Influence of soil parameters and planting depth on black scurf development in Potato

Solanum tuberosum is an important vegetable crop worldwide. Among various diseases, black scurf disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kuhnh as emerged as a major problem and is known to cause qualitative and quantitative losses in potato.The management of R. solani causing black scurf is complex due to its soilborne nature and high level of survival and poses a challenge for the eco-friendly management of the disease. The existing fungicides control measures are neither economical nor environment friendly; therefore sustainable effective disease management strategy is required. Available information on management of black scurf (R. solani) disease is scanty. The present investigation was carried out in the Agricultural Research farm (Vegetable Science), Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo during rabi seasons, 2021-22 and 2022- 23.The ‘Kufri Pukhraj’ infected potato tubers were planted during 15th November in both respective years under field conditions with three replications at different depth of planting (soil depth: 15, 20 and 25 cm). Results revealed that per cent disease incidence and severity increased with increase in depth of planting during both the years. Black scurf incidence and severity showed a positive correlation with morning soil temperature and soil moisture whereas, a negative correlation with evening soil temperature (STe). The optimization in depth of planting can be a good eco-friendly and economic alternative for the management of black scurf of potato.