Growing potatoes can be challenging in a variety of ways.
One of them is the wilting of the tops, which can lead to a decrease in yield or even death of the plants.
Causes of withering of tops
Wilting of tops can be caused by various factors, but most often it is the result of plant infection by diseases or pests.
Among the most dangerous potato diseases are late blight (also known as potato plague), verticillium and fusarium wilt, bacteriosis and viruses.
Among the pests, the greatest damage can be caused by the Colorado potato beetle, wireworm, mole cricket, nematodes and ticks.
Methods of combating wilting of tops
To prevent or stop the wilting of tops, you need to follow several rules.
Select resistant potato varieties and use healthy planting material.
Observe crop rotation and do not grow potatoes in the same place for more than two years in a row.
Conduct preventive treatments of plants with antifungal and insecticidal preparations.
Remove weeds, loosen the soil and water the plants in a timely manner.
At the first signs of wilting, cut off and burn the affected tops.
After harvesting, thoroughly clean the soil from plant residues and disinfect it
Follow the recommendations in the article and you will be able to maintain the health and productivity of your potatoes.
Author: Valeria Kisternaya
