Fera Science has launched a new industry-driven R&D project within the Enigma series. The Enigma IV project is focused on advancing on-farm control of Spraing in potatoes explains Adam Bedford, Enigma projects director at Fera Science.
He says: “As with our previous Enigma research projects, we’re uniting growers, agronomists and scientists to address critical challenges facing the agri-food sector, and very much welcome other organisations to join this journey.”
The goal of Enigma IV is to improve predictive diagnostics for Tobacco Rattle Virus (TRV) – a leading cause of spraing, which has been known to damage up to 50% of potato crops.
Mr Bedford explains Fera scientists will work closely with potato specialists to develop more efficient testing processes for TRV.
“Currently, the standard tests used for detecting TRV in potato seed require huge volumes of soil and take more than four weeks to produce results,” he says.
“We want to put spraing control in the hands of potato growers, using research insights to develop an infield diagnostic service that’s more cost-effective with a faster turnaround time.”
He adds: “The ultimate aim is to help growers manage the disease more accurately and minimise crop wastage.”
