Aphids on seed potatoes

[sarahj]

Hi all,

This is my first post and first full year of ‘no dig’. I have a big infestation of aphids on the three varieties (International Kidney, Charlotte and Mayan Gold) of seed potatoes currently chitting on a windowsill. The Mayan Gold seem worst affected and are getting very shrivelled. I think the aphids may have transferred from some pelargoniums overwintering nearby. My question is: can the aphids introduce disease to this year’s crops?; if so, am I best to ditch these and get new stock now while there’s still time? Many thanks in advance for your advice.

[charles]

Sarah they will be fine – I would drop the potatoes in a bowl of water for an hour or so and brush the aphids off. Then plant them.

[sarahj]

Thank you Charles for your advice; and for all the fantastic information you provide – it has been a revelation to discover ‘no dig’ and your methods for sowing and growing! Sarah

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