b'These mustard plants are being tested by AAFC researchers as a rotational crop species to increase soil health and suppress soil-borne diseases in potato rotations. PHOTO: AAFCZebarth says Potato Early Dying (PED) disease complex was identified as theWe did a field-scale trial on a grower field where we did two crop biggest culprit. The widespread disease is caused by the fungal pathogen Verticil- cycles of mustard in one year, and we were able to substantially reduce lium dahliae, which causes Verticillium wilt. When root lesion nematodes are alsothe pathogen levels and got a yield increase in the following potato crop, present in potato fields, it makes for a devastating combination that can result inhe says.substantial yield losses of up to 30 or cent or more.Zebarth says toward the end of the study, researchers began assessing mus- REDUCING PED SYMPTOMStard, which has a biofumigant effect on Verticillium, as a rotation crop in potatoZebarth says another interesting takeaway from the study was that PED production systems. symptoms may be minimized in healthy soils. Techmark Your partner inStorage Storage Ventilation SystemsLaboratory Services for Sugar TestingImpact Recording Device (IRD)Storage Management ConsultingRefrigeration SystemsFor over 30 years, Techmark has been committed to serving the potato industry through innovation and quality design.We are a world leader in storage ventilation and storage quality management. Visit our website at www.techmark-inc.com or contact us at 517.322.025018 SPUDSMART.COM WINTER 2020'