A new unique contracting service from machinery manufacturer Target Set Technology Ltd provides a different option for the management of potato cyst nematodes (PCN).
Using technologies which are together known as SIDE RIDGE INJECTION™ (SRi™) enables the injection of bio products, nutrients and fertiliser at high pressure directly to the roots of growing potato plants through unique profile injectors. Crucially, the SRi™ system allows the most optimum timings to be selected for maximum effect.
According to the company PCN control is achieved by injecting a specially developed liquid garlic-based liquid product, directly into the potato ridges. The system has also shown a dramatic reduction in bruising by injecting a special combination of calcium and zinc elements at key timings. Where damage through standard farm practice has been found to be unacceptable, SRi™ has reduced this to minimal levels.
Additional likely benefits have been achieved in the control of Internal Rust Spot (IRS) and Hollow Heart. The crop is further boosted by aeration and oxygenising as the SRi™ injection system passes through the potato ridges.
David Chambers of Pennard Hill Farm Ltd in Cambridgeshire comments, “We compared the Target Set SRi™ system against our standard farm practice of liquid placement at planting in both the 2013 and 2014 seasons. In 2013 the Target Set Technology trials planter was used to plant and inject fertiliser. The data recorded from replicated digs showed a 10t/ha increase in yield with the (Target Set SRi™) injected fertiliser.”
