Sustainable Potato Production - Guidelines for - FAO.org

Pest managementPotato diseases are spread by insectvectors, seed and wind, runningwater, soil, sacks and implements.Seed is generally the main sourceof infection. Combating insect pests,diseases and weeds with intensive useof insecticides, fungicides and herbicidescan harm the environment and pose aserious threat to the health of producersand consumers.Regular field monitoring for pestsand the broader agro-ecosystem is thebasis for ecological-based plant protectionand pest management. For example,aphid monitoring and consequentadjustment of planting and harvest dateswould deserve special attention as a feasibleknowledge-based practice in the context ofinsect pest management. However, themanagement of potato late blightis difficult without fungicides. Therefore,the use of biocides is acceptable, and oftenconsidered as a component of integratedinsect pest and disease managementschemes.Good practices3To increase potato production whileprotecting producers, consumers and theenvironment, use insect pest and diseasemanagement strategies that encouragebiological control of insect pests, varietieswith insect pest and/or disease resistance,planting of healthy seed potatoes, thegrowing of potatoes in rotation with othercrops, and organic composting to improvesoil quality.3Whenever possible, use rotations thatreduce insect pest and disease problemsand avoid those that may increase them.In general, avoid solanaceous crops asrotation choices.3Control volunteer potato plants and weedsin the rotation crop.3Avoid build up of weed seeds in the soil byremoving weeds before they flower and setseeds.3Reduce or eliminate weed seeds in soilthrough conservation agricultureapproaches to weed management.53KEY INDICATORSOFSUSTAINABILITY