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Bridging global innovations with local needs. An Interview with Dr. Md. Rashidul Islam at the World Potato Congress in Adelaide, Australia.

Under the umbrella of the WPC driven Declaration of Dublin: Fostering Potato Partnerships for Food Security, each year, a portion of the WPC Platinum Sustaining Partner Membership fees are earmarked to support the initiative of providing financial support for delegates to attend the Congress. Of the near 100 applications, funding was available to support up to 20 delegates to attend the recent Congress in Adelaide, Australia –  generously supported by Potatoes Australia and WPC  Platinum Partners including McCain Foods, J.R. Simplot, IPM Potato Group, TriCal Group, Snow Valley, Syngenta, WD Potato Ltd., and the Prince Edward Island Potato Board.

One of these successful applicants was Dr. Md. Rashidul Islam of Bangladesh.

Dr. Md. Rashidul Islam is  a leading expert in plant bacteriology and biotechnology at Bangladesh Agricultural University.  Dr. Islam’s participation at the Congress was a significant opportunity to explore the latest advancements in potato cultivation and processing.

Expanding Horizons Through Networking:

In his interview with the World Potato Congress Inc., Dr. Islam spoke to the networking opportunities at the WPC, where he connected with agricultural leaders and researchers from around the globe. “The Congress served as a hub for knowledge exchange, highlighting how vital these connections are for fostering collaboration and sharing best practices.”  With insights from experts, Dr. Islam spoke to the innovative disease control strategies, cutting-edge seed production techniques, and the latest trends in potato genetics that were all a part of the Adelaide Congress program.

Among the many innovations that caught his attention were advancements in robotic systems for scouting potato virus Y infections and breakthrough approaches for managing storage diseases. These developments not only inspire but also present tangible solutions that could transform potato farming practices back in Bangladesh.

Research Contributions: Tackling Potato Late Blight:

Dr. Islam’s research plays a crucial role in addressing one of the most significant threats to potato production in Bangladesh: potato late blight (PLB), caused by the pathogen Phytophthora infestans. His recent study, “Potato Late Blight Warning System in Bangladesh”, he highlights the urgent need for effective management strategies as changes in PLB populations complicate control efforts. https://potatocongress.org/stories/potato-late-blight-warning-system-in-bangladesh

In Bangladesh, potatoes are a vital cash crop, with annual production exceeding 10 million metric tons. However, the emergence of aggressive strains like the EU_13_A2 lineage has intensified the challenge of managing PLB outbreaks. Dr. Islam’s research focuses on integrating various control measures through a decision support system (DSS) designed to provide timely, science-based information to farmers.

Training of farmers on how the forecasting system works and seeing the results

The pilot project involved installing weather stations at Apex Agriscience Limited, allowing for real-time data collection to inform fungicide applications. The project also included training local agricultural staff and farmers in using the CARAH model, which forecasts the likelihood of PLB infection based on weather conditions. By comparing treatment groups—those using conventional practices versus those following CARAH’s guidance—Dr. Islam demonstrated the effectiveness of this early warning system in significantly reducing the severity of PLB.

The findings from Dr. Islam’s research have been promising. The CARAH warning system allowed for fewer fungicide applications, just six compared to up to ten for conventional practices—while still achieving higher yields.

Training on the basics of CARAH PLB warning system and installation of HSJD weather station at Apex Agriscience Farm Ltd

This approach not only enhances productivity but also mitigates the environmental impact of pesticide use, reducing unnecessary applications and promoting sustainable practices. Dr. Islam’s work emphasizes the importance of adapting agricultural strategies to current weather patterns, contributing to climate resilience in potato production.

The insights gained from the Adelaide Congress have already begun to reshape Dr. Islam’s approach to supporting local farmers. With a deeper understanding of innovative agricultural practices, he is now better equipped to advise growers on sustainable methods. “Learning about effective disease management strategies has allowed me to guide farmers toward reducing chemical fungicide use, which not only cuts costs but also enhances crop yields,” he explained.

By sharing knowledge about climate-resilient practices, Dr. Islam has been instrumental in helping farmers adapt to changing environmental conditions. The collaborations initiated at the Congress are expected to yield new resources and support for his initiatives. By integrating the knowledge acquired from the Congress into his work, he aims to empower local farmers, ensuring their operations remain viable and productive. As he continues to bridge global innovations with local needs, the potential for transforming potato cultivation in his country remains bright.

Dr. Islam expresses his heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to attend the WPC and for the generous sponsorship from the World Potato Congress Platinum Partners and Potatoes Australia, which made this experience possible.