, Oak Park, CarlowPhone: 059-9183427 Fax: [email protected]

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Conference Programme


SESSION I

SESSION I1

SESSION I11

CONFERENCE PROGRAMME - 1 . 30 P .M. TO 8 P .M.

1.30 p.m. Registration

Chairman: Lorcan O’Toole, Acting Head of Horticulture,

Teagasc, Kinsealy

2.00 p.m. Welcome Address: Padraig Walshe, IFA President

2.15 p.m. Official Opening: Mary Coughlan TD, Minister for

Agriculture and Food

Chairman: William Monagle, Chairman, IFA National Potato Committee

2.30 p.m. Insect and Nematode Pests of Potatoes in Ireland

Dr. Tom Kennedy & Dr. Finbarr Horgan - Teagasc, Oak Park, Carlow

3.00 p.m. Re-inventing the Potato: A Marketing Approach for the 21st Century

James Burke and Alice McGlynn - Bord Bia

Chairman: Denis Griffin, Potato Breeder, Teagasc, Oak Park, Carlow

3.45 p.m. Cross Compliance, the Nitrates Directive and Potato Growers

Michael Hennessy - Teagasc, Oak Park, Carlow

4.15 p.m. Potato Nutrition, the Art is in the Appliance of Science

Mark Ballingall - SAC (Scottish Agricultural College), Scotland

5.00 p.m. Close of Conference

5.00 – 8.00 p.m. Trade Show

Tea and Coffee compliments of Bayer Crop Science

Admission €20

(Lunch/Snacks/Bar available in hotel)

For Further Information:

Evelyn Hayes, IFA

Phone: 01-450 0266 Fax: 01-456 5146 Email: [email protected]

Michael Hennessy, Teagasc

Phone: 059 918 3427 Mobile: 087-415 8385

Email: [email protected]

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CARLOW/KILKENNY David Lineen Kildalton Agr. College 051/644552WATERFORD/ Piltown, Co. Kilkenny 087/2949217ST. TIPPERARY/KILDALTON James Maloney Kildalton Agr. College 051/644400

NTH. TIPPERARY Liam Mullane TEAGASC Office, 067/31225Dromin Road, Nenagh,Co. Tipperary

CORK EAST/KERRY/ Andy Whelton TEAGASC Office, 021/4545055LIMERICK Farranlea Road, Cork 087 7848065

CORK MID Donal McCarthy TEAGASC Office, 029/61262Newmarket House,Newmarket, Co. Cork

GALWAY Denis Manning TEAGASC Office, 091/562101Hynes Buildings,St. Augustine Street,Galway

DONEGAL Matt Marren TEAGASC Office, 074/9121053Carnamuggagh,Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

MEATH Conor O’Mahoney TEAGASC Office, 046/9021792Navan, Co. Meath 087/6087431

Cyril Darcy TEAGASC Office, 041/9833006Slane Road, Drogheda, 087/2577012Co. Louth

LOUTH Conor Dobson TEAGASC Office, 041/9877035Slane Road, Drogheda, 087/4173241Co. Louth

Pat McGuinness TEAGASC Office, 042/9332263Dublin Road, Dundalk, 087/2665418Co. Louth

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2 0 0 7

List of Teagasc Potato Advisors


C O U N T Y N A M E A D D R E S S P H O N E

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List of Teagasc Potato Advisors


C O U N T Y N A M E A D D R E S S P H O N E

DUBLIN Shay Phelan TEAGASC Office, 01/8460644Kinsealy, Malahide Rd, 087/7985195Dublin 17

Stephen Alexander TEAGASC Office, 01/8460644Kinsealy, Malahide Rd, 087/6273888Dublin 17

WEXFORD/ Jim Flavin TEAGASC Office, 053/9171360WICKLOW Johnstown Castle, 087/2201411

Co. Wexford

John Pettit TEAGASC Office, 053/9171360Johnstown Castle, 087/9196529Co. Wexford

KILDARE Ivan Whitten TEAGASC Office, 045/879203Friary Road, Naas,Co. Kildare

Hugh McCreevy TEAGASC Office, 059/8631719Rathstewart, Athy,Co. Kildare

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COUNTY NAME TEL NO MOBILE NO

CHAIRMAN William Monagle, Kildrum, 074 - 9140122 086-8525137Carrigans, Co. Donegal

VICE-CHAIRMAN Thomas Carpenter, Oakley Park, 04692-41297 086-1718500Kells, Co. Meath

CARLOW James Kehoe, Mount Lucas, 05991-61412 087-2204692Rathvilly

CORK (N) Cyrus Buttimer, Sheepwalk, 025-33218Fermoy

CORK (C)

CORK (W) Maurice Whelton, 023-33517 087-2364724Grancore North, Clonakilty

DONEGAL Desmond Harkin, Creaga, 074-9370324 086-1019061Malin Head

Charles Doherty, Moness, Burt 074-9368595

DUBLIN Laurence Flynn, Larmon, 01-8406175 086-2554771Balheary, Swords

KERRY Bridget O’Connor, Kilbaha, 068-49189Moyvane

KILDARE Bart Maertins, 087-6780990Loughanure, Clane

KILKENNY

LOUTH John Carroll, Paughanstown, 041-6857658 086-2489212Dunleer

MEATH Mark Sheridan, Kilberry, Navan 046-9024351 086-2769369

Paddy Reynolds, Gerrardstown, 046-9023089Garlow Cross, Navan

TIPPERARY NORTH Louis Kennedy, Huntsgrove, 0504-52219 086-8351348Templederry, Nenagh

TIPPERARY SOUTH

WATERFORD Declan Hurley, Monea, Ardmore 024-94183 086-8229877

WEXFORD Pat Pettit, Ballycushlane, 053-31258 087-2612389Broadway

WICKLOW John Brady, Ballynerrin, 01-2017420 086-2585620Kilcoole

7

IFA National Potato Commitee


2 0 0 7

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S E E D P O T A T O C E R T I F I C A T I O N C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N

Department of Agriculture & FoodSeed Certification Division


H E A D Q U A R T E R S

Backweston, Leixlip, Co Kildare.Tel. 01- 630 2900 Fax. 01- 628 0634

S E E D C E R T I F I C A T I O N D I V I S I O N

Assistant Agricultural Inspector: John Eivers Tel. 01- 630 2907; email [email protected] Superintendent:Michael Murray Tel. 086- 812 3679; email [email protected]

P O T A T O C E N T R E

Tops Farm, Raphoe, Co Donegal. Tel. 074- 914 5488, 074- 914 5490; Fax. 074- 914 5262

Agricultural Inspector:Gerry Doherty email [email protected]

Seed Potato InspectorsDISTRICT / COUNTIES NAME & ADDRESS TELEPHONE NUMBER

Mr. Raymond Treacy (074) 9131069(District Superintendent)Dunwiley, BallybofeyCo. Donegal

Lifford No. 1 Mr. Thomas Patton (074) 9141542Gallows LaneLiffordCo. Donegal

Lifford No. 2 Mr. Seamus Given (074) 9141060Burnview HouseRossgier, LiffordCo. Donegal

Ballybofey Mr. Neil Wilkinson (074) 9145267Convoy Road, RaphoeCo. Donegal

Manorcunningham Mr. John Coyle (074) 9151111Killycreen, RameltonCo. Donegal

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Seed Potato Inspectors


Newtowncunningham Mr. Hugh Gallagher (074) 912636241 Orchard GroveLetterkennyCo. Donegal

Mr. John Lee (074) 9122529DromoreLetterkennyCo. Donegal

Mr. Philip Clarke (074) 9122591(District Superintendent)Government OfficesHigh Road, LetterkennyCo. Donegal

Fanad Mr. James V Kelly (074) 9158311Ballyboe, RathmullanCo. Donegal

Ramelton Mr. John P. Crawford (074) 9151187The Ards, RameltonCo. Donegal

Moville / Muff/ Mr. Hugh Holmes (074) 9382602Buncrana Ballyratten, Moville

Lifford, Co. Donegal

Burnfort Mr. Kevin Cunnane (074) 9157238The VeaghManorcunninghamCo. Donegal

Mr. Ray Kirby (046) 9079176(District Superintendent)Department of Agriculture and FoodGovernment OfficesKells RoadNavanCo. Meath

DISTRICT/COUNTIES NAME & ADDRESS TEL NO

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Seed Potato Inspectors


Kildare / N. Wicklow Mr. Tom Cunniffe (01) 4944613/Dublin 3 Knockcullen Rise

Knocklyon, Dublin 16

Louth / Monaghan Mr. Malachy Quigley (086) 8543748Edenkell, Hackballscross (042) 937 7413DundalkCo. Louth

Dublin / Meath (Vacant)

Mr. Michael Mc Donagh (067) 41664(District Superintendent)Ballintoher RoadLahessaragh, NenaghCo. Tipperary

Roscommon / Clare / Mr. Padraig Finnerty (091) 794561Galway / Sligo / Mayo/ Palmerstown, OranmoreLaois / Offaly / Westmeath/ Co. GalwayLongford / N. Tipperary

Carlow / Kilkenny / Mr. Eamon Houlihan (053) 9234907S. Wicklow/ Wexford Castlehacket, Parklands (087) 2504973

EnniscorthyCo. Wexford

Waterford / E. Cork/ Mr. John Casey (021) 7339090S. Tipperary Blood Testing Station

Model Farm Road, Cork

Kerry / W. Cork / Mr. Michael Stafford (021) 4775518Limerick Malindi, Farnahoe

InnishannonCo. Cork

DISTRICT/COUNTIES NAME & ADDRESS TEL NO

8744 potConfA5 32 09/02/2007 11:45 Page 10

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8744 potConfA5 32 09/02/2007 11:45 Page 11

Potato ServicesAnnagharvey, Tullamore, Co. Offaly. 057 9343522 087 2568832

Specialists in supply of Certified Seed Potatoes, Equipment and Spare Parts to Irish Potato Farmers

Certified Seed Potatoes

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Used Equipment in Stock

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2000*Hagedorn Trumag*Juko Maxi + Bunker Intake Hoppers Downs + Vari Coils*Cranford +

Stars*Downs Continental + Twin Roller Table Graders Squire 3’ Hopper + Coils + Grader, many

extras, 1 Phase*Tong 3B Grader & Hopper + Coils & Roller Table, 3 Phase*Tong 3’ Grader, High Spec.

Machine, 3 Phase Washers Peter Cox, Haith & Edmonds (1 Phase)*+ Range of Sponge Driers

Weighers & Pre-Packers Newtec 2000 Batch Weigher*Newtec 2000 + VB40*Walthambury 320, 1

Phase + Conveyor*Walthambury 425, 1 Phase*Walthambury 320, 3 Phase*Tong 325 20 & 10Kg

Weighers Veg Prep Machinery Omega Veg. Prep. Machine*Jay Craft Veg. Prep. Machine*De-Bruyne

Stainless Steel Prep. Weigher (3 – 25Kg)*Multi-Vac Twin Chamber Vacuum Packer & Gas Flush Also

Large selection of Conveyors & Box Rotators.

8744 potConfA5 32 09/02/2007 11:45 Page 12

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R E P O R T 1

Nematodes in Potato Production


nematode (Y-PCN) (Globoderarostochiensis) and the pale cystnematode (W-PCN) (Globoderapallida). Y-PCN is the most prevalentspecies, occurring in about 98% ofcyst populations. W-PCN occurs in lessthan 5% of populations, often mixedwith Y-PCN. W-PCN has prolongedegg-hatch with a later annual activitypeak than Y-PCN, it also has a slowerrate of decline in all soil types (up to30 years), and is more geneticallyvariable that Y-PCN. As a consequenceof these traits, W-PCN is more difficultto control. Widespread planting of Y-PCN resistant potato varieties appearsto have caused a shift in the incidenceof the two species in the Britain.There, where Y-PCN was once moreprevalent, now, in many regions, W-PCN is the more prevalent species.Infrequent planting of Y-PCN resistantpotatoes may be responsible for thelow incidence of W-PCN in Ireland;however, there is a need to clarify thecurrent incidence of both species here.The first sign of PCN damage topotato crops is the poor growth,wilting and an unhealthy appearanceof plants in small patches. Plants maydie prematurely. Where PCN hascaused wilting, an examination of theroots of the plants at about the timeof flowering will indicate minutecysts. Plants respond to PCN attack byforming numerous additional rootletsgiving a bushy appearance. Estimatesof yield loss are variable. In generalyield loss averages are about 2.5t/haunder light infestation. Very severe

INTRODUCTIONProper management of plant parasiticnematodes is essential to maintainpotato yield in Ireland. Soundmanagement begins with a fullunderstanding of current issues innematode pathogenicity as well asstrict adherence to legislationconcerned with nematodemonitoring, quarantine and control.This paper introduces the mainnematode species associated withpotato diseases and presents some keycomponents in their successfulmanagement.Four groups of nematodes affectpotato production in temperateclimates: these are 1) the cystnematodes, 2) root-knot nematodes,3) stem nematodes, and 4) free-livingplant pathogenic nematodes. Ofthese, only the potato cyst nematodesare of any importance to Irish potatoproducers, the remaining groups arerepresented by few species, of lowincidence and restricted distributionand many have never beendemonstrated to directly causepotato-yield loss.

POTATO CYST NEMATODES (PCN)Two potato cyst nematodes occur inIreland. These are the golden cyst

PROFILE

Prepared by Finbarr G. HorganTeagasc, Crops Research Department,Oak Park Research Centre, Carlow

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5053342). The local potato inspectorthen visits the land and collects 100soil cores, from a 10 x 10 grid, forevery hectare of land (approx. 1Kg ofsoil/ha). Samples are sent to TEAGASCfor testing and results relayed via DAFto the farmer. Once land is certifiedPCN-free, the producer may apply forseed certification, again through DAF.Where a producer wishes to test forPCN, or other nematodes, forpurposes other that seed certification,samples may be collected directly bythe farmer and sent to one of anumber of nematode laboratoriesthat offer diagnostic services.

ROOT-KNOT NEMATODESThe root-knot nematodes (RKN) canbecome considerable potato pests;however, the principal damagingspecies, Meloidogyne chitwoodi andMeloidogyne fallax, have never beendetected in Ireland. OtherMeloidogyne species have recentlybecome prevalent in Ireland, forexample, only in the last few yearsMeloidogyne spp. (mainly M. minor)have become problematic in turf-grass. This may be due to recentaccidental introductions of exoticnematode species into the country, orbecause of a sustained increase inaverage Winter temperatures.Effective quarantine is, therefore,important to maintain Ireland free ofpotato RKN, this includes restrictionsand monitoring of soils and plantproducts through the ports and carewhen visiting potato farms overseas.Currently DAF conducts limited

infestations, of over 150 cysts per100g of soil, will cause crop failure.Such high infestations are extremelyrare under good managementprograms.

Management for both nematodespecies is based on efficientmonitoring, detection and quarantine.Because PCN requires potatoes tosurvive, and because of the longevityof cysts in the soil, efficient croprotation is essential to curtailpopulation build-up, currentrecommendations are for a 5 to 7 yearrotation between potato crops.Farmer vigilance in detection ofinfection foci is recommended.Potatoes demonstrating symptoms ofinfection should be monitored andsoil examined for the presence ofcysts. Because cysts are transportedthrough soil movements, suspectground should be avoided and farmmachinery that has been through thesite carefully washed fordecontamination.

Seed potatoes for certification mayonly be grown on land that is free ofPCN (Potato Root Eelworm Order1951). Therefore, farmers interested inproducing seed potatoes must havethe land tested for the presence ofPCN. This requires a formalapplication for PCN-testing throughthe Department of Agriculture andFood (DAF). Applications forms can beobtained through the local potatoinspector or directly from DAF atMaynooth (Mr. Dermot Flood, Tel. 01

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Internal Rust Spot (IRS). Whereasthere is no clear evidence of FLNcausing IRS, some species are involvedin viral transmission that may lead tocertain types of spraing.The free-living nematodes include aheterogeneous group of plantpathogens that occur in all soils andmay feed from a wide variety ofplants. The main species includestubby-root nematodes (SRN)(Trichodorus spp. and Paratrichodorusspp.) and needle nematodes(Longidorus spp.). Feeding by SRN onroot tips causes elongation of roots tocease, and results in stubby-rootsymptoms. The damaged roots are lesscapable of supplying the plant withadequate water and nutrients fromsoil. SRN live in coarser, sandy soils,and are one of the few nematodescapable of transmitting plant viruses.Trichodorus spp. are vectors ofTobacco Rattle Virus (TRV), which isone of the causes of spraing inpotatoes (Potato Mop Top Virus, Asoil-borne virus, transmitted by thepotato powdery scab fungusSpongospora subterranea is anothercause). Once TRV enters the tuber,following nematode feeding, thepotato responds by sealing-off theinfected area, this may producebrown necrotic spots. Spraingsymptoms occur only in the tuberflesh with no visible signs of infectionon the external skin. Infected plantsdo not show foliar symptoms in theyear of infection but infected tubersmay produce plants showingsecondary symptoms in the form of amottling on some leaves and stems.

monitoring for RKN as part of theRing-Rot/Brown-Rot survey. Tubers aresent to TEAGASC where they areexamined for dark brown spotssymptomatic of RNK.

POTATO ROT NEMATODESThe potato rot nematode (PRN),Ditylenchus destructor, has aworldwide distribution; however, it isnot prevalent in Ireland and was lastdetected here in the 1970s. Thenematode prefers cool, moist soils andmay overwinter during any life stage.The nematodes enter potato tubersthrough the lenticels, multiplyingrapidly to invade the whole tuber.They can continue to live and developwithin harvested tubers. There are novisible symptoms during the plantgrowth period although heavilyinfested tubers may give rise to weakand wilted plants. Lesions appear onthe tuber as small brown blemishes,the underlying tissues appearinggranular and spongy. Badly affectedtubers will have sunken areas withcracked and wrinkled skin withgreyish to black flesh where secondaryinfections due to fungi and bacteriaoccur. The presence of PRN in potatogrowing areas precludes potatoexport due to the restrictions imposedby many countries against the pest.

FREE-LIVING PLANT PATHOGENICNEMATODESRecently there has been a lot ofconcern about the possibility thatfree-living plant parasitic nematodes(FLN) may be associated with certainpotato diseases, including Spraing and

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Furthermore, all pesticides are toxicand carry environmental and healthconcerns. Therefore, the best strategyfor maintaining high potato yield willinclude adherence to monitoring andcertification programs set out by DAF,crop rotation, weed management androtavation, as well as carefulavoidance of contamination throughproper hygienic practices associatedwith transportation and soilmovement.

Spraing can be managed usingspraing-resistant potato varieties,rotavation of soil and by controllingweeds that may act as alternate planthosts for the nematodes. Needle nematodes occur in somesandy soils and are important virusvectors in strawberry production.There is no evidence that these speciescause any reduction in potato yield.There appears to be a generally lowincidence of SRN and needlenematodes in Irish potato fields,possibly due to unsuitable clayey soilconditions.

Effective nematode managementPotato growers should be aware that,other than for PCN, yield reductiondue to plant pathogenic nematodes islow. Yield maintenance andimprovement will largely depend onefficient management of pathogenicnematodes. Currently in Ireland,Mocap (Ethoprophos) is the onlyregistered product with nematicidalproperties; Mocap is approved forwireworm control but may soon bewithdrawn. Vydate (Oxamyl) is notregistered for use in Ireland and iscurrently under European review.Temik and Nemathorin have alreadybeen withdrawn from use in Europe.The use of nematicides needs to beconsidered carefully, given the lack ofany direct evidence linking certainnematodes (i.e., some FLN) toyield/quality reductions and thegeneral low incidence (FLN, PRN) orabsence (RKN) in Ireland of someimportant potato pathogens.

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Aphid and Wireworms Problems in Potatoes


crops is sporadic. Aphids cause cropdamage by transmitting virus diseasesand by feeding on plants. With theexception of Potato leaf-roll virus(PLRV), all aphid-borne potato virusesare non-persistently transmitted.Persistent viruses are those thathaving being acquired by the aphidcan be transmitted for the lifetime ofthe aphid while non-persistent (styletborne) viruses are only transmissiblefor a period of hours followingacquisition. These include: potatovirus Y (PVY), PVA, and some strainsof PVS. In the absence of virusinfection, the yield reduction due toaphid feeding depends on timing,duration, extent and speciescomposition of aphid infestation.The spread of non-persistent viruses isunlikely to be controlled by aphicidessince transmission would occur beforethe pesticide could kill the aphid.However, the regulations governingseed certification ensure viruses arenot a major problem in crops.Resistance to aphicides in the aphidM. persicae to organophosphate andcarbamate type insecticides was firstreported in 1971 (1). This resistancewhich is due to high levels of anesterase enzyme (E4) sequesters andinactivates the insecticide. Morerecently two other forms, MACE andkdr-resistance, were reported in 1990and 1997, respectively (2, 3). MACEconfers resistance to the insecticidespirimicarb and triazamate while kdrprovides resistance to pyrethroids.

Wireworm damage potatoes byburrowing small holes in tubers. This

SUMMARYUp to fifty species of aphids havebeen found in potato fields in Ireland.Among those species is the peach-potato aphid (Myzus persicae) whichis an efficient transmitter of virusdisease. However, the latter species isneither widely distributed nor numericallydominant in Ireland. The highestconcentrations of this aphid werefound in counties Louth, Meath andWicklow. Investigations confirmedinsecticide resistance in Myzuspersicae captured in NE Leinster in2005. Any of the presently availableinsecticides will control aphids otherthan Myzus persicae. The latter speciescan be controlled with pymetrozine(Plenum) and thiacloprid (Biscaya).

Wireworm damage to potatoes is bestavoided by planting in land at leastfour seasons from lea. Soil samplingcan provide an indication of possiblewireworm damage. Ethoprophos(Mocap) can give significant control ofwireworm damage to tubers but willnot give complete control where highinfestations occur.

INTRODUCTIONAphids are the most serious foliagepests of potatoes occurring in Ireland.However, aphid damage in potato

PROFILE

Prepared by Tom Kennedy,Teagasc, Oak Park Research Centre,Carlow

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R E P O R T 2



species was more numerous in trapsfrom the NE Leinster area than thosefrom the remaining parts of thecountry. The percent Myzus persicaein traps from counties Louth, Meathand Wicklow was 9.8%, 7.1% and5.4%, respectively. In 2005 aphids ofthis species collected from potatocrops in Counties Dublin, Meath andLouth were examined for resistance toaphicides. While only a relativelysmall number of M. persicae wereobtained from crops resistance toinsecticides was found.

APHID CONTROL Commercial crops• Crops should only be sprayed when

aphids are present and conditionsfavourable for multiplication exist.

• In most seasons a single aphicidecould be sufficient – in fact noaphicide application would berequired in some seasons.

• A large aphid infestation in Augustcan cause considerable yield loss.If aphid numbers exceed 5 per leafan aphicide may be necessary. Thetop, lower and middle leaves ofplants should be examined overthe entire crop.

• Do not repeat applications of anyinsecticide that appears not towork when applied at full-rate.

• If aphids other than M. persicaeare present any of theorganophosphate, carbamate orpyrethroid aphicides can be used.If the aphid infestation includes M.persicae then pymetrozine(Plenum) or the new insecticidethiacloprid (Biscaya) should be used.

damage has little effect on yield butaffects quality and is unacceptable toconsumers. This article brieflycomments on aphid occurrence inpotatoes, the detection of aphicideresistance in Myzus persicae (peach-potato aphid) in the NE Leinster areaand on the appropriate use ofaphicides. The problem of wirewormdamage to potatoes is also discussed.

APHIDS ON POTATO CROPSWinged aphids were captured inyellow-water-traps (YWT) at 10-15locations throughout Ireland in theperiod 1991-1994. A total of 49species of winged aphids wereidentified including the five speciescommonly associated with virusspread in potato crops in NW Europe(4). The species are; Macrosiphumeuphorbiae (potato aphid), Myzuspersicae (peach-potato aphid),Brachycaudus helichrysi (leaf-curlingplum aphid), Aphis fabae (black beanaphid) and Acyrthosiphon pisum (peaaphid). The most efficienttransmitter of virus is M. persicae,however, this species is not verycommon in Ireland. In the twoseasons for which complete data isavailable M. persicae only comprised0.3% and 4%, respectively, of thewinged aphids captured in traps.While species such as B. helichrysi areonly 1-2% as efficient as M. persicaein the transmission of virus diseasetheir overall effect can be muchgreater since they are far moreabundant in potato crops. Myzuspersicae is presently the only specieshaving resistance to aphicides. This

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number of seasons wireworm damageto potatoes has been reported infields several seasons from lea. Sincethe only means of controllingwireworms in potatoes is by applyinginsecticides at or prior to planting it isnecessary to establish if these pestsare present before planting the crop.Various methods of determining thepresence and extent of wirewormpopulations in fields selected for thegrowing of potatoes have beendevised including soil-sampling andbait trapping for larvae (worms) and‘plastic-sheet’ traps and pheromone-traps for adults (beetles). For soilsampling and traps to provide anyuseful indication of wirewormoccurrence it is necessary tocommence monitoring in the seasonprior to planting. Of the variousmethods employed to predict thepresence of wireworms soil samplingis as effective as other methods evenif somewhat labour intensive.Standard recommendations for soilsampling are: take 20 samples with asampling corer of 10 cm diameter to adepth of 10-15 cm at randomlocations in fields of 4-10 hectares insize. The finding of a singlewireworm per 20 samples wouldrepresent 63,635 larvae per hectarewhich is approximately the thresholdat which control measures should beadopted. It should be noted,however, that the failure to find anylarvae in the 20 samples does notindicate that wireworms are notpresent since at this sampling intensitythere could be as many as 60,000larvae per hectare without being

• In the case of thiacloprid only asingle application is permitted perware-crop.

SEED CROPS• If aphids other than M. persicae

are present any of theorganophosphate, carbamate orpyrethroid aphicides can be used.

• If M. persicae and other aphidsoccur an aphicide should beapplied as soon as 10% of plantshave emerged. The initialaphicide should be pymetrozine(Plenum) applied at labelrecommended rates. Thiacloprid(Biscaya) can also be used; only twoapplications of this product shouldbe applied per seed crop.

• After 10 days a second aphicideapplication should be made. Thisspray could be the carbamatepirimicarb (Aphox).

• Third and subsequent sprays couldalternate between pymetrozineand pirimicarb until “crop burn off”.

• Spray intervals should be 10-14 days.• There should be an interval of at

least 7 days between the lastapplication of pymetrozine andharvest.

WIREWORMSWireworm damage in potatoes hastraditionally been associated with theplanting of crops in fields recentlyploughed from lea. Populations ofwireworms decrease relatively quicklyunder arable cultivation and it isunusual for large numbers to persistmore than three to four years afterploughing. However, over the past

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• Avoid long-time set-a-side andweedy fields.

• Undertake soil sampling in theseason prior to planting potatoesand preferably do so in the precedingspring and again in autumn.

• Where sampling indicates aninfestation of more than 70,000larvae per hectare insecticidaltreatment should be applied.

• Where low infestations occur itmay be beneficial to delayploughing until close to planting aswireworms may continue to feedon the inverted sod and thusrefrain from damaging tubers.

• If potatoes are to be grown plant avariety that can be harvested early(end of August if possible).

• Ethoprophos (Mocap) is the mosteffective insecticide in controllingwireworms but even this productwill not provide effective controlwhere high populations of larvae occur.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSI wish to thank Dr. Steve Foster,Rothamsted Research for aphicide-resistance testing of aphids. I alsothank Shay Phelan, Conor Dobson andCyril Darcy Teagasc Tillage Advisers,Dublin, Louth and Meath, respectively,for collecting aphid samples.

REFERENCE:1. Needham, P. H. and Sawicki, R. M.

(1971). Diagnosis of resistance toorganophosphorus insecticides inMyzus persicae (Sulz.). Nature,230, 125-126.

2. Moores, G. D.; Devine, G. J. andDevonshire, A. L. (1994).

detected in this number of samples.Furthermore, a population of thismagnitude could cause anunacceptable level of damage.

CONTROLAldrin was the most effectiveinsecticide in controlling wireworms butits use is no longer permitted. However,this product never gave completecontrol and in Oak Park trials havinglarge wireworm infestations thepercent tubers having wirewormdamage in aldrin treated plots rangedfrom 30% to 45%. Ethoprophos(Mocap) is the best product currentlyavailable for wireworm control. Whileethoprophos can give significant controlof wireworm damage it will notprovide complete control and substantialdamage can still ensue where highpopulations of wireworms are presentin treated soils. The results ofwireworm control trials involvingethoprophos in the UK have shownthis product to give good control atsome sites while its performance overa number of sites was inconsistent (5).Other investigations (6) indicateethoprophos gave comparable levelsof control of wireworm damage tothat for aldrin.

RECOMMENDATIONS• Wireworm damage can only be

avoided by growing potatoes infields free from infestation.

• Sow potatoes in fields that havegrown arable crops for a fewseasons. Fields 3-4 years fromgrass should not have a highinfestation of larvae.

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5. Hancock, M.; Green, D.; Lane, A.;Mathias, P. L.; Port, C. M. andTones, S. J. (1986). Evaluation ofinsecticides to replace aldrin forthe control of wireworms onpotatoes. Tests of Agrochemicalsand Cultivars No. 7 (Annals ofApplied Biology, 108 Supplement),pp 28-29.

6. Parker, W. E.; Clarke, A.; Ellis, S. A.and Oakley, J. N. (1990).Evaluation of insecticides for thecontrol of wireworms (Agriotesspp) on potato. Tests ofAgrochemicals and Cultivars No. 11(Annals of Applied Biology, 116Supplement), pp 28-29.

Insecticide-insensitiveacetylcholinesterase can enhanceesterase-based resistance in Myzuspersicae and Myzus nicotianae. Pesti.Biochem. Physiol., 49, 114-120.

3. Martinez-Torres, D.; Devonshire, A.L. and Williamson, M. S. (1997).Molecular studies of knockdownresistance to pyrethroids: cloningof domain II sodium channel genesequences from insects. PesticideScience, 51, 265-270.

4. Harrington, R.; Katis, N. and Gibson,R. W. (1986). Field assessment ofthe relative importance ofdifferent aphid species in thetransmission of potato virus Y.Potato Research, 29, 67-76.

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8744 potConfA5 32 09/02/2007 11:45 Page 21

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8744 potConfA5 32 09/02/2007 11:45 Page 22

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R E P O R T 3

Re-inventing the Potato A Marketing Approach for the 21st Century

specifically potatoes and those whichhave an impact on marketingdecisions of the potato category nowand into the future.

MACRO-ENVIRONMENT To set the scene we will look at thesocial, political and legaldevelopments in Ireland over recenttimes. The Irish economic boom hasbeen unprecedented over the pastdecade. Economic growth, which hasincreased by 5.8 per cent volumechange during 2006, is the strongestin Europe. As a consequence of theincrease in disposable income Irishconsumption is growing at a rate of6.8 per cent feeding further theinsatiable appetite of the Celtic beast.There has been a natural populationincrease of 131,000 and a netimmigration figure of 186,000 duringthis period (Census, 2006).

The impact of the economic boom hashad both positive and negativeramifications for Irish society andlifestyle.

BACKGROUND THEMESThere are six main consumer lifestyletrends which currently affect the foodmarket (Henley, 2006.)

INTRODUCTIONIn 2005 consumers spent €162 millionon potatoes – an increase of 8% on2004 figures (TNS, 2006).Consumption of no other vegetablecomes close by comparison, thenearest being tomato coming in at€74 million, followed by carrots at €49million. Penetration of potatoes intoIrish households is at 95% whichsubstantiates both the accolade thatfor all intents and purposes the Potatois Ireland’s favourite vegetable andthe fact that it is our staple food. Inreality the potato category hasdeclined by 12% in volume termsbetween 2001 and 2005. Customerusage of the category is falling, drivenby competition from other categoriesand an overall perception that thecategory is dated, inconvenient andlacking the modern appeal of some ofthe other side of plate options.

In order to get a handle on consumerbehaviour it is necessary tounderstand the macro-environment ofthe marketplace. This study willconsider the main macro-environmental influences(political/legal, economic, social,technological, and environmental)affecting the food industry,


PROFILE

Prepared by Alice McGlynn, Bord Bia, Irish Food Board

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Young Initiates (see Table 1. below forcustomer segment descriptions).

LIFE ON THE GOChanging working patterns, risingurbanisation, increasing mobility andrise of new media and communicationtechnologies are creating a consumerbase that is short of time and anxiousto make every minute matter. Mostfamilies now have both workingparents. Time pressure has increasedthe demand for more convenient typefoods and has lead to the situationwhere many meals are eaten out ofhome or ‘on the go’. This drive forconvenience appears to be favouringthe competitive carbohydratesubstitutes namely, rice and pastaover potatoes.

LIVING LIFE TO THE FULL Rising affluence, growing knowledgeof global opportunities, changingworking patterns and demographicshifts are the driving forces behindthis trend where consumers areseeking an antidote to the pressuresof modern life. Modern, interestingand exciting potato recipes endorsedand promoted by media chefs and/orretailers could place the potato backin the lime light for this group. Newvarieties of potatoes such as‘fingerlings and ‘Purples’ can add anew dimension to a dinner plate andcan often become the focus ofdiscussion at dinner parties. Thecustomer segmentation most likely tobe most involved with this trendwould be the Accelerating Employees,Empty Nesters, and to a lesser extent

R E P O R T 3



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increasing time pressures there is anecessity to find quickercommunication methods, for instancethrough easily recognisable symbolsand visuals such as cooking icons onpotato packaging rather than writteninstructions. The customer segmentsmost likely to follow this trend are theYoung Initiates, AcceleratingEmployees, and Pressurised Families(See Table 1).

Products that are more convenient,require less preparation time, are‘within arm’s reach’ and require littleenergy expenditure will win the day.Fresh potato solutions might include;microwavable packs, ready peeledvacuum packed bags, ‘peel and pourbaby potatoes’ ready prepared mashetc. Products that enhance personalenergy such as healthy option potatosnacks are in high demand. With

TABLE 1. CUSTOMER SEGMENT BASED ON POTATO PURCHASING BEHAVIOURAND LIFESTAGE.

Customer Segment Demographics

Independent Students 19-23 year olds.Often working part-timeOften living with 2-3 others.

Young Initiates 23-27 working full-timeCo-habiting with friends

Accelerating Employees Co-habiting/marriedCommuting: time pressured.Pressure of Mortgage

Pressurised Families Both parents workCommuting time impacting on family life.

Young Regional Families 33+Working in home or part-timeMix younger childrenClose knit community

Empty Nesters 1 to 2 person householdsIncreasing in numberMainly more disposable income

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MAKING A DIFFERENCEAs our society becomes more affluentand educated there are manyconsumers wishing to take a stand fortheir personal principles and beliefs.Consumers are becoming more awareof the effect of increasedglobalisation, the threats of globalwarming, the damage to theenvironment resulting from theimpact of unsustainable practices inindustry and agriculture and as aresult are demanding products whichhave a conscious and which providethe purchaser with a sense of ‘doingwhat is right’.

Campaigns that promote the benefitsof organic and fertilizer free options,biodegradable or no packaging (loosepotatoes), support of ‘fare-trade’ forlocal potato growers who are undercontinuous pressure to reduce marginsbelow reasonable levels, will targetthis group and are excellentmarketing opportunities.

QUEST FOR HEALTH ANDWELLBEINGThere is a growing public and mediafocus on health and physical imagewhich is being fuelled by changinglifestyles and demographics. Allergies,intolerances and obesity are on theincrease. Consumers are on a missionto regain control over their ownhealth. Most people do not knowthat potatoes are an excellent sourceof fibre, essential minerals andvitamins. Potatoes with skins canprovide more potassium than bananasor broccoli. They have virtually 0%

fat, lower than both pasta and riceand a portion provides less than 10%of daily intake of carbohydrates. 29%of consumers are eating less becausethey consider them ‘fattening’ or ‘toofattening’ (Research Solutions 2006).

SMART SHOPPERSConsumers want to know that theyreceived value for their money.Although it includes price as anelement, the ‘value’ proposition is awider concept that includes the‘experience’. Potatoes are universallythe value option. Heretofore therehas been little product segmentationof the potato category apart frombagged or loose. Most promotionshave concentrated on ‘price’ ratherthan the wider ‘value’ concept. Inaddition, the commoditisation of thecategory is reducing the impact ofpotential differentiators such aspotato varieties including Rooster,Kerrs Pinks, Golden Wonder etc.

Research from the United States hasshown that the Potato category is bestdivided into the following segmentsbased on the offering to consumers(NPPB 2006):

• Bargain• Mainstream• Premium• Specialty

Segmentation helps target thecategory toward different types ofconsumers with different potatoneeds and becomes the basis of all keycategory decisions such as assortment,

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this regards potatoes are the perfectproduct.

There is a counter trend termed‘homing’ beginning to emerge. Most typically spoken of in thecontext of the US post 9/11, ‘homing’is the trend of the home and familyregaining importance in society. We are beginning to see indicationsof a backlash to the materialism and individualistic culture of the 80sand 90s, Europeans are returning towhat matters: the home and familyenvironment. The chart below shows the changes in percentage of families that are eating togetherbetween 2001 and 2003 (Periscope, 2005).

pricing guidelines, merchandisinglocation/combinations andpromotions.

THE REAL THING As a backlash against the modernconsumerism there is a growing trendto go ‘back to basics’. Consumers aredemanding transparency with regardto how products are made and whatgoes into them. Locally producedand provenance are for someconsumers key drivers of buyingbehaviour. 1 in 2 ROI adults ratebuying local produce as fairly/veryimportant compared with just 4 in 10NI adults and 1 in 3 British adults ofthe same opinion (PERIscope 3). In

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PERCEPTIONS AND POSITIONINGFurther research conducted on behalfof Bord Bia shows that there are threemain perceptions in relation tocharacterising potatoes.

TraditionalPresently older families, Empty Nestersand the Retired see the potato as thebackbone of the meal solution. Thisgroup eat potato on average threetimes per week with their eveningmeal (TNS, 2006). As mentionedbefore the ‘homing’ trend isincreasing the incidence of these mealoccasions beyond that of the ruralfamily and is affecting the younger,urban families as well.

ApathetistsIndependent Students and YoungInitiates see potatoes as a transitionalpoint where they have a temporaryfoothold and where the valueproposition is extremely importantovercoming any preparation barriers.Value options within the product

segments, including the Premium andSpecialty segments, would encouragegreater buy-in from this group andhelp secure them as future potatopurchasers.

ModernistFor Accelerating Employees and someof the more affluent Young Initiatesthe present offering of potatoes isperceived as more relevant for a bygone era. They are stable, simple butbland and boring. The competitivealternative is far more appealing andis anchored with other products thatare more versatile, convenient andcompelling. Appealing to the healthconscious of this group couldovercome their reluctance to buypotatoes over other competitorproducts.

The diagram below show theperceptions of potatoes, rice andpasta compared with the facts:(Research Solutions, 2006).

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CONCLUSIONSThere can be no doubt that potatoconsumption since the turn of thecentury has been in decline. Socio-economic, consumer and markettrends appear to be indicating thatthe potato lacks something in terms ofproviding solutions to the needs ofthe consumer when compared with itscompetitors.

Inspiration in the guise of new andexciting recipes, assistance in cooking

potato varieties, and the healthbenefits associated with eating thepotato comprise the informationneeded by the consumer. New,exciting, and smaller packaging isrequired. Product innovation isrequired to address the gaps in themarket for convenience and ease ofpreparation. New avenues ofpurchase and sale such as farmersmarkets and ‘box schemes’ need to beexplored and expanded in relation tolocal and organic produce and putting

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Research Solutions 2005, ConsumersAttitude to Potatoes, on behalf ofBord Bia unpublished, May 2005

PERIscope 2, 2003, ConsumerAttitudes to Cooking & Eating,Unpublished.

PERIscope 5, 2005 LocalProduce/Organic Food, Unpublished.

PERIscope 5, 2005 Eating in Home,Bord Bia, Unpublished

Research Solutions, 2006, ConsumerAttitudes Towards and Usage of Fruit,Vegetables and Potatoes, on behalf ofBord Bia, unpublished, December 2006

the power back into the hands of thegrower in order to guarantee thefuture of the domestic production. Retailers need to come up with newand novel ways of displaying andmerchandising the product in order tomove away from the commoditymanagement approach. Pricing needsto be related to the product segment,whether bargain, mainstream,premium or specialty and promotionshould incorporate all aspect of the‘value’ of the potato rather thanconstantly focussing on price. It is in the power of the industry toreverse any decline taking place andeven improve consumption going intothe future. The information isavailable it is just a matter of using it.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

ESRI Quarterly Report, October 2006

TNS, 2006, Taylor Nelson Sofres: TheGrocery and Fresh Produce Markets,Republic of Ireland, unpublishedFebruary 2006

Census 2006, Central Statistics OfficeReport, 2006

Henley Centre, 2006, ConsumerLifestyle Trends, Bord Bia InsightCentre, October 2006

NPPB 2006, The National PotatoPromotion Board 2001, Re-inventingthe Potato: Retail Marketing Toolkit.

R E P O R T 3



8744 potConfA5 32 09/02/2007 11:45 Page 30

Milne Foods LimitedSyngefield : Birr : Co Offaly : Ireland

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R E P O R T 4

Cross Compliance, the Nitrates Directive and the Potato Grower.


Directive and Cross Compliance ruleswhich will affect potato growers.

NITRATES DIRECTIVEIn order to comply with the NitratesDirective a grower must be aware ofthe many issues which the directiveseffects. Nutrient management in thefield is the main area most growersassociate with the directive. Thedirective strives to ensure that thecrops requirements for nutrients aresatisfied. The fertiliser levels in thedirective are maximum permittedlevels and not recommended rates fora given set of circumstances. In order to arrive at a correct value offertiliser for the current cropping yearareas such as previous crop history, asoil sample of phosphate and theapplication of organic manures to thefield all need to be considered.Effective nutrient management is acommon sense and economic approachto farming. The vast majority offarmers have been using nutrientmanagement techniques successfullyfor years; however, previous fertiliserguidelines are now legal maxima.

ORGANIC NITROGEN – ‘THE 170KG/HA LIMIT’Organic nitrogen is determined by thestocking rate of animals on a farmand quantities of organic manuresimported onto a farm. The maximumpermitted limit is 170 kg organic N/ha.On livestock farms it is effectively astocking rate limit. It is not a limit onchemical N fertiliser. Tillage farmersimporting organic manures are limitedto 170 kg organic N/ha. For example

INTRODUCTIONNew rules, signed into law, containedin the Nitrates Directive regulations (SI378) during the past year are havingan impact on farming practice on theground. These rules are laws of theland rather than rules connected tothe payment of the Single Farm Paymentand all land owners have to abide bythe rules even they are not participatingin the Single Payment Scheme.Rules directly connected to the SinglePayment Scheme, such as the StatutoryManagement Requirements (SMRs) setdown in EU legislation on theenvironment; public, animal and planthealth; and animal welfare must also beadhered to by potato growers. Growersmust also maintain land in GoodAgricultural and Environmental Condition(GAEC). These combined regulationsare known as Cross-Compliance.Cross Compliance rules are largelymonitored through inspection ofrecords on the farm. Potato growersare no strangers to keeping records ofall the activities of the potato crop aspart of Bord Bia Quality Schemes orother quality schemes relating tobrands or distributors and as such theCross Compliance requirements arelargely being met by growers.This paper will try to cover some ofthe issues relating to the Nitrates

PROFILE

By Michael Hennessy, Tillage Specialist, Teagasc, Oak Park, Carlow

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you are limited to spreading 15.5 t/haof broiler litter per year. Derogationsto exceed the 170Kg/ha limit oforganic nitrogen are, at time of press,still being drawn up but it is likelythat mainly tillage growers will notbenefit from this derogation.

SOIL PHOSPHORUS INDEXThe phosphorus (P) advice for tillagecrops is shown in appendix 1. Nochemical fertiliser P is permitted totillage crops at soil P index 4 unlesspotatoes are being grown. Soilanalysis is the basis to determine thecrops P requirement. In the absenceof a soil test taken in the last 5 years,soil P is assumed to be at soil P index 3.

Potash (K) is not included under SI 378but should be part of any nutrient plan.

SOIL NITROGEN INDEXThe soil nitrogen (N) index systemindicates the soils ability to supply Nduring the growing season anddepends on the previous croppinghistory and previous organic manureapplications. There are four N indicesranging from 1 to 4 - index 1 soilscontaining small soil nitrogen reservesand index 4 soils having the largestsoil nitrogen reserves. Within SI 378the nitrogen index table is split intotwo (see appendix 4). The upper halfof the table applies to tillage cropsgrown in land more than 5 years‘away’ from long term grass leys and isthe most common situation found onfarms. The lower half of the tableapplies to tillage crops grown in landless than 5 years ‘away’ from longterm grass leys. In appendix 4, the

crop within the columns is the previouscrop. For example, in the case of landbeing in tillage more than 5 years,where potatoes were the previouscrop, the soil (and crop to be fertilised)is classed as being in N index 2.

The categorisation of nitrogen forpotato crops is based on the crop typerather than the categorisation of avariety according to haulm duration.Crops are fertilised according tonitrogen index and general type. Forexample, a main crop of potatoes inindex 1 can receive a maximum of 170kg N per hectare. This can be madeup of either chemical nitrogen ororganic manure or a combination.

PREVIOUS CEREAL CROP YIELDSAdditional nitrogen is allowable underSI 378 for high yielding cereal cropsand does not include potato crops.The higher yield is based on the bestyield in any one of the three previousharvests at 20% moisture content. Forevery 1 tonne/ha above referenceyields (see appendix 6), a farmer mayapply an extra 20 kg N/ha. Records(weighbridge dockets, etc) should beused to support farm reference yields.

ORGANIC MANURESThe nutrient value (N & P) of all organicmanures is specified in appendix 5.The phosphorus contained in organicmanures is deemed to be 100%available to the growing crop. Thenitrogen in organic manures hasvarying rates of availability, increasingup to 2010 in order to encouragebetter and novel use of manures. Ifland has received dressings of organic

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available from their websitewww.pcs.gov.ie . Pesticides should beused and handled in accordance withcurrent labels.

RECORDS OF PESTICIDESKeep a record of pesticide applicationdate, rate and quantity. Many qualityassurance schemes, including the BordBia Quality Assurance Scheme, requiresall growers to maintain detailed recordsof chemical usage and these recordswill be acceptable for an inspection.The Irish Grain Assurance Scheme(IGAS) record book and the Teagasc E-CRoPs program are also acceptable forthis purpose. Keep a record of thePCS registration number of anypesticides used.

PESTICIDE STOREEnsure the pesticide store is leak-proofand has a bucket of sand available tosoak small spillages. Keep pesticides ina signed, secure shed/press etc. Disposeof empty pesticide cans to an authorizedbody – keeping the disposal receipt.

CONCLUSIONSThe Cross Compliance Rules applies toall farm land in Ireland and as suchevery grower. The application of the rules within thefarm will present a serious challengeto all growers. The maintenance ofrecords as part of these rules may notimpose undue extra burden on potatogrowers especially those who arealready part of a Quality Assurancescheme. However, at the beginningof the year, all growers shouldestimate the total volumes of manureswhich they can use on the farm

manure in two successive years, it isdeemed to be soil N index 2. Transitionalprovisions allow that imported pig,poultry and spent mushroom compostcan be applied to P index 4 soils upuntil 2011. However, the 170 kgorganic N/ha limit still applies and allthe imported phosphorous is assessedon a whole farm basis.This may have implications for potatoesgrown under the “no chemical fertiliser”banner. Potatoes grown under thisregime may struggle for total nitrogenhowever it must be rememberednitrates and phosphate limits areassessed on a whole farm basis.

PREVENTION OF WATERPOLLUTION FROM FERTILISERSAND CERTAIN ACTIVITIESAll growers are subject to farmingunder the Code of Good AgriculturalPractice for many years now.Additional conditions in the CrossCompliance rules in areas such as greencover on stubbles, ploughing anddestroying growing vegetation in thewinter time and the maintenance ofthe soil in good condition are all apartof the new regulations. The preventionof direct application or filtering ofnitrogen to water courses is at theheart of these measures. The applicationof nitrogen and phosphorus in boththe chemical and organic form islimited to specific spreading periodsand zones, see appendix 1 and 2.

USE OF PESTICIDESOnly use and keep in store, pesticidesthat are authorized by the PesticideControl Service (PCS). The full list ispublished each year by the PCS and

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of the whole farm basis. Use of thenutrients on specific crops should bemonitored carefully to obtain the besteconomic return from the availablenutrients. Widespread changes in thepractice of growing potatoes are notneeded in order for growers to farmprofitably under the Nitrates Directive.

through the year. This will ensuregrowers do not apply excess nutrientsover the farm.The total nutrients available to potato grower’s crops will enableprofitable crops to be grown in thefuture. All growers should managethe available nutrients in the context

Appendix 1: Country ZonesZone:A Carlow, Cork, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Tipperary, Waterford,

Wexford, Wicklow.B Clare, Galway, Kerry, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Roscommon,

Sligo, Westmeath.C Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan.

APPENDIX 2: NON-APPLICATION PERIODS OF FERTILISERS TO LAND

Fertiliser Type Start date End dateZone A B C

Chemical 15th Sept. to 12 15 31 Jan.Organic (not FYM) 15th Oct. to 12 15 31 Jan.FYM 1st Nov. to 12 15 31 Jan.

APPENDIX 3: MAXIMUM FERTILIZATION RATES OF PHOSPHORUS ON TILLAGE CROPS

(TAKEN FROM SI 378 SHORTENED VERSION)Phosphorus Index

Crop 1 2 3 4

Available Phosphorus (kg/ha)1

Cereals (Winter and Spring) 45 35 25 0

Potatoes: Main crop 125 100 75 50

Potatoes: Early 125 115 100 50

Potatoes: Seed 125 115 100 85

Maize 70 50 40 0

Field Beans 50 40 20 0

Oil Seed Rape 35 30 20 0

Forage Rape 40 30 20 0

1 The fertilization rates for soils which have more than 20% organic matter shall not exceed the

amounts permitted for Index 3 soils.

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R E P O R T 4



APPENDIX 4: DETERMINING NITROGEN INDEX FOR TILLAGE CROPS (TAKEN FROM SI 378)

Continuous tillage: - crops that follow short leys (1-4 years) or tillage cropsNitrogen Index

Index 1 Index 2 Index 3 Index 4

Cereals Sugar beet,Maize Fodder beet,

Potatoes, Mangels, Kale, Oil Seed Rape,

Peas, BeansLeys (1-4 years)grazed or cut and grazed.

Swedes removed Swedes grazed Any crop receiving in situ

dressings of organic fertiliser

Vegetables receiving Vegetables less than 200 kg/ha receiving morenitrogen than 200 kg/ha

nitrogen

Index 1

Any crop sown asthe 5th orsubsequent tillagecrop followingpermanent pasture

Index 2

Any crop sown asthe 3rd or 4th tillage

crop followingpermanent pasture.

If originalpermanent pasturewas cut only, use

index 1

Index 3

Any crop sown as the1st or 2nd tillage

crop followingpermanent pasture

(see also Index 4). Iforiginal permanent

pasture was cut only,use index 2

Index 4

Any crop sown asthe 1st or 2nd

tillage cropfollowing very

good permanentpasture which was

grazed only

TILLAGE CROPS THAT FOLLOW PERMANENT PASTURE

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R E P O R T 4



APPENDIX 6: MAXIMUM FERTILIZATION RATES OF NITROGEN ON TILLAGE CROPS(TAKEN FROM SI 378, SHORTENED VERSION)

Crop Nitrogen Index1 2 3 4

Available Nitrogen (kg/ha)

Winter Wheat1 190 140 100 60Spring Wheat1, 2 140 110 75 40Winter Barley1 160 135 100 60Spring Barley1 135 100 75 40Winter Oats1 145 120 85 45Spring Oats1 110 90 60 30Fodder Beet 195 155 120 80Potatoes: Main crop 170 145 120 95Potatoes: Early 155 130 105 80Potatoes: Seed 155 130 105 80Oilseed Rape 225 180 160 140

1Where proof of higher yields is available, an additional 20kg N/ha may be applied for each additional tonne above the following yields;Winter Wheat - 9.0 tonnes/ha Spring Wheat - 7.5 tonnes/haWinter Barley - 8.5 tonnes/ha Spring Barley - 7.5 tonnes/haWinter Oats – 7.5 tonnes/ha Spring Oats – 6.5 tonnes/haThe higher yields shall be based on the best yield achieved in any of thethree previous harvests, at 20% moisture content.

2Where milling wheat is grown under a contract to a purchaser of millingwheat an extra 30 kg N/ha may be applied.

APPENDIX 5: AMOUNT OF NUTRIENTS CONTAINED IN 1 TONNE OF ORGANIC

FERTILISERS OTHER THAN SLURRY (TAKEN FROM SI 378)

Livestock type Total Nitrogen (kg) Total Phosphorus (kg)

Poultry broilers/deep litter 11.0 6.0manure layers 55% dry matter 23.0 5.5

Turkeys 28.0 13.8Dungstead manure (cattle) 3.5 0.9Farmyard manure 4.5 1.2Spent mushroom compost 8.0 2.5

Total nitrogen & total phosphorus content per tonne shall be as declared by the supplier in

Sewage sludge accordance with the Waste Management (Use ofSewage Sludge in Agriculture) Regulations, 1998to 2001 and any subsequent amendments thereto.

Dairy processing residues and other Total nitrogen & total phosphorus contentproducts not listed above per tonne based on certified analysis shall be

provided by the supplier

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Suppliers of pre-packed

and peeled potatoes.

Tel: 0044 2838 391029

Fax: 0044 2838 391042

Email: www.wilsonscountry.com

Contact: [email protected]

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40

R E P O R T 5

Potato Nutrition, The Art is in the Appliance of Science


The first step in potato nutrition is abasic soil analysis covering the macronutrients, Phosphate, Potassium andMagnesium not to mention pH. This iseven more important on rented landwhere the soil history may beunknown. The cost of a routineanalysis is insignificant compared tothe cost of fertiliser. The grower isoften faced with “good buys” of , forexample 14:14:21, which may be aninappropriate ratios that over applieseither phosphate or potash. It may bemore important to use straights. There may be a need to use CalciumNitrate as part of the basal dressing ifInternal Rust Spot is a risk (better thana foliar calcium application). The besttime to apply calcium nitrate is attuber initiation, so it will affect initiallevel of the basal dressing. Overapplying potash, a distinct problemwhere FYM is applied, can lock upMagnesium. (Magnesium is animportant constituent of Chlorophyll). Magnesium deficiency can beeffectively and cheaply applied to thepotato crop as Bittersalz, (magnesiumsulphate) in season. Magnesiumsulphate is also a good source ofavailable sulphur. Equally, highmagnesium levels can impact onpotash availability thereforeallowances need to be made withinthe basal potash rate. There is somedata to suggest that applying morepotash than crop requirement will

reduce bruising, (ADAS Terrington2001). Equally in a survey (BPC BruceReport 2004) it was found that inPiper and Cara while increased tuberpotash and magnesium levels wascorrelated with reduced bruising therelationship was not dependent in soilapplications. Excessive phosphatecan impact on manganese and zincavailability. But more importantly it islikely that phosphate will soon comeunder the same spotlight as nitrogen.Where potatoes are rotated aroundthe farm it may be useful to use theGPS system of soil analysis. This isuseful if the farm is an amalgamationof smaller units where the croppingand soil types may vary. Variableapplication of lime, phosphate andpotash using straights are possibledepending on the variability.Although crops are usually limed afterthe potato crop pH can also affect theavailability of nutrients. Calciummagnesium, phosphate and potash allbecome less available as the pH dropsbelow pH 5.6.

It is also useful to know the soil statusof micro nutrients, e.g. manganese,calcium, zinc, boron and sulphur. Withsulphur deposition from the atmospherenow low it is a mute point whether itshould be classed as a macro nutrient.Where there is a history of usingmagnesium limestone, then calciumlevels may be low. Calcium and boronare linked. Low levels of zinc canincrease the risk of Powdery Scab.

Sulphur is required to make optimumuse of nitrogen and amino acids in the

PROFILE

Prepared by Mark Ballingall, SAC

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R E P O R T 5

Potato Nutrition, The Art is in the Appliance of Science


There are many foliar stimulants onthe market that contain hormones,amino acids, humic acids and othergrowth promoters, mostly derivedfrom seaweed and some fortifiedwith nutrients trace elements andsugar. It is often claimed that theapplication of such products stabiliseschlorophyll and proteins, promotesphotosynthesis, improves water useand nutrient status and storage life.Generally these products can be usedon all agricultural and horticulturalcrops. Some claim up to 30% yieldresponse. While SAC has not trialledevery product and some are better thanothers, SAC has over the years lookedat Cropset, Fulcrum, Marinure, Yeald ,Seamac, Poliverdol, Wuxal and Maxicropand found no significant yield responsefrom any. That is not to say someseaweed products will not give responseson a field scale. It is up to theindividual grower to make their ownjudgement but it is better to get thebasic nutrition of the plant right first. In summary a good knowledge of soilnutrients status, previous croppingand any organic inputs allows theagronomist to makerecommendations for sound basalfertiliser inputs, predict likely nutrientavailability through the growingseason and the potential for anynutrient interactions that may resultin a need and response from foliarinputs. Good sound technicalknowledge takes some of the risk outof growing potatoes and importantlysaves time and needless expense.

plant. It is a good idea to apply someof the nitrogen as Ammonium Sulphate.High levels of applied sulphur havebeen shown to improve skin finishand reduce Common Scab. In additionnitrogen as ammonium is less leachablethan nitrate based nitrogen. Nitrogeninputs are increasingly under focus asNVZ regulations become more restrictive.It is useful to monitor nitrogen levelsin the growing crop with devices suchas the N – Tester, available from Yara .If a crop is showing levels of decline inmid season then applications of foliarN, as liquid urea, have been shown tobe effective.

Having got the basic nutrition of thepotato crop right it is also possible touse nutrition to manipulate andstimulate growth. I have alreadymentioned the use if foliar nitrogento extend the life of the crop orcorrect nitrogen deficiency. Somepotato varieties are particularly shybreeders. Phosphate is known tostimulate rooting which in potatoesmeans tubers. Initially the potato cropis slow to root when it is initiatingtubers. Foliar applied phosphate attuber initiation has been shown topromote tuber numbers in suchvarieties. The results can be variable,depending on variety and season. More recently foliar Phosphitesapplied from rosette stage have givengood results in promoting rooting andimproving uptake from the soil oftrace elements. Phosphites have alsobeen shown to stimulate the plantsdefences against fungal pathogens.

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43

Sponsors & Exhibitors

MILNESSyngefield, Birr, Co. Offaly, Ireland.057 9121420

POTATO EQUIPMENT LTD.Peil Place, Kilberry, Navan, Co. Meath056 9054400

POTATO SERVICES LTD.Annaghaharvey, Tullamore, Co. Offally057 9343522

SAM DENNIGAN21 Halson Street, Oldtown, Co. Dublin01 8722522

SYNGENTA IRELAND LTDIndustrial Park, Cork Road, Waterford(051) 377203

UNICHEM LTDThe Ward, Co. Dublin (01) 8352728

WELVENT LTDWhisby Way, Whisby Road, Lincoln, LN6 3UQ England(0044) 1522693008

WHELEHAN CROP PROTECTIONUnit 3, Northern Cross Business Park,Finglas, Dublin 11 (01) 8068600

WILSON’S COUNTRY33 Mahon Road, Portadown, Co. ArmaghBT623FF

BORD BIAClanwilliam Court, Lower Mount Street,Dublin 2 (01) 6685155

BAYER LTD.Chapel Lane, Swords, Co. Dublin (01) 8132222

AGRIWEB2-4 Balloo Avenue, Bangar, BT197QTCo. Down048 9127 5913

COUNTRY CRESTRathmooney, Lusk, Co. Dublin.01 843 7061

DONEGAL POTATOESColehill, Newtowncunningham, Co. Donegal.074 9156155

GLENSIDE GROUP LTDBlock 2 Unit 4 Bandeath ind. Estate,Throsk, Stirlingshire, Scotland. (01) 786 816655

GOLDCROPSpringhill, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork021 488 2800

JIM KEHOE, J&M KEHOEKilcash, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary (052) 33370

KEVIN WOODS MACHINERYThe Inch, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin (01) 8413880

MAGDEK LTDUnit 36, Lisburn Enterprise Organisation,Ballinderry Crescent, LisburnBT28 2BP, Northern Ireland 048 92629609


We are grateful to our sponsors and exhibitors without whom the conferencewould not be possible:

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44N A T I O N A L P O T A T O C O N F E R E N C E 2 0 0 7

Notes

8744 potConfA5 32 09/02/2007 11:45 Page 44

Documents

NATIONAL POTATO CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW 2007 ......LOUTH John Carroll, Paughanstown, 041-6857658 086-2489212 Dunleer MEATH Mark Sheridan, Kilberry, Navan 046-9024351 086-2769369 Paddy