Project number: 26.13.15.08.16_MILDIPOS

MILDIPOS: Potato blight – optimisation and control strategies for Switzerland

Potato production relies heavily on fungicides to control late blight, conflicting with Switzerland’s goal to cut pesticide risks by 50% by 2027. To achieve this, the sector aims to grow robust varieties on 25% of land by 2028 and 80% by 2040. Yet resistant cultivars that meet Swiss quality standards are scarce, and their durability against evolving pathogens is uncertain. The decision support system (DSS) PhytoPRE helps optimize fungicide use by improving spray timing, but requires refinement given shifting pathogen populations and sustainability targets. This project will update PhytoPRE’s model, establish a national genotyping network for real-time pathogen monitoring, and enable rapid detection of new strains. In parallel, variety testing will identify cultivars that combine quality with durable resistance, while biocontrol products will be developed and integrated into management strategies. By uniting surveillance, variety evaluation, biocontrol, and DSS improvement, the project aims to reduce fungicide dependence while safeguarding Swiss potato production.

Last Name, First Name Location
De Vrieze Mout Changins
Musa Tomke Reckenholz

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