Friday 3rd August 2012: All Welcome at Sarvari Research Trust Open Day – Breeders of The Blight-Resistant Sárpo Potatoes

[An eye-opening opportunity to see just what can be achieved using conventional i.e. non-GM plant breeding techniques on a relatively limited budget.]

This year is proving to be ideal for the spread of ‘late blight’ (Phytophthora infestans) on both potatoes and tomatoes. Come and hear how the Sarvari Research Trust is collaborating with Bangor University and Pro-Veg Seeds Ltd to combat this disease.

Morning session

10 am: Arrive and coffee

10.30 am: Start

- An update on late blight in UK and how Phytophthora infestans is evolving

- Latest news of how our blight-resistant Sárpo varieties are performing

- Growing certified seed of Sárpo potato varieties in North Wales

- SPUDS: A community-based Sárpo-growing project in Ireland

- Early blight of potato – a disease on the increase?

12.30 pm: Lunch

We are pleased to offer another of our potato-themed lunches, sponsored by Pro-Veg Seeds Ltd and Thompson and Morgan Ltd. The wide variety of dishes feature our Sárpo potatoes. As usual, we will serve Sárpo chips with everything, and the local Jones o Gymru crisps.

2 pm: Afternoon session

- Late blight of tomato: breeding for blight resistance

- Demonstration of outdoor and tunnel-grown tomatoes

4 pm: Finish

Where: Henfaes Research Centre of Bangor University, Abergwyngregyn LL33 0LB.

Use exit 13 from A55 and follow the signs.

All are welcome at this event. Please tell us if you will attend, shaw@sarvari-trust.org or tel 01248 364260/07906 710704.

Dr David Shaw, Director of Research; Simon White, Trials & Seed Manager

Check for updates on http://www.sarponews.blogspot.com or on Twitter @SarpoUK

Sounds cool John, unfortunately to far for me to attend, do let us know what you learn.