effect of grass mulch and strip cropping on Phytophthora infections and Colorado Potato Beetle infestation in potato

Summary

The increasing number of challenges in organic potato cultivation call for innovations. Two of the most challenging problems in the Netherlands are Phytophthora infestans and Colorado Potato Beetles (CPB). Phytophthora infestans is the causal agent of late blight which can destroy large fields of potato within a short period, decreasing the yield tremendously. CPB larvae can defoliate whole potato plants, affecting the yield. Conventional farmers counteract Phytophthora and CPB with agrochemicals. However, sustainable agriculture is becoming more popular among consumers, and stricter governmental laws pressure the farmers to reduce the use of pesticides. In this research, the goal was to investigate the effect of strip cropping and mulching on CPB occurrence and Phytophthora infections and to see whether these treatments can reduce the damage caused by the CPB and Phytophthora. Strip cropping increases spatial diversity and this reduces the dispersal of pests and diseases, as non-host plants form an obstacle. The experiment included 5 main treatments 4 different strips and one monoculture reference field.