The agricultural industry is combating the widespread issue of herbicide resistance, impacting 272 weed species globally. Crop.zone offers a sustainable, organic solution that counters resistance, provides competitive pricing, and boasts high application speeds, using 70% less energy than traditional herbicides. They invite stakeholders to demonstration days to observe their technology. Crop.zone’s approach represents a move towards sustainable agriculture, addressing both weed resistance and environmental concerns.
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The digital eye in potato breeding: How machine vision is shaping the future of spuds
A team of U.S. scientists published an innovative cost-effective phenotyping strategy to improve potato breeding in the Plant Phenome Journal. This scalable, machine vision technology assesses size, shape, and color of potatoes with high precision, streamlining the breeding process. This AI-driven method, also capable of detecting defects and inferring weight, offers a new approach to selecting and cultivating superior potato varieties, significantly advancing the field.
‘Trailblazers in the Field’: The female forces shaping New Zealand’s potato industry
On International Women’s Day, Potatoes New Zealand highlighted the pivotal roles of women in the potato sector. Paula Lleras, Emma Lees, and Kate Trufitt were featured for their unique expertise and impacts on the industry, from database management and inspection to HR and leadership roles. These stories showcase the crucial contributions and inspirational effect women have in agriculture, promoting diversity and innovation.
Celebrating the humble spud: World Potato Congress and FAO to launch the first International Day of the Potato
The World Potato Congress, with FAO’s support, inaugurated International Day of the Potato on May 30th to celebrate this crucial food source. Recognizing the potato’s role in feeding billions, the UN declared the day officially. The 2024 event theme “Harvesting Diversity – Feeding Hope” emphasizes its importance in fighting hunger and urges global engagement through education and a social media hashtag campaign.
Potato pressure: Ireland and Europe grapple with tightening stocks, seed unavailability and unpredictable weather
The latest IFA weekly potato report highlights increased local potato demand in Ireland due to colder weather, causing price hikes and low stocks. Seed potato scarcity presents a potential crisis for future crops. European potato exports remain high despite rising prices affecting Eastern European sales. The UK’s potato planting is delayed by wet conditions, further complicating the market.
Celebrating women in the potato industry: The inspirational stories of New Zealand’s Michelle Pye and Tracey McKay
On International Women’s Day on March 8, we honor Michelle Pye and Tracey McKay for their leadership in New Zealand’s potato industry. Pye excels in multifaceted roles, including directorships and council positions, prioritizing inclusivity and diversity. McKay, co-owner of Alps Seeds Ltd, innovates in seed potato production. Both faced challenges but persevere, inspiring women to engage in agriculture’s diverse opportunities. Their stories embody the empowerment of women and their critical influence in shaping the future of the global potato industry.
2024 Ontario Potato Conference a resounding success: Innovations and strategies against late blight unveiled
The 2024 Ontario Potato Conference & Trade Show, organized by Dr. Eugenia Banks, successfully concluded in Guelph with high attendance. It focused on combating potato late blight, featuring the Late Blight Symposium with vital insights from experts like Gary Secor. They emphasized readiness and recommended fungicides, especially Orondis. The conference also highlighted the US23 late blight strain’s threat to tomatoes and explored new solutions like the “Air Spore” system.
‘The margin game’: When lots of little things add up to make a big difference
Emerald Research Ltd advocates for holistic nutritional programmes to help farmers manage unpredictable conditions, by using micronutrients, microbials, and biostimulants that can increase potato yields by 10-25%. Their extensive research emphasizes tailored strategies for different growth stages, sustainable resource use, nutrient optimization, and precise application methods that can significantly reduce environmental impact while boosting crop resilience and marketable yield.
Combating blight resistance in potatoes: Effective mixing of fungicides as a key solution
Andy Cunningham from Syngenta UK asserts that effective fungicide mixing, particularly with mandipropamid, is crucial for managing blight resistance in potatoes. He cites Denmark’s success in reducing EU 43 blight strain cases by incorporating Revus into their fungicide programs. Cunningham advises UK growers to use Revus with alternative-action fungicides to maintain efficacy and prevent resistance, naming potential mix partners for the 2024 season. The robust resistance breaking strategy of fungicide mixing had been proven in the Eurofins trial.
New compostable, biodegradable packaging material derived from potato starch
Bio Plast Pom, in collaboration with Gdańsk University of Technology, has developed NOPLA, a compostable and biodegradable material made from potato starch aimed at minimizing environmental harm, CO2 emissions, and energy consumption. This non-synthetic, plastic-free material degrades within 3-6 months, aligns with EU eco-standards, and nourishes marine life rather than causing damage. Bio Plast Pom launched its proprietary production line for NOPLA biogranulate in May 2023.
The great potato shortage: European processors scramble as supply dwindles and prices surge
Due to poor weather affecting harvests and storability, there’s a tightening supply of free-buy potatoes in the EU, driving up prices. As of February 2024, Dutch processing potatoes hit a record February high of €37.5/100kg. The processing industry is strained, with increased imports and a 10.8% production drop. Losses are estimated at 650 thousand tonnes, heightening competition and prices for remaining stocks.
Major online auction event: Surplus potato processing, bagging, and handling equipment
Baker City Organics is auctioning surplus potato processing, bagging, and handling equipment through Grafe Auction online, attracting national buyers from the industry. Significant machinery, like Kerian Speed Sizers and Marq Case Sealers, is available at competitive rates. Inspections are open March 12-13 in North Powder, OR. This event offers growers and processors a chance to enhance operations economically. Further details and assistance are available via Grafe Auction’s contact points.
Elea to unveil its latest food technology at ANUGA FOODTEC 2024 event
At ANUGA FOODTEC 2024 in Cologne, Elea will exhibit its innovative Pulsed Electric Field systems, including the PEFPilot Dual and the new PEF Advantage B1. These systems enhance food quality, yield, and processing efficiency while conserving energy. Attendees can witness live demonstrations and sample PEF-treated products at Elea’s booth in hall 10.1, further underscoring the event’s role in showcasing advanced food processing technologies.
Michigan’s mighty spuds: A $2.5 billion boost to state economy and job market
Michigan’s potato industry generates over $2.5 billion for the state’s GDP and supports roughly 21,700 jobs, solidifying its status as an economic powerhouse and the second-largest commodity in Michigan, behind apples. A Michigan State University study highlights its significance, with Michigan being the national leader in chipping potatoes, supplying one-fourth of U.S. potato chips.