b'Colby Robertson, a masters student at the University of Lethbridge, found by using a bed freshener, a significant increase in yield was found when fumigating. PHOTO: COLBY ROBERTSONfumigant. The fumigant was fall shanked and then all other treatments were applied during the spring planting. Unfortunately, Robertsons test plots were hit by hail, ending the projects growing season early.A significant increase in yield was found when fumigating, but only in combination with bed freshening. Soil levels of root lesion nematodes varied, with one field showing no response. However, some plots showed a reduction in verticillium levels in the soil. These same plots also experienced a rebound in levels at the end of the growing season.For more information on this research visit: https://opus.uleth.ca/han-dle/10133/5710 AGE-RELATED RESISTANCE TO MANAGE POTATO VIRUS YA group at the University of Idaho looked into how age can play into potatoAlexander Karasev, with the crop resistance of potato virus y (PVY). Alexander Karasev presented theUniversity of Idaho, looked groups findings. into how age can play into potato crop resistance of The test was completed on Yukon Gold potatoes in a greenhouse. Thepotato virus y (PVY). potatoes were infected with PVY, at different physiological ages, ranging fromPHOTO: ALEXANDER KARASEVone to eight weeks post-transplantation, and then monitored over the planting season for systemic virus infection. Tuber quality was assessed at harvest and then after one month in storage. Tubers were then replanted the next year and the cycle repeated.The first take home message we had from it is, is that it may be the earlyOverall it was found that while age-related resistance in a plant may pro-stage of the plant development which is critical and in need of protection,tect against PVY late in the season, the plant will need early season protection Karasev says during his presentation. And probably later in the season, thebefore that resistance kicks in.plant may not need additional protection because the (age-related resistance)For more information on this research visit: https://www.eurekalert.org/kicks in. pub_releases/2020-02/aps-ppa021720.php 20 SPUDSMART.COM FALL 2020'