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Seed potato treatment is vital for plant protection, yield enhancement, and product quality. In the conducted research, the plant biostimulator Supporter was applied to evaluate its impact on potato yields and its structure. Supporter contains both synthetic and SL amino acids, which promote plant growth by enhancing nutrient utilization and fostering the development of a more effective root system. Such a formulation allows to maintain better resistance to environmental stresses, which may include drought or nutrient deficiency, among others. The field study was conducted in 2015–2017 in four towns located in different regions of Poland (Barankowo, Głubczyce, Kędrzyno, and Ryn) using a randomized complete block design with a split-plot design. Varieties ('Innovator', 'Lilly', 'Lady Claire', and 'Verdi') were tested. The experiment compared the cultivation technology using Supporter biostimulator with which seed potatoes were treated compared to conventional cultivation (control object) by soaking the tubers in distilled water before planting. The total yield of potato tubers after Supporter application was higher by 13.3%, while the commercial yield increased by 21.1% compared to the traditional cultivation method. The most productive, regardless of cultivation technology and years of research, in terms of total tuber yield was the 'Lilly' variety with an average yield of 47.95 t∙ha−1, while the least productive variety was the 'Innovator' variety with an average yield of 29.93 t∙ha−1. The 'Lady Claire' variety had the highest commercial tuber yield, while the 'Innovator' variety had the lowest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Faced with increasing climate challenges, this pioneering study introduces groundbreaking approaches to ensure the resilience of potato crops in east-central Poland. Our research was aimed at developing an innovative, cost-effective system tailored to the diverse local conditions of this region. Conducted between 2018 and 2020, the study analyzed integrated and organic production systems across different soil types and potato varieties. The experiment was conducted using a randomized block design with three replications in two locations. Integrated production systems involve the strategic use of mineral fertilization and chemical protection to optimize crop growth and health, whereas organic production systems rely solely on natural inputs and biological pest control methods. Integrated practices, enhanced by mineral fertilization and chemical protection, notably delayed the onset of late blight by 16 days and extended the critical infection period by 17% compared to their organic counterparts. Remarkably, the integrated systems resulted in a 49% increase in total production and a 52% increase in commercial yields, demonstrating their effectiveness in enhancing crop resilience. Different potato varieties exhibit varied responses to cultivation systems, influencing both yield and disease resistance. Further investigation into these varietal responses can help optimize cultivation practices, leading to improved efficiency and sustainability in potato farming. Location and soil conditions have a significant impact on potato yield and the spread of potato blight. Specific soil properties such as pH levels, organic matter content, soil texture (clay, silt, and sand composition), moisture retention capacity, and nutrient availability are crucial in determining potato productivity and disease dynamics. Further research into these soil properties and the adaptation of varieties to local conditions can contribute to increased productivity and stability in potato production. This study not only paves the way toward sustainable agriculture but also highlights the crucial role of soil diversity in shaping resilient farming practices. Potato producers in the eastern-central region of Poland should implement integrated production systems using mineral fertilization and chemical plant protection, adapted to local soil conditions and potato varieties. These practices can delay the appearance of late blight and increase the total and marketable potato yield. Further research on soil properties and variety adaptation may increase production stability and efficiency. Promoting soil diversity and modern technologies will ensure resilient and sustainable agricultural production in the face of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytotoxicity refers to the capacity of chemical substances or environmental factors to have a negative impact on plants. This is a crucial issue in both the context of crop cultivation and environmental protection. The research results were based on a 3-year field experiment conducted at an experimental station in Jadwisin (52°28′ N, 21°02′ E) on loamy soil. The experiment was set up using a randomized sub-block design in a split–split–plot arrangement with three replications. The first-order factor consisted of potato cultivars, while the second-order factors were weed control methods: (1) without protection; (2) mechanical weed control, extensive mechanical treatments to close rows; (3) Sencor 70 WG—pre-emergence (PRE) of potatoes; (4) Sencor 70 WG + Titus 25 WG + Trend 90 EC—PRE of potatoes; (5) Sencor 70 WG—post-emergence (POST) of potatoes; (6) Sencor 70 WG + Titus 25 WG + Trend 90 EC—POST of potatoes; (7) Sencor 70 WG + Fusilade Forte 150 EC—POST of potatoes; and (8) Sencor 70 WG + Apyros 75 WG + Atpolan 80 SC—POST of potatoes. The phytotoxic effects of herbicides on potato plants and weeds were assessed every 7 days, starting from the date when the first signs of damage appeared until they stabilized or disappeared. Phytotoxic damage to potato and weed plants was caused by the chemical weed control methods used. The response of potato plants to herbicides was significantly related to the genetic traits of the cultivars and meteorological conditions in the years of research. Phytotoxicity is an important aspect in both agriculture and environmental protection. Research on its mechanisms and impact will enable the development of effective plant protection strategies and the preservation of ecosystem balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The ecological approach to agriculture causes the desire to eliminate pesticides. Work is underway to replace them with natural agents. Aim: The aim of the research was to introduce an innovative factor and non-invasively increase the yield of dry matter and starch and thus improve the quality of the raw material for the production of potato-enriched products. Material and methods: The field experiment was carried out in central-eastern Poland, using the randomized sub-block method, in a dependent split-split-plot design in three repetitions. The superior factor of the first order was pre-planting treatments by treating seed potatoes with a microbiological preparation for (a) 10 min, (b) 15 min, and (c) untreated seed potatoes (untreated control). The second-order factor was 14 potato cultivars of all groups of earliness. Qualitative research was carried out under laboratory conditions. Results: Pre-planting treatments with the use of a microbiological preparation had a positive effect on the yield of dry matter and starch compared to the control while modifying the characteristics related to the quality of potato chips. The tested cultivars determined both the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the chips to the greatest extent. Conclusions: Alternative solutions will allow the effective replacement of pesticides in potato production and processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concerns about food safety issues have put considerable pressure on pesticide producers in Europe and worldwide to reduce the levels of pesticide residues in food. The aim of this work is to assess the use of traditional pesticides and their effects, to present perspectives in this field and to identify regulatory needs for their use and implementation. The work is based on a systematic review in which the research problem was defined, primary sources were selected and critically appraised, data were collected, analysed and evaluated, and conclusions were formulated. The state of the pesticide market and the current legal requirements for risk assessment in relation to exposure to chemical substances were reviewed. Food safety issues are presented through the prism of pesticide residues in food. Their widespread use and considerable persistence have made them ubiquitous in the natural environment and their residues pose a threat to the environment and to human and animal health. It has been shown that the most important factor influencing the search for new tools to control diseases and pests of crops is the progressive development of resistance of these populations to currently used pesticides. Various alternatives to the phasing out of synthetic pesticides in the form of natural products are therefore being developed to support the development of the natural products market. Natural phytotoxins can be used as herbicides, but it is more effective to use bioherbicides as templates for synthetic herbicides. They can also be used to discover new modes of action and molecular targets for future herbicides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Progress in Plant Protection is the property of Institute of Plant Protection and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)