PATAFEST, Horizon Europe-funded Research Project Paving the Way for Sustainable Potato Protection and Postharvest Excellence

PATAFEST, a groundbreaking research project funded by the Horizon Europe program of the European Commission, is set to make a difference on the potato industry by enhancing potato protection and postharvest practices. With a focus on sustainability and resilience, this multi-actor initiative represents a major leap forward in securing Europe's vital potato crop. Potatoes are a cornerstone of European agriculture, supporting economies and providing a crucial food source. However, the potato crop faces ongoing threats from pests and soil-borne diseases, resulting in substantial economic losses and food wastage. Organizations like the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) have implemented phytosanitary requirements to safeguard potato crops. Yet, globalization, climate change, and economic factors continue to pose new challenges. One of the most pressing challenges is the destructive Zebra Chip (ZC) disease caused by Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CLso). This bacterium wreaks havoc on potato crops, leading to significant yield losses and quality degradation. The psyllid Bactericera cockerelli (BC) serves as the vector for CLso, exacerbating the damage and economic repercussions for farmers. Postharvest storage, a critical phase in maintaining food supplies, is also marred by soil-borne pathogens as Fusarium sambucinum, Colletothricum coccodes, Helminthosporium solani responsible for diseases such as dry rot, black dot, and silver scurf. PATAFEST is a 48-month project with a budget of ?6 million, bringing together 18 partners from 9 countries, including Spain, Italy, Czech Republic, Belgium, Germany, France, the UK, Israel, and Ecuador. Partners encompass researchers on agri-food sector, technology providers, agricultural cooperatives, experts on innovation management, and citizens. This collaborative effort seeks to safeguard potato crops and enhance the quality of the final product, deploying a three-pronged strategy: ? ? 1. Molecular pest spread pathways: research at the molecular level will identify disease-resistant potato varieties, bolstering crop resilience.? ? 2. Preharvest plant and soil solutions: innovative tools, including mobile app image analysis and AI predictive models, will empower farmers to proactively protect their crops.? ? 3. Postharvest technologies: advanced solutions like biocontrol coatings and VOC sensors will control soil pathogen incidence during storage, preserving potato quality. These strategies will be integrated into an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach, validated in key European potato-producing countries. PATAFEST will ensure a long-term strategy for tackling future potato pest threats by carrying out strong dissemination, communication, and exploitation plan, with an overarching multi-actor approach and citizen of science activities. Follow us on Twitter and Linkedin:https://twitter.com/patafest_eu?https://www.linkedin.com/company/patafest?