The Colorado potato beetle, potato leafhopper, wireworms, potato tuber moth, and so on, have been known to cause significant losses in tuber crops. Control for all these pests requires a combination of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, including regular scouting, sanitation, chemical, and mechanical controls.

According to experts from the chemical pest control sector, at the European level, several bugs are causing the biggest problems in tuber production. The Colorado potato beetle is one of them, and due to the ban of neonicotinoids in the EU, the complete pest management strategy for this pest has shifted.

Another pest category worth mentioning in this respect is the wireworm, which is becoming an increasing problem, not just in potatoes, but also in other crops.

Aphids are also a ‘serious enemy’ according to scientists, especially in seed production. In the past, experts say, the strategy to control this bug was based on neonicotinoid technology as well, even as a spud treatment before harvest.

For southern Europe, an increasing problem is the potato moth, which can also cause damages in storage. On the other hand, leafhoppers are mainly a problem in potato chips production.

Global climate change has contributed to the proliferation of most pests. The pest pressure is increasing, and new species are emerging, causing unexpected damages.

That’s why, growers will need to shift and adapt to new cropping solutions and models, adopt new and integrating pest management practices, and reduce their dependencies to certain technologies. This includes the use of Biologicals, shifting to more resistant varieties (seeds), adopting new agronomic practices.

There is also an increasing need to support European growers in the light of the new European Green Deal to continue to be able to manage pests, looking into Integrated Pest Management solutions, therefore companies are also looking for more sustainable – biological solutions in that perspective.

You can read the rest of this article in your complimentary e-copy of Issue 3 of Potato Business Digital magazine, which you can access by clicking here.