The evaluation of Pythium oligandrum and chitosan in control of Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary on potato plants

The studies were carried out both in in vitro and in vivo conditions. The field experiment was conducted during the years 2005-2007 at the Experimental Station in Mydlniki, owned by the Department of Plant Protection at the University of Agriculture in Krakow. The aim of these studies was to determine the effect of tuber dressing and plant spraying with Polyversum (B.A.S. Pythium oligandrum) and Biochikol 020 PC (B.A.S. chitosan) bio-preparations on the top leaves and tubers of ‘Ibis’ potatoes infested by Phytophthora infestans. The chemical preparation Vitavax 2000 FS (B.A.S. karboxin and thiuram) was used. The in vitro evaluation of Polyversum and Biochikol 020 PC bio-preparations on the P. infestans mycelium linear growth was investigated. The above-mentioned preparations were applied at three different concentrations. The experiment was carried out using the Kowalik and Krechniak method (1961). Based on the results it was found that the preparations under examination significantly inhibited top leaf and tuber infestation by Phytophthora infestans. Moreover, according to the results obtained from in vitro tests, a significant effect from the Vitavax 2000 FS and Polyversum preparations and from the highest concentration (2%) of Biochikol 020 PC preparation on the percentage inhibition of P. infestans mycelium linear growth was observed (in comparison to the control).