Chile: Powdery scab of potato brought together specialists at INIA Remehue in a workshop

The Puyehue hall and the laboratories of INIA Remehue were the setting for an intense day dedicated to the prevention, management and control of powdery scab of potato ( Spongospora subterranea ), a disease that is increasingly affecting the production of this tuber in the southern zone of Chile. 

The event, which took place today, Wednesday, October 29, brought together leading researchers, phytopathologists, advisors and potato producers, thanks to the collaboration between INIA, the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile (PUC), the Foundation for Agrarian Innovation (FIA) and the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG).

The day began with welcoming remarks from Manuel Muñoz, an agronomist, PhD in potato genetic improvement and Regional Director of INIA Remehue, who highlighted the importance of creating technical spaces for analysis and knowledge transfer to address the phytosanitary challenges affecting potato cultivation and regional and national agriculture.

The program continued with the presentation by Stephanie Riquelme, Molecular Biotechnology Engineer, PhD candidate in Plant Biotechnology at PUC-Chile, who spoke about "Advances in the detection of  Spongospora subterranea : tools for the diagnosis of powdery scab in potatoes." 

Subsequently, Mónica Gutiérrez, a phytopathologist from SAG, addressed the "Situation of  Spongospora subterranea  in the southern zone of Chile: optimization of a detection system in the soil."

After a short break, Ivette Acuña, an agronomist, Ph.D. and researcher at INIA Remehue, shared her "Perspectives on the integrated management of  Spongospora subterranea  in potatoes," offering innovative strategies for disease control. 

The day culminated with a presentation by Camila Sandoval, biochemist, M.Sc. and researcher at INIA Remehue, who delved into the topic "From soil to tuber: exploring  Spongospora subterranea  under potato cultivation."

Attendees also had the opportunity to visit the Phytopathology and Biotechnology laboratory of INIA Remehue, where methodologies for sample processing and the identification of soil pathogens were demonstrated. 

Participants stated that this workshop was a valuable contribution to strengthening the capacities of farmers and technicians in the sector in the management of powdery scab of potatoes, thus contributing to improving the productivity and sustainability of this important crop in Chile.