Evaluation of different potato variety and fungicide combinations for the management of potato late blight (Phytophthora infestans) in Southern Ethiopia

Late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans, is one of the most significant constraints to potato production in Ethiopia and other regions of the world. Fungicides and host plant resistance are among the most efficient control options available to growers. Field trials were conducted in 2010, in Hawassa and Shashemene, Southern Ethiopia to evaluate the effectiveness of fungicide application regimes on four potato varieties. A factorial experiment with four types of fungicide applications (Ridomil, Pencozeb, Chlorothanoil, and no spray) in weekly intervals, and four potato varieties having different level of resistance were established. Late blight infection was prevalent in the experiment year, and a significant amount of disease was detected (P< 0.05). Application of fungicide treatments considerably reduced late blight progress, with a corresponding increase in tuber yields. Based on late blight disease occurrence, application of Ridomil MZ 63.5%WP fungicide reduced disease development and increased tuber yield in all varieties as compared to the other two fungicides.

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