| Abstract Detail
Production and Management Sexton, Peter [1], Plant, Andrew [1], Johnson, Steven [1], Jemison, John [2]. The Effect of Mustard Green Manure on Tuber Yield and Disease Incidence for Potatoes Grown in Maine. THE goal of this work was to evaluate the short-term effects of including a mustard green manure on potato yield as well as incidence of black scurf (Rhizoctonia solani), powdery scab (Spongospora subteranea), and white mold (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) on potatoes grown in a rainfed cropping system. Previous work has shown that mustard green manures can be of benefit in helping to suppress Verticillium dahliae in potatoes grown under high yield potential with irrigation. In order to evaluate the effect of a mustard green manure under predominately rainfed conditions typical of the northeastern US, replicated on-farm trials with large plot size were established over two seasons at three sites in Maine. Mustard (mixture of Brassica juncea and Sinapis alba) was sown at a seed rate of 10 lbs per acre, mowed at late flowering, and then disked into the soil. In the following season, potato yield, as well as incidence of Rhizoctonia and powdery scab on tubers, were measured at each site and compared to potatoes grown in barley check plots. On average across all the sites, total tuber yield was 8 percent greater following mustard green manure versus barley. Mustard green manure was associated with decreased incidence of Rhizoctonia on tubers, and increased incidence of white mold on leaves and stems, in the following potato crop. While the mustard green manure was associated with increased potato yields, white mold is an issue that will have to be thought about. Fields with a history of white mold problems, and potato varieties that are more susceptible to white mold should be avoided when planting a mustard green manure.
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1 - University of Maine, Cooperative Extension, PO Box 727, Presque Isle, ME, 04769, USA
2 - University of Maine, Cooperative Extension, 495 College Ave, Orono, ME, 04769, USA
Keywords:
mustard green manure
Potato
tuber yield
white mold
Rhizoctonia.
Session: PAA13-3
Location: Hall of Ideas Room E/Monona Terrace
Date: Tuesday, July 25th, 2006
Time: 2:00 PM
Abstract ID:262 |
