Irish tillage sector asked to guide crop research
A European project is seeking growers’ and industry perspectives on using disease-resistant varieties to protect harvests. Early potato trials suggest substantial reductions in blight sprays are possible, while maintaining complete disease control.
People across the Irish tillage sector are being invited to help shape research into disease-resistant crops and integrated pest management (IPM) through a short survey.
The Horizon Europe-funded IPMorama project is developing decision-support tools that combine landscape-level monitoring with information on crop resistance and the variation and spread of pathogens. This approach, known as vulnerability mapping, aims to guide fungicide use, reduce costs and prolong the effectiveness of treatments.
The research focuses on wheat rust, potato late blight and diseases of grain legumes. Early potato experiments showed a 45–100% reduction in late blight spray applications while maintaining complete disease control, according to Teagasc Oak Park research officer Dan Milbourne.
The survey asks what prevents the uptake of resistant varieties and what training or practical support would help farms and supply chains use them. It takes 12–15 minutes, and no specialist knowledge is needed. Findings will inform resources including guidance, training and videos.
Responses will be anonymised before analysis and reporting. Email addresses supplied for updates will be collected separately. People from any part of the crop production industry can take part in the IPMorama stakeholder survey online.