European Union is one of the largest producers of potato (Solanum tuberosum) in the world, with Germany, Poland, France and Netherlands being major contributors. However, according to Eurostat data, potato production in EU is declining steadily, with only 53 million tonnes produced in 2015, down from 83 million tonnes in 2000.
Such a dramatic decrease in potato production can be partially attributed to bacterial diseases. Pectinolytic bacteria of Pectobacterium and Dickeya species cause potato diseases known as “blackleg” and „soft rot“, which contribute significantly to lowering potato harvest and resulting economic losses.
Novell formulation, developed as a plant protection agent effective against aforementionned bacteria, is based on aqueous solution of caffeine. Optimized qualitative and quantitative composition of the agent ensures efficacy in inhibiting growth of bacteria Pectobacterium atrosepticum and Dickeya spp. The invention may be used in prevention of potato diseases such as “blackleg” and „soft rot”, which cause significant losses during potato harvests and crop storage.
The formulation can be used to protect plants against phytopathogens in numerous forms of application, such as spraying on plants during vegetation and upon crop storage, on tubers and roots, on storage areas or on agricultural machinery.
Technology related to offer no. 032/2017/1