Comber growers compute risk
Joan Hamilton, Edible Crops Development Adviser, Greenmount Campus
Four growers in the Comber area of Co Down are taking advantage of disease prediction technology to produce blemish free cauliflower, cabbage, calabrese and sprouts.
The growers, Robin McKee, Richard Hamilton, John Herron and Edward Henry, are partners in a project with Greenmount Campus using a disease prediction programme, named BrassicaSpot, developed at Horticulture Research International, Warwick. By working with Greenmount Campus the growers realised the advantages of the programme. They purchased a weather station and located it in the area where the crops were to be grown. The BrassicaSpot programme on the computer automatically downloads and uses the weather data along with information keyed in after walking the crop. The disease prediction is shown graphically alerting the growers to the risk of disease and indicating when control measures should be applied to prevent disease development.
The main cause of blemishes on leafy vegetables is fungal infection associated with damp weather conditions. The main disease is ringspot which reduces crop growth while leaving unslightly black spots on the leaves. With the consumer demanding high quality blemish free produce prevention is crucial.
Growers aim to prevent disease by both cultural and chemical methods. Good crop rotations coupled with the correct nutrients for optimal growth ensures successful establishment. A crop that is growing strongly is less likely to succumb to disease. However when disease pressure increases and weather conditions are favourable to fungal development the crop can become infected. In the past growers applied a crop protectant programme to stop development of the disease. With the BrassicaSpot model the growers can feel confident that they no longer need to rely on such a programme.
” Using the model helps me make more timely decisions,” says Robin McKee, “My use of fungicides is minimized and disease control is more effective”
The other growers agree and are pleased with the results on their farms. . John Herron comments, “The model is particularly useful for autumn and winter crops. I grow a lot of sprouts and any blemish on the buttons downgrades my product. Using the model has improved disease control and given me a better quality product”.
The use of BrassicaSpot has been effective in controlling diseases as well as being environmentally friendly in minimising fungicide usage.
From Left to Right: Richard and Gillian Hamilton, Joan Hamilton (Edible Crops Adviser, Greenmount Campus), John Herron, Raja Harun (Senior Technologist, Greenmount Campus) and Mark McKee discuss the BrassicaSpot programme
Joan Hamilton, Edible Crops Development Adviser, Greenmount Campus and Edward Henry, Comber viewing a disease free cauliflower crop