The Jornada Técnica da Batata 2026, organised by PORBATATA, will take place on 14 May 2026 in Caldas da Rainha, Portugal, bringing together key stakeholders from the potato sector to discuss current and future challenges affecting production, plant health, sustainability, and market dynamics. The event aims to promote technical knowledge exchange and encourage dialogue between farmers, advisors, researchers, and industry representatives, with a strong focus on innovative and sustainable approaches that support resilient potato production systems.
Within this context, AdvisoryNetPEST will participate in the event by presenting a Novel Approach focused on biodiversity enhancement through tailored biodiverse mixtures integrated into crop rotation systems and vegetative strips. This approach is designed to improve soil health, increase functional biodiversity, and strengthen ecosystem services that contribute to sustainable pest and disease management in vegetable cropping systems, including potato production. By combining species such as ryegrass, mustard, and clovers, adapted to local soil and climatic conditions, the approach supports soil cover, organic matter accumulation, and biological activity, while also contributing to weed suppression and natural regulation of pests and diseases.
The Novel Approach presented builds on practical experience from Portuguese case studies, where the implementation of biodiverse mixtures has led to improved soil structure, enhanced microbial activity, and a reduction in weed pressure without herbicide use. The inclusion of mustard in the mixtures has also contributed to biofumigation effects, allowing for partial reductions in fungicide applications. Although results are progressive and require time and consistent implementation, the approach demonstrates how biodiversity-based practices can support integrated pest management strategies and reduce reliance on chemical inputs.
The AdvisoryNetPEST contribution will be showcased within the panel dedicated to production and plant health, alongside other technical presentations addressing crop protection and agronomic innovation. The event format combines presentations, discussion panels, and networking moments, encouraging peer-to-peer exchange and interaction between research and practice. Participants attending the Jornada Técnica da Batata 2026 can expect to gain practical insights into sustainable pest management solutions, understand the role of advisory services in supporting innovation, and explore how biodiversity-based approaches can be adapted and applied in real farming contexts.
