Potato Laboratory – Expert and analysis services for potato production

The Potato Laboratory at Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) in Oulu carries out research and offers various disease and growth analyses to potato producers, companies and processors.

Quality defects can occur in the cultivation of potatoes. Potatoes often appear healthy on the surface, yet they may contain a variety of viral and bacterial pathogens. Yield reductions and economic losses arising from infected batches of seed potatoes can be minimised through timely disease identification and analysis.

Plant disease diagnostics is dynamic and evolving. Climate change, trade liberalization, emerging and re-emerging pathogens pose serious diagnostic challenges. We provide services in the diagnosis and detection of potato diseases to seed potato companies and producers in Finland and Scandinavia. We also develop predictive diagnostic methods and a policy support system for well informed decision making and risk management in the potato value chain, enhancing the competitiveness of the seed potato sector.

The Potato Laboratory currently offers DNA- (PCR) and antibody-based (ELISA) analysis services for the detection of blackleg and soft rot bacterial pathogens and potato viruses. We also provide expert services on plant growth trials in varying settings from the laboratory to the field, including their experimental design and statistical analysis. We assess the needs together with the customer and customise the service packages according to the customer’s wishes.

The Potato Laboratory in Oulu has extensive experience in potato pathogens, their diagnostics and the implementation of growth trials in different experimental conditions. This research is facilitated by an up-to-date and constantly evolving research infrastructure and skilled technical staff.

Please ask more about the possibilities offered by the Potato Laboratory!