MANAGING POTATO DISEASEWITH PHOSPHITES

摘要

During the past eight years, we have conducted a number of trials and investigations examining the efficacy of phosphorous acid-based products or phosphites (Phi) for control of pink rot and late blight silver scurf, early blight and verticillium wilt.These products are mono- and dibasic sodium, potassium or ammonium salts of phosphorous acid, and when applied foliarly or as a root drench, can move systemically, upwards and downwards, within the plant. These products have a low environmental risk, compared to some of the more toxic protectant fungicides. They can act by directly inhibiting the growth and reproduction of the pathogen, but we also have acquired recent evidence that applying Phi to the foliage can stimulate natural defense mechanisms within the potato plant that make it less susceptible to disease.