UK: New potato varieties resistant to potato cyst nematodes

British scientists have discovered new potato varieties resistant to the crop-destroying pest potato cyst nematodes (PCN). The Scottish Government-funded project has discovered new potato varieties that are both highly resistant to PCN. Although scientists know of varieties that do not allow PCN to multiply because they are resistant to infection, they can still cause significant yield losses because, despite the resistance, the root systems can still be attacked by the pests. Philip Burgess, leader of Scottishpotatoes.org, which is part of a partnership between JHI and SRUC, said: “Farmers are experiencing reduced yields or are dependent on a PCN crop protection product (nematicides) that may not be available in the future. What we need have potato varieties with both resistance and a high degree of tolerance to the pest, and that is what we found in the field trial." During the trial it was discovered ...