Developing Bacteriophage Technology to Optimise Potato Production

Bacterial pathogens of potatoes are responsible for substantial losses through disease, damage and failure to meet market specifications. An effective, sustainable solution is a priority across the UK and wider European industry. This project will build on proof-of-concept data from a previous TSB project in which an innovative biocontrol technology based on naturally-occurring antimiciobial agents (bacteriophage) was shown to control bacteria-induced blackleg in potatoes; the commonest fault observed during the growing crop inspections and associated reason for crops being downgraded/ failing. The technology also reduced associated tuber soft rots during storage. A business-led consortium will carry out further investigations on the technology, addressing key questions of technology deployment and efficacy in relation to dose rate, disease pressure and environmental stresses, together with formulation and integration into commercial practice.