As cases of late blight begin to emerge, Teagasc is organizing a series of potato harvest walks across Ireland. The first event, scheduled for May 29 in County Meath, aims to combat the emergence of the new blight strain EU 43 and provide updated advice on blight control strategies for 2024.
Fighting the threat of EU 43 strain
Teagasc, Ireland’s Agriculture and Food Development Authority, is running a series of potato crop walks to help farmers and agronomists tackle the growing threat of potato late blight, with a particular focus on the recently identified EU 43 strain. These educational events are critical as different regions Cases of late blight have begun to occur, posing a significant risk to the upcoming harvest.
New challenge for potato growers
Shay Phelan, Teagasc potato and potato specialist, highlighted the seriousness of the situation: “The identification last year of potato blight strain EU 43 in Ireland is potentially one of the most serious developments in the potato industry in recent times. This strain is causing a lot of problems in Europe and producers in many countries are struggling to control it.”
Strain EU 43 has demonstrated increased virulence and resistance to conventional fungicides, making it a major concern for farmers. The presence of this strain in Ireland calls for a re-evaluation of current blight control methods to prevent widespread crop damage.
Upcoming walks through crops and their meaning
The first crop walk will take place in County Meath on Wednesday 29 May, with subsequent events planned across the country. These walks are designed to update farmers and agronomists on the latest developments in late blight control, including new recommendations and strategies for effectively managing the EU 43 strain.
Phelan elaborated on the purpose of these events: “These Teagasc potato field walks will aim to inform growers and agronomists of the potential of this strain and help develop robust late blight control programs that will help reduce the risk of serious outbreaks.”
Key themes and strategies
During a walk through the crops, participants will learn:
- Understanding EC 43: Detailed information about the characteristics and behavior of the EC 43 strain.
- Late blight control programs: Development of effective and reliable late blight control strategies specifically designed to combat the EU 43 strain.
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Using IPM techniques to minimize dependence on chemical fungicides and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
- Latest Research and Innovation: Findings from recent research and advances in late blight control.
The emergence of late blight strain EU 43 poses a serious threat to potato crops in Ireland and across Europe. Teagasc’s proactive approach to organizing these crop walks aims to equip farmers and agronomists with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively combat this problem. By promoting collaboration and an informed community, Irish potato growers can better protect their crops and ensure a safer, more productive future.
