On Thursday, December 5, 2019, the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of South Bohemia hosted the 6th annual expert seminar Root Crop Day. This year, the seminar focused on tuberous root crops and featured presentations from five experts.
The opening lecture by Associate Professor Jiří Diviš (Faculty of Agriculture, USB) explored the history and significance of potatoes. Among other insights, attendees learned that potato cultivation areas have decreased approximately twentyfold over the past 60 years.
The next presentation, delivered by Associate Professor Veronika Bártová (Faculty of Agriculture, USB), provided fascinating information on the antimicrobial activities of proteins and peptides in potato tubers.
After a break, during which participants had the opportunity to taste variety samples of fried potato fries, potato salad, and potato tartare, the seminar continued with presentations from external speakers.
Dr. Andrea Svobodová from the Potato Research Institute in Havlíčkův Brod discussed the varietal composition of Jerusalem artichoke and yacon, while her colleague, Dr. Pavel Kasal, focused on recent innovations in consumer potato cultivation technology.
The seminar concluded with a presentation by Ing. Vít Henžel from the starch company Lyckeby Amylex, a. s., who introduced participants to the company's new investments. In the second part of his talk, he provided insights into the production and potential applications of the new organomineral fertilizer Lyckeby Concentrate