In the Andean highlands, potato fields are more than landscapes of production. They are part of culture, livelihoods, and daily nutrition for millions of families. For generations, farmers have relied on potatoes and other native crops not only as a source of income, but as the foundation of local food systems.
Today, farmers, researchers, and institutions across the region are working together to better understand and respond to a growing plant health challenge known as the Purple Top Complex.
Across parts of Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia, plants have begun showing unusual symptoms such as purple leaves, stunted growth, and reduced tuber quality. Scientists believe the complex involves phytoplasmas, zebra chip disease, and the potato/tomato psyllid, a small insect capable of spreading harmful pathogens between plants.
On the International Day of Plant Health, this challenge highlights the importance of strengthening plant health systems to protect food security, farmer livelihoods, and resilient agrifood systems.
Addressing the Purple Top Complex requires collaboration, innovation, and science-based solutions. Stronger surveillance systems, improved diagnostics, clean seed systems, integrated pest and disease management, and continued research are all part of the response needed to support farmers and reduce risks across potato-growing regions.
The International Potato Center (CIP) is working with national partners and regional networks to strengthen capacities and advance sustainable solutions. Through research, innovation, and knowledge sharing, CIP supports efforts to improve diagnostics, strengthen seed systems, develop risk assessments, and promote integrated management strategies that help farmers protect their crops and livelihoods.
Protecting plant health means strengthening the resilience of food systems and the communities that depend on them. Through regional collaboration and scientific innovation, countries across the Andes are building stronger capacities to respond to emerging threats and safeguard the future of potato systems.