"50% of the basil production in Liguria is lost, with peaks reaching 70%, whereas in other producer regions we are talking about 30%. That is why Liguria, Emilia-Romagna, Veneto, Camapnia, Lazio and other regions in Southern Italy are working together to find a solution against fungal diseases such as Plectosphaerella cucumerina and Peronospora Belbahrii", explains Giovanni Minuto, director of the Ce.R.S.A.A.-Centro di Sperimentazione e Assistenza Agricola, azienda speciale della Camera di Commercio di Savona."We identified the first downy mildew problems in 2003 and, since then, the pathogen has been reported in all Mediterranean countries as well as North and South America. In 2013, a new variety was found, resistant to Metalaxil-M., so we had to use other emergency active principles."
The Liguria region is supporting the request of some local producers to the Ministry of Health calling for the approval of a range of pesticides to safeguard plants.
Basil from Liguria is in fact the main ingredient of pesto alla genovese. Data concerning consumption reveals that it is the second most popular pasta sauce in Italy. A true agricultural heritage led by a hundred companies on 200 hectares for a total value of €6 million. "This year's rainy and humid summer definitely contributed to a strong recrudescence of the disease, which is transmitted through seeds, so it spreads very easily."
"There is a dual strategy to deal with the problem: we need to enable basil producers to protect their plants and, in the long-term, specific seed treatments are necessary. We have started researching on seed coating with the Local regional body and an Israeli research institute for genetic improvement. A piece of advice on what to do now? Reduce irrigation and avoid humidity stagnation," concludes Minuto.
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