A new-generation fungicide -Boscalid + Pyraclostrobin- for the control of early blight (Alternaria solani Sorauer) improves yield and quality in processing potato crops and induces chemical disease resistance in post-harvested tubers

ANDREU AB; DE LASA C; SUAREZ P A; CALDIZ DO

CROP PROTECTION

ELSEVIER SCI LTD

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2014

0261-2194

In Argentina close to 67,000 ha of potatoes are grown all year around in different regions, and 25% of this area is devoted to the processing industry. Among other diseases, protection against Early blight (Alternaria solani Sorauer) is required, and to achieve this a new-generation of fungicides are available. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effect of Boscalid + Pyraclostrobin (Bellis®, BASF Argentina), on crop growth, tuber yield and quality of processing potato crops. Besides, and due to its possible effects on tuber protection during growing and storing, the activation of chemical disease resistance was also assessed. RESULTS: The present research showed that foliar application of Boscalid + Pyraclostrobin, caused a stay-green effect and a positive impact on yield and quality. Besides, after harvest, Boscalid + Pyraclostrobin treated tubers showed increased levels of antimicrobial compounds (phytoalexins) and stress oxidative enzymes related to defense, such as peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase, while deposition of cell wall reinforcement components such as phenols and lignin was also improved. CONCLUSION: Application of Boscalid + Pyraclostrobin not only contributes to protect the foliage of the crop and increase yield and quality, but also improves plant mechanisms involved in disease resistance in the post-harvested tubers.