The amount of resistant potatoes is steadily growing. This contributes to the cultivation security, but also demands attention during cultivation. Without measures and resistance management the risk of breakout is looming.
Although the varieties differ from each other in earliness and method of growth, resistance management is needed to maintain the resistance. Below are some measures organic potato growers can take to prevent an outbreak:
- Ensure hygiene at and around the company and prevent the spread of spores from infections;
- Ensure a good start by pre-germinating seeding goods and providing the soil with a basic fertilisation;
- During the cultivation period regularly walk through the crops and remove infected plants immediately (in plastic bags) or burn sources of infection;
- Don't wait to long to burn the foliage to limit the infection pressure and spread of spores;
- Harvest soon after burning. If potatoes are left in the ground for too long, the risk of rhizoctonia increases;
- Harvest carefully or drive slowly with enough earth on the harvesting belt;
- Start ventilating immediately after the harvest so that the spuds dry quickly and the skin recovers.
For more information see Sheet Resistance agains Phytophthora, prevent breakout
Source: BioKennis