Spud Smart magazine is convening a high-caliber panel of experts to dissect the complexities of black dot disease and the critical role of soil microbiomes in potato cultivation. This initiative comes at a time when growers are grappling with increasing input costs and the pressing need for sustainable soil management strategies.

Panel Overview

Scheduled for release on August 5, the panel promises an unfiltered exploration of the biological, chemical, and economic factors influencing soil health. The discussion aims to provide growers with actionable insights into disease management and soil resilience.

Expert Panelists

• Gary Secor, renowned plant pathologist, on the rise of black dot and other soilborne diseases, and how to effectively tackle them. He’s got decades of research and real-world experience, and he’s not afraid to talk about where the science is still catching up.
• Joy Youwakim, soil microbiologist, on the living networks below ground that influence soil resilience, and how they can be supported to enhance crop production.
• Chad Hutchinson, global director of potato research and market support for TriCal Group, on chloropicrin: what it really does, how we know what it does, and where it fits into a sustainability-focused future.

Key Discussion Points

• Effective interventions against black dot disease.
• The impact of soil fumigation on beneficial microbial communities.
• Economic considerations and return on investment in disease management.

Engagement Opportunity

Growers and industry stakeholders are encouraged to submit questions related to soil health, fumigation practices, or disease pressures by July 24. These inquiries will help shape the panel’s discourse, ensuring relevance to current field challenges.

The panel discussion will be accessible on August 5 via Spud Smart’s website. This session represents a unique opportunity for professionals in the potato industry to gain insights from leading experts committed to advancing sustainable and effective soil health practices.

For more information and to submit questions, visit this page on the Spud Smart magazine website.

Source: Spud Smart magazine
Image: Credit Alexei from Pixabay