Now is the time to test for potato cyst nematodes (PCN)

Get ready for the season ahead by testing for PCN now, says science research and innovation organisation Fera. 

Potatoes cyst nematodes (PCN) are considered the most damaging pest of potato crops in the UK with losses up to 35 per cent. However, plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) can be just as damaging as they can parasitise nearly every plant species, resulting in devastating adverse effects on the quality and yield of host crops. 

Fera recommends that growers are proactive and establish farming systems that inhibit the increase of these pests, prior to planting of susceptible crops. It has produced a handy guide, for more information:

https://www.fera.co.uk/crop-health/nematodes?utm_source=Fera+Science&utm_campaign=7ad4974fb6-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_02_13&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ba55499965-7ad4974fb6-306086217#form