Known for its world-leading potato agronomy research, NIAB is focused on meeting the future needs of UK potato growers and their customers.
Over the years, and through the integration of the Cambridge University Farms Potato Agronomy Unit in 2012, NIAB has provided a leading role in developing a greater understanding of the potato crop and its cultivation, working closely with the entire potato supply chain to improve production efficiency and sustainability in this important sector of the arable economy.
An unrivalled source of agronomy research and expertise, NIAB carries out essential work in key areas such as soil management, input use, varietal selection and new product development. Benefiting from access to NIAB’s genetic research, rotational agronomy and national trialling capabilities, NIAB is also addressing climate resilience, water use, nutrient management and carbon release within the potato crop.
Research interests include:
- growth, development and health of the potato plant;
- the formation and growth of tubers, especially in relation to size, physiology, pathology and dry-matter content;
- nutrient and water requirements;
- soil management;
- the influence of storage conditions on tuber physiology and disease ingress;
- seed production systems.
Working with, and funded by industry, levy boards, charities, partner organisations and institutions, NIAB is committed to ensuring the benefits of high-quality research are transferred effectively into practical agriculture.
NIAB retains links with the University of Cambridge’s Department of Plant Sciences, as well as close involvement with the Cambridge University Potato Growers Research Association (CUPGRA), a society of the University with a wide membership of growers, packers, processors, agronomists and others with a strong interest in the development of the potato industry.
Seed potato disease
testing services Potato yield
modelling Supply chain
monitoring
Research projects
AHDB management of Rotations - Grower Platform survey
The potato year with NIAB
Follow NIAB's potato researchers in a full season of potato research!