Potato Grower

ADVERTORIAL MANAGE NEMATODES IN POTATOES: PROTECT YOUR CROP WITH FOLIAR SPRAY A consistent problem for potato growers is nematodes, microscopic roundworms that feed on plant roots and can transmit diseases such as Tobacco Rattle Virus. Nematodes come in many forms and vary in the symptoms they cause. ROOT-KNOT NEMATODE Root-knot nematodes are one of the most widely found varieties of nematodes and affect numerous crops, including potatoes. Their larvae invade roots or tubers and establish feeding sites, which causes reduced plant vigor and blemishes on tubers. As their name suggests, root-knot nematodes can also cause hard, swollen knots to form on plant roots. GOLDEN NEMATODE Another type of nematode commonly found throughout potato-growing regions is the golden nematode, which feeds on plant roots and develops into swollen cysts at the feeding site. They get their name from the golden- yellow stage they pass through before becoming the cyst, according to the University of Nebraska. TREATING NEMATODES TO PROTECT POTATO QUALITY AND YIELD Although nematodes are a common problem throughout the nation's potato elds, a variety of solutions exist that can help to reduce crop damage, treat infestations in the current season and prevent infestations from remaining in the eld for the next season. © 2017 Bayer CropScience LP, 2 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. Always read and follow label instructions. Bayer, the Bayer Cross, and Movento are registered trademarks of Bayer. Not all products are registered for use in all states. For additional product information, call toll-free 1-866-99-BAYER (1-866-992-2937) or visit our website at www.CropScience.Bayer.us. To protect potatoes from nematodes throughout the season, implementing an integrated management system is critical. " " -Steve Olson, Senior Product Manager at CropScience. One cultural practice recommended by the University of Idaho is early harvesting of potato varieties that mature quickly. The longer tubers remain in the eld, the more likely nematodes will have an effect on the crop. Ensuring elds have the proper balance of nutrients and proper fertilization can also help to improve plant strength, resulting in reduced nematode impact. Crop rotation can also provide a solution that helps reduce nematode populations in elds. A few examples of nonhost crops recommended by the University of Idaho include wheat, corn and certain types of oil radish. Chemical options to help manage nematodes also exist. With the right foliar spray, like Movento ® insecticide from Bayer, potato growers can protect their crop against nematodes and increase the quality and quantity of their seasonal harvest. Applied as a foliar spray, Movento insecticide moves throughout the entire plant system, from leaves to roots, to provide protection from above-ground pests as well as below-ground nematodes. Learn more by visiting www.movento.us.

• Cover