Potato Review

8 POTATO REVIEW MARCH/APRIL 2021 BIOSTIMULANTS A s climate change becomes a reality, we are experiencing more extreme weather patterns in the UK. is has had a signi cant impact on potato production, especially with more frequent drought and rain events during crucial parts of the growing season. Weather extremes put crops under stress and make it more di cult to meet market speci cations. But the evidence is building for the role of biostimulants that have undergone rigorous testing, to act as an important insurance policy in the view of some experts. Product Manager at Timac Agro, David Newton, explains that biostimulants have often been overlooked in the potato sector, but given the wealth of research now making a ‘An insurance policy for potato crops’ Biostimulants are a necessary addition to coping with changing weather patterns and market demands, experts reveal after trials. strong case for their inclusion in the crop protection armoury, they need to be seriously looked at as part of an integrated management strategy for high-performing potato crops. “Our biostimulants are fully formulated and have been through European Homologation registration, meaning they are tried and tested,” he said. David discussed with Potato Review how biostimulants can be incorporated into any potato crop type and the bene ts he has seen through numerous on-farm trials. Salad potatoes “When it comes to salad potatoes, establishment and tuber numbers are vital to ensuring the crop can meet its genetic potential,” said David. “Producers want to grow as many tubers as possible, while keeping them small. Quick establishment is also important, especially in areas like Cornwall where crops are planted early and in challenging conditions. “Added to this, producers can be paid a premium for being the rst to lift a salad crop, ➜