The lead European organisations in the potato sector presented, on Thursday 30 May, measures to combat late blight.
The annual economic damage in the EU caused by this disease affecting potatoes is estimated at around €900 million. Potato late blight is already a major threat for the 2024 season in several regions of the EU, even before planting is complete. The pathogen Phytophthora infestans infects both the foliage and tubers of potato plants, and can devastate the entire crop in just one or two weeks.
The action plan proposes the creation of a stakeholder dialogue platform for dialogue and the strengthening of communication strategies for integrated pest management. The signatories propose to develop a coordinated approach between the crop protection sector, breeders, researchers and European farmers. According to them, the most effective way of controlling the spread of late blight is the combined use of effective plant protection products and resistant potato varieties. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)