Controlling blight : three year's work-08/06/2004

In conjunction with SRPV and FEREDEC, plots of seed potatoes near Landivisiau (29) and Pontivy (56) have been the subject over the last three years of a blight monitoring programme based on: - meteorological data used to build an epidemiological alert model; - physical observation of the plots twice a week. This programme has produced the following benefits: - it has raised awareness in growers and advisers; - it has optimised blight treatment.

	GERMICOPA and its partner BIOMAS have joined a European trial network-25/03/2004

In conjunction with INRA, GNIS and BRETAGNE PLANT they are setting up a "powdery scab" trial. Trials conducted using the same protocol are also taking place in Scotland, DK, NL and CH. In addition to the varieties tested at European level, our varieties AMANDINE, CHERIE, ROSANNA and APOLINE will be tested in France. Our participation in a European network is testimony to our credibility and will improve our knowledge of our own varieties and of competing varieties.

	Nematodes : danger-04/02/2004

The problems posed by this parasite are reaching crucial levels in some northern European countries with the increase in the "meloidogyne" species, against which no selection method is effective, due to the complexity of the parasite. To date, this parasite has not been detected on French soil. The only possible method of remaining free of it is through the vigilant monitoring of imported seed. This was the result of a recent symposium attended by our plant disease specialist, with 90 representatives of European organisations.