On November 13, 2025, specialists from Ecuador, Peru, Chile, and Colombia participated in an international technical meeting to analyze and coordinate strategies to address the Potato Purple Top Complex (PPTC), one of the most concerning diseases affecting this crop in the Andean region.

The virtual event brought together experts from the National Institute of Agricultural Research (INIAP) of Ecuador, the National Institute of Agrarian Innovation (INIA) of Peru, the Agricultural Research Institute (INIA) and the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) of Chile, as well as AGROSAVIA, the Colombian Corporation for Agricultural Research. During the session, participants shared scientific advances, national experiences, and management approaches to tackle this phytosanitary issue.

The Potato Purple Top Complex represents a significant threat to agricultural production, as it negatively impacts both yield and tuber quality, directly affecting food security and farmers’ incomes. Key topics discussed during the meeting included phytosanitary surveillance, the use of certified seed, integrated crop management, and genetic research aimed at developing more resistant varieties.

Participating institutions emphasized the importance of strengthening cross-country collaboration, recognizing that pests and diseases do not respect national borders. In this context, regional coordination is expected to enhance technical responses and generate more efficient solutions for farmers.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue promoting scientific exchange and international cooperation, with the goal of safeguarding one of the most important crops in the Andean region.

Watch the webinar recording here