EN 
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FR The cultivation of potatoes requires careful management of’root system and of the soil health. Among the most widespread and difficult problems to manage are root-knot nematodes and wireworms, parasites capable of compromising yield, commercial quality, and crop uniformity.
In recent years, furthermore, the increase in environmental stresses and the microbiological impoverishment of soils have favoured a greater susceptibility of crops to root attacks. For this reason, it is now essential to adopt integrated agronomic strategies that aim not only to contain stresses but also to improve the microbiological balance of the soil.
We at MS Biotech develop innovative solutions dedicated precisely to the biological and microbiological management of the soil, with specific formulations to support potato cultivation in the most delicate stages of the production cycle.
Nematodi and wireworms represent a problem in potatoes because they damage the tubers and roots, affecting growth and quality. Nematodes are microscopic roundworms that feed on potato roots and tubers, causing wilting, stunting, and the formation of lesions. Wireworms are the larval stage of click beetles and bore into the tubers, creating tunnels that make them unmarketable and susceptible to rot. Both pests can lead to significant yield losses and reduce the economic value of the potato crop.
The potato is a crop particularly sensitive to root stress. A compromised root system can indeed reduce:
- vegetative growth;
- nutrient absorption;
- tuber uniformity;
- Commercial grade;
- final productivity.
Among the main problems, we find gall nematodes and the Elaterids,, which can cause direct damage to root tissues and tubers.
Potato Nematodes: What They Are and the Damage They Cause
The nematodes phytoparasites are microorganisms present in the soil that attack the plant's root system. Some species, such as Meloidogyne spp., Heterodera spp. and Tylenchulus semipenetrans, can provoke severe root stress conditions.
The most frequent symptoms include:
- slow plant growth;
- minor radical expansion;
- reduced nutrient absorption;
- uneven cultivation;
- Production cost.
In the presence of severe infestations, the soil also tends to progressively lose its microbiological balance and biological fertility.
Click beetles in potatoes: an increasingly widespread problem
The Elaterids,, commonly known as “wireworms”, represent one of the most feared problems in potato cultivation.
The larvae live in the soil and can directly damage tubers, compromising their market quality through perforations and lesions.
The conditions that most favour the presence of wireworms are:
- soils rich in unbalanced organic matter;
- high humidity;
- microbiological imbalances;
- incorrect crop succession;
- Prolonged presence of vegetable debris.
Today, managing the stresses caused by soil-dwelling insects requires a more evolved approach, focused on improving overall soil health.
The importance of soil microbiology
A biologically active soil represents one of the most important tools for improving crop resilience.
When the soil microbiota is balanced, the plant generally manages to develop:
- more efficient root apparatus;
- greater absorption capacity;
- Best response to stress;
- more uniform vegetative growth.
For this reason, modern agronomic strategies are increasingly focusing on the use of microbiological inoculants and beneficial fungi for the biological rebalancing of the soil.
NEMATECH: microbiological support against root stress
For managing stress caused by nematodes, we at MS Biotech have developed NEMATECH, a liquid, innovative formulation based on vital spores of Pochonia spp. and Arthrobotrys spp..
The product has been developed to effectively help overcome root stress, even in the presence of root-knot nematodes.
One of the most interesting aspects of NEMATECH is its biostimulant action on the crop. The formulation contributes to:
- to favour radical expansion;
- improve soil biological activity;
- support the plant during times of stress;
- to aid in the solubilisation of elements locked in the soil, such as phosphorus.
This allows you to work not only on the problem, but also on the general vitality of the crop.
ELATECH LF: biological support against wireworm stress
For situations of stress caused by wireworms and other soil-dwelling insects, we at MS Biotech propose ELATECH LF, an innovative liquid formulation based on:
- Beauveria bassiana deserves special mention.;
- Metarhizium spp.;
- Selected PGPRs;
- MICRO ACTIVE COMPLEX technology.
The synergy between growth-promoting fungi and beneficial bacteria helps the plant cope with root stress situations caused by phytophagous insects such as click beetles and dipteran larvae.
The interaction between plants and microorganisms also promotes natural biostimulation of the crop, with positive effects on:
- tuber quality;
- vegetative balance;
- radical development;
- quantity of productions.
An integrated approach to potato cultivation
Modern potato management increasingly requires an integrated and sustainable approach.
It is not enough to intervene only when the problem appears. It is essential to work preventatively on improving soil conditions and enhancing the beneficial microbiome.
Biological and microbiological strategies actually allow for:
- improve the soil’s natural fertility;
- support the plant during stress;
- to foster more efficient radical development;
- increase the balance of the soil-plant system.
Application and management of products
The NEMATECH and ELATECH LF solutions can be applied either via fertigation sia con Spray bar, adapting interventions to the crop's needs and the level of stress present in the soil.
For both formulations, pre-activation of the product a few hours before use is recommended, in order to enhance the activity of the vital spores contained in the formulation.
This focus on active microbiology is one of the distinctive elements of the MS Biotech approach.
Towards more sustainable potato cultivation
Today, agricultural businesses face increasingly complex challenges: quality, sustainability, stress reduction, and improvement of soil fertility.
Investing in the microbiological health of the soil means building more balanced, resilient, and sustainable productions in the long term.
Through innovative solutions like NEMATECH and ELATECH LF, we at MS Biotech help farms improve the management of root stress in potato cultivation by enhancing beneficial microbiota and the natural balance of the soil.
To receive more information about our programmes dedicated to professional potato cultivation, you can contact the MS Biotech team.
