26 May 2025

Preparing for the ‘fight on blight’

With the vast majority of the country entering a ‘very high’ blight risk period, Teagasc has organised two important potato crop walks.

At the events, potato growers will hear an update on EU43 – a more challenging strain of blight first identified in Ireland in the autumn of 2023, the latest advice on developing a blight control programme for this cropping season and how to set up your sprayer to maximise application efficiency.

Speaking ahead of the events, locations of which are available below, Teagasc Potato Specialist, Shay Phelan said: “Last year’s cropping season was the first time many Irish potato growers had to deal with the blight strain EU43, forcing an adaption and rethink on some of the control programmes being used to ensure effective protection.

“At this week’s events, we’ll be sharing the latest findings from the Teagasc crops research programme on EU43 and what effective blight control programmes may look like for the coming season.

“An effective blight control programme hinges on two key elements – choosing the most effective chemistry and ensuring it is applied efficiently. To address the latter, the potato crop walks will also focus on sprayer set up in order to maximise application efficiency.”

When and where?

• The first event will take place on the farm of Michael McGuiness, Laburnum Farms, Bellewstown, Drogheda, Co. Meath. Eircode: A92 HE02, on Wednesday, May 28 at 7.30pm.
• The second farm walk will take place on the farm of Eddie Doyle, Ballyellen, Goresbridge, Co. Carlow, Eircode: R95 DR97, on Thursday, May 29 at 7.30pm.

For further information on Teagasc’s research in potatoes, visit here.