in-Furrow plant protection products application:
Protecting the potato crop from the very start of the season
Application of biological inputs during in-furrow potato planting
Potato cultivation relies on highly mechanized production systems, where planting, treatment application and agronomic management are all part of a highly standardized workflow.
In this context, adopting new crop protection tools depends mainly on their effectiveness, but equally important is their ability to fit seamlessly into existing farm practices — without requiring modifications to current machinery or equipment.
Therefore, when considering biological plant protection products based on microorganisms, one of the most relevant questions is how to integrate them into the production system without disrupting standard crop management practices. In potato cultivation, in-furrow application at planting is precisely one of the most effective and practical approaches to achieve this.
This strategy makes use of a technique already established on many farms to introduce microorganisms for disease control from the very start of the crop cycle, without requiring additional field passes, extra machinery, or significant changes to the farm’s workflow.
Seen in this light, in-furrow application is not merely a method of product delivery, but a means of integrating new biological tools into an already established production system.
Resilience in potato cultivation is not an isolated quality, but the result of a systemic approach. It can be summarized in a simple equation:
The importance of applying plant protection products at the right time
Each microorganism has its own characteristics, operates through specific mechanisms of action, and follows its own life cycle — among other factors that determine the optimal timing and most appropriate application method in each case.
One might reasonably assume that working with biological plant protection products would require changes to the farmer’s usual practices. In practice, however, the opposite is true: the application strategy for RootDei Biocontrol® takes advantage of one of the key operations in potato cultivation — in-furrow planting.
Unlike many chemical treatments — whose effect occurs primarily at the moment of application — RootDei Biocontrol® must first colonize the root zone, establishing itself in the rhizosphere as a protective layer that persists over time, protecting the crop against a range of pathogens. In potato cultivation, the primary target is Rhizoctonia solani.
A strategy that protects the crop from the start
For this reason, introducing these microorganisms during the earliest stages of crop development can make a significant difference. In potato cultivation, planting represents a particularly valuable opportunity, as it allows the microorganism to be placed directly in the vicinity of the tuber — even before the plant has emerged.
By positioning the microorganism in the soil at the exact point where the root system will develop, the crop begins its growth cycle under protection from the very earliest stages.
This timing is especially significant from an agronomic standpoint. The early stages of crop development are critical: the root system becomes established and the interaction between young roots, soil microorganisms, and any pathogens present in the soil environment begins.
Establishment of T. asperellum in the root zone.
The objective of applying RootDei Biocontrol® at this stage is to position the treatment in the zone where the crop’s root system will subsequently develop. In this way, the product is placed in the immediate vicinity of the tuber and the surrounding soil, making it more difficult for pathogens to establish themselves.
The spores are rapidly activated by moisture and begin colonizing the rhizosphere. Around the roots, the microorganism establishes itself and begins to protect the root system. In the microscopy image, the characteristic layer formed by the T34 strain of T. asperellum — the active ingredient of RootDei Biocontrol® — can be clearly observed.
Competition for Space: one mechanism of action among others.
When introduced into the soil during the early stages of crop development, the microorganism rapidly colonizes the root zone and establishes itself around the plant’s roots.
This colonization process creates a natural biological barrier, in which the microorganism occupies the available space and consumes the resources present in the rhizosphere. As a result, soil pathogens are hindered in their establishment, encountering an already colonized environment with reduced nutrient availability.
However, it is important to note that competition for space is not the only mechanism of action. Trichoderma can also act through complementary processes, such as mycoparasitism of pathogens, the production of antifungal compounds, and the induction of systemic resistance in the plant.
Application of plant protection products during planting
In-furrow application consists of applying a treatment directly into the planting furrow at the moment the tuber is deposited. In potato cultivation, this is typically carried out using spray systems mounted on the planter itself, which apply the product to the tuber and surrounding soil before the furrow is closed.
This technique is widely used on professional farms as it allows the treatment to be concentrated precisely in the zone where the root system will develop, thereby optimizing application effectiveness.
What is furrow cultivation?
Ridge and furrow cultivation is an agronomic management system in which the soil is organized into raised rows or ridges separated by channels. This design improves drainage, promotes soil aeration and facilitates irrigation management, making it a highly mechanized, standardized system. It also facilitates key agronomic operations such as hilling up, weed control, and the localized application of treatments during planting.
For these reasons, ridge and furrow systems are widely used across a wide range of extensive arable crops.
In potato cultivation specifically, the ridge and furrow system is of particular importance. The tubers are planted at the top of the ridge, allowing both the root system and the developing tubers to grow in looser, better-aerated and better-drained soil.
As with any localized treatment, factors such as the distribution of the spray solution within the furrow, the volume of water used, and the type of spraying system can all influence the outcome of the application.
To better understand how this technique is implemented under real field conditions, it is useful to examine how the spraying systems installed on planters operate.
In the technical video associated with this module, we take a closer look at how in-furrow application is carried out under real field conditions and what technical factors to bear in mind during planting.
MODULE II. TECHNICAL VIDEO
Discover step by step how to correctly apply T34 Biocontrol® in the furrow during potato planting.
In-furrow application systems in potato planters
In professional potato farming, many planters incorporate localized spray application systems that allow treatments to be applied directly into the furrow during the planting process. These systems typically include a spray circuit connected to a tank and a pump that feeds the sprayers installed in each planting row.
These systems are built into the planter and apply the treatment at the exact moment the tuber is placed in the furrow, before the furrow is closed by the ridging elements.
For this system to work correctly in the field, it is important to understand how the machinery is configured and which technical aspects should be checked before planting begins.
Factors such as the arrangement of the sprayers, nozzle orientation, nozzle type, the volume of spray mixture applied, and above all the maintenance condition of the system, can all directly affect how the treatment is distributed within the furrow.
• Understand the configuration of the planter's spraying system
• Prepare the pre-dilution of the product
• Know the mixing capacity and the type of liquid storage system
• Use the most suitable nozzles in each case
• Correctly position the spray nozzle(s)
• This does not replace proper agronomic management.
The following describes some of the most relevant technical aspects to consider when working with in-furrow application systems in potato planters:
Product Premix
Before introducing the product into the planter’s tank, it is advisable to prepare a premix or pre-dilution to ensure proper dispersion in water RootDei Biocontrol® is formulated as a wettable powder (WP), which disperses readily in water.
To do this, add the entire required dose of product to a separate container with a small amount of water. Stir the mixture for a few minutes until a uniform suspension is obtained, ensuring there are no lumps or clumps of undissolved product
This process can be carried out manually without difficulty and ensures the product is properly dispersed before being added to the main tank.
Planter Mix-Tank
Once the premix has been added to the planter’s tank and the required water volume has been reached, it is important to keep the tank’s agitation system running throughout the application process.
These agitation systems — which may be mechanical or hydraulic, depending on the equipment — serve to keep the liquid in motion inside the tank. This ensures the product remains evenly distributed throughout the mixture and prevents formulation particles from settling at the bottom of the tank, which could result in uneven application across the field.
In addition to ensuring adequate agitation, it is important to know the total capacity of the planter’s tank and carefully plan the volume of mixture to be prepared for each fill. This allows for a more accurate estimate of the area that can be treated per tank and helps adjust both the product dose and water volume to the machine’s operating speed. In practice, this calculation depends on several factors, such as tank capacity, the spray system’s flow rate, and the planter’s forward speed. Knowing these parameters makes it easier to organize fieldwork, avoid unnecessary stoppages to refill the equipment, and ensure that the dose applied per unit area remains consistent throughout the operation.
Spraying system configuration
The sprayers are typically positioned just before the furrow is closed, in a location that allows the treatment to be applied to both the tuber and the surrounding soil. Depending on the machine design, each planting row may have one or more spray points.
In simpler configurations, a single sprayer is used, centered over the furrow. On more advanced machines, it is common to find two sprayers per row, directed from both sides of the furrow toward the tuber. This arrangement improves the distribution of the treatment within the soil volume surrounding the tuber.
Understanding the configuration of the planter’s spraying system is essential to ensure the treatment is correctly positioned along the planting row.
Incorrect orientation can cause some of the treatment to be deposited outside the desired area or result in insufficient coverage of the tuber. For this reason, it is advisable to check the position of the sprayers and their working angle before planting begins.
Types of Spray Nozzles
The type of nozzle used in the spraying system also influences the distribution of the treatment within the furrow.
In in-furrow applications, flat fan or cone nozzles are typically used, as they generate a spray pattern that distributes the solution relatively evenly within a confined space
Flat fan nozzles produce a more defined spray band, while cone nozzles create a more circular distribution. The choice between these two types often depends on the planter design and the intended coverage of the tuber and surrounding soil.
For the application of RootDei Biocontrol®, we recommend the use of hollow cone nozzles.
Regardless of the nozzle type used, it is important to verify that the spray pattern is uniform and that there are no blockages or irregularities at the nozzle outlet.
Spray volume and treatment distribution
In in-furrow applications, the objective is not to cover a large canopy surface as in foliar treatments, but rather to distribute the treatment throughout the soil volume surrounding the tuber.
For this reason, both the spray volume used and how it is distributed within the furrow are important factors to consider when setting up the application equipment.
System inspection, maintenance and cleaning
Before starting planting, it is advisable to check the condition of the planter’s spraying system.
Partial nozzle blockages, residues from previous treatments, or sediment build-up in the circuit can all disrupt the distribution of the treatment within the furrow.
For this reason, it is advisable to carry out a preliminary cleaning of the circuit, check the condition of the nozzles and ensure that all sprayers are working correctly before starting work in the field.
A basic inspection of the application system can prevent problems during planting and ensure that the treatment is distributed evenly across all lines of the machine.
Conclusions: an effective strategy integrated into existing processes
In-furrow application of RootDei Biocontrol® represents a simple and effective strategy for introducing the beneficial microorganism at the most critical point in the crop cycle: planting.
One of the main advantages of this approach is that it does not require any change to the farmer’s established working practices. The product can be incorporated into the normal planting process, using the machinery and application systems already fitted to the planter.
This article describes the technical aspects to consider to ensure correct application, from preparing the mixture to operating the agitation system and distributing the product in the furrow.
Effectiveness in controlling soilborne diseases and improving production
Results from field trials show that this strategy can achieve efficacy levels comparable to benchmark chemical fungicides, particularly in the control of soilborne diseases such as Rhizoctonia solani.
All of this is achieved with a single application at planting, at a cost equivalent to conventional treatments, without the need to modify machinery or increase production costs.
An even better strategy when combined with good genetics
This approach becomes even more compelling when combined with other agronomic strategies that help build resilience into the production system.
As explained in Module I, choosing varieties with tolerance or resistance to some of the potential diseases present in the crop already provides a first level of protection. Another essential element is starting with certified disease- and pest-free seed potatoes.
You can read the first blog post about resistant potato varieties at the banner link below.
MODULE I. BEYOND GENETICS:
Building a resilient production system begins with choosing disease-resistant varieties. However, successful potato cultivation also requires integrating other agronomic management and biocontrol strategies. We explain how in this article.
The combination of these two strategies — genetic improvement and biocontrol — along with other good practices, forms the foundation of a management approach that allows farmers to progressively reduce their reliance on chemical interventions, while fostering a biologically healthier soil.
Long-term improvements in soil health
The effects of this strategy are not limited to the growing season. In the long term, the benefits associated with improved soil biological activity consolidate after several crop cycles, contributing to more stable and sustainably productive systems over time.
Maintaining healthy soil supports sustained crop yields over the long term, preventing degradation processes and fertility loss that can otherwise lead to gradual, progressive declines in productivity.
Furthermore, from an operational standpoint, in-furrow application during planting offers another significant advantage: it integrates seamlessly into an operation that is already part of the sowing process. Many farmers apply localized treatments at this stage, so the incorporation of microorganisms can be carried out using the same machinery and workflow in the field.
Applying RootDei Biocontrol® in-furrow at planting allows growers to make use of an existing field operation and position the product at a stage that is particularly favorable for its establishment and early colonization of the root system.
If you require further technical information, advice on application, or would like to carry out trials with RootDei Biocontrol® on your farm, please feel free to contact our technical team.
Module I. Beyond Genetics
Building a resilient potato production system requires combining genetics, agronomic management, and biocontrol.
MODULE II. TECHNICAL VIDEO
Discover in this video how to correctly apply RootDei Biocontrol® in-furrow during potato planting.
