Achieving Professional Success with Further Training as a Potato Specialist
The German Potato Trade Association (DKHV) held the opening of its advanced training course for potato specialists in Uelzen on June 25–26, 2024. 26 interested parties from all over Germany, ranging from managing directors to apprentices, attended the event.
On the first day, the attendees were focused solely on theoretical training. Laura Ritter of the DKHV began the presentation with a detailed discussion of potato origin, morphology, and farming in Germany. Max Schümann of the Solana Group then discussed the objectives and methods of potato breeding, which included new and maintenance breeding, breeding schemes, meristem culture, and quick propagation. Manfred Dressler of res naturae QSV GmbH described the potato morphological development stages, the significance of crop rotation, temperature needs, and quality requirements. Nikolaus Schackmann from the DLR Eifel ended the first day, focusing on diseases, pests, and field inventory evaluation by the Berlin Agreement.
The second day was intended to be practice-oriented. Carsten Tschentscher of the Lower Saxony Chamber of Agriculture and Nikolaus Schackmann showed the difference between healthy and diseased potato plots in the teaching and demonstration garden. The participants obtained useful knowledge on the damage caused by viral diseases and fungal infections, as well as the Colorado potato beetle’s development phases. This practical training allowed them to develop a systematic understanding of key aspects of the potato industry in a short amount of time. Laura Ritter was satisfied with how the seminar went.
“The practical relevance of the speakers enriched the theoretical knowledge with their own experiences and anecdotes,” said Ritter.
Nikolaus Schackmann was happy with the participants’ engagement and emphasized the need to pass on his excitement and knowledge of potatoes to best prepare those in attendance for future jobs in the potato sector. Laura Ritter was satisfied with how the seminar went.
The speakers were successful in achieving this. The participants’ reaction was typically good. Mareike Schwind, a participant, noted the relevance of the comprehensive approach, as well as the novelty of potato specialist training in the further education sector.
The training will resume on November 11 and 12, 2024, in Bavaria. Those interested can learn more about the potato specialist on the DKHV website. The expression of interest for participation in 2025 has already been initiated.
