Even the best-tended potatoes face threats from soilborne fungal pathogens. Syngenta’s Kiran Shetty, technical development lead for potatoes, has tips for controlling two of the most common and serious potato diseases that you may face this season.
Rhizoctonia solani is a pathogen that can dramatically reduce the yield and quality of a potato crop. Rhizoctonia causes cankers to grow on potato stems which, among other problems, affects the sizing and distribution of tubers. The Spud Doctor video below offers some helpful tips to manage Rhizoctonia infection and achieve more consistent sizing and yield in the 2020 potato crop.
Another devastating disease you may face is potato early die complex (PED). PED symptoms are highly variable, making disease identification tricky, but symptoms may include chlorosis of stems and leaves and premature plant death. Although PED is comprised of multiple issues, the soilborne pathogens that cause Verticillium wilt are key components of the complex. Watch the Spud Doctor video below to learn more about Verticillium wilt and PED:
There are several methods growers can implement to control Rhizoctonia and suppress Verticillium wilt, and using Elatus fungicide in-furrow is one of Shetty's approved strategies. In addition to excellent disease control, Elatus can help improve emergence, enhance plant health and optimize tuber sizing and distribution.
For more agronomic potato tips, check out our other Spud Doctor videos.