With an average of six to seven, in 2024 over 14, treatments against late blight, potatoes are Switzerland's most fungicide-intensive crop. In line with the Swiss plant protection action plan to cut pesticide risks by 50 per cent by 2027, the potato sector aims to grow 25 per cent of its area with robust varieties by 2028, and 80 per cent by 2050.
However, the late blight population is evolving, with new, more virulent, and genetically diverse strains threatening both fungicides and resistant varieties. Some strains can overcome resistance genes or show reduced susceptibility to key fungicides.
Currently, little is known about late blight's population structure in Switzerland. Therefore, a comprehensive sampling network will be set up in potato-growing regions to better understand the population structure and dynamics.
The aims of this project are:
The results of this study will be shared and integrated into PhytoPRE to provide farmers with tailored disease management recommendations, optimising variety and fungicide use while minimising costs and risks. To facilitate the rapid transfer of knowledge into practice and build farmers' trust, a network of pilot farms and workshops will be established to implement these strategies.
Project partner
