Certainly, here is an article on controlling late blight in potato:
Late blight in potato, caused by the oomycete Phytophthora infestans, is a devastating disease that can cause significant potato crop losses if not managed effectively. The disease can rapidly spread in humid and wet conditions, leading to defoliation of the potato plants, tuber rot, and ultimately, reduced yields.
Prevention measures
The first step in controlling late blight in potato is to prevent its occurrence by implementing several measures. This includes using certified disease-free seed potatoes, crop rotation, and proper field sanitation. Planting potatoes in well-drained soils, adequate spacing between plants, and proper irrigation management can also help reduce the occurrence of the disease.
Chemical Control
Fungicides are an effective tool for managing late blight in potato if used in a timely and appropriate manner. The primary mode of action of fungicides is to protect the plant from infection and prevent the spread of the disease.
Applications should begin when the pathogen is active and susceptible parts of the plant are present. Routine field scouting and monitoring to identify the presence of late blight can help determine the appropriate timing of fungicide applications. Fungicides available for controlling late blight in potato include Copper-based product, mancozeb, chlorothalonil, and cyazofamid.
It’s worth noting, however, that over-reliance on fungicides can lead to the development of fungicide-resistant strains of the pathogen, so it’s essential to rotate between fungicides with different modes of action.
Cultural Control
Cultural controls are effective methods of managing late blight in potato. Crop rotation, intercropping, and use of resistant cultivars help reduce the buildup and persistence of the pathogen in fields.
Fields with a history of late blight should not be planted with susceptible crops, such as potatoes, for at least two years because the pathogen can still survive in the soil. Intercropping potatoes with plants, such as maize, reduces the spread of the disease by creating an unfavourable environment for the pathogen to thrive.
Breeding for Resilience
Developing potato cultivars resistant to late blight is a long-term, sustainable approach to managing the disease. Several potato cultivars with resistance to late blight have been developed, including Sarpo Mira, and Lady Rosetta, which have demonstrated high levels of resistance.
In conclusion, managing and controlling late blight in potato requires a comprehensive approach, including preventive measures, cultural control, and the judicious use of fungicides. Furthermore, planting resistant cultivars would provide a long-term solution to managing late blight in potato cultivation.