Gewasbescherming

China has introduced new phytosanitary measures to prevent the entry of Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CLso), suspending seed potato import approvals from affected countries and tightening import requirements for planting materials.

The Potato Association of America (PAA) concluded its 110th Annual Meeting in New Orleans with the installation of its 2026-2027 Board of Directors, recognition of Honorary Life Members and the announcement of the 2027 meeting in Minneapolis.

Renaissance BioScience has secured Genome BC funding to develop a yeast-based RNAi biopesticide targeting wireworms. The project aims to extend the company's RNAi platform to soil-dwelling pests, offering a potential new tool for potato growers.

The UK has approved PiperPlus, the first precision-bred disease-resistant Maris Piper potato. Developed by The Sainsbury Laboratory, it resists late blight, PVY and PLRV, reducing fungicide use and supporting more sustainable potato production.

Global seed potato trade is entering a new biosecurity era as countries tighten phytosanitary rules, expand digital ePhyto certification, and strengthen disease testing, making certified, traceable seed essential for global market access.

Nederlandse telers en de Nederlandse Aardappel Organisatie (NAO) steunen het Hoofdlijnenconvenant Gewasbescherming om de milieubelasting te verminderen, de waterkwaliteit te verbeteren en innovatie te stimuleren, terwijl rechtszekerheid en een duurzame aardappelproductie worden bevorderd.

GB Potatoes reports that longer potato rotations are boosting UK production by improving soil health, controlling pests and diseases, and supporting sustainable farming. Research shows diverse rotations increase yields, food value & resilience.

The invasive serpentine leafminer has been detected in Tasmania for the first time after being found at a commercial grower in the state's north-west. The pest attacks more than 200 plant species, including potatoes, and can reduce crop yields.

Ohalo and Allied Potato form a strategic partnership to advance Boosted potato breeding, combining Ohalo Boosted Breeding platform with Allied Potato expertise to develop higher-yield disease-resistant potatoes and explore potato seed systems.

East African potato farmers face rising costs from late blight. Through the Crop Trust's BOLD project, breeders and farmers are testing potatoes with wild resistance traits to cut spraying, lower costs and improve food security in Kenya and Uganda.

Europatat welcomes the EU’s adoption of the NGT Regulation, opening new opportunities for innovative potato varieties with improved disease resistance, climate adaptability, and processing traits, while boosting breeding research and investment.

DKHV has launched the first module of its Potato Specialist training program in Hermannsburg, bringing together industry professionals for practical and classroom-based training on potato cultivation, crop protection, field assessment and breeding.

In South Africa potatoes are the fourth most consumed staple food after maize, wheat, and rice. They are a valuable source of affordable energy and nutrition and play an important role in feeding households throughout the year.

The Brazilian potato market closes May with tighter supply in Minas Gerais, firm wholesale prices, advances in soil monitoring and biological inputs, and climate alerts that could complicate activity in the south and southeast of the country.

FAO announced International Day of Potato 2026 theme 'Where potatoes grow, livelihoods flourish', highlighting role of potatoes in food security and farmer livelihoods. Focus on smallholders, resilient value chains, climate and pest challenges.

HyFarm partners with Sri BioAesthetics Pvt. Ltd. to deploy microbiome-driven soil immunity, reducing diseases and improving potato yield, seed quality, and processing consistency via SoilFirst™ trials in Gujarat and Punjab.

KTH researchers developed peptide CS5 targeting Phytophthora infestans, cause of potato late blight. It blocks a key enzyme, stopping infection without harming crops and offering a sustainable alternative to chemical sprays as climate change spreads.

Vive Crop Protection has announced the launch of Averland SM, a new in-season nematicide designed to provide United State growers with a more flexible and effective approach to managing nematodes and other pests in potatoes, and other crops.