Effects of Co-Inoculation with Pratylenchus penetrans and Fusarium oxysporum on Growth and Yield of Potato Cultivar Red Norland

Abstract

Soil borne pathogens, Pratylenchus penetrans and Fusarium oxysporum were identified as common pathogens in potato fields showing poor plant growth in central Minnesota. A micro-plot study was conducted during 2016 and 2017 at the Sand Plain Research Farm, Becker, Minnesota to evaluate the effects of P. penetrans (200, 800 or 2000 nematodes per 5 kg soil) and F. oxysporum (5, 10 or 20 colonized barley seeds) on growth and yield of ‘Red Norland’ potato. Compared with the non-inoculated control, high pathogen level (2000 nematodes or 20 colonized barley seeds or both) significantly (P < 0.05) reduced plant growth parameters (height, root weight, and stem weight) and yield. At the high rate, yield reduction was 29 to 34%, 22 to 35%, and 43 to 44% due to P. penetrans, F. oxysporum, and both pathogens, respectively. This study demonstrates the potential damage by both pathogens that warrants management of these pathogens to limit the damage and increase potato production.