Keeping on top of virus in potato crops.

The Scottish Aphid Borne Virus Working Group (SABVWG) meets in April for its annual review of “the six steps to effective virus management in certified or home saved seed crops”.  This guide provides a handy reference for all those involved in the production of seed potatoes as well as those producing ware crops.  Understanding how to reduce the threat posed by virus is key to maintaining the health of input seed.

The six steps include:

• knowing the virus level in your seed.
• Removing the source of virus either by roguing, removing groundkeepers or covering potato dumps.
• Know your varieties, their resistance and propensity for virus.
• Make use of the decision support systems available.
• Avoid over reliance on Pyrethroids and follow the guidelines to ensure an effective, reliable and legal programme is followed.
• Spray programmes must continue until the haulm is dead.

Reducing the virus reservoir is important across the whole of the potato industry as ware crops can be hosts for the aphids, and the virus that spreads to seed crops, as well as having a significantly damaging effect on the ware crop.  But of course, a healthy seed crop is the start of a healthy ware crop. 

A separate guide “The four steps to effective IPM control of virus in ware potatoes” is also available.  After discussions at the National Virus Forum in February 2025, it was decided that the two guides could be amalgamated into one practical document.  The SABVWG will be looking at this at their annual review meeting.

Both guides are available on the GB Potatoes website in the virus area of the resources page. https://www.gb-potatoes.co.uk/resources/

Virus is not just an issue for seed producers, but the responsibility of the whole industry. Together we can help control this perennial problem.  Spread the word, not the virus.

Read the guide!!