At Potato Expo, NDSU Extension Potato Agronomist Andy Robinson told the Red River Farm Network that disease management remains a top priority for growers in North Dakota and Minnesota, even during a strong production year. “It kind of depends on if you’re growing a Russet, that’s a longer season crop, verticillium is a bigger deal,” said Robinson. “For a fresh potato, it’s more things that can cause the tuber to not look good, like black dot or silver scurf on the skin and then we’re always fighting leaf foliar diseases.” Some diseases can have more severe impacts on tuber quality and yield, highlighting the importance of monitoring and education. “Common scab is a big one that’s of concern. Potato mop top virus is a big deal. It has to be vectored through the powdery scab. We do have a lot of powdery scab in our area.” Robinson said these disease topics will be discussed at the International Crop Expo in Grand Forks in February.
