Colombia’s potato cultivation is a critical component of its agricultural landscape. With approximately 110,000 hectares dedicated to potato farming and an average yield of nearly 23 tons per hectare, the country produces around 2.5 million tons of potatoes annually. The key potato-growing regions—Cundinamarca, Boyacá, Nariño, Cauca, and Antioquia—play a crucial role in meeting the domestic demand.
Despite this robust production, Colombian potato farmers face persistent threats from soil diseases and pests. Rhizoctonia has been a long-standing concern, but recent years have seen the emergence of Verticillium and Rosellinia, which threaten to reduce yields if not managed effectively.
New Technology: Elatus Fungicide
To combat these challenges, Syngenta has introduced Elatus, a novel fungicide featuring Solatenol technology combined with Amistar Technology. This innovative product offers a broad-spectrum control of soil-borne fungi that affect potato seeds.
Elatus is designed to protect potato seeds from the outset of planting, targeting key diseases such as Rhizoctonia, Verticillium, and Rosellinia. By safeguarding the seeds and promoting robust root development, Elatus helps ensure a strong start for potato plants. The result is a more uniform and vigorous crop establishment, which contributes to higher yields and improved quality.
Economic and Production Benefits
The application of Elatus is expected to translate into significant economic benefits for potato farmers. According to Claudio Muñoz, Director of Syngenta Andean Region, the fungicide will enhance potato quality and quantity, leading to better financial returns for farmers. “With Elatus, farmers can expect higher quality potatoes, increased production, and improved payments for their harvested crops. Additionally, it helps keep disease inoculum levels below the economic damage threshold, which is crucial for maintaining profitability,” Muñoz stated.
This technological advancement aligns with the growing need for effective disease management solutions in agriculture. By reducing the incidence of soil-borne diseases, Elatus supports not only better crop yields but also contributes to the overall economic stability of the potato farming sector.
Conclusion
The introduction of Syngenta’s Elatus fungicide represents a significant advancement in potato cultivation technology in Colombia. By addressing critical soil-borne diseases and enhancing seed protection, this new solution promises to improve both the quantity and quality of potato production. As the agricultural sector continues to evolve, innovations like Elatus are essential for sustaining high levels of productivity and profitability.
