Potato is one of the most significant crops in Europe with a production value of €12.4 billion in 2020. However, its production is under threat from a range of pests and soil-borne pathogens that cause significant yield losses and impact postharvest quality. Among these threats, Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CLso), transmitted by the psyllid Bactericera cockerelli (BC), causes a disease known as zebra chip (ZC), leading to severe economic losses. Furthermore, soil-borne pathogens such as those responsible for dry rot, black dot, and silver scurf contribute to losses both in the field and during storage. These challenges are exacerbated by globalization, climate change, and economic drivers, which facilitate the introduction and spread of emerging pests and diseases.
The European Union’s Green Deal, which includes ambitious targets such as a 50% reduction in pesticide use, further emphasizes the need for innovative, sustainable solutions to protect potato crops. In this context, the PataFEST project has been designed as a comprehensive response to these pressing challenges.
The overall objective of PataFEST is to safeguard the European potato sector by developing sustainable, integrated solutions that address pest and disease management at every stage of the production chain. The project focuses on three main areas: (1) characterizing ecological pest pathways and identifying disease-resistant potato varieties, (2) advancing preharvest solutions such as soil and plant treatments combined with cutting-edge digital tools, and (3) innovating postharvest technologies, including biocontrol coatings, controlled atmosphere storage, and volatile organic compound (VOC) sensors. These solutions will be integrated into an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) framework and validated at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5, ensuring their practical application in real-world scenarios.
The project’s pathway to impact is structured to deliver significant benefits across environmental, economic, and societal dimensions. By reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, PataFEST contributes directly to the EU’s Green Deal objectives. This will help to mitigate the environmental impact of potato production and enhancing resilience to climate change. The development of disease-resistant potato varieties and effective pest management strategies will reduce crop losses, ensuring stable yields and food security while improving farmers' livelihoods. Innovations in postharvest technologies will minimize food waste, maintain potato quality and extend storage life, strengthening the economic sustainability of the potato supply chain.
The implementation of digital tools, such as mobile applications and AI-based predictive models, has the potential to democratise the access to advanced technologies, thereby empowering farmers and stakeholders with actionable insights.
The project is expected to have substantial and evident impacts. Economically, the reduction of crop losses and postharvest waste will reduce crop losses and postharvest waste, saving European potato sector millions of euros annually. Environmentally, the transition to sustainable pest management practices will contribute to healthier ecosystems, reducing soil degradation and water contamination. Societally, the project will support the well-being of farmers and rural communities, fostering sustainable development and innovation in agriculture.
