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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

nucleic acid, black dot, russet burbank potato, environmental phosphorus

College

Life Sciences

Department

Plant and Wildlife Sciences

Abstract

Each year potato yields are reduced due in part to root pathogens such as the fungus Colletotrichum coccodes (Black Dot). Research interactions among Russet Burbank potatoes, C. coccodes and mineral nutrition will be conducted in hydroponic growth chambers in order to determine the optimal concentration of phosphorus, a necessary macro-nutrient required in plants for growth and disease resistance. The expected outcome of this research will determine the necessary concentration of phosphorus that will boost the plant’s natural resistance to the C. coccodes fungus without adversely affecting the plant. This research will then be added to prior studies that have measured the optimal concentrations of other macro-nutrients nitrogen and potassium to provide a comprehensive overview to disease resistance in connection with mineral concentrations. The data produced through this study will provide farmers with an inexpensive and natural alternative to fungicides or other disease controlling chemicals that can be harmful to the environment and their crops.

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