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Teagasc, in partnership with Met Éireann and Maynooth University, is conducting a research project into providing better blight forecast warnings for potato growers.
The project, which is being funded by the Department of Agriculture, aims to enhance integrated pest management (IPM) in Irish crops.
The new research is being carried out by Mladen Cucak, a PhD student from Maynooth University.
Cucak’s research, which involves tweaking Met Éireann’s current system, has identified the potential to forecast blight risks at an earlier stage
It comes as a result of old methods developed by Met Éireann in the 1950s being potentially outdated due to new production systems, new varieties and evolved blight populations.
Cucak’s research, which involves tweaking Met Éireann’s current system, has identified the potential to forecast blight risks at an earlier stage.
All research conducted was based on data produced by Teagasc Oak Park over the past 10 years.
Cucak has completed three years of trials in collaboration with Met Éireann using the amended forecast system.
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