The Dutch Potato Report 2016 With Micosat mycorrhizae, fungi and bacteria

The Dutch Potato Report 2016 With Micosat mycorrhizae, fungi and bacteria

The Dutch Potato Report 2016 65 Test fields with controls (57 Consumption + 8 Seed potatoes) 27,337 Analyzed potatoes 350 Hectares of test fields treated with Micosat (350 x 10,000m2) 27 Different potato varieties 6 Regions in Holland Conclusions: Yield: the advised treatments for planting with MICOSAT F Uno and Seeds WP versus conventional crop protection, gives on average: + 6.5% yield in kgs for consumption potatoes + 21% yield in kgs for seed potatoes (+ 6.5% in number of tubers) Netto saldo improvement from 750 to 1,200 per hectare Disease resistance: - Micosat TAB and Micosat VO12 prove their potential as a biological alternative application for regular crop care during the growth period provided that it is applied correctly. Nematodes: - Growers with problems with nematodes see positive effects when using Micosat LEN

Mycorrhizae Mycorrhiza is a micro-organism, which together with fungi and bacteria contributes to an optimum soil life. Micosat F Uno and Seeds WP consist of a select group mycorrhizae, fungi and bacteria that are matched to potato roots. After application the mycorrhizae fungi grow and become a colony within about 5-6 weeks. The endo-mycorrhizae penetrate the roots of the plant to form a symbiosis. Once penetrated into the roots of the host plant, the symbiosis assists with better absorption of nutrients such as nitrogen, magnesium, potassium and phosphate. In addition, the plant extracts better the trace elements from the soil, such as copper, zinc and iron. The plant grows better and extends its roots (rhizosphere) considerably, which allows the plant to uptake more nutrients and water. This stimulates the growth and consequently this ultimately results in an increased yield. The plant in symbiosis with the mycorrihzae is now able to uptake the fixed stock of phosphate in the soil and make it available for the plant. A stronger and healthier plant has more resistance to many occurring diseases such as Rhizoctonia (Rhizoctonia solani), Fusarium (F. Solani) and Potato scab (Streptomyces spp.). Chemicals are unnecessary, as the dominant fungi and bacteria are now present in the soil so that the disease causing fungi and bacteria do not have a chance. In addition Micosat LEN provides resistance against nematodes. The crop care products: Micosat TAB Plus and Micosat V012 can be sprayed onto the crops; this offers resistance, among other things, against diseases such as the potato disease (Phytophthora Infestans), Alternaria (Alternaria Solani) and Botrytis (Botryontinia Fuckeliana). Micosat products are 100% biological and are certified.

Mycorrhizae TESTS with MICOSAT The aim of this research is to see if the weight and number of potatoes, as well as the disease resistance and the uniformity of the potatoes are improved with the application of Micosat. In addition chemical pesticides reduction or non-application of chemical pesticides is researched. A cost comparison is included in this report. The main goal is to is grow quality crops in clean soil, keeping the water clean (canals) and to harvest healthy potatoes.

Products, application and dosage (1) Micosat F Uno is a concentrated granulate of mycorrhizae, useful fungi and bacteria that work together to provide plants with optimum growth circumstances. Micosat F Uno is in granulate form and can be applied with a granulate spreader. The recommended dosage for planting potatoes is 10 to 12 kilograms per hectare. Micosat Seeds WP is a highly concentrated in water dissolvable powder of mycorrhizae, useful fungi and bacteria that stimulate the root growth and the uptake of nutrients and trace elements. Micosat Seeds WP is a powder and should be disolved in a water tank of minimum 200 liters, with a filter of minimum 75 µ with nozzles of a minimum of 100 µ. The recommended dosage for potatoes is 4 kilograms per hectare. It is important to keep the solution moving in the tank to prevent the product from clogging the spray system. Micosat Nederland b.v. delivered 12V, 8.5 A electric pumps that can be hung in the tank. The pump keeps the liquid moving - also when the tractor is stationary. New product (2017) Micosat MO WP disolves completely. Micosat Seeds WP can also be applied like a powder onto the potatoes in the bunker. The dosage is 5 kilograms of Micosat Seeds WP per hectare together with 20 grams Micosat ST099 sticking powder for every kilogram Micosat Seeds WP.

Products, application and dosage (2) When a plot is affected by nematodes Micosat LEN can be applied in the same method as Micosat Seeds WP. Micosat LEN is a highly concentrated powder of mycorrhizae, useful fungi and bacteria. Micosat LEN provides an increased resistance against nematodes. Depending on the intensity of nematodes we advise a dosage of 4 to 15 kilograms per hectare. Foliage can be spayed with Micosat TAB Plus and Micosat V012. This restores the natural microbial balance in the soil-plant system and pathogens can cause less damage. The plant will have more resilience against fungi, bacteria or phytoplasma problems above ground. After the foliage has emerged about 20 cm above ground, apply Micosat TAB Plus, 500 grams per hectare. After 7 12 days, depending on the intensity and pressure of the disease (in the air) and speed of plant growth, spray with Micosat V012 at 500 grams per hectare. Spray every 7 12 days alternatively with Micosat TAB Plus and Micosat V012, on average of 8-9 times during the growing season.

Method More than 65 potato growers have conducted tests with Micosat. Of these, 57 growers had a control field and have been included in the results. In total there were more than 350 hectare Micosat test fields, with 26 potato varieties. These fields were distributed over 6 regions in the Netherlands. In each case a field of 1 hectare or more was treated with Micosat; other regular treated fields were used as control fields. To research the effect of the mycorrhizae in the potato cultivation a number of variables are measured. About 6 weeks after planting a mico-count is carried out: samples are taken of the root fragments to see how the mycorrhizae fungi has developed. From these samples we get 4 percentages that demonstrate how many root fragments are colonized by the mycorrhizae fungi: (F%), what the intensity of this is: (M%), whether the fungi has grown into the root cell: (a%) and what the intensity of this is: (A%).

Method (continued) Subsequently, approximately one week before the final harvesting, a trial harvest is carried out. Three rows of potatoes of 2 meters long are harvested from the Micosat fields as well as the control fields. To conduct comparable harvests, the trial harvests are taken at corresponding levels of the rows in both fields. The potatoes are counted, weighed and sorted. The size catagories are as follows: <28, 28-35, 35-45, 45-50, 50-55, 55-60, 60-70, 70-80 and >80mm. In addition the number of harvested plants per row are noted so as to calculate the correct number of potatoes. In this report a differentiation is made between the results of (1) the treatment of the tubers and (2) the treatment of the tubers in combination with the crop care treatment resources. These results are discussed in separate chapters. These results are further divided into results for potatoes for consumption and seed potatoes results. In addition a cost comparison is made between cultivation with Micosat and the regular method. All separate test results, per farmer, are included in the full Dutch Potato report 2016 potato on the Micosat Nederland website. http://www.micosat.nl/wpcontent/uploads/nederlands-aardappelrapport-2016.pdf

Introduction: Potatoes for Consumption In this chapter the results of all 57 tests with consumption potatoes are discussed in which Micosat F Uno, Micosat Seeds WP and Micosat LEN have been applied. The Micosat fields are compared with the control fields. There is a distinction between potatoes for cooking, potatoes for chips and potatoes for crisps. There is a difference between table potatoes (for consumption) and seed potatoes. Because the purpose per potato differs, the desired characterics of the potato types also differ. For a table (consumption) potato the quality of the peeling is more important and for a potato for French fries and/or crisps the starch content, the shape and the size is more important. For consumption potatoes the quality and the weight is important (for seed potatoes the quality and the quantity).

General Results Consumption Potato Difference in kilograms: Applying Micosat results on average 6.5% extra yield, measured in kilograms. Difference in numbers: The yield difference in the number of potatoes is small between the crops treated with Micosat and those with regular treatment. Micosat yielded on average 2.0% more potatoes. After calculating regressively the number of potatoes to the number of analyzed plants, it turns out that the number of the Micosat treated yield is 3.3% higher. Difference in weight per tuber: A treatment with Micosat has a clear effect on the average weight per potato. A Micosat potato weighs on average 8.5% more than the regular treated potato.

Size Sorting Consumption Potatoes Size Sorting In the graph here below is the size sorting for the Micosat and the regular treated potatoes. The difference in size sorting between the Micosat and the regular treated potatoes is slightly better. The size sorting is expressed in percentages. (Potatoes of one size divided by the total number of potatoes.) The table shows the values in numbers. In the Micosat batches there are more potatoes in the sizes bigger than 55 mm (see left-hand graph) and fewer potatoes in the size smaller than 35 mm (see right-hand graph). This means that the Micosat potatoes have the most desired sizes.

Perceel 1 ZH

Perceel 2 ZH

Introduction Seed Potatoes Here below the results are discussed from the 8 tests with seed pototoes in which Micosat F Uno, Micosat Seeds WP and Micosat LEN were applied. The Micosat test fields are compared to the control fields. Seed potatoes are used for planting for a following season. Seed potatoes relate to around 15% of all Dutch potato production. In 2016 seed potatoes production was 1,495,767 x 1,000 kilograms (source: CBS, central bureau for statistics). Seed potatoes are generally harvested earlier to limit the risks of diseases. Ultimately, not only the weight of the seed potatoes is important but also the number. It is also useful to observe the difference in numbers, especially the potatoes larger than 35mm.

General Results Seed Potatoes Difference in kilograms: The Micosat batches resulted on average 19% extra yield, measured in kilograms. In all 8 tests the growers achieved a positive result. Difference in numbers: Micosat resulted on average 6.5% more in numbers. In an average Micosat batch are 268 potatoes, while the control batch has 249. After regressively calculating from the number of potatoes to the number of analyzed plants, it shows that the numbers with the Micosat treatment is more or less the same. Difference in weight per tuber: A treatment with Micosat has a clear effect on the average weight per potato. A Micosat potato weighs on average 18% more than the regular treated potato.

In the graph here below is the size sorting for the Micosat and the regular treated potatoes. There is a difference in size sorting between the Micosat and the regular treated potatoes. The Micosat size sorting is more uniform. The size sorting is expressed in percentages. (Potatoes of one size divided by the total number of potatoes.) The table shows the values in numbers. In the Micosat batch there are more potatoes in the sizes bigger than 55 mm (see left-hand graph) and fewer potatoes in the size smaller than 35 mm (see right-hand graph). Size Sorting Seed Potatoes

Perceel 5 FR

Perceel 3 NH

Introduction Crop Care On this page the results are discussed of all 8 tests in which Micosat F Uno, Micosat Seeds WP and Micosat LEN are applied in combination with Micosat crop care products: Micosat TAB Plus and Micosat V012. The Micosat fields are compared to the control fields. Because of this season s weather conditions (2016) the disease intensity was very high. Among plant diseases is phytophthora one of the most damaging diseases for potato cultivation. Phytophthora is a fungal disease that can develop in the early growth season during wet conditions and at temperatures of 15 to 20 degrees. Phytophthora can be recognized through spots on leaves, fungal growth on both sides of the leaf, long brown flecks on the stem and in the leaf axils, or bluish dull flecks on the tuber. The spreading, germination and infection of phytophthora occurs through the wind and rain and can infect hectares within one or two days. To provide the potato crop with resistance against diseases spray Micosat TAB Plus and Micosat V012 alternately. It is important to start spaying when the foliage is 20 cm above ground. The treatment needs to be repeated every 7 to 12 days depending on the disease intensity and the speed of growth.

Introduction Crop Care (continued) To prevent phytophthora infection during a high intensity disease period it is necessary to adhere to a stricter spraying scheme. In this case the dosage of 500 grams per hectare can be increased to 700 grams per hectare. In a number of trials spraying was done too late and/or the interval between applications was too long. It is clear that the growth in the heavily infected fields remained behind. This can be seen in the results. Moreover, regular fields, which were applied with chemical crop treatments this season, were not completely free of phytophthora attacks. In the regular fields rotten potatoes occured. There were no phytophthora infections on the potatoes (tubers) found in any of the Micosat fields. In these trials the Micosat potatoes were stronger and larger than the regular treated potatoes.

General Results Micosat Crop Care Difference in kilograms: The growing season of 2016 in the Netherlands had an exceptionally high disease intensity of phytophthora. The usage of Micosat crop care gives this year on average -1,7% lower yield in kilograms. However, in 50% of the tests the growers achieved a postive result. Difference in numbers: Micosat yields on average 12.6% more numbers of potatoes. After regressively calculating the number of potatoes to the number of analyzed plants it shows that the numbers treated with Micosat crop care is 11,2% higher. Difference in weight per tuber: A treatment with Micosat (after phytophthora attack) has an effect on the average weight per potato. A Micosat potato weighed on average 10% lighter. However, the quality remained good.

Size sorting As shown in the general results, the Micosat potatoes are slightly behind in growth. This can be seen in the size sorting measurements. The size sorting is expressed in percentages (potatoes in the sizes divided by the total number of potatoes). In the Micosat batches there are fewer potatoes in the sizes larger than 55 mm (see left graph) and there are more potatoes in the smaller sizes 35 mm. In the sizes 50 to 60 mm the numbers are almost identical. Size sorting with Micosat crop care

ADVANTAGE of CULTIVATING with MICOSAT Consumption/planting only Consumption/planting & foliage Seed potatoes/planting & foliage Micosat Seeds WP Regular Micosat Seeds WP & Regular Micosat F UNO Regular (powder) Micosat Crop Care Micosat Crop Care (powders) (granulate) Estimated Revenue per hectare: Average harvest in kg 60,000 60,000 60.000 60,000 50.000 50.000 Potatoes for consumption: Average price 2016 0.22 euro / per kg 13,200 13,200 13,200 13,200 Seed potatoes: Average price 2016 0.27 euro / per kg 13,500 13,500 Extra turnover in kg: Based on Micosat tests: 7% 924,00 924,00 15% 2,025 Extra turnover through better size sorting: 0% Extra turnover - less silver scurf present: 0% Turnover: 14,124 13,200 14,124 13,200 15,525 13,500 Costs Micosat vs conventional treatments Costs conventional treatment: -774-774 Costs Micosat when planting in soil: 4 kg seeds in soil -204-204 10 kg UNO Granulate idem -310 4 x 500 gr TAB Plus spray foliage -260-260 4 x 500 gr V012 idem -260-260 Micosat Saving on fertilizers: according to the soil analyses -30-30 -30 Reduction nr. of spray applications: 8 x vs 12 x @ 25-200 -300-200 -300 Advantage for your soil; for the produced food; the surface water; the environment and human health Costs: -204-30 -924-1.104-1.030-1.104 Net turnover: 13,920 13,170 13,200 12,096 14,495 12,396 version: Jan 2017 Extra profit per hectare: 750 1.104 2.099