Maximize potato yields with smart in-furrow fungicide practices

In short... 

• In-furrow crop protection shields emerging potato plants and developing daughter tubers from soil-borne diseases, supporting stronger stands and improved marketable yields. 
•  Fungicide properties vary, so understanding how each moves in the soil is key to proper application and optimal protection. 
• Nozzle selection and setup are critical for achieving optimal coverage and maximizing the return on in-furrow fungicide investments. 

Achieving a high-quality, high-yielding potato harvest requires more than good weather; it depends on smart crop management and the right tools. This includes maximizing in-furrow fungicide applications to protect against the persistent risk of soil-borne diseases in potatoes. 

Why use in-furrow crop protection? 

In-furrow crop protection products help defend establishing potato plants where it matters most: in the soil. By controlling soil-borne threats, they protect stolons, roots, and stems, for a stronger, healthier potato plant and promoting better tuber quality for a more marketable harvest. 

Robust plant stands require managing soil-borne diseases that not only reduce early-season vigor but also threaten tuber quality and storability. Diseases like silver scurf, Rhizoctonia black scurf, pink rot and Verticillium wilt can impact the crop throughout the season. Managing these threats with in-furrow products provides long-lasting protection that helps maintain plant health while improving tuber size, skin finish, storage quality and marketable yields. 

How to get the most out of your in-furrow investment 

In-furrow fungicide applications help protect tuber quality, but as technology evolves, it’s essential to understand and manage the factors you can control to ensure proper application. 

Here are four ways to make your in-furrow investment payoff: 

1. Understand the product  

Different fungicides behave differently in the soil. Before applying, ask your crop input consultant or supplier: 

• Does it move with water? 
• Does it leach? 
• Does it move into the roots? 

Knowing these properties helps you choose the right application method and maximize protection. 

2.  Choose the right nozzle type   

Nozzle placement and type are critical for consistent and accurate product placement. 

• Select a nozzle that matches the coverage needed for your furrow. 
• Compare spray patterns (flat-fan vs. hollow cone or specialized nozzles) to ensure the band covers the furrow. 

3.  Adjust nozzle height for proper band width 

• Target a 6- to 8-inch band to better protect the area where daughter tubers will develop. 
• Raising or lowering the nozzle changes the spray band width significantly—adjust carefully for full coverage. 

4. Consider using two nozzles for better coverage 

• Adding a second nozzle can improve coverage of the furrow. 
• Coverage is especially important for products that have low mobility in soil. 

With the right tools and setup, growers can protect their potatoes from key soil-borne diseases and set crops up for the healthy, high-quality yield every Canadian grower aims for. 

Looking for more information? Explore Syngenta’s in-furrow fungicide solutions like Elatus^®, Orondis^® Gold DC, Amatis™, Quadris^®, and Ridomil Gold^®.  Explore more related articles on our website: Setting nozzles for success, and Establishment: Help your potatoes rise and shine.

Always read and follow label directions. Elatus^®, Orondis®, Quadris®, Ridomil Gold®, and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. Amatis™ is a trademark of VALAGRO S.p.A., a Syngenta Group Company. Elatus® is a co-pack of Elatus® A and Elatus® B fungicides. © 2026 Syngenta.