APPROACHING THE PHYTHOPHTORA INFESTANS PATHOGEN IN POTATO CULTURE BY BIOLOGICAL MEANS

Abstract

In the current context, in which the European Union, through various projects, requires the reduction of the consumption of pesticides it is necessary to investigate some different products to control the Phytophthora infestans potato blight, biological ones, that have the role of improving the structure and health of the soil, avoiding contamination of it but also of groundwater with synthetic active substances. Potato production is diminished by the presence of weeds, pathogens and pests. One of the most important phytopathogenic agents is Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) deBary, which produces the disease called mange, an important disease that occurs in all areas where potatoes are grown causing economic losses up to 50%. In general, disease management of this pathogen by biological means is a difficult task, especially when the level of disease pressure is high, together with favorable environmental conditions. The study was performed, in Belint area, Timis county, under the climatic conditions of the year 2022. The test product used in study protocol were Fitocid, Fitohelp, Mycohelp, Viridin and Taegro in various rate of application and an untreated check was also included. The assessments were performed at 3, 7, 14 DAT, assessing the effectiveness of the products in respect of the frequency and intensity of the attack. All five bioproducts reduced the severity of the pathogen compared to the untreated control, the antagonism shown by the Fitocid and Fitohelp products against the fungus Phytophthora infestans was maximum seven days after application.