On 5 June 2026, the POMATO project joined the XVII International Lupin Conference at the Santa Catalina Experimental Station of the National Institute of Agricultural Research (INIAP) in Quito, Ecuador, bringing the project’s work on bacterial diseases of potato directly to farmers, researchers, students and agricultural professionals.
Representatives of Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) participated in the event with a dedicated POMATO information stand, organised in collaboration with the National Roots and Tubers Program (PNRT) of INIAP. The activity provided an opportunity to introduce the project and raise awareness about Ralstonia solanacearum, its phytosanitary importance and the work being carried out within POMATO to improve the surveillance, detection and management of the disease.
Bringing POMATO research closer to stakeholders
The POMATO stand combined project communication materials with practical examples that helped facilitate discussions with visitors. Alongside the project’s institutional roll-up and supporting materials, the team displayed potato plant and tuber samples, which were used to support technical explanations about the disease and the project’s research activities.
Throughout the event, the team engaged directly with farmers, students, researchers, authorities and other professionals from the agricultural sector. Visitors could learn about the objectives of POMATO, discuss the importance of R. solanacearum for potato production and ask questions about disease symptoms, surveillance and detection.
Approximately 120 people visited the POMATO stand, creating a valuable opportunity not only to disseminate information but also to exchange practical experiences and perspectives with stakeholders from different backgrounds.
Discussing disease symptoms and challenges in the field
The conversations with participants also provided useful insights into the way bacterial diseases are perceived and recognised in potato production.
Many visitors showed particular interest in learning more about R. solanacearum, its symptoms and the research being undertaken by POMATO. During these discussions, several participants indicated that symptoms observed in potato crops are often associated with other bacterial pathogens, such as Pectobacterium, as they had not previously encountered cases of R. solanacearum in potato production.
This exchange highlighted the importance of awareness, disease recognition and effective detection methods in supporting timely responses to potential outbreaks. It also demonstrated the value of engaging directly with those working in and around potato production, whose practical knowledge and observations can complement research activities.
From dissemination to continued engagement
Beyond raising awareness, the activity also helped establish new connections with people and organisations interested in the topic.
The POMATO technical team shared contact information with participants interested in reporting suspected cases of R. solanacearum or obtaining further information. Informal contacts were also established with farmers, researchers and institutions, opening opportunities for continued information exchange and potential future collaboration related to disease surveillance.
These interactions are an important part of POMATO’s multi-actor approach. Developing better tools and strategies for managing bacterial diseases requires not only scientific and technological advances, but also communication and knowledge exchange between researchers, growers, agricultural professionals, institutions and other actors involved in plant health.
By participating in events such as the XVII International Lupin Conference, POMATO can bring its research to wider agricultural and scientific communities, increase awareness of emerging and important plant health threats and create new opportunities for stakeholders to engage with the project.
