Growers will hear from some of the country's top experts and get a chance to have their say during the workshop sessions.

Workshop topics include the threat posed by Dickeya spp., another form of blackleg — which has already devastated Dutch crops and could do the same in Scotland — and Alternaria early blight and how to control it.

Scottish Crop Research Institute (SCRI) researchers Finlay Dale and Gavin Ramsay will debate the pros and cons of genetic modification (GM) and new and old strategies will also be discussed when considering if chitting, the pre-planting sprouting of potatoes, should be revived.

Mechanical innovation will also be discussed with expert Lawrence Defty considering the potential of automated grading in "a world where people are increasingly reluctant to take on the tedious task".

For more information on this event, contact Sandra Chalmers on 01224 711080.

 

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