The World Potato Congress will host a free webinar on Jan. 15, 2025 to address the implementation of an Early Warning System for managing potato late blight.
In their efforts to control this disease, growers often rely on excessive pesticide applications, which raises significant environmental and health concerns. By enabling farmers to implement preventative measures, these systems help minimize the reliance on reactive pesticide use, ensuring not only the productivity of crops but also the protection of environmental health and public safety.
The webinar, led by agricultural engineer and plant pathology expert Ivette Acuña B, will present findings from a multi-country study conducted in Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, and Panama. This research validates the effectiveness of early warning systems for late blight and demonstrates their practical application among small scale farmers.
Key takeaways from the webinar include:
- Insights into the impact of climate variability on late blight outbreaks
- Practical applications of early warning systems for small-scale growers
- Proven strategies for reducing agrochemical dependency
- Promotion of good agricultural practices to safeguard health and the environment
To participate in this important discussion, potato industry professionals, researchers, and growers are encouraged to register online here.