Work - Seed Potato Organisation

Our Work

Fight Against Blight

SPO continue to support The James Hutton Institute to continue in its role to help protect Britain’s potato crop against late blight

The FAB scheme was first launched in 2006, using the monitoring of Phytophthora infestans populations via a nationwide network of agronomists, growers, and industry representatives (the FAB Scouts). This network annually submits up to 1,500 field samples from suspected late blight outbreaks throughout Britain.

The work led by Dr David Cooke and Dr Alison Lees from The James Hutton Institute includes both the annual sampling of late blight outbreaks, the characterisation of pathogen populations, as well as fungicide sensitivity testing on active ingredients prioritised by the industry.

Representing Growers

Represent the views of seed potato grower members and present evidence to government bodies.

As we grow we are focused on developing partnerships across the industry to support our members with cutting-edge research, collaborative initiatives, and advocacy efforts, promoting sustainable and prosperous practices within the potato farming community.

SPO is an active participant in Fruit Logistica, FRUIT LOGISTICA is the leading trade show for the global fresh produce business and SPO consider it an important place for networking and exchanging ideas on projects, partnerships and collaboration

At FRUIT LOGISTICA 2023 more than 2,600 exhibitors from 92 countries displayed their products, services and technical solutions. Some 63,500 buyers and trade visitors from 140 countries took part in the event. The next FRUIT LOGISTICA will take place from 7 to 9 February 2024 in Berlin.

Olie - H

Working with Horticulture Crop Protection UK Ltd (HCP), SPO successfully obtained from HSE an Emergency Authorisation for Olie H (paraffin oil) on seed potato.

This Emergency Authorisation relates to the use of ‘Olie H’ for use on seed potato for supressing the transmission of aphid-borne non-persistent viruses in seed potato. Application is to be made by horizontal hydraulic boom sprayers fitted with 3* drift reduction technology in 200 to 400 L water /ha.

Download the Emergency Authorisation notice.

Our Work

Fight Against Blight

Representing Growers

Olie - H

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