Everything professional potato farmers need to know about phytophthora infestans in potatoes
Phytophthora infestans, also known as late blight, is one of the most destructive diseases for potato crops around the world. This disease can cause significant damage to the yield and quality of the potatoes. Moreover, it has even led to major famines in the past.
Phytophthora infestans
Phytophthora infestans is an oomycete, meaning it is a fungus-like microorganism that spreads by spores. These spores are spread by wind, rain or contaminated plant debris, potato tubers and seeds. When the spores reach a suitable host, such as potato plants, they can multiply and spread throughout the plant.
Humidity
The disease can strike at any time during the growing season. In addition, the risk is greatest during periods of high humidity and warm temperatures. The disease can also spread through infected tubers used as seed for the following season.
Identifying Phytophthora infestans
Identifying Phytophthora infestans can be tricky as the symptoms can resemble other diseases or pests. The first signs of infestation are often brown spots on the leaves, which quickly spread to the rest of the plant. Later, black spots also appear on the tubers, which become soft and rotten.
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Potato cultivation
To prevent the spread of Phytophthora infestans, it is important to follow good hygiene practices, such as removing contaminated plant debris and ensuring proper drainage of water. It is also important to work with healthy seed and tubers, and to regularly inspect potato plants for signs of disease.
In some cases it may be necessary to use fungicides to control the disease. However, it is important to remember that fungicides work best as part of an integrated disease control strategy that also includes hygiene practices and healthy seed and tubers.
In conclusion, Phytophthora infestans is a serious threat to the potato crop, which can have major economic and social consequences. Preventing and combating potato blight requires an integrated approach, in which farmers use resistant potato varieties and integrated crop protection. With the right measures, farmers can effectively combat the fungus and secure their harvest, which contributes to healthy and sustainable potato cultivation.
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