http://www.ulmer.de/Artikel.dll/nb_0306_doering_Mjk4MjM3.PDF?UID=30784F790BA7A5F300940221881E3C553EA16D4B162BA0BF The application of straw mulch in potatoes is a possible strategy for soil erosion control, virus control and reduction of post-harvest soil nitrate losses. In this study, the effects of mulching on severity of late blight (Phytophthora infestans [MONT.] DE BARY) and black scurf (Rhizoctonia solani KÜHN) were assessed in organically managed field experiments over three years at four sites in Germany. Late blight severity was assessed as percentage of infected leaf area or percentage of leaves with late blight lesions. Black scurf on harvested tubers was assessed on tubers per plot. . In addition, effects of straw mulch on air temperature, relative humidity and evaporation in the potato stand were measured. Straw mulch had no significant effect on late blight severity in most of the experiments, but a trend of late blight reduction through the application of straw mulch was observed in 13 out of 15 experiments. Black scurf was not influenced by straw mulch, with effects being non-significant in 16 out of 17 experiments.

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