September/October 2020 - 7

2020 challenges and
next season's outlook
for potato growers
As the 2020 growing season comes to a close, it's important
to consider how disease pressure will impact 2021. To better
understand what the disease pressure was like and what the
outlook will be for 2021, we gathered details from a retailer,
grower and private consultant, specifically in regards to several
major potato growing regions in Idaho.
As growers were harvesting in mid-September, yields were
anticipated to be average or slightly above average in the
Magic Valley region. A tough start to the season due to
high winds and frost meant growers struggled with weed
control - due to excessive winds that disturbed the herbicide
barriers. They also dealt with typical disease pressure from
early blight, brown spot and white mold. Loopers were
problematic earlier, but the usual preventative programs
worked well for control of psyllids.
The Lower Snake River Plain growers saw an uptick in brown
spot pressure later this season, but other disease pressure was
typical. Since the weather was favorable late in the season,
a good harvest was expected along with average tuber size.
Growers in the area have trusted Endura®
fungicide for several
years. The residuals help to keep plants healthy longer.
Due to resistance to FRAC group 7 fungicides, Alternaria
diseases were trickier to control. The early blight, brown
dot and black spot troubles of the region weigh heavily
on growers. " Growers are excited for Provysol®
2021 Outlook
With average and slightly elevated disease pressure over three
of the major potato growing regions of Idaho, growers need to
be prepared for what this might mean for 2021. And since the
unpredictable nature of the marketplace due to the COVID-19
pandemic has created additional challenges, growers need
to be prepared for a strong season next year. This means
investing in trusted chemistries such as Endura®
fungicide.
Growers need to use different modes of action.
" As growers continue to rely on group 7 fungicides to control
key diseases, they recognize the value in a highly effective
group 3 product because it has a different mode of action
(Provysol®
fungicide). Provysol®
fungicide has proven itself
yet again this season in trials in the Columbia Basin and
Southern Idaho, " said Curtis Rainbolt, BASF technical services
representative, Idaho.
About Endura®
fungicide
Endura® fungicide with its active ingredient boscalid is the
fungicide
because it offers a high level of control of these key
diseases, but the best part is that Provysol does it with a
different mode of action, " said Jack Wixson, BASF business
representative, Idaho.
Brandon Vining, of ProGro Consulting, noted that this season
was tricky in terms of early blight for the Upper Snake River
Plain, because of the higher disease pressure than in several
previous years. But despite the challenge with early blight,
Vining is optimistic. " I used an 8 ounce per acre shot of
Endura®
industry standard for premier white mold control in potatoes
as well as early blight. It works preventatively and excels where
growers would usually see resistance management issues. Its
residual is long-lasting, saving growers time and worry.
To learn more about Endura®
fungicide, visit agproducts.basf.us.
About Provysol®
fungicide
Provysol® fungicide, powered by the new Revysol®
fungicide
active ingredient, is the first and only isopropanol azole
chemistry that is a truly unique solution to control disease such
as early blight and black dot. With an innovative molecular
structure, Provysol®
fungicide on most of my potatoes at row closure and
this seemed to clean up the early blight and give me white
mold suppression for 2 to 3 weeks. I feel we have a great crop
coming compared to last year, " Vining said.
management tool for potato growers. Growers have flexibility
when using Provysol®
fungicide is a revolutionary new disease
fungicide due to its fast-acting control
and long-lasting residual.
To learn more about Provysol®
agproducts.basf.us.
Endura and Provysol are registered trademarks of BASF Corporation.
© 2020 BASF Corporation. All rights reserved.
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fungicide, visit
http://agproducts.basf.us http://agproducts.basf.us
September/October 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of September/October 2020
