Evaluation of LifeGard for Controlling Early Blight of Potatoes in Maine, 2024

Early blight of potato, caused by the fungal pathogen Alternaria solani, is a significant disease that leads to economic losses in potato production across the United States. The disease is characterized by dark brown lesions with concentric rings that primarily affect the leaves but also occur on petioles and stems. This report evaluates the efficacy of the biological control product LifeGard ( Bacillus mycoides isolate J) in managing potato early blight. The field trial was conducted in 2024 using the cultivar ‘Caribou Russet’ potato ( Solanum tuberosum) in Presque Isle, ME. The findings from this study aim to provide practical recommendations for early blight management to potato growers in the United States.