Pests and Diseases

Turning the tide on blight: Lessons from EuroBlight’s 2024 data for smarter, stronger control

The 2024 EuroBlight data reveals significant shifts in the Phytophthora infestans population, with EU_36_A2 emerging as the dominant genotype. This underscores the adaptability of late blight, necessitating strategic changes in management practices for 2025. The decline of EU_43_A1 highlights the effectiveness of disciplined fungicide stewardship. For successful control, growers must diversify resistance, utilize decision support tools, and engage in continuous surveillance to tackle evolving challenges.

August 11, 2025

New study unlocks molecular defense against devastating potato pathogen that causes powdery scab

A team of scientists has identified how potato plants defend against Spongospora subterranea, a harmful pathogen causing powdery scab. The research reveals that salicylic acid (SA), a plant hormone, is crucial for the plants’ immune response. Using an innovative “hairy root” system, they accelerated study of root-pathogen interactions. Findings may help develop potato varieties with enhanced resistance, addressing critical agricultural risks linked to the pathogen.

August 6, 2025

Crop-safe ‘Emerger’ use granted to boost Greenvale’s DeCyst range of PCN trap crops

Produce Solutions agronomists at Greenvale, supported by Bayer, have received approval for the first minor use of a plant protection product, ‘Emerger’ (Aclonifen), to aid in managing PCN with DeCyst trap crops. This authorization provides an effective herbicide option, enhancing weed control crucial for establishing these crops, which reduce PCN populations by up to 80 percent, thereby securing the future of potato production.

August 6, 2025

Steady crop, shifting climate: BASF weighs in on mid-season potato production trends in the U.S.

BASF crop specialists report a positive outlook for the U.S. potato crop amidst climate uncertainties and disease challenges. Notable performance is seen in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, with proactive crop protection strategies helping preserve yield potential. While disease pressures persist, especially from early blight and white mold, the introduction of Endura PRO fungicide has significantly aided management efforts. BASF emphasizes the importance of ongoing farmer support and technological innovation for sustainable production.

July 24, 2025

Welsh scientists develop AI-powered app to detect potato blight early

A team of scientists from Aberystwyth University is creating an innovative AI-powered app named DeepDetect to identify potato blight before symptoms appear. The app uses advanced machine learning to deliver real-time, location-specific forecasts to farmers’ smartphones, supporting precise and sustainable disease management. Dr. Edore Akpokodje emphasizes the app’s goal of being robust, practical, and easy to use for farmers.

July 24, 2025

From lasers to chatbots: How AI is revolutionizing weed control on the farm

This Business Insider article explores the role of AI in agriculture, focusing on technologies like Carbon Robotics’ LaserWeeder G2, which identifies and eliminates weeds without harming crops. The founder, Paul Mikesell, emphasizes the significance of neural networks in precision agriculture. As farmers face challenges such as climate change, AI tools ranging from advanced machines to chatbots are becoming essential in improving agricultural practices and outcomes.

July 21, 2025

Soil health under scrutiny: Spud Smart panel tackles black dot and microbial dynamics

Spud Smart magazine is hosting a panel of experts on August 5 to discuss black dot disease and soil microbiomes’ role in potato cultivation, addressing growers’ concerns amid rising input costs. Expert insights will cover disease management, soil health, and the economic impact of interventions. Growers can submit questions until July 24 to shape the panel’s discussion, fostering engagement and addressing contemporary agricultural challenges.

July 21, 2025

First-ever Idaho spud field released from PCN quarantine program

The USDA announced the deregulation of a 120-acre field near Shelley, Idaho, from the pale cyst nematode (PCN) quarantine program, a significant milestone for local potato growers impacted since 2006. Idaho Potato Commission CEO Jamey Higham highlighted the importance of this release for the industry, while Bryan Searle, a farmer and Farm Bureau leader, called it historic. This change aims to restore U.S. potato exports previously hampered by the PCN discovery.

July 21, 2025

Soft rot and blackleg in potatoes: Understanding the bacterial threat below the surface

Soft rot and blackleg are two of the most destructive bacterial diseases in potato production, primarily caused by Pectobacterium and Dickeya species. This article, compiled and published by Potatoes SA. outlines how these pathogens infect plants through wounds and moist conditions, leading to rapid tuber decay and stem collapse. It highlights symptoms, transmission pathways, and key risk factors, while emphasizing the importance of using certified seed, good sanitation practices, and environmental management to prevent outbreaks and protect yields.

July 15, 2025

Infographic: Global regulatory and health research agencies on whether glyphosate causes cancer

Glyphosate, a widely-used herbicide marketed as Roundup by Monsanto (Bayer), raises concerns about its potential harm to humans and possible carcinogenic effects. Recent juries ruled in favor of workers suffering from cancer due to glyphosate exposure, but did not explore its impact at trace food levels. The debate continues among scientists and regulatory agencies, highlighting the challenges juries face in interpreting complex medical data and assessing the link between chemical exposure and illnesses.

July 15, 2025

Shifting frontlines: How climate change is redrawing the potato disease map

Warming temperatures are reshaping the global risk map for potato diseases, writes Lukei Pieterse in this article. Late blight, PVY, blackleg, zebra chip, and bacterial wilt are expanding into new regions, driven by shifting climates, vector dynamics, and environmental stress. The impacts extend from field to storage, undermining yield, seed quality, and marketability. This article explores emerging threats, affected regions, and the urgent need for adaptive strategies across breeding, forecasting, and integrated disease management.

July 12, 2025

Potatoes under siege: The growing threat of pests and diseases in North America and Europe

This article by Lukie Pieterse discusses the challenges faced by potato growers in North America and Europe, highlighting the impact of pests like the Colorado potato beetle and diseases such as late blight. With regulations restricting chemical controls, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies are crucial for sustainable crop management. The article also covers emerging threats exacerbated by climate change and evolving pest resistance, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions like gene-edited potatoes and advanced monitoring technologies.

July 10, 2025

RNA crop protection joins the fight against pesticide-resistant bugs

Josh Qualey, a potato farmer in Maine, faced a severe Colorado potato beetle infestation. After consulting with GreenLight Biosciences, he decided to try their RNA-based insecticide, Calantha. The product effectively eliminated the beetles, and Qualey noted its cost-effectiveness in protecting his substantial potato investment.

July 8, 2025

Silent threats in the field: Improper use of agricultural chemicals poses global risks, Farmonaut warns

Farmonaut’s recent article highlights the dangers of improper agricultural chemical use, stressing the need for informed farming practices. Misapplication can lead to crop losses, financial strain, and health risks. A significant knowledge gap exists, particularly among farmers in less developed areas, often relying on unreliable advice. Compounding the issue are commercial interests promoting unsuitable products.

July 8, 2025

Fera launches new wireworm DNA barcoding test to support British growers

Fera Science has introduced a wireworm DNA barcoding test aimed at aiding UK growers in accurately identifying wireworm species to mitigate crop damage costing hundreds of thousands. Launched at Groundswell 2025, the tool stems from Fera’s ENIGMA I project, highlighting climate change’s effect on wireworm populations. With over 60 species in the UK, precise identification is essential for effective pest management and sustainable agricultural practices.

July 8, 2025

Potatoes on the chopping block: Experts decry misleading pesticide claims in EWG’s Dirty Dozen list

The Environmental Working Group’s 2025 Dirty Dozen list names potatoes among the most pesticide-contaminated produce, prompting strong rebuttal from immunologist Dr. Andrea Love. Writing in her ImmunoLogic newsletter, she argues the list misrepresents safety data and fosters unnecessary fear. Experts warn it may reduce produce consumption and mislead consumers about organic versus conventional farming. Potatoes, despite their nutritional value, are unfairly targeted. Science-based messaging is urgently needed to counter public misinformation.

July 7, 2025

Insect-borne disease threatens Germany’s potato and vegetable crops: Farmers and experts sound the alarm

Germany’s potato and vegetable crops are under threat from the reed glass-winged cicada, a small insect spreading Stolbur disease. Transmitting a harmful bacterium, the pest causes wilting, rubbery tubers, and significant yield losses. Scientists link its spread to climate change, with warmer conditions aiding its expansion. Farmers are calling for urgent action as key crops—including potatoes, carrots, and beets—face increasing pressure, raising fears of local shortages by autumn.

July 7, 2025

Reclaiming Mancozeb: Time to restore the tool that helps European farmers feed Europe

This article by various European agricultural organizations emphasizes the vital role of Mancozeb in protecting potato and apple crops from diseases. After the European Commission’s 2020 withdrawal of its authorization, farmers faced significant challenges, including financial losses and reduced yields. A recent ruling by the European Court offers renewed hope for reinstating Mancozeb, critical for ensuring food security and supporting EU agriculture against climate impacts and trade tensions.

July 2, 2025

Europatat webinar sparks critical dialogue on late blight management strategies across Europe

On July 1, Europatat held a webinar addressing the threat of Phytophthora infestans to Europe’s potato sector, featuring experts and stakeholders discussing resistance challenges and regulatory updates. Highlights included calls for coordinated efforts to monitor pathogen evolution, improve resistance strategies, and implement supportive EU policies to enhance farmer resources. Urgent collective action is essential to ensure affordable potato products and farmer livelihoods amid growing pressures from late blight.

July 2, 2025

British potato growers invited to join research effort on root-knot nematodes

A researcher from Harper Adams University and Fera Science Ltd are conducting a study on root-knot nematodes (RKN) affecting potato crops in England, seeking soil samples from 14 English counties. Led by Celestine Oduor, the research aims to fill knowledge gaps regarding RKN prevalence and to develop management strategies. Growers are invited to collect samples, which will be analyzed to enhance risk assessments. Results will be shared with contributors while maintaining confidentiality.

June 17, 2025

‘Global Mancozeb Summit’: Addressing the crucial role of mancozeb in crop protection ahead of EU court hearing

UPL Corporation and CERSA hosted the Global Mancozeb Summit at Rothamsted Research, emphasizing mancozeb’s crucial role in combating fungal diseases in crops. The absence of this fungicide has severely impacted European farmers, leading to increased costs and disease management challenges. Experts advocate for its reapproval ahead of the EU Court hearing, underscoring the importance of science-based decisions to support food security and sustainable agriculture.

June 16, 2025

Canada: Prince Edward Island launches ‘Land Buy‑Back Program’ for potato producers

The Government of Prince Edward Island has launched the PEI Index Field Buy-Back Program to purchase “potato wart index fields,” fulfilling a commitment from the 2025 Speech from the Throne. This initiative aims to enhance biosecurity, protect farmland, and support the potato sector, vital to the province’s economy. With over $40 million invested since 2021, the program addresses disease threats while promoting trade resilience and conservation efforts in agriculture.

June 16, 2025

Annual Fight Against Blight campaign in the UK warns of new threats to disease management

The 2025 Fight Against Blight (FAB) campaign has launched with an updated website and data system to facilitate late blight reporting by growers and agronomists. Sponsored by 19 key potato industry companies, FAB enables rapid identification of the pathogen from field samples, allowing timely management adjustments. Over 130 volunteers have joined as Blight Scouts, with ongoing challenges highlighted from genotyping efforts by Hutton scientists in the EuroBlight consortium.

June 13, 2025

Are we winning or losing the fight? How fungicide and insecticide resistance is shaping the future of potato crop protection

The potato industry faces a growing threat from fungicide and insecticide resistance, jeopardizing crop yields and quality, writes Lukie Pieterse in this article. Resistance has been documented in late blight, early blight, and pests like the Colorado potato beetle and aphids, leading to increased production costs and environmental concerns. To combat this, integrated pest management and crop protection strategies must evolve.

June 8, 2025

Why leafhoppers are an emerging threat to British potato production

Covering a section of potatoes with insect mesh revealed significant damage from leafhoppers, as reported by Mike Abram in Farmers Weekly. The protected variety Markies showed fewer necrotic lesions compared to the exposed crop, attributed to leafhopper feeding by agronomist Martyn Cox. Leafhoppers can transmit harmful infections, including potato stolbur caused by a phytoplasma, posing serious risks for UK growers, similar to issues faced globally.

June 8, 2025