“LG Typhoon’s resistance rating of 7.2 (3 year data set) for Septoria, comes from a combination of genetic sources different to those in the majority of current RL varieties, and is a significant factor in protecting this resistance rating going forward.” “It has an excellent yellow rust resistance of 9, combined with YR seedling resistance; a valuable insurance around the earlier spray windows of T0 & T1, where yellow rust can be the main focus in regional high pressure situations.” LG Typhoon is slightly later to mature (+2), similar to Costello, but Mr Granger does not see this as an issue. “As we learnt with our later variety Revelation (+3), it is important to have a range of maturities across the farm to spread harvest risk in catchy seasons,” he adds.
Heat stress proves major pain point for potato growers Potato growers now recognise high temperatures as the greatest threat of the key abiotic stresses. New research into the current and future role of biostimulants in potato crop agronomy ranked heat at 74 out of 100, compared to drought at 71, nutrient deficiency at 64 and intensive light at 57. Results show that 37% of farmers questioned ranked heat stress of very high impact (9 or 10 out of 10), with a total of 70% scoring it as seven or higher. Just 13% perceived the effect on their crops to be a score of four or below. While drought clearly has potentially larger impact on yield - and was seen to be causing increasingly greater issues with extremes of weather - the majority of ware crops were irrigated to mitigate and manage
How Scottish farmers and crofters are changing food systems with agroecology New research by James Hutton Institute scientists and partner organisations explores the use of sustainable farming practices in Scotland and how these support longterm land productivity and resilience amongst agricultural ?????????????????/ businesses. The work, funded by SEFARI Gateway, and the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission (FFCC), and in collaboration with the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society (SAOS) and Soil Association Scotland (SAS), was conducted by Dr Luz-Maria Lozada, a social scientist, and Dr Alison Karley, an agroecologist, both based at the James Hutton Institute. Agroecology embraces multiple alternative farming approaches and practices, including regenerative, organic, permaculture, and Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF). The research showed that many respondents farmed using an approach that could be classed as agroecological. Dr Lozada said: “Our analysis shows many Scottish farmers and crofters are innovating in the way they farm and produce food, motivated by the desire to improve soil health and biodiversity, and reduce inputs. They also see wider social benefits from creating closer links between their
farms, local communities, and the consumers of their farm products.” Dr Karley added: “Agroecological farming approaches are knowledge intensive, and we need to think creatively about mechanisms to support the transition, whether through advice, training, incentives, or other means.” The research highlights how Scottish agriculture can lead the way in food system transformation to create socially and ecologically sustainable systems that are also economically viable. Sue Pritchard, Chief Executive of the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission, welcomed the report: “This research shows that farmers, crofters, land managers and growers across Scotland can be a force for change, adapting to new
practices to develop resilient and diverse businesses fit for the future. “Our Farming for Change evidence shows agroecology works - now it’s time for government to show support for finance, knowledge and skills that meet the needs of these innovators and address the triple challenge of the nature, health and climate crises.” The full research report can be found on the SEFARI website, along with recommendations for supporting broader uptake of farming approaches using agroecology principles.
The James Hutton Institute is a world-leading scientific research organisation working to resolve global challenges in food, climate, energy and water security. The Institute works in partnership with people, organisations and governments to enhance sustainable environmental, social and economic development to deliver practical solutions for our shared future. www.hutton.ac.uk
