Optimize Metam Sodium Efficacy by Shank Injection with New Focus on Potato Webcast

The soil fumigant metam sodium plays an important role in the management of soil borne pests of potato. New safety restrictions on water applications aimed at reducing human and animal exposure, however, have forced growers to deliver metam sodium by other means like shank injection.

The Plant Management Network (PMN) provides information on how to improve efficacy of metam sodium application by shank injection in a new educational webcast developed by Neil C. Gudmestad, Distinguished Professor & Endowed Chair of Potato Pathology at North Dakota State University.

Titled “Optimizing Shank Injection Fumigation Using Metam Sodium,” this presentation discusses research which tested the effect of various injection protocols on reducing the presence of Verticillium dahliae in the soil profile, reducing the overall occurrence of Verticillium wilt, and increasing the marketable yield of potatoes growing in medium-textured soils.

Gudmestad provides recommendations for optimal injection depth and soil temperature at time of application. He also profiles Verticillium dahliae and its correlational relationship with the root lesion nematode Pratylenchus penetrans.

The 43-minute presentation will remain open access through December 31 in the Focus on Potato webcast resource.