The Latest Control Methods for Potato Fusarium Wilt
Potato Fusarium wilt is a soil-borne fungal disease of potatoes. It is widely distributed and commonly occurs in all potato-growing regions across the country. It is severe in continuous cropping fields and poses a threat to potato production. Moreover, the pathogen is complex, with great genetic variability and strong stress resistance, which increases the difficulty of controlling this disease. Let us take a look at the control methods for potato Fusarium wilt!
Damage Symptoms
Wilting appears on the aboveground parts of the potato. When the diseased stem is cut open, the vascular bundles of the tuber turn brown. When humidity is high, white to pink mycelium often appears on the diseased parts.
Transmission Routes
The pathogen overwinters as mycelium or chlamydospores in the soil along with diseased plant residues, or on infected seed potatoes. The following year, conidia produced on the diseased parts spread via rainwater or irrigation water and invade through wounds.
Conditions for Disease Onset
The disease is prone to occur in fields with high humidity, where the soil temperature is above 28°C, or in continuous cropping fields and low-lying fields.
Control Methods
1. Carry out a 4-year crop rotation with gramineous crops or green manure.
2. Select healthy tubers for seed, apply decomposed organic fertilizer, and strengthen water and fertilizer management, which can reduce disease occurrence.
3. When necessary, irrigate with a 300-fold dilution of 12.5% enhanced carbendazim concentrated soluble liquid.