Mortality of potato seedlings and its control*

Extensive mortality of potato seedlings raised from true potato seeds was observed at the Central Potato Research Station, Moidpuram, Meerut. Main cause of the seedling mortality was found to to be Fusarium, oxysporum f. sp. tuberosi, Schlecht, although high soil temperature were also associated to some extent. Amongst three set of fungicide treatments, combination of seed + soil treatment gave the maximum control of seedling mortality followed by soil treatment alone (respectively 26.5 and 30.7% mortality). Seed treatment with fungicides was least effective (59.4% mortality as against 70% in untreated control). As for individual fungicide treatment, combination of seed + soil treatment with Benlate gave the maximum control (16.9% mortality) indicating that Benlale is the most suitable fungicide for controlling seedling mortality.