1 Central Potato Research Institute, Simla-1 (H.P.).
2 Department of Agronomy, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana (Pb.).
*Presenl address: Potato Experimental and Trial Centre, Jullundur-3 (Pb.).
Trials were conducted in glasshouse to determine some of the factors responsible for potato seed piece decay and also to find effective methods of control. It was observed that soil temperatures higher than 25°C coupled with excess soil moisture (0.13–0.20 atm) resulted into maximum seed piece decay. Fungicidal treatments of seed pieces with any of the fungicides, viz. Dithane M-45, Difolatan 80WP, Vitavax 75WP (2,000ppm), Benlate and Bavistin WP (500 ppm), was found effective in preventing seed piece decay. Three species of commonly occurring soil fungi were isolated and their capability to cause decay was established.
