Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/985454
WWW.POTATOGROWER.COM 27 "There are always things growers can do to reduce stress in their fields during the growing season, such as watering and nutrient management," says Rainbolt. "However, there are some decisions growers need to make far in advance of the growing season to manage black dot." Rainbolt mentions crop rotation as a long- term consideration for growers. Although black dot disease can be transferred through seeds or the air, it's typically a soil-borne disease. This makes crop rotation an important consideration for growers whose fields have a history of the disease. "Crop rotation helps reduce the risk of black dot," says Rainbolt. "The longer your rotation is, the more you can reduce the fungus or inoculum in the soil, but it doesn't totally eliminate it." Rainbolt also recommends growers consider using fungicides as a part of their disease management plan. Fungicides, when applied prior to disease development, can be an effective tool for controlling black dot. "University recommendations for control of black dot include use of a strobilurin fungicide early in the season," says Rainbolt. "Strobilurin products are recommended because they have good efficacy. Priaxor Xemium brand fungicide is a product we recommend growers use to control black dot because it has the strobilurin product in it, and it has good activity on the disease." Rainbolt says the fungicide application should occur at the 10-inch rosette stage of the growing season, if conditions are favorable for disease development, in accordance with the label. The use of fungicides to control black dot should exist within an integrated disease management plan. Growers can work with a BASF representative or crop consultant in their area to determine a plan that best fits their needs and preserves their potato crop's yield and quality. For more information, growers can contact a local BASF representative or visit www. GrowSmartPotatoes.com. Always read and follow label directions. Priaxor and Xemium are registered trademarks of BASF. 47664SafeTPull16h.indd 1 5/1/18 11:22 AM 162809Baicor13s.indd 1 10/25/16 2:58 PM