Case Study #1

Location: Colombia & Ecuador

Crop: Potato (Solanum tuberosum)

Pathogen Target: Ralstonia solanacearum (Rs)

Overview

This case study focuses on validating early detection technologies and bio-control solutions for Rs in potato crops through both greenhouse and field trials across Colombia and Ecuador.

Greenhouse Trials
Colombia

    750 potato samples (susceptible varieties)
  • Smart sensory polymers
  • Multiparametric Disease Detection (MDD) device
  • The bio-control validation studies will be planned according to the results gathered from growth chamber tests, selecting the two best performing bio-control solutions.
  • Detect Rs infection in pre-symptomatic and symptomatic stages
  • Validate the best-performing bio-control solutions obtained during the project.

Field Trials
Ecuador

    15 sites (5 per province, 1–2 ha each)
    Various phenological stages
  • Multiparametric Disease Detection (MDD) device across all site
  • Bio-control solutions in 3 locations (0.5–1 ha each), conventional and organic crop management strategies
  • Trials conducted during both dry and rainy seasons
    At least one commercial potato variety

Objectives

  • Validate real-time, early detection of Rs in field conditions
  • Test bio-control solutions across diverse environments
  • Generate data for disease prevention under different farming strategies