Potatoes: Europe’s foundation crop at risk
The stakes: 55 million tons produced annually across the EU, with the UK as the 5th largest producer.
Scotland’s seed potato crisis
Scotland supplies 30,000 tons of seed potatoes to EU growers each year but Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) is spreading rapidly. Once detected, biosecurity laws prevent seed potato cultivation in that area, threatening the entire European supply chain.
Fosthiazate pesticide, the current solution, isn’t fully effective, harms beneficial organisms, and loses approval in 2027.
Tomatoes: Racing against climate change
The stakes: 6.2 million tons produced annually, with Italy leading at 37% of EU production.
The spreading threat
Root Knot Nematode (RKN) currently devastates southern European tomatoes due to the root damage caused by the juvenile nematodes, with up to 65% yield losses. Climate change and warming soils are expected to push this pest northward, threatening cucumbers, carrots, peppers, and beans across Europe.
Chemical options vanishing: Multiple soil fumigants have been banned already. Fosthiazate and metham sodium are the last chemical defenses but are not fully effective. Metham sodium is considered a “Substance of Very High Concern” and loses approval in 2027.
Bananas: Global adversity
The stakes: 670,000 tons produced in 2024, with the Canary Islands supplying over half of EU production.
Double threat to Cavendish variety
Banana Weevil (BW) destroys crops due to both adult weevils and larvae tunnelling into and through various parts of the plant. It also spreads Fusarium Wilt (“Panama Disease”), of which one variant poses a global threat to the survival of the Cavendish banana, on which the market currently relies.
Non-specific chemical controls such as lambda-cyhalothrin are still needed in severe cases. This insecticide is however highly toxic to bees and other pollinators and approval for use expires in 2026.
The project aims to develop new bioactives derived from renewable sources to replace proven toxic chemical pesticides – a major goal towards sustainable and environmentally-friendly agriculture.”
DR ANTONI PLANAS
HEAD OF LABORATORY OF BIOCHEMISTRY. I&S