
2024 Member Grants Programme
CUPGRA can make available grants to fund member-led potato research.
RESEARCH PROJECTS
CUPGRA works with the crop research organisation NIAB, as well as leading individual and research organisations in the UK, including the Crop Science Centre, in developing and delivering research programmes. This includes:
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Delivering rapid application of research results on growers’ farms
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Supporting growers’ research needs
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Strong collaboration with research institutions and packing, processing, seed and agrochemical companies
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Sponsoring PhD studentships at the University of Cambridge and the Crop Science Centre.
Explore our current, and past, research projects:
​CUPGRA can make available grants to fund member-led potato research.
Potato virus testing
PLRV and PVY
Six virus check – PLRV and PVY plus PVA, PVX, PVS and PVV
Not enough time for the standard germination test?
Our quick seed viability test takes between 24 and 72 hours
Contents includes;
Reference Crops & Crop Modelling; Soils & water; Pathology & Pests; Storage
Research poster
Research poster
Is there a genetic solution to the challenge from potato viruses? K. Huntenburg &
G. J. Bishop
UK Research and Innovation
Contents includes;
Reference Crops & Crop Modelling; Soils & water; Pathology & Pests; Storage

CUPGRA’s research is based on greater understanding of:
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Growth, development and health of the potato plant
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Yield and marketable yield improvements
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Yield modelling and prediction
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The formation and growth of tubers, especially in relation to size, skin physiology and dry-matter content
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Nutrient and water requirements
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Soil management and cultivations
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The influence of storage conditions on tuber physiology and disease ingress
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Seed production systems
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Variety-specific agronomy
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Management of pests and diseases.
COMMUNICATION OF OUR RESEARCH WORK
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CUPGRA is closely connected to growers through member days, seminars, overseas
study tours and conferences for members. -
Current trials reflect the effects of changes in practice which vary with site and
business objective. -
Contact with the research scientists and other CUPGRA members at meetings and trial sites enables members to gauge for themselves what changes in practice they may adopt to improve their own business.
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This interaction is unique and can provide invaluable information for improving
potato production. -
As there is no ‘universal panacea’ to the problems of potato production, growers who have access to research related to their problems are able to make better management decisions.
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A report of all the research results is produced annually and key research papers are circulated to CUPGRA members when published.