Potato Cyst Nematodes

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BBC Radio 4 Farming Today  broadcast of 15th March, 2017

Potato Cyst Nematodes

I called Dr. Buggs, the head of research at Kew Gardens 20th March. He commented on my suggestion that such a disease can be cured by soil amendment. He replied that this disease is an airborne disease and cannot therefore be addressed by soil conditions. I replied that phytophthora Infestans has been proven to have been cured by soil conditions, although  this is also an air borne disease….

The British Potato Council:

48% of British potato farmers are hit by Potato Cyst Nematodes. And up to £26M is lost every year to this disease. This again we have cured/prevented over 20 years ago. These particular female nematodes can persist in soil for 20 years.

Matt Black of Harper Adams:  the Centre for Integrated Pest Management:

Without Nematicides they could lose much more. They are producing bio fumigation techniques I.E., from hot peppers.

BUT THIS IS NOT ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM AT ITS ROOT CAUSE.

The Scots however have a treatment:

Further reading

43,000 Seasonal Workers Visas

The Government are issuing 43,000 visas this next year for seasonal workers. The farmers here will have to pay for these visas and the travel

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