To ensure the future of potato cultivation, the entire supply chain must collaborate on phytophthora resistance management. Researchers and growers advocate for the use of resistant varieties and less chemical use. Read more about the PlanetProof project, the trial fields, and the sector's role.
This is what Geert Kessel, crop health researcher at Wageningen Research Open Crops, says. in a video from the Environmental Quality Foundation (SMK). "All links in the chain – from grower to retailer – play a crucial role. Together, we can get phytophthora under control and make progress toward sustainability," adds Yannick Kraamer, project officer at SMK. According to Kessel, if resistance management is combined with minimal use of chemical crop protection products, savings of 50% to 90% in pesticide use are possible.
If nothing is done, arable farmers will no longer be growing potatoes in a few years, says potato grower Dingeman Burgers. "I think it's incredibly important that we all gain more knowledge about late blight and simultaneously develop varieties that can win this battle."
More resistant potato varieties
Burgers' farm has a trial field for "On the way to PlanetProof." It's part of a research project in which SMK, Bionext, BO Akkerbouw, and Wageningen UR are collaborating to demonstrate that potato varieties with improved resistance are crucial in the fight against late blight. "Last year was a major challenge to harvest healthy potatoes, hence the trial," Burgers explains.
In addition to the parties mentioned above, SPNA AgroeResearch, ERF, Eising Advies, Bioplant, BioScout, Bayer and the Province of Flevoland are also involved in the research project.