Sustainable Potato Platform: Next Level of Crop Protection

Public attitudes towards chemical crop protection products are changing, and there is a growing demand for more sustainable farming methods. At the same time, disease pressure from fungi such as Phytophthora infestans is increasing. This fungus causes the greatest economic damage in potato cultivation. However, due to stricter legislation in Europe, the number of available chemical products and active ingredients is declining, which could lead to the emergence of new, more aggressive Phytophthora genotypes. This calls for new, sustainable solutions and an integrated approach. 

Therefore, in 2023, Nufarm, together with Geersing Potato Specialist, launched the Sustainable Potato Platform (SPP). This platform focuses on researching and testing new biological crop protection products in combination with conventional pesticides, as well as studying the effects on the resistance of potato varieties. In addition to Phytophthora resistance and control, sustainable desiccation is also a key factor within the SPP. With the use of NUCROP, potato haulm is killed in a safe and effective manner by using a conductive liquid and electric current. 

In the SPP, trials were conducted with both resistant (Cammeo) and non-resistant (Agria) varieties. Conventional chemical control schemes were compared with the new biofungicide and other sustainable solutions, such as biostimulants. The results demonstrate that an integrated approach with resistance management is essential for effective control. 

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