b"Am I Willing to Share? Heck No, Its My Competitive AdvantageCHAD HUTCHINSONGlobal director of potato research and market supportTriCal Grouptricalgroup.comBACK A HANDFUL of years ago, wethe more money I make. fold following a chloropicrin application. started trials of Strike, a chloropicrin- Until starting with Strike, JB struggledLikewise, populations of the important root based soil fumigant, on a large-scale potatowith the fumigation decision. On the onecolonizers Bacillus and Pseudomonas as well farm in the Pacific Northwest that growshand, metam sodiums unselective killas nutrient recycling saprophytes jumped. chipping varieties. The acres achievedall nature negatively impacted his soilStrike increases the impact (and financial remarkable gains and the farm operator,health. However, not fumigating caused areturn) of other soil-health efforts, especially well call him JB, now uses Strike routinelynightmare scenario of pathogen build-upcover cropping. It can also reduce passes across his multiple 1,000s of acres. Sinceand disease loss. Strike proved to be thethrough a field, eliminate applications of the most useful advice is from farmer tochange he needed.certain in-crop inputs, and increase the farmer, I reached out asking if hed shareToday, JB uses Strike each fall on all hisefficiency of fertility programs and other his experiences at last Decembers Potatoupcoming potato acres. In simple terms, theinputs. JB hills and fumigates in the fall, School. His response? Not a chance!active ingredient, chloropicrin, managesthen plants directly into those hills in As JB said: Am I willing to share whatsthe bad and supports the good. Strike isspring, allowing an earlier start to planting, worked for us? Heck no. Its my competitiveextremely effective against the major potatodecreasing spring management, and advantage. Ultimately, potato growers aresoil-borne diseases (verticilliumakaretaining hill moisture. all in competition with each other. Strikepotato early dieand common scab).While JB tells me hes keeping the Strike lets me grow more yield and better qualityMeanwhile, it promotes the populationsace firmly up his sleeve, Ive noticed some than the guys down the road orsince its aof beneficial fungi and bacteria so criticalof his neighbours acres now look notably global marketin another state or country.to soil health. Trials from 2021 showed thehealthier and less stressed too. Word is The longer I can keep that edge to myself,beneficial fungi Trichoderma increased 100- getting outHow You Can Harness Precision Nutrient Placement TechnologySpud Smart: \x1fe Essential Resource for Canada's Potato Industry. Stay informed with timely insights STAYon seed, processing, markets, and more. Trusted by growers, processors, suppliers, and policymakers, we INFORMED deliver the news that matters. Partnered with industry associations, we reach every Canadian potato grower. with timely insights on seed,Visit our website, subscribe to our newsletter, and join our thriving community today!processing, markets, and more.Delivered weekly, Spud Cast brings the news that matters to your farm right to your inbox. Not getting the newsletter? Visit our website, subscribe, and join our thriving community today!spudsmart.com/subscribeSPUDSMART.COMFall 202353"