Secrets of potato blight evolution could help farmers fight back
Researchers at Oxford University and The Sainsbury Laboratory, Norwich, looked in unprecedented detail at how Phytophthora infestans, a pathogen that continues to blight potatoes and tomatoes today, evolved to target other plants. The study, published today in the journal Science, is the first to show how pathogens switch from targeting one species to another through […]
CLA lobbying success as imports of sweet chestnuts are banned
The Association said this important move will give sweet chestnut trees in the UK the best chance of remaining free from this devastating disease. The CLA President Harry Cotterell said: “We have been lobbying for this development and I have met with Environment Secretary Owen Paterson to discuss the issue on a number of occasions. […]
Guard against late season disease
“Strong grain prices justify investment in flag leaf sprays,” he says. “But changeable crop conditions, following a dry first quarter in some areas, may mean yield potential is variable also. A robust triazole solution is therefore going to have widespread appeal,” believes James. He adds that choices made at T2 will have influenced T3 decisions. […]
