Evaluation of thiabendazole and pentachloronitrobenzene for control of the Rhizoctonia disease complex on white potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Thiabendazole (TBZ) and pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB) alone and in combination were laboratory, greenhouse, and field tested during a five-year period (1977-1982) for their effectiveness in reducing incidence and severity of damage caused byRhizoctonia solani to white potato (Solarium tuberosum). Growth ofR. solani on amended potato dextrose agar was prevented at 7 ppm TBZ and 80,000 ppm PCNB. Tuber-borne sclerotial germination and hyphal growth were prevented following seed treatment with 6,000 ppm TBZ, and severely inhibited by combination treatments of 12,500 or 50,000 ppm PCNB and 1,500 ppm TBZ. Seed treatments which provided the most effective field control ofR. solani were combinations of PCNB (50,000, 25,000 ppm) and TBZ (1,500 ppm), followed by TBZ alone (6,000 ppm) and PCNB alone at rates of 50,000 ppm or above.     

Influences of the Rhizoctonia disease on production of the Russet Burbank potato

Pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB) treatment (20 lb/A – 22.4 kg/ha) showed significant reduction ofRhizoctonia (Rhizoctonia solani Kühn) symptoms on potato. The PCNB treatment increased the number of non-girdled stolons as compared to untreated plots by 50, 34, and 30% at respective seedpiece spacings of 6, 9, and 12 in (15, 23, and 30 cm). Numbers of non-girdled stolons in PCNB-treated plots at 9- and 12-in spacing did not differ significantly from those in untreated plots at 6-in spacing. Yield differences (either total or U.S. #1) among treatments were not observed, but size differences were evident. Closer spacing or PCNB treatment or both increased the number of small U.S. #1 potatoes and decreased the number of large U.S. #1 potatoes (over 7 oz. - 199 g). Although the number of smaller potatoes was increased by 27% with PCNB treatment, the percentage of malformed tubers was reduced by 50%. Tuber size was reduced as the number of non-girdled stolons was increased (P =.001). Results suggestthat Rhizoctonia control may benefit the fresh potato packer and seedgrower by potentially reducing seed requirement/acre, by increasing capacity for single-drop seed production, and by greater control over U.S. #1 size.     

Colonization of rotation crops and weeds by the potato black dot pathogenColletotrichum coccodes

The rotation crops wheat, barley, oat, maize, soybean, rye, yellow mustard, alfalfa, and spring canola and weeds eastern black nightshade, velvetleaf, timothy grass, orchard grass, and Giant foxtail common to potato-growing areas in North America were used to study the host range ofColletotrichum coccodes, the causal agent of potato black dot. The fungus was isolated from nine of 14 rotation crops and weeds that were inoculated: yellow mustard, soybean, spring canola, alfalfa, oat, eastern black nightshade, velvetleaf, giant foxtail, and timothy grass. In all, colonization was highest in black nightshades (87%) and velvetleaf (80%). Among the rotation crops, colonization was highest on yellow mustard (59%) followed by spring canola (33%) and soybean (30%).Colletotrichum coccodes was not isolated from wheat, barley, rye, maize, or orchard grass. The results indicated that crops used for rotation with potato should be selected carefully to prevent the increase ofC. coccodes inoculum in the soil and that weeds may help maintain viable inoculum ofC. coccodes in the absence of potato. Based on these results we recommend that wheat, barley, maize, or rye be used in rotation with potato in areas whereC. coccodes is present in high levels in the soil.     

An economic analysis of potential rotation crops for Maine potato cropping systems

Potato cropping systems in Maine include both continuous potatoes and short-term potato rotations with small grains. Producers recognize the benefits of increased rotations, but the economics of producing a high-valued crop such as potatoes (Solanm tuberosum L.) create incentives for continuous potato production. Research at the USDA-ARS research site in Newport, ME, is evaluating the agronomic and economic impacts of five crops in two-year rotations on potato production and whole-farm profitability. The rotation crops are barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), sweet corn (Zea mays L.) green bean (Phaseolus vulgares L.), soybean (Glycine max L., Mer.), and canola (Brassica napus L.). Enterprise budgets for the five crops were developed. The budgets and historical prices and yields were used as inputs to a Monte Carlo simulation. The simulation was conducted to determine the impact of rotation crops on whole-farm profitability and income risk, as measured by income variability. The net incomes of the five rotation sequences were compared against continuous potatoes. Two rotation crops, sweet corn and green beans, resulted in an increase in net income relative to continuous potatoes. AU of the rotation crops were found to greatly reduce income risk and chance of economic losses. In the case of green beans and sweet corn, the analysis was rerun using data from the research trials on the following potato crop yields. Depending on whether the rotation effect was negative or positive, net income either fell or rose when compared to fist analysis. However, even when the rotation crop led to decreased yields in the following potato crop, income variability and likelihood of economic loss was still superior to the continuous potato rotation. These findings provide support for including rotation crops as a method to improve potato production and sustainability, increase wholefarm profitability, and reduce income risk.     

Interactions ofOospora pustulans,Rhizoctonia solani andHeterodera rostochiensis on the potato

Summary H. rostochiensis, R. solani andO. pustulans alone and together checked growth slightly. More severe checking was caused by the combination of all three organisms but the severest check was caused byO. pustulans andR. solani in combination.     

Crop rotation and N fertilization effects on growth,yield, and disease incidence in potato

Crop rotation can be an effective mechanism for reducing disease incidence and contributing nitrogen (N) to succeeding crops. Interactions of plant pathogen suppression and soil nutrient availability may also exist, adding to the cropping system complexity. This study examined the impact of crop rotation, N fertilization, and their interaction on growth, yield, andRhizoctonia solani incidence in potato (Solanum tuberosum L. Norwis). Potato was grown continuously and in two-year rotations with annual alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. Nitro), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth), white lupin (Lupinus albus L. Ultra), and oat (Avena sativa Astro). Fertilizer was banded at potato planting with 0, 45, 90, 135, 180, or 225 kg N ha^?1 as (NH₄)₂SO₄. Approximately 58% of continuous potato possessed stem lesions caused byR. solani, but only 12 to 22% of potato stems from other rotations possessed lesions. Tuber dry weight was affected by crop rotation in 1989, a dry year, but not in 1990. Apparent N fertilizer replacement values for hairy vetch, Nitro alfalfa, white lupin, and oat were 65, 43, 26, and 11 kg N ha^?1, respectively. All crop rotations studied appeared to enhance potato production by reducing stem infection byR. solani. Vetch and alfalfa provide additional benefits through their N contributions.     

Impacts of biocontrol products on Rhizoctonia disease of potato and soil microbial communities,and their persistence in soil

Four commercial biocontrol formulations (Bacillus subtilis GB03, Burkholderia ambifaria type Wisconsin isolate J82, Trichoderma virens Gl-21, and Trichoderma harzianum strain T-22), a chemical seed treatment (thiophanate-methyl, mancozeb, and cymoxanil mixture, TMC), and a combination chemical/biological treatment, were compared with no-pathogen and pathogen-treated controls, and monitored in two field seasons in Maine for their effects on the development of Rhizoctonia disease of potato and soil microbial community characteristics. All treatments reduced the incidence and severity of stem canker (37–75% reduction) relative to the pathogen control over both years, with the best control provided by B. subtilis and the combination chemical/biological treatment (TMC/Bamb). Both bacterial treatments (B. subtilis and Bu. ambifaria) reduced severity of black scurf in both years, and T. virens reduced scurf in one year, with reductions of 11–20% relative to the pathogen control. Over both years, the B. subtilis, T. virens, and TMC/Bamb treatments increased total and marketable yield, and Bu. ambifaria increased marketable yield, by 11–15% relative to the pathogen control. Substantial populations of the added fungal agents, but not the bacteria, were detected in bulk soil at the end of the growing season. Biocontrol treatments also significantly (P < 0.05) affected soil microbial community characteristics, as assessed by single carbon source substrate utilization (SU) and whole soil fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) profiles. Bacterial biocontrol treatments generally resulted in higher microbial activity and substrate utilization. Some effects on soil microbial communities were also observed the following spring (1 yr after application). This research indicates that biocontrol treatments can assist in the control of Rhizoctonia disease of potato, persist in soil to some degree, and have significant effects on soil microbial communities long after application.     

Diagnosis of tobacco rattle virus (TRV) and other viruses in weed and rotation crops in potato fields

The methodology for the detection of tobacco rattle virus (TRV) and for the incidence of TRV and other viruses was determined in weed species associated with potatoes. Symptoms onNicotiana tabacum L. cv. ‘Samsun NN’and Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. ‘Bountiful’ were used to detect the viruses. Identity was confirmed by comparison with symptoms produced on plants by standard cultures of TRV and potato virus X (PVX), by electron microscopy, and by serology.Portulaca oleracea L.,Solatium sarachoides Sendt., andAmaranthus retroflexus L. were hosts of TRV; the latter two also carried PVX. Most TRV carriers were found adjacent to infected potatoes. The roots of naturally infectedS. sarachoides contained the highest concentration of TRV encountered in these studies. Mechanical inoculation of TRV to A.retroflexus andS. sarachoides produced variable symptoms that included red spots on the former and chlorosis and stunting on the latter. TRV moved systematically in both species. Assay methods for detection were adequate but low concentrations of TRV limited the usefulness of electron microscopy and serology.     

青枯雷尔氏菌在不同作物根际定殖与轮作防病

青枯病是芝麻和花生的重要病害之一。为探索合理的轮作防控模式,运用青枯雷尔氏菌（Ralstonia sola⁃ nacearum）抗利福平标记菌株JXS02-L土壤接种,测定菌株在芝麻、花生、甘薯、大豆、玉米和小葱等6种作物根际土 壤和根部的定殖与消长动态,分析了不同轮作模式对芝麻/花生青枯病发生程度的影响。结果表明：播种后3w,6种 作物根际土壤菌量均低于初始接种菌量;播种后6 w,芝麻、花生、甘薯根际土壤菌量已上升至初始接种菌量水平 （3.20 ×106~4.93×106 CFU·g-1）,之后菌量持续上升,大豆、玉米根际土壤菌量则持续下降;播种后12 w,大豆、玉米根 际土壤菌量比芝麻、花生、甘薯根际土壤菌量低4个数量级,小葱植种后6 w~12 w,均未检测到病菌。播种后3 w~ 12 w,芝麻、花生和甘薯根部菌量持续上升,大豆和玉米根部菌量先升后降;至播种后12w,大豆和玉米根部菌量比 芝麻、花生和甘薯根部菌量低5个数量级,小葱根部则始终未检测到病菌。芝麻-大豆-小葱-芝麻、芝麻-大豆-玉 米-芝麻2种轮作模式芝麻青枯病病情指数比芝麻-花生-甘薯-芝麻轮作模式分别降低19.95%、12.87%;花生-大 豆-玉米-花生轮作模式花生青枯病病株率比花生-芝麻-甘薯-花生轮作模式降低11.63%。本研究结果对于了解 青枯雷尔氏菌的生态多样性,以及指导青枯病的科学防控具有重要意义。     

Effects of crop rotation and granular nematicides on the incidence ofVerticillium dahliae Kleb. andColletotrichum coccodes (Wallr.) Hughes,in potato

Summary The incidence ofVerticillium dahliae andColletotrichum coccodes was studied in a crop rotation experiment on sandy soil from 1983 to 1986. Early in the growing season the percentage of stems infected byV. dahliae increased with increasing cropping frequency of potato, depending on the cropping sequence, and decreased with the application of granular nematicides. However, later in the growing season the initial differences decreased.C. coccodes infections of stems were not affected by these factors. The percentage of plants infected byV. dahliae closely correlated with the percentage of plants with wilt symptoms but this relationship was absent forC. coccodes. Early in the growing season, the more vigorous the plants, the greater the level ofV. dahliae infection. Soil infestation withV. dahliae increased with increasing cropping frequency of potato but was not affected by annual applications of granular nematicides.     

Effects of soil temperature and moisture on stem canker (Rhizoctonia solani) disease of potatoes

Summary Potato seed pieces bearing one sprout were inoculated with cultures ofRhizoctonia solani, planted in pots of compost at 45, 60, 75 or 90% water holding capacity (whc) and incubated at 5, 10 or 15 °C. Shoots emerged after 2–3 wk at 15°C, 3–4 wk at 10 °C and after 9–11 wk at 5 °C and stem canker recorded after emergence, was severe at 10 and 15 °C but slight at 5 °C. Soil moisture had less effect on emergence but stem canker was more severe in dry (45 % whc) than moist soils (75 and 90 % whc). The relationship between time of shoot emergence and stem canker severity is discussed.     

Fungal pathogens andPratylenchus penetrans associated with preceding crops of clovers,winter wheat,and annual ryegrass and their influence on succeeding potato crops on Prince Edward Island

The incidence of soilborne fungal pathogens of potatoes and root lesion nematodes were determined in preceding crops of clovers, annual ryegrass, and winter wheat, in the succeeding potato crops and soils and severity of associated potato diseases recorded in two, 2-yr field trials. Differences were not evident in yearly recovery ofRhizoctonia solani, Verticil-Hum dahliae, V. alboatrum, andColletotrichum coccodes from previous crops and soils. However, overall trends were present with a higher recovery ofV. dahliae from wheat and a greater recovery ofR. solani from clover than either wheat or ryegrass. A previous crop of ryegrass resulted in lower levels ofR. solani in succeeding potato soils in both trials and after clover in one trial at the pre-harvest sampling time. In trial 1 greater numbers ofPratylenchus penetrans were recovered from clover soils than from soils of ryegrass or wheat. One instance of lower nematode recovery in potato soils following ryegrass occurred but no differences in their recovery from potato roots were observed. Potato wilt incidence was lowest after clovers. Stem rot severity was positively correlated with recovery ofR. solani andV. dahliae from potato stems and roots and negatively correlated withV. alboatrum from potato stems only. Nematode populations were not related to potato disease symptom severity ratings. Results reported herein indicate that only a portion of soilborne diseases of potatoes on Prince Edward Island may be related to previous crops produced in the 3-yr rotation selected for this study.