Looking for a sustainable potato crop. Field assessment of early blight management

Potato crops are susceptible to numerous field diseases causing significant losses in the quality and tuber yield. Control measures have a negative impact soil water resources affecting also farmers’ health food security. Hence, more sustainable agriculture management is need preserve ecosystems. Therefore, objective of this study was evaluate response nine potato cultivars (Fleur Bleue, Frisia, Fontane, Louisa, Agria, Daifla, Red Pontiac, Kennebec Desiree) against early blight using Decision Support Systems (DSS) potato-producing area from Northwest Spain. The experimental design established control plots sprayed with fungicide according disease risk model adapted geographical region (DSS plots). Disease rating severity were evaluated appearance first symptoms final senescence under progress curve (AUDPC r-AUDPC) calculated. Aerobiological monitoring main Alternaria species responsible (Alternaria solani alternata) most vulnerable phenological stages considered. susceptibility analyzed based on weather, yields. Specifically, temperature leaf wetness meteorological variables that influenced concentration Alternaria. Conidia accounted for previous week variable development measured by AUDPC natural conditions. Yields DSS higher than plots. alternative pest strategies, specifically, assessment crucial production. In sense, integration particular information resistance commercial cultivars, plant, or fungal particles surrounding crop atmosphere could support these systems better adjustment without compromising yield environment.