Effect of Potato-based Mixed Cropping Systems on Survival and Perpetuation of Bacterial Wilt Pathogen (Ralstonia solanacearum)

摘要

Bacterial wilt of potato caused by Ralstonia solanacearum (Smith) Yabuuchi et al is a serious disease, causing enormous loss to the potato growers. Field trials were conducted during 2002, 2003 and 2004 to study the effect of mixed cropping in potato on survival and perpetuation of R. solanacearum. Disease incidence was higher in potato and castor (long duration var.) mixed cropping system compared to that in a mono crop of potato during all the three years of experimentation. Disease incidence in potato and beans, and potato and maize, mixed cropping systems were lower compared to those in a mono crop of potato. A higher level of pathogen population was recorded in both rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil in potato and castor (long duration var.) mixed cropping system compared to that in a mono crop of potato and other mixed cropping systems. These results will help to develop appropriate technology to manage potato bacterial wilt in potato-based mixed cropping systems.