Diseases play a particularly significant role in organic farming because they cannot be treated in the same way as in conventional farming. In most cases, organic farming offers only preventative measures, which can be achieved through appropriate agronomic practices. Optimal crop rotation can also help to control diseases and pests. Sometimes, simply allowing sufficient time between crops before growing potatoes on the same field is enough. Fungi, in particular, can survive in the soil for extended periods, which can then manifest as an increased incidence of certain diseases. Pests, too, can persist in the soil for years, leading to significant damage that results in either reduced yields or a decline in quality. There are indeed variety-specific differences in disease susceptibility, which this research aims to investigate. This study will not only observe potato varieties listed in the Austrian Variety Register but also those specifically requested by organic farmers. This includes varieties originating from abroad that have already proven successful with organic farmers there.
Furthermore, the specific site conditions will be taken into account, i.e., recorded, such as climate, preceding and cover crops, as well as the type of fertilization and any plant protection products used that are permitted in organic farming. This scientific work will involve trials on the experimental plots of the Organic Farming Department at the LFZ Raumberg-Gumpenstein, using a broad range of varieties, both registered and unregistered. In addition, data collection on commercial farms located near the experimental plots is planned, allowing for observation alongside the precise trials.
potato field
HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein