Phytophthora emerges early in potato cultivation and increases infection pressure at the start of the season. Active sources and expected infection risks put growers under pressure. Read more about phytophthora in potatoes.
Despite a long dry period in April, potato blight has appeared early this season, warns the public-private partnership (PPP) 'Resistance management for the control of Phytophthora infestans'. Sporuling potato plants have been found on an uncovered waste heap in the southwest of the country.
Crop health researcher Geert Kessel calls on potato growers to be alert: "Many crops are emerging at the moment and are unprotected. That is a vulnerable situation, especially since daily infection risks are expected for the rest of this week."
Phytophthora infestans poses an increasing threat to potato cultivation. With PhytoAlert Growers can report infestations anonymously. These reports provide an up-to-date regional picture of outbreaks, enabling growers to take more targeted action.