Precision Farming - Potato Cyst Nematode – GPS Mapping

Why test for PCN?
Potato crop yield 50 tons / Ha
Crop value £100 per ton £5,000 per ha
PCN could halve crop yield £2,500 per ha
Nematicide costs up to £350 per ha

Conclusions: Be alerted to and target treat high risk areas.

Features:
• Automated sampler giving consistency to sampling regime
• Tracking device indicates route of bike and sample points
• Large sample of soil required
• Sample as much of field as possible
• Minimum 49 cores per hectare

Analysis:
• Anglian Soil Analysis or chosen lab for analysis
• Soil diluted on water - PCN eggs float to surface
• Dilution sieved and nematodes placed under microscope
• Count done manually - if cysts found process is repeated to determine egg count

Interpretation:
• Should be used as a guide
• If eggs are found further sub-sampling may be required to get a more accurate picture of the
problem
• Seek recommendations from potato agronomist for appropriate nematicide and course of action

Service Includes:
• Field boundary with sample location recorded using DGPS
• Min 49 cores per hectare
• Reports and analysis
• Constant depth sampling
• Maps can be reloaded in subsequent years to compare populations