Re: silver scurf

From: Elaine Ingham (Soilfoodweb@AOL.COM)
Date: Tue Dec 31 2002 - 19:05:50 EST


Hi Jane -

I have not worked with silver scurf. Interesting problem, and should be
reduced by getting the diversity of competitive organisms that at the very
least should reduce the fungal problem on the surface of the potato.

When looking at potato, you need to assess whether the seed pieces are
fungicide treated. If they are, soaking the seed pieces in tea won't help
all that much, although people have told me about situation where the tea has
survived the fungicide just fine. The info is from Colorado, down near Monte
Vista.

So, you could try the seed treatment, even if fungicide treated, but I would
also put a good tea soil drench down the planting row just before the seed
piece is dropped into the hill. That way, when the roots grow out, they will
go through the good organisms. Also will get colonized by the mycorrhizal
fungi, which is an important component of improving root health.

Hope this helps! If you have more questions, please feel free to e-mail or
call.

Elaine Ingham
President, Soil Foodweb Inc.
www.soilfoodweb.com


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