The Spread of Stolbur Disease: German Farmers Face a Serious Threat
Devastating agricultural setbacks attributed to Stolbur disease - Devastating agricultural setbacks due to Stolbur infections affecting crops
A devastating plant disease, known as Stolbur, is causing significant losses and even total failures for potato and vegetable farmers across Germany. This disease is particularly impacting sugar beets and potatoes, with Baden-Württemberg reporting yield and quality losses in red beet, celery, cabbage, onions, and carrots.
Germany's agriculture sector is battling a serious threat to the nation's potato, vegetable, and sugar supply. The rapid spread of the reed grass leafhopper, an insect that carries the disease, is a cause for worry. The leafhopper has rapidly spread from Baden-Württemberg to Rhineland-Palatinate, Bavaria, Hesse, and has now been found in Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt.
The president of the German Farmers' Association, Joachim Rukwied, is expressing concerns about the disease's rapid spread. Agricultural authorities have reported yield losses of up to 25 percent and significantly reduced sugar content in all relevant crops. In some extreme cases, potato farming has seen losses of up to 70 percent.
Isabell Pergner, environmental representative of the Baden-Württemberg State Farmers' Association, stated that the disease is becoming a significant economic risk for entire regions. To combat the disease effectively, she advocates for action to approve effective plant protection products and support practical research on resistance breeding and sustainable control strategies.
thankfully, Stolbur is not thought to present any risks to human health. In addition, any potatoes and vegetables with soft, decaying roots or signs of decay are not authorized for sale on the market.
Insights:
- The climate conditions in Germany appear to facilitate the spread of Stolbur disease. Warmer and drier weather can accelerate disease transmission.[2]
- The disease also poses risks to red beets, celery, cabbage, onions, carrots, beets, and paprika, not just sugar beets and potatoes.[2]
Impacts:
- Regional Supply Shortages: The widespread impact of Stolbur on crops could lead to regional supply shortages and increased uncertainty for future crop deliveries.
- Sugar Prices: The disease has contributed to a rebound in sugar prices due to concerns about supply disruptions.[1]
Measures:
- Integrated Pest Management: Implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies can help reduce leafhopper populations and prevent disease spread.
- Crop Rotation and Sanitation: Practicing crop rotation and ensuring field sanitation can help lower the risk of disease transmission between crops.
- Regular Monitoring and Early Detection: Regular monitoring for leafhoppers and early detection of disease symptoms are essential for timely intervention and minimizing damage.
[1] https://www.reuters.com/business/eu-twists-force-beet-growers-detail-higher-raffia-prices-2021-08-23[2] https://www.fao.org/3/a-i8055e.pdf[3] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/integrated-pest-management-best-practices-for-integrating-cultural-biological-and-chemical-methods/#:~:text=Integrated%20Pest%20Management%20(IPM)%20is,that%20integrate%20both%20cultural%20and
- The spread of Stolbur disease in Germany, a serious threat to the nation's agricultural sector, is potentially influenced by the scientific understanding of climate conditions that may accelerate its transmission.
- To mitigate the economic risks posed by Stolbur, the health-and-wellness of humans remains unaffected, and under common fisheries policy and community policy, the focus should be on implementing effective Integrated Pest Management, practicing crop rotation, ensuring field sanitation, and regular monitoring to combat the disease and prevent supply shortages in the medical-conditions of relevant crops such as sugar beets, potatoes, and others.
