Potato plants face numerous threats during the early season, which is critical for establishing plant health. The spud farmers can reduce early-season risk by implementing a management plan that addresses insects and disease at planting.

Fusarium dry rot and Rhizoctonia can infect seedlings, causing stolons and stems to die, weakened roots, and stunted plant growth. According to Syngenta, protecting against diseases with a broad-spectrum fungicide and a neonicotinoid seed treatment, such as Cruisermaxx Vibrance Potato, helps control insects such as the Colorado potato beetle, aphids, potato psyllid, and leafhoppers.

“CruiserMaxx Vibrance Potato seed treatment is an effective option for potato growers looking to start the season strong. This product offers a complete set of fungicide and insecticide activity to protect young plants, whether the threat is Rhizoctonia, Helminthosporium, and Fusarium or a multitude of below- and above-ground pests,” Brian Danaher, product marketing lead at Syngenta said.

Improving germination, vigor, and stand establishment is critical to reducing risk and optimizing marketable taters yield and quality. Finally, getting potato crops off to a good start can lead to better tuber distribution and greater uniformity at harvest, which are both important for marketability and profit potential.

“The power provided from the combination of the four active ingredients in this product is unparalleled in the market. Additionally, the liquid formulation provides an easy-to-use option that is accurate and cost-effective, so growers can trust that they are fully protecting their seed investment from day one,” Danaher added.

Liquid seed treatments also increase efficiency by offering convenience and ease of use when it comes to application, versus a dry seed treatment, according to the experts. Tatties farmers should develop seed treatment plans now for the 2023 season to gain an advantage in achieving higher yield and profit potential.