EuroBlight, the network working on early and late blight in potato crops, has issued a series of recommendations to optimise disease control. It follows the 17th EuroBlight workshop held earlier this year, an event which attracted 110 scientists and industry stakeholders from 22 countries, including representatives from similar networks in North America, Latin America, Asia and Africa.
Stressing that optimal disease management is dependent on understanding pathogens and their evolution, the network says: “EuroBlight recommends that global efforts to monitor pathogen population changes are continued. Where possible, new markers closely predictive of specific phenotype should be developed. The global data should be compiled and collated into an integrated database along with information on fungicide use and cultivar deployment. Euroblight is willing to collaborate with AsiaBlight, Tizon Latino, USABlight and AfricaBlight to build capacity to establish regional infrastructures for continuous population monitoring.”
The workshop heard that although pathogen populations are evolving quickly, the number of sustainable control methods is also expanding. Examples include the targeted breeding of resistant potato cultivars and the development of biocontrol options. Additionally, Decision Support Systems and risk assessment methods have improved.
These developments have prompted EuroBlight to recommend the adoption of innovative Integrated Pest Management (IPM) technologies. It says: “Faced with increasingly stringent regulations on pesticide approval and use and a desire to meet Integrated Pest Management targets, EuroBlight strongly recommends that efforts to develop, assess and implement innovative technologies are strengthened.”
EuroBlight reports that the workshop reinforced the added value of coordinated research, development and training, prompting it to recommend working together and sharing resources. It says: “EuroBlight considers that a participatory, multi-actor approach is necessary to deliver tangible improvements and a long-term strategy for the control of late and early blight. For this to be achieved, attention should be given to efficient networking activities and the development of shared resources. Integrated strategies for the simultaneous control of early and late blight will be important.
“Euroblight recommends that awareness of the threats posed by Solanaceous blights, and opportunities for their sustainable control is better communicated to all relevant actors including agrochemical companies, breeders, retailers, and particularly international donors and funding agencies. It will be necessary to secure lasting financial and in-kind support for the activities undertaken by the blight networks worldwide to protect vital food crops.”
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