Influence of agronomic practices on severity of late blight of potato (Phytophthora infestans)

Abstract

An experiment was carried out to find out the influence of such agronomic practices on severity of the disease and to seek a proper cultural practice for management late blight of potato (Phytophthora infestans). The experimental results showed that the severity of late blight disease could be minimized by reducing the depth of irrigation (i.e. ¼ of irrigation channel). It was observed that the disease severity could be minimized by increasing the row-to-row and plant-to-plant spacing (60 × 25 cm). It was also observed that when less than recommended dose of nitrogenous fertilizer (200 Kg N/ha) along with slightly more than recommended dose of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer (200 Kg P2O5/ha and 250 Kg K2O/ha) was applied, severity and spread of the disease was found to be under check. Therefore, for better management of late blight of potato the proper agronomic practices should be integrated with the application of fungicides. This will not only reduce the number of sprays but also reduces the health hazards owing to application of fungicides.