Mar 1, 2016Protecting your crop from disease during planting
Healthy potatoes yield healthy profits.
And just like anything else, the end game is directly impacted by the actions you do — or do not — take from the start. When it comes to potatoes, planting season is equally as important as harvest.
With the increased moisture we are seeing in the western half of the country, growers should be mindful of soil-borne diseases, particularly Rhizoctonia,” said Jennifer Holland, U.S. crop protection product manager for BASF. “Rhizoctonia favors warm, damp soils, which may be prevalent with the El Niño event. Environments with elevated humidity can also exacerbate the situation, as the moisture encourages spread of the fungus.”
Potato growers should also be on lookout for black dot and white mold, foliar diseases that can be inflamed in wet conditions.
With BASF’s help, disease management during planting is possible.
“Growers should start off their season with a strong agronomic plan,” Holland said. “Starting with Priaxor® fungicide in-furrow to control Rhizoctonia and following up with a foliar plan that includes Endura® fungicide for white mold control and Priaxor fungicide for black dot control.”
Diseases aren’t the only things growers should monitor during planting. Weeds are equally as likely to impact overall yield.
“Hairy nightshade is a consistent weed problem that growers face at planting,” Holland said. “Outlook® herbicide is a great tool to control the weed.”
It’s important to protect your potatoes from the start. If diseases and weeds go undetected or untreated, your profits will pay the price.
“In the absence of a strong agronomic plan or sufficient scouting, disease epidemics can rapidly cost growers yield and/or quality in their crop,” Holland said. “Planning ahead for disease protection and execution of the plan are great ways for growers to protect their yields from the unpredictable environment.”
Growers can learn more about the Grow SmartTM partnership by visiting www.agproducts.basf.us, or by contacting their local BASF representative.
Always read and follow label directions.
Priaxor, Endura, Outlook and Prowl H2O are registered trademarks of BASF. Grow Smart is a trademark of BASF.
C. 2016 BASF Corporation
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