Potato plague potato disease caused by Phytophthora infestans. Cool and moist weather conditions are conducive to its development. This disease is becoming more and more difficult to fight.
The German Agricultural Center (LTZ) in Karlsruhe alerts that various strains of pathogen are increasingly resistant to fungicides. The problem concerns not only potatoes, but also other vegetables, such as tomatoes, eggplants and peppers.
“Different strains of potato plague cause problems throughout the country. Losses in yields can reach up to 25 percent.” – emphasize LTZ experts in “Bild”.
Potato plague. History repeats itself?
The plague of potatoes has been one of the greatest threats to agriculture for years. In the 19th century it was the main cause of great hunger in Ireland. Today the problem is returning, and German farmers are facing a challenge that can have serious consequences for the domestic agricultural market.
This disease causes tuber rot, which prevents them from consuming. The German Ministry of Agriculture also warns against another threat – a carpentry, a disease transmitted by cicadas, which can also threaten the cultivation of potatoes.
Problems not only with potatoes
The plague of potatoes, however, is not limited to only one type of crop. Experts warn that tomatoes, eggplants and peppers are also threatened. The characteristic black spots on the leaves, stems and fruits are a clear signal of infection. Infected vegetables are not suitable for consumption, which can additionally affect losses in the agricultural sector.
If effective solutions are not introduced, the German agricultural market may face a serious crisis. In the face of the growing resistance of pathogens to pesticides, it may be necessary to develop new crop protection methods that will allow to maintain agricultural production stability in Germany.
Source: Bild, Interia
