Planting date and cultivar selection to manage southern blight in potatoes in the mid-Atlantic United States

Incidence of southern blight caused by Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) has increased across the mid-Atlantic region. To date, no cultivar is resistant to blight, and effective management with fumigants fungicides been inconsistent uneconomical. This study evaluated impacts four planting dates, ten commercial cultivars, integrated effects date on incidence, yield, tuber quality. Disease incidence varied year, fewer occurrences 2019 (25%) than 2018 (79%) or 2017 (64%), likely due dry warm weather. Despite interaction, later plantings had greater disease (85–94%) lower yield (1.8–9.4 Mg ha-1) quality (47–78% marketable tubers) earlier plantings. Planting were driven humid, weather season that was conducive detrimental crop development. Though responses date-years, ‘Accumulator’ lowest incidences (36%) greatest (20.2 among tested cultivars. Conversely, ‘Adirondack Blue’ ‘Dark Red Norland’ overall S. (33–100%) while ‘Yukon Gold’ (0.3–24.1 ha-1). Potato chipping cultivars tended be less impacted fresh market cultivars; however, additional studies are needed elucidate potential mechanisms resistance. indicates early dates selection an approach reduce maximize yield.