Potato Diseases and insect pests management

Late blight (Phytopthora infestans) and early blight (Alternaria solani) are most common field disease of potatoes. To control these diseases Blitox (0.2-0.3%) or Dithane Z-78 (0.2%) are effective. Use of resistant varieties, removal of infected foliage, restricted irrigation, proper sanitation are other means to combat these diseases. Charcol rot (Macrophomina phaseoli) is a serious storage rot. The disease, being both seed- and soil-borne, is difficult to be eliminated. Selection of disease-free tubers, long crop rotation and resistant varieties may be used. Black scurf (Rhizoctonia solani) is also a major disease causing damage in field and storage. Soil treatment with PCNB @ 70 kg/ha may minimzie the disease. Apart from fungal pathogens, bacteria and viruses also effect potato crop. Cultivation of disease resistant varieties is therefore, recommended.

Among insect pests, aphids, cut worms and beetles are of economic importance. Commonly used systemic and contact insecticides are recommended to control these insect pests.