Predominant fungal diseases affecting potato crops (Solanum tuberosum), such as early blight (Alternaria solani) and late blight (Phytophthora infestans), pose a crucial challenge for establishing sustainable agriculture. The repeated use of chemical products to control these diseases can also be problematic, as can lead to disease resistance and environmental toxicity issues. In light of this problem, it is essential to identify natural alternatives to the currently used chemical fungicides. In organic farming, copper-based fungicides have been largely used as alternatives to chemical pesticides; however, they require particular attention, given that their usage can become dangerous due to their increasing toxicity following repeated applications. The present project aims to investigate the potential of natural extracts from 24 plant species, as well as defense induction and biological control products, as efficient and environmentally friendly antifungal agents against these two potato fungal diseases. The antifungal potential of aqueous and methanolic plant extracts has been tested through a series of in vitro and in vivo analyses within laboratory, greenhouse, and field trials. Furthermore, the induction of defense mechanisms in different cultivars upon infection, as well as upon alternative treatments, is studied to optimize the potential application of these alternative products on a larger scale.The findings of this study will contribute to the development of sustainable strategies for managing early and late blight diseases, reducing dependence on chemical fungicides and promoting more sustainable fungal disease control methods in potato crops.
