When it comes to potatoes, it’s never too soon to start thinking about protection against early-season disease and different ways to get your potatoes off to a strong start. Seed treatments and in-season management practices that prevent disease are excellent ways to maximize yields.
Although applying seed treatment may seem “old hat” for many, it remains a fundamental step to give growers a firm foundation to their program and protect a seed before putting it into the ground.
It’s important to select a seed treatment that contains a natural wound healer like Douglas fir bark to aid in the control of Fusarium seed-piece decay and reduce the spread of phytophthora infestations during seed cutting operations. ProNatural® Suberization Aid is a great option for Michigan growers.
By applying a quality seed treatment, growers limit the spread of these diseases drastically, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs to treat crops and increase yields.
In addition to seed treatments, Wilbur-Ellis has invested in new technologies, including plant health promoters like Employ®, that help growers stay ahead of issues that come with increased environmental stresses from weather, pests, and pathogens.
When applied to plant foliage, Employ initiates a Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR) response that turns on the plant’s own stress defense capabilities, which results in improved root development, reduction in abiotic and biotic stress, and increased potato yield.
In addition to in-season benefits, trials have shown that potatoes treated with Employ show improved post-harvest storage quality versus grower standard treatments.
No matter what issues your fields face, Wilbur-Ellis is here to help you navigate the challenges that come with every season.
Connect with your local Wilbur-Ellis team to identify the best management practices for your fields.
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