A two-year research project aimed at strengthening the use of trap crops in potato farming has concluded under the UK Agri-Tech Centre’s leadership. The initiative, called DeCyst, brought together researchers, agronomists, and growers to refine the role of solanaceous trap crops in the management of potato cyst nematodes (PCN).

Supported by Defra and Innovate UK, the project was developed in collaboration with Produce Solutions, Harper Adams University, VCS Potatoes and several commercial growers. Its focus was on developing agronomic guidance to help potato farmers deploy trap crops more effectively within their rotations.

PCN is regarded as the most damaging pest for UK potato growers, with significant implications for both yield and seed production. “PCN is the most prevalent potato pest in the UK. High populations of PCN can cause yield losses of up to 80% in susceptible cultivars, with an estimated annual cost to the Great British potato industry of £31 million each year,” said Dr Matthew Back, Reader in Nematology at Harper Adams University. He warned that with the withdrawal of crop protection chemicals such as nematicides, growers must turn to alternatives like trap crops to maintain viable rotations.

Trap cropping involves planting certain solanaceous species that stimulate PCN eggs to hatch, preventing the nematode from completing its life cycle. The DeCyst project evaluated three trap crop varieties: Solanum sisymbriifolium (DeCyst-Prickly), Solanum scabrum (DeCyst-Broadleaf), and Solanum chenopodioides (DeCyst-Podium).

Dr Alex McCormack, Innovation Lead – Agronomy at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, noted that the project had advanced both research and industry engagement: “It’s been a great few years working with the DeCyst consortium advancing our knowledge and understanding of how to get the best out of Solanaceous Trap Crops. I’ve particularly enjoyed seeing how engaged the wider industry has been in the project, with growers and agronomists engaging in useful discussions at the many demonstration events and presentations at trade shows over the last few years.”

According to James Lee, Head of Agronomy at Produce Solutions, trap crops have the potential to provide resilience as growers face tighter restrictions on chemical control. “Adoption of solanaceous trap crops could mean an increase in resilience and the maintenance of productivity for the UK potato industry,” he said, adding that their use can also improve soil organic matter and carbon storage when incorporated into the soil.

With PCN pressure rising across the UK and Scotland’s seed sector under threat, the results of DeCyst are expected to inform future agronomic practices and contribute to the broader shift toward regenerative farming systems.