project - Research and innovation
Prevent potato virus infections with mulch
Prevent potato virus infections with mulch
Objectives
Potato virus Y (PVY) is transmitted by winged aphids and it is one of the most frequently occurring diseases in potatoes causing production and quality losses. In northern Finland, one of the main potato seed producing regions in europe, aphids fly soon after potatoes have sprouted. This stage of the crop is determining for the virus infection. Mulching the crop with straw hides the sprouting potatoes from the aphids and may prevent the infection. Research was conducted to test the efficiency of straw mulching compared with insecticide applications and treatments with mineral and birch extract.
Objectives
(See summary in English)
Additional information
The results have shown that methods based on killing the aphids have not been effective. On the other hand an application of 6 tons/ha of barley straw reduced the infection by the virus by 60% and the application of mineral oil at 1,5% solution reduced the infection by 51%. Straw mulching offers a promising and more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional treatments on top of mulching benefits for the soil and crop.
Kirchner, S.M., Hiltunen, L.H., Santala, J., Döring, T.F., Ketola, J., Kankaala, A., Virtanen, E. & Valkonen, J.P.T. 2014. Comparison of straw mulch, insecticides, mineral oil, and birch extract for control of transmission of Potato virus Y in seed potato crops. Potato Research 57:59-75.
Project details
- Main funding source
- Other public (national, regional) research funds
- Agricultural sectors
- Other arable crops
1 Practice Abstracts
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