There are large regional differences in the impact of late blight on organic potato production in the EU and there is a widespread view that a copper fungicide ban will have serious consequences for organic potato production unless effective alternatives are available. There is no single, alternative treatment available that offers the level of control given by copper fungicides. Consequently, successful management of late blight in organic systems will rely on an integration of resistance management and diversification, agronomic and alternative treatment strategies into existing organic potato production systems specifically adapted to particular regions to sustain economically viable potato production. To this end, the BLIGHT-MOP research programme is still underway and currently evaluating integrated management systems in each of the seven countries involved.

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