DEVELOPMENT OF SUPPRESSIVE SOILS FOR SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF THE POTATO EARLY DIE COMPLEX

The overarching goal of the proposed project is to provide foundational knowledge to aid the improvement of currently used manure-based amendments to enhance the desired nematicide characteristics, promoting the development of suppressive soils for long-term management. This project will lead to a reduced need for chemical pesticides through improved sustainable pest management for PED, improving soil and environmental health, and farmer safety across potato and other vegetable cropping systems.For this, we established three specific objectives:Objective 1: we will quantify and characterize microbial communities derived from manure- based amendments that are playing a key role in Pratylenchus penetrans suppression using meta- genomics.Objective 2: we will determine the impact and response of the biological activity of manure-based amendments on commercial potato field soils and the suppressiveness of Potato Early Die.Objective 3: we will collaborate with in- and out-of-state Extension educators to develop and disseminate materials for growers to facilitate the adoption of manure-based amendments in potato and other intensive cropping systems.