Giant Hill Selection for Control of Verticillium dahliae in Potato. G. D. Easton, Plant Pathologist, Department of Plant Pathology, Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center, Washington State University, Prosser 99350. M. E. Nagle, Agricultural Research Technologist III, Department of Plant Pathology, Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center, Washington State University, Prosser 99350. Plant Dis. 71:937-940. Accepted for publication 23 February 1987. Copyright 1987 The American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-71-0937.

Verticillium wilt resistance and productivity of Russet Burbank giant hill clones were evaluated over a 3-yr period. Most clones remained healthy until harvest even though infected with Verticillium dahliae. When grown in competition with each other, most clones had a lower yield and fewer U.S. No. 1 tubers than standard Russet Burbank non-giant hill clones; however, seven of 112 giant hill selections had yields and tuber quality equal to or exceeding that of standard Russet Burbank. Currently, the only control of V. dahliae is through costly soil fumigation. Development of these and similar selections offers the promise of more economical control and reduced dependence on pesticides.