MICROCLIMATIC PARAMETERS AND POTENTIAL FOR LATE BLIGHT DEVELOPMENT IN IRRIGATED POTATO IN MAINE

Authors: Olanya, Modesto; Starr, Gordon

Submitted to: Northeast Potato Technology Forum Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/15/2005
Publication Date: 3/15/2005
Citation: Olanya, O.M., Starr, G.C. 2005. Microclimatic parameters and potential for late blight development in irrigated potato in maine. Northeast Potato Technology Forum Abstracts. p. 66; Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Application of irrigation water can improve potato growth and tuber yield in years of deficit rainfall. However, its effect on microclimate and potential for potato late blight development are not fully understood. The effect of sprinkler, sub-surface drip, and surface drip irrigation treatments on microclimatic parameters indicative of late blight susceptibility were assessed on Russet Burbank potato in 2003 and 2004. Canopy temperature, relative humidity (RH), rainfall, leaf wetness and soil temperatures were recorded with a data-logger. Based on microclimatic data recorded within the plant canopy, the potential for late blight was assessed using a simulation model. Average canopy temperatures were lowest with sprinkler and surface drip irrigation in 2003 but not in the wetter 2004 cropping season. Cumulative time with RH above 90% and temperature less than 22 C was consistently greater in sprinkler and surface drip treatments in 2003, but no treatment effect was evident in 2004. The simulated area under disease progress curves was slightly higher in irrigated than non-irrigated treatments. These results indicate higher potential for late blight when potatoes are irrigated, however, this increase is minimized by applying irrigation water through sub-surface drip systems.