Use and Effects of Different Brassica and Other Rotation Crops on Soilborne Diseases and Yield of Potato †

Soilborne diseases are persistent problems in potato production, resulting in reductions in tuber quality and yield. Brassica rotation crops may reduce soilborne potato diseases, but how to best utilize Brassica crops in potato cropping systems has not been established. In this research, two two-year trials were established at three different sites with histories of soilborne diseases, and up to six different Brassica crops (canola, winter rapeseed, yellow and brown condiment mustards, oriental mustard, oilseed radish, and a mustard blend) and standard rotation crops (ryegrass and buckwheat) were evaluated as rotation and green manure crops. Tuber yield did not vary substantially among the rotation crops, but rotation treatments significantly affected incidence and severity of soilborne diseases at all sites. However, results were variable among sites and years. Perennial ryegrass and mustard blend rotations reduced powdery scab disease by 31–55% relative to other rotations in the only field where powdery scab was a serious problem. Mustard blend, ryegrass, and other Brassica rotations also reduced common scab, silver scurf, and black scurf at various sites, but not consistently at all sites. At one site, mustard blend and barley/ryegrass rotations reduced black scurf (by 21–58%) and common scab (by 13–34%) relative to no rotation. Overall, disease control was not correlated with biofumigation potential or rotation crop biomass production. Although both Brassica and non-Brassica rotations provided disease reduction in potato cropping systems, no single rotation crop performed consistently better than several others.

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Effects of Different Potato Cropping System Approaches and Water Management on Soilborne Diseases and Soil Microbial Communities

Phytopathology ◽

10.1094/phyto-04-10-0100 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 101 (1) ◽

pp. 58-67 ◽

Cited By ~ 70

Author(s):

Robert P. Larkin ◽

C. Wayne Honeycutt ◽

Timothy S. Griffin ◽

O. Modesto Olanya ◽

John M. Halloran ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Common Scab ◽

Cropping Systems ◽

Cropping System ◽

Status Quo ◽

Black Scurf ◽

Microbial Populations ◽

Community Characteristics ◽

Soilborne Diseases ◽

Soil Microbial ◽

System Approaches

Four different potato cropping systems, designed to address specific management goals of soil conservation, soil improvement, disease suppression, and a status quo standard rotation control, were evaluated for their effects on soilborne diseases of potato and soil microbial community characteristics. The status quo system (SQ) consisted of barley underseeded with red clover followed by potato (2-year). The soil-conserving system (SC) featured an additional year of forage grass and reduced tillage (3-year, barley/timothy–timothy–potato). The soil-improving system (SI) added yearly compost amendments to the SC rotation, and the disease-suppressive system (DS) featured diverse crops with known disease-suppressive capability (3-year, mustard/rapeseed–sudangrass/rye–potato). Each system was also compared with a continuous potato control (PP) and evaluated under both irrigated and nonirrigated conditions. Data collected over three potato seasons following full rotation cycles demonstrated that all rotations reduced stem canker (10 to 50%) relative to PP. The SQ, SC, and DS systems reduced black scurf (18 to 58%) relative to PP; SI reduced scurf under nonirrigated but not irrigated conditions; and scurf was lower in DS than all other systems. The SQ, SC, and DS systems also reduced common scab (15 to 45%), and scab was lower in DS than all other systems. Irrigation increased black scurf and common scab but also resulted in higher yields for most rotations. SI produced the highest yields under nonirrigated conditions, and DS produced high yields and low disease under both irrigation regimes. Each cropping system resulted in distinctive changes in soil microbial community characteristics as represented by microbial populations, substrate utilization, and fatty acid methyl-ester (FAME) profiles. SI tended to increase soil moisture, microbial populations, and activity, as well result in higher proportions of monounsaturated FAMEs and the FAME biomarker for mycorrhizae (16:1 ω6c) relative to most other rotations. DS resulted in moderate microbial populations and activity but higher substrate richness and diversity in substrate utilization profiles. DS also resulted in relatively higher proportions of FAME biomarkers for fungi (18:2 ω6c), actinomycetes, and gram-positive bacteria than most other systems, whereas PP resulted in the lowest microbial populations and activity; substrate richness and diversity; proportions of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated FAME classes; and fungal, mycorrhizae, and actinomycete FAME biomarkers of all cropping systems. Overall, soil water, soil quality, and soilborne diseases were all important factors affecting productivity, and cropping systems addressing these constraints improved production. Cropping system approaches will need to balance these factors to achieve sustainable production and disease management.

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A grower survey of rotations used in the New South Wales cotton industry

Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture ◽

10.1071/ea98055 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 39 (6) ◽

pp. 743 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

J. L. Cooper

Keyword(s):

Soil Structure ◽

New South ◽

New South Wales ◽

Cotton Industry ◽

Rotation System ◽

System A ◽

South Wales ◽

Rotation Crops ◽

Grower Survey ◽

Rotation Crop

Summary. Cotton growers in the Macquarie, Namoi and Gwydir Valleys of New South Wales were surveyed in 1992 to determine what crops are grown in rotation with cotton, how frequently rotation crops are used, and what influences the grower’s choice of rotation system. A total of 155 properties were surveyed, covering 100, 49 and 58% of irrigated cotton produced in the Macquarie, Namoi and Gwydir Valleys, respectively. Although a large part of the 1992–93 cotton crop (61% by area) did not follow a rotation crop, there was widespread interest in rotations and 70% of properties had used rotations. Wheat was by far the most widely grown rotation crop, but there was considerable interest in other crops, especially legumes. The perceived benefits from rotation crops reported by most growers were better soil structure, less disease in following cotton, and more soil organic matter. However, when asked why they preferred certain rotation crops, these factors did not rate highly with growers. Crops that were easy to grow and gave the best financial returns possessed the main features sought in a rotation crop. The greatest problem in growing rotation crops was a lack of irrigation water. It is not surprising that this problem ranked highly because when the survey was conducted, the Namoi and Gwydir Valleys had water allocations of 15 and 0%, respectively. Not having suitable equipment to sow rotation crops was also a problem for 17% of growers, but 10% encountered no problems. The survey also investigated the use of permanent beds and retained hills. These practices have benefits for soil structure, and are almost essential for rotation crops which need to be sown as soon as the cotton is harvested. Over 80% of growers using rotations had adopted some form of permanent beds or retained hills. The benefit which ranked highest was a reduction in costs, followed by less soil compaction. Some growers (44%) who used permanent beds or retained hills had no problems, but handling the trash and keeping the rows straight were of concern to others.

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Use of Crop Rotations, Cover Crops and Green Manures for Disease Suppression in Potato Cropping Systems

Global Journal of Agricultural Innovation Research & Development ◽

10.15377/2409-9813.2021.08.12 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

pp. 153-168

Author(s):

Robert P. Larkin

Keyword(s):

Disease Control ◽

Microbial Activity ◽

Cover Crops ◽

Cover Crop ◽

Green Manure ◽

Cropping Systems ◽

Crop Rotations ◽

Disease Suppression ◽

Green Manures ◽

Rotation Crops

Crop rotations and the inclusion of cover crops and green manures are primary tools in the sustainable management of soil-borne diseases in crop production systems. Crop rotations can reduce soil-borne disease through three general mechanisms: (1) serving as a break in the host-pathogen cycle; (2) by altering the soil physical, chemical, or biological characteristics to stimulate microbial activity and diversity; or (3) directly inhibiting pathogens through the release of suppressive or toxic compounds or the enhancement of specific antagonists. Brassicas, sudangrass, and related plant types are disease-suppressive crops well-known for their biofumigation potential but also have other effects on soil microbiology that are important in disease suppression. The efficacy of rotations for reducing soil-borne diseases is dependent on several factors, including crop type, rotation length, rotation sequence, and use of the crop (as full-season rotation, cover crop, or green manure). Years of field research with Brassica and non-Brassica rotation crops in potato cropping systems in Maine have documented the efficacy of Brassica green manures for the reduction of multiple soil-borne diseases. However, they have also indicated that these crops can provide disease control even when not incorporated as green manures and that other non-biofumigant crops (such as barley, ryegrass, and buckwheat) can also be effective in disease suppression. In general, all crops provided better disease control when used as green manure vs. as a cover crop, but the addition of a cover crop can improve control provided by most rotation crops. In long-term cropping system trials, rotations incorporating multiple soil health management practices, such as longer rotations, disease-suppressive rotation crops, cover crops, and green manures, and/or organic amendments have resulted in greater yield and microbial activity and fewer disease problems than standard rotations. These results indicate that improved cropping systems may enhance productivity, sustainability, and economic viability.

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Anastomosis Grouping of Rhizoctonia solani Associated with Black Scurf and Stem Canker of Potato in South Africa

Plant Disease ◽

10.1094/pdis.2004.88.1.83b ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 88 (1) ◽

pp. 83-83 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

M. Truter ◽

F. C. Wehner

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Rhizoctonia Solani ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Solanum Tuberosum L ◽

Potato Cultivar ◽

Stem Canker ◽

Potato Production ◽

Black Scurf ◽

Chi Square ◽

Chi Square Analysis

Rhizoctonia disease (black scurf of tubers and stem canker) of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kühn was first recorded in South Africa in 1918 (3). Although the sclerotial form on tubers is one of the most common potato diseases in the country, it is not known which anastomosis groups (AGs) of R. solani are involved. Between 1999 and 2001, R. solani was isolated from 28 plant and 56 soil samples collected in 7 (Eastern Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, and Sandveld) of the 14 potato-production regions of South Africa and screened for hyphal anastomosis with tester strains of R. solani AG-1 to AG-10 according to Carling et al. (1). Of the 411 isolates from tubers with black scurf symptoms, 408 were AG-3 and three were AG-5. Symptomless tubers yielded two AG-3 isolates and three AG-5 isolates. Of 39 isolates from symptomatic stems and roots, 32 were AG-3, five were AG-4, and two were AG-5. Of the 127 isolates obtained from soil, 86, 28, 7, 3, and 3 were AG-3, AG-4, AG-5, AG-7, and AG-8, respectively. More than one AG was isolated from five of the seven regions. Virulence of 40 isolates representative of the above AGs was determined in triplicate on sprouts growing from seed tubers of potato cultivar Up-to-Date in a sand/soil mixture as described by Carling and Leiner (2) but using cultures grown in cornmeal/sand instead of colonized agar disks as inoculum. Damage to sprouts (lesions, girdling, and death) was assessed after 28 days at 16 to 28°C according to the 0 to 4 rating scale (2). Chi-square analysis of the data indicated that AG-3 was the most virulent, with isolates from sclerotia on tubers and lesions on stems more aggressive than those from symptomless tubers or soil. AG-4 and AG-5 caused significantly less disease than AG-3, but none of the AG-7 and AG-8 isolates showed any virulence to potato sprouts. References: (1) D. E. Carling et al. Phytopathology 77:1609, 1987. (2) D. E. Carling and R. H. Leiner. Phytopathology 80:930, 1990. (3) E. M. Doidge. S. Afr. Fruit Growers 5:6, 1918.

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Potato response to crop sequence and nitrogen fertilization following sod breakup in a Gleyed Humo-Ferric Podzol

Canadian Journal of Plant Science ◽

10.4141/p98-042 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 79 (3) ◽

pp. 439-446 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

H. Li ◽

L. É. Parent ◽

C. Tremblay ◽

A. Karam

Keyword(s):

Solanum Tuberosum ◽

Crop Rotation ◽

Common Scab ◽

Solanum Tuberosum L ◽

Total Yield ◽

Tuber Quality ◽

Continuous Cropping ◽

Mineral N ◽

Silty Loam ◽

N Rates

Meadow soils could supply significant amounts of N for several years and reduce N requirements for the potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). We examined a combination of three crop sequences, three cultivars and six N rates in relation to tuber yield and quality. Superior, Kennebec and Snowden were grown as follows on a Tilly silty loam between 1993 and 1995: (1) 3-yr continuous potato cropping of Superior, (2) 3-yr continuous potato cropping starting with Snowden and followed by 2 yr of Kennebec, and (3) 3-yr sequence of Kennebec, oat (Avena sativa L. 'Marion') and Superior. There were six N treatments (0, 70, 105, 140, 175 and 210 kg N ha−1) and a split application of 140 kg N ha−1 (half at seeding and half before hilling). The seasons were either favorable to growth (1993), relatively wet (1994) or relatively dry (1995). In 1993 and 1994, total yield varied between 37 and 50 t ha−1. In 1995, continuous cropping of Kennebec and Superior produced 28 t ha−1 compared with 37 t ha−1 under crop rotation. The rotation increased total yield of Superior by 34% and graded yield by 42% in 1995. The N requirement was closely related to yield, rather than cultivar. Compared with continuous cropping of Superior, tuber-quality index was highest with the rotation for rhizoctonia (Rhizoctonia solani) (67 vs. 57) and common scab (Streptomyces scabies) (90 vs. 82). The incidence of both diseases decreased when at least 70 kg N ha−1 was applied. For common scab, skin coverages was higher at rates of 0, 175 and 210 kg N ha−1 than at intermediate rates of 70–140 kg N ha−1. Mineral N accumulated in the 0–60-cm layer in the interrow and increased rapidly when N rates exceeded 105 kg N ha−1. After sod breakup an N rate in the range of 70–100 kg N ha−1 and crop rotation with cereals sustained the productivity of the potato during 3 yr while minimizing the environmental impact of mineral N. Key words: Crop rotation, common scab, rhizoctonia, reduced N rates, Solanum tuberosum L.

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Farmer Experimentation as a Basis for Cropping Systems Research: A Case Study Involving True Potato Seed

Experimental Agriculture ◽

10.1017/s0014479700022973 ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 28 (1) ◽

pp. 19-29 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

M. J. Potts ◽

Greta A. Watson ◽

R. Sinung-Basuki ◽

N. Gunadi

Keyword(s):

Technology Development ◽

Cropping Systems ◽

Potato Production ◽

Farming System ◽

Potato Seed ◽

True Potato Seed ◽

Systems Research ◽

Wide Range

SummaryThe radical concept of potato production from true potato seed (TPS) was adopted as a component of their farming system within three seasons by 23 farmers from Cibodas, West Java. The farmers showed an ability to conceptualize and experiment and desired concepts from which they could develop, through research, appropriate principles and field techniques. Information received solely as detailed practices or techniques hindered their progress, since they first needed to repeat the technique in order to understand the concepts and principles involved. Farmer experimentation resembled closely that of experimental station researchers, with the use of replication in space, often neighbouring farmers' plots, and time. Initial experiments covered a wide range of factors but within three seasons farmers had identified similar areas of concern which coincided with those of experiment station researchers worldwide. Farmer experimentation and the role of the researcher in this methodology for technology development are discussed.

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Applicability of plastic mulch and conservation strip tillage for potato production in Bangladesh

Sains Tanah - Journal of Soil Science and Agroclimatology ◽

10.20961/stjssa.v18i2.53559 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

pp. 115

Author(s):

Md. Abdul Kader ◽

Ferdous Hossain Khan ◽

Shibli Sadik Tulip ◽

Md. Abid Hossain Mridha ◽

Arif Jewel

Keyword(s):

Irrigation Water ◽

Management Practices ◽

Potato Production ◽

Tuber Quality ◽

Good Prospect ◽

Tuber Growth ◽

Plastic Mulch ◽

Black Plastic ◽

Semi Arid Region ◽

Strip Tillage

Application of plastic mulches in potato production is rarely used by farmers in Bangladesh although it has a good prospect for saving irrigation water, weed control, maintaining tuber quality, and increasing yield. A study was conducted in experimental farm at Rural Development Academy (RDA), Bogura, Bangladesh to evaluate the precision of irrigation water for potato production using different colored plastic mulches i.e, black and blue in combination with conservation strip tillage and control (no-mulch). Four different treatments were prepared where some of the phenological characteristics of plants as well as yield of potato were compared among treatments by applying the same amount of irrigation water. The results showed that treatment with black plastic mulch had the highest tuber growth as well as yield of 25.1 t ha-1 compared to other treatments while other treatments such as blue plastic mulch, control, and strip tillage had a yield of 16.37, 13.75, and 15.75 t ha-1, respectively. Potato plants having black plastic mulch took less time to mature in comparison to other treatments. Black plastic mulch restricts soil moisture evaporation and keeps the soil warm. In conclusion, potato production with various mulches has a great scope in a semi-arid region like Bangladesh and present experimental results will help to improve the understanding of potato growers for adopting best mulch management practices.

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