News on Crop Protection

Potato acreage North-western Europe grown by 5 percent, estimates NEPG

June 29, 2016

Potato acreage North-western Europe increased by 5 percent, expects NEPG

The North-western European Potato growers (NEPG) expect the combined potato acreage in Belgium, Germany, France, The Netherlands and Great Britain to be 552.000 hectares (1.36 million acres). This is an increase of 4.9 percent compared to last year.

June 20, 2016

Biological control of Potato Psyllids by Parasitic Wasp approved by New Zealand Authority

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) of New Zealand has approved a type of parasitic wasp as a biological control agent to combat the tomato potato psyllid (a plant louse), which attacks tomatoes, potatoes, capsicums and tamarillos in the country.

June 16, 2016

Potato Farming on Prince Edward Island: Trying Something New

For years, PEI potato farmer Robert Green has been growing barley and canola in rotation with potatoes. This season, he’s decided to try something new.

Research: Drones as delivery mechanism for biological control agents

June 15, 2016

Research: Drones as delivery vehicle for biological control agents

The University of Southern Denmark is developing an ecodrone that will combat pests in completely new ways.

May 30, 2016

Un muerto y 19 intoxicados por fumigación de cultivo de papa en Colombia

Un trágico saldo de una persona fallecida y 19 más intoxicadas, dejó el uso irresponsable de un fungicida sobre un cultivo de papa, en la vereda San Rafael, del municipio de La Calera, cerca de Bogotá, durante la noche de este miércoles, informaron miembros del cuerpo de bomberos de Cundinamarca.

Irresponsible pesticide use in Colombia results in one dead, nineteen poisoned

May 30, 2016

Irresponsible pesticide use in Colombia leaves one dead, nineteen poisoned

Irresponsible use of fungicide on a potato crop in Colombia left one person dead and 19 intoxicated

May 23, 2016

Agricultural Giant in the making: Bayer offers USD 62 Billion in Cash for Monsanto

In response to further market speculation and stakeholder inquiries, Bayer is publicly disclosing the contents of its private proposal to acquire Monsanto.

May 12, 2016

Bayer said to consider bid for Monsanto

Bayer AG is exploring a potential bid for U.S. competitor Monsanto Co. in a deal that would create the world’s largest supplier of seeds and farm chemicals, according to people familiar with the matter.

May 05, 2016

Syngenta names Erik Fyrwald as new CEO

Syngenta announced today the appointment of J. Erik Fyrwald, currently President and CEO of the U.S. chemistry distribution company Univar Inc., as Chief Executive Officer effective June 1.

April 25, 2016

Growing Insecticide Resistance of Potato Psyllids investigated at AgriLife Research

Entomologist Ada Szczepaniec at Texas A&M AgriLife Research is addressing the concern of growing resistance of potato psyllids to the neonicotinoid classification of insecticides.

March 21, 2016

Durably resistant potatoes with wild potato genes offer 80% reduction in chemical control

Research to develop potatoes with sustainable resistance against phytophthora via genetic modification with genes from wild potatoes and good resistance management ended with the publication of the scientific results. The approach resulted in potato plants which require 80% less chemical control.

March 21, 2016

Maine potato growers concerned about losing Imidacloprid

Potato growers in Maine are cautiously watching the actions of the EPA as it reviews federal regulations for a popular insecticide (Imidacloprid - an effective insecticide against the Colorado potato beetle) that can be harmful to bees.

March 21, 2016

AAFC invented wireworm trap 'could be a major breakthrough'

A wireworm trap invented at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada on PEI 'could be a major breakthrough'

March 10, 2016

EPA Approves Federal Potato Registration for non-fumigant nematicide Velum® Prime

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted federal registration of the new, non-fumigant nematicide Velum® Prime offered by Bayer CropScience's for use on potatoes.

March 06, 2016

New potato protection products available in Canada for 2016

In 2016 a number of new crop protection products for use in potato cultivation are available in Canada

Idaho Potato Processing Contracts will make a minimum three-year rotation mandatory

February 18, 2016

Idaho Potato Processing Contracts will make a minimum three-year crop rotation mandatory

Sources say the 2016 Southern Idaho Potato Cooperative contract will include new langcode mandating a minimum of two years of alternate crops between potatoes.

February 03, 2016

ChemChina to acquire Syngenta at a value of over US$ 43 billion

Syngenta today announced that ChemChina has offered to acquire the company at US$ 465 per ordinary share plus a special dividend of CHF 5 to be paid conditional upon and prior to closing.