Written by Charlotte Cunningham
Potato crops are at high risk of blight, given the high temperature and humidity in recent weeks, but waterlogged soils could make it difficult to apply sprays in a timely fashion. CPM reports. Hutton Criteria disease warnings (based on weather risks) have been declared across much of the country, and with the crop at the critical rapid canopy growth stage robust protection is likely to be needed. Late potato blight is a very damaging disease affecting foliage, stems and tubers. Recent changes to more dominant aggressive strains plus emergence of tolerance to fluazinam have made control strategies more challenging for growers. Where sprays have been postponed by the conditions, a product with some curative activity will help tackle any blight infection already developing in the crop, says Craig Chisholm at Corteva Agriscience. “Choosing an active ingredient with curative properties will ensure growers claw back some of the days of lost protection.” Flexibility is key Flexibility on timing future sprays is also part of the conundrum. “The efficacy of most blight sprays burns out after seven days which will be a problem if the wet and windy weather persists and sprayers can’t get on the field. “By including a molecule such…
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