First step towards globally tackling potato blight

European researchers and companies that are busy dealing with the potato blight Phytophthora infestans, will start working more closely with others throughout the world. The first step towards working together took place during the European network's biennial meeting 'EuroBlight', which was held earlier this month in Romania. Colleagues from North America, South America and Asia were invited to this meeting. "They are very interested in our approach. For example, they are interested in how we map the genetic variation in the field," says Huub Schepers, phytophthora specialist at Wageningen University, and one of the driving forces behind EuroBlight. "We can also learn from their work. The more we can learn about the pathogen, the more effective we can work on integrated pest management."

Fingerprints in the field

In concrete terms, the first step is exchanging information about methods. In this way, the researchers can use each other's data and tools. In Europe, the potato industry 'fingerprints' phytophthora infestans by stamping affected plants on a cardboard card. These are then analyzed in laboratories in Scotland and the Netherlands, after which a DNA profile is made. This is how a picture of the genetic variation in Europe is created.

In other parts of the world the research is more fundamental, and such practical inventory methods are not yet systematic. The question is whether this can be done in the same way. Working with commercial enterprises, such as crop protection companies or farming companies, is not as obvious. "But things do not move so quickly in this project," Schepers recalls. "Many groups have to be convinced of the usefulness of pre-competitive research. That is where we can likely be of help."

Targeted work on the chemistry and varieties of phytophthora

In time, collaboration can go further than merely exchanging information. When a research program is launched in Europe in the field of integrated pest management (IPM), networks from other parts of the world can join in as well. The initiators of EuroBlight have submitted a research proposal for this in the EU. A unique approach, one that Schepers sees as useful for other large-scale plant diseases as well.

The ultimate goal of those involved is to have a better understanding of phytophthora. Thanks to the European inventory methods, that have been running for two years, the participants already have a better understanding of the phytophthora species that are active in Europe. This information helps people use pesticides in a more effective manner, and in choosing potato varieties with the right resistance.

Romanians join in

Expanding disease monitoring is also going on within Europe, with more attention to phytophthora and expanding knowledge around the disease. So far, host country Romania has not participated in the European disease assessment. The country grows 190,000 acres of potatoes, and is therefore one of the biggest potato producing countries in Europe. For a large part of the population, potatoes make up an important part of their food supply. Thanks to sponsorship from the business community, this country will begin participating in the inventory methods next year, and ties will be strengthened with national potato research.

Source: wageningenur.nl