Potato Review

www.potatoreview.com POTATO REVIEW JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 13 Speaking on the Fera stand, Dr Fox said: “To ensure accuracy in testing, samples have to be representative of the crop and taken from across the wide area of the eld, following a ‘W’ formation.” Samples can also be taken from boxes in the store, but this is not ideal and he would never recommend it, he added. “However, if you have to sample from stores, then you need to take a tuber from as many boxes as possible.” ere are two methods of detecting virus; the grow out method and the direct molecular testing. With the grow-out method the eye-plug is cut out andgibberellic acid – which stimulates rapid growth – is applied, he explains. After a minimum of four or ve weeks, when the plug has grown on su ciently, it is followed by the ELISAmethod. is uses an antibody designed to identify speci c viruses in plate-based assay. “ e ELISA test is unable to reliably detect a virus directly from tubers, so rst we have to amplify it from a sub-sample of four tubers.” is, of course, takes time, so, if seed growers need a faster response, they have the option to choose molecular testing. “To make it cost-e ective we take a sub-sample of 25 tubers, and then use interpretative software for an overall calculated value,” he said. “Results are then reported back to the customer. ➜ Dr Adrian Fox OUTCAST V2 Spreads slug pellets more accurately whilst you spray.  Even spreading across 36m  Lightweight boom mounted heads  Fully adjustable application rate MAXICAST High-capacity, high-output granular nematicide application.  High capacity 380L hopper  Closed transfer filling system  Electronic rate control  200l tank option MICROCAST 250 Gravity fed microgranular applicator for single beds.  250L Tank  GPS rate control  Closed transfer filling system  6 outlets APCAL CARTRIDGES Mocap, Nemathorin and Vydate granular metering units.  Consistent accurate metering  Long lasting performance  Specific pre-calibrated design MICRODRIVE RATE CONTROL Electronic metering for gravity- feed nematicide applicators.  Eliminate land-wheel drive  Retro-fit or new machine option  Remote in -cab control IN-FURROW APPLICATOR Accurate, reliable in-furrow fungicide application.  Fully automated options  Direct chemical injection system  Twin-nozzle technology for optimum soil coverage PLACEMENT PRO GR Improved utilisation of fertiliser through accurate placement.  1.2T capacity hopper  Depth control  Unique anti-blockage system PLACEMENT PRO LQ Precise placement and rate control.  1000L corrosion resistant tank  CAT 2 mounted  Planter mounted tines Prepare to Produce  01353 862 044  info @ techneat.co.uk www.techneatengineering.co.uk