10/23/06 Two new U/I publications

University of Idaho Extension has released two new publications on crop disease management for Idaho growers, field workers, consultants and chemical dealers. "Managing Fungicide Resistance" addresses methods of managing the application of fungicides to prolong their useful lives. Although the eight-page publication specifically targets sugarbeets and potatoes, the principles it describes apply to all crops. Resistance to formerly effective fungicides has been widely reported, and the authors say all major Idaho crops are at risk. The publication explains how fungicide resistance occurs and suggests ways to slow it. "Late Blight Management Action Plan for Potatoes" was developed in cooperation with the Idaho potato industry and in consultation with late blight experts in the Pacific Northwest. The 12-page publication is intended to help the Idaho potato industry reduce potential yield and quality losses and make informed decisions about disease prevention, fungicide spray programs and optimizing disease-management costs. It offers best practices for controlling late blight during all phases of planting and harvesting and it ranks 18 potato varieties for susceptibility. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott