The project (sites with ls, sL, uL) is aiming to reduce the application of copper-containing pesticides by introduction of a blight forecasting system based on meteorological parameters. Primary stem infections should be reduced by seed treatment with copper fungicides (Cuprozin fluid (copper hydroxid), Copper protein and SPU 2100; all 120g/ha correlating to 48g Copper/t tuber) thus to postpone the beginning of the blight epidemic as well as the start of spraying. The first results showed a general reduction of stem infections in one Cuprozin variant of more than 80%.
To achieve best efficacy with reduced amounts of fungicides controlling secondary infections on the foliage, copper amounts and spraying intervals should be adjusted to the infection pressure. Field trials were carried out using the fungicides Cuprozin fluid, Funguran (copper oxychlorid) and SPU 1010 (in authorisation process) based on termination by the potato blight forecast system OKO-SIMPHYT 1+3. On the sL site the results showed a reduction of the secondary infections in all different control strategies.
