Disease pressure lurks beneath the soil, and it’s important to know what you’re facing and how to manage it. A common potato disease is Rhizoctonia, which overwinters in the soil waiting to infect potato crops. Once the plant is infected, Rhizoctonia can cause slowed emergence and reduced stand and/or weakened plants. As the disease progresses, it can stunt growth and cause the formation of aerial tubers.

In recent trials at the Grow More^TM Experience site in Ephrata, WA, Rhizoctonia was inoculated in test plots to see how different products controlled the disease. Syngenta potato seed treatments and fungicides stood out in their ability to provide powerful protection against Rhizoctonia.

CruiserMaxx® Vibrance® Potato insecticide/fungicide seed treatment contributes to robust root growth and crop development.

The seed treatment trial featured CruiserMaxx Vibrance Potato, which combines the power of 3 industry-leading fungicides for Rhizoctonia, Helminthosporium and Fusarium protection.

The application contributed to big, fibrous root development and strong stems. While there is some Rhizoctonia nibbling and appearance higher on the stems, the area surrounding the seed is free from disease. CruiserMaxx Vibrance Potato insecticide/fungicide seed treatment demonstrates the effect it can have on the development of roots and shoots, and its ability to limit Rhizoctonia activity, specifically on and around the developing seed piece.

CruiserMaxx Vibrance Potato insecticide/fungicide seed treatment followed by an in-furrow application of Elatus® fungicide acts as a protective layer around the plant, keeping roots clean.

By following CruiserMaxx Vibrance Potato seed treatment with an in-furrow application of Elatus fungicide, this Syngenta trial highlights the importance of additional applications. With its 2-prong attack against soilborne diseases, Elatus adds a preventive component to help stop Rhizoctonia before it becomes a problem, ultimately resulting in improved potato emergence, more uniform crop stand and enhanced crop health.

As seen in the trial above, the 2 active ingredient combinations create a zone of protection against Rhizoctonia, protecting both the seed, shoot and the root development. The trial shows consistent control all around, with clean, white stolons indicating a disease-free potato plant.

If you’re in the Ephrata, WA, area, contact your Syngenta representative to visit the Grow More Experience site in person. You’ll see demonstrations of Syngenta products compared to untreated and competitor products and can talk through crop management and best practices.

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All photos are either the property of Syngenta or are used with permission.

Product performance assumes disease presence.

Performance assessments are based upon results or analysis of public information, field observations and/or Syngenta evaluations.