DeCyst - Factors affecting trap crop success against PCN

The aim of this project is to improve on the current knowledge of "DeCyst" solanaceous trap crops, and how they are best utilized for PCN control by potato growers in England and the other potato growing regions of the UK. The project partners include Produce Solutions, CHAP, Harper Adams University, VCS (Potatoes) and five potato growers who are already growing trap crops as part of their integrated approach to PCN control.

Current barriers to expansion of DeCyst trap cropping as a viable economic tool for PCN control include the increasing seed and establishment costs, coupled with challenging management required for crop establishment and grower knowledge of trap crops in the UK. In addition to improving establishment techniques, the project aims to look at the use of new species of DeCyst trap crops and the opportunity to grow them in between existing crops in the rotation without the need for substitution - thus unlocking the potential for use of trap crops as autumn and winter cover crops

We aim to optimise crop establishment through understanding:

* Seed rate
* Sowing date (DeCyst-Podium)
* Nutrition (Phosphate and Potassium)
* Establishment method

We will also develop cropping standards and generate comparison data for growers through examining:

* Suitability of species/products for different farming systems
* Intercrop drilling and date
* Drilling (soil consolidation and nutrition) and weed control methods

Together this will inform a new grower guide to DeCyst trap crops and how they fit best in an integrated approach to PCN control. This will provide evidence of best practice to achieve optimal levels of establishment and efficacy, alongside comparison to other non-chemical alternatives. This will enable growers to be confident in adopting trap crops as part of an integrated approach to PCN management and ensure UK potato production remains viable should it be in the unfortunate situation of losing any more valuable PCN control methods.