Hot mustard flailing

Aside from its properties as a green manure, hot mustard is also part of an integrated approach to control potato cyst nematode populations.

Hot mustard is one of a number of second crops grown following a crop of Jersey Royal new potatoes. It is quick to establish, helps to fix nitrogen, is good as a green manure, and more importantly is a natural control against PCN.

As the mustard crop reaches full maturity and is in full flower, it is mown. This acts as a catalyst for the plants to release a gas into the soil that works as a bio-fumigant.

Immediately following flailing, the mustard crop is incorporated into the ground in a process known locally as 'breezing' - effectively a shallow plough.

It is important to seal the ground to retain the gas in the soil as this helps kill the cysts, and in turn helps reduce the PCN population.