Effect of Versaklin® bioproduct on Early Blight in potato cv. ‘Romano’ seed production

Abstract

Taking into account the need to produce potato seed (Solanum tuberosum L.) with low inputs, this work was carried out with the aim of to determine the effect of the Versaklin® bioproduct on Early Blight (Alternaria solani Sorauer) in the production of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cv. ‘Romano’ seed. Minitubers obtained as basic seed were used. A field experiment was designed with three treatments: application of Versaklin®, chemical products and control without application of products. The incidence and intensity of the disease were determined, the area under the disease progression curve (AUDPC) was calculated and the technical effectiveness of the culture was estimated with Versaklin® or chemical products. In addition, the number of tubers per plant was quantified, the fresh and dry mass of the tubers were determined and it were classified by their diameter (caliber). Treatment with Versaklin® reduced incidence (30%) and disease severity (23.0%). The AUDPC was found in a value between control and chemical treatment. The superiority of the chemical treatment was verified by its technical efficiency and the potential of Versaklin® use because it reached a value that represents 60% of chemical treatment but with only one product. The number of tubers per plant had no significant differences among treatments. The highest proportion of tubers of caliber to be used as seed (35-45 mm) occurred in the treatment with Versaklin®. The results indicated that Versaklin® bioproduct could be part of disease management strategies. Key words: Alternaria solani, bioproduct, minitubers, Solanum tuberosum