Branston to showcase new developments at Potatoes in Practice

25 July 2008

Branston has chosen the Potatoes in Practice event to unveil two new potato varieties and two new alternative pest controls: Fumigro and Nemaslug Xtra. Branston will also have four of its exclusive varieties on show at the event: Lanorma, Saphire, Piccolo and Safari.  

The two, currently unnamed, varieties are the product of a partnership with the Scottish Crop Research Institute (SCRI). Branston and the SCRI have been working together since 1999 on a range of crossing and selection programmes, which has seen six new varieties reaching National List trials recently. Two of these six will feature on the plot: 00.Z.302 A 8 and 99.H.56 B3.

As well as the varieties, Branston Field Director, David Nelson and the members of the Branston Seed team will be introducing visitors to Fumigro, a dual purpose cover crop and natural fumigant, and Nemaslug Xtra: Branston's highly effective biological slug control developed specifically for potatoes. Branston Foil-sis, a sustainable and highly effective alternative to chemical PCN control methods completes the company's showcase.

"This is a great opportunity for growers to learn more about our new varieties. Over ten years ago we committed to investing significantly in an ambitious research programme, so that we could develop the best possible varieties for growers, Tesco and consumers," explains Dr David Nelson. "Visitors to this year's Potatoes in Practice will see some of the results."

Dr Andy Barker, R&D Manager at Branston, has been instrumental in the development of the company's sustainable and environmentally aware pest controls. "As the leading supplier of fresh potatoes to Tesco, we are constantly looking for new ways in which to improve marketable yields and quality. Foil-sis, Nemaslug Xtra and Fumigro provide growers with natural alternatives to chemicals and could play a key role in working to Tesco Nature's Chioce guidelines."

Now in its second decade, Potatoes in Practice is widely considered to be the UK's most important field gathering. Organised by the SCRI, the Scottish Agricultural College and CSC Potato Care, the event on 7th August at Gourdie Farm, by Invergowie, Dundee is set to attract over 600 visitors.

The event is sponsored by the Potato Council, with Branston supporting the evening meal.