Blackleg and Soft Rot potato disease
Blackleg of potato plants and soft rot of tubers are widely distributed potatoes diseases that are especially harmful in humid climates. Erwinia carotovora ssp. carotovora usually occurs in warm climates, E. c. ssp. atroseptica in cool climates, and E. chrysanthemi only in hot climates.
Symptoms of Blackleg and Soft Rot
Blackleg can occur at any stage of development when moisture is excessive. Black, slimy lesions most often progress up the stem from the soft, rotted mother tuber. New tubers sometimes rot at the stolon end. Young plants are commonly stunted and erect.
Yellowing and upward rolling of leaflets may occur, often followed by wilting and death.
Soft rot bacteria may infect lenticels when tuber surfaces are wet, causing circular depressed areas, from which rot may spread rapidly while tubers are in transit or storage. Soft rot in the field or in storage often follows mechanical tuber injury or injury caused by pests and diseases. Affected tissues become wet and cream to tan colour and soft, and are easily separated from healthy tissue.
Management
Avoid planting in wet soils and do not over irrigate. Harvest tubers when ripe, handle them gently, and do not leave them exposed to sun. Tubers must be dry prior to storage or shipping. Some varieties are more resistant than others.
Blackleg can occur at any stage of development when moisture is excessive. Black, slimy lesions most often progress up the stem from the soft, rotted mother tuber. New tubers sometimes rot at the stolon end. Young plants are commonly stunted and erect.
Yellowing and upward rolling of leaflets may occur, often followed by wilting and death.
Soft rot bacteria may infect lenticels when tuber surfaces are wet, causing circular depressed areas, from which rot may spread rapidly while tubers are in transit or storage. Soft rot in the field or in storage often follows mechanical tuber injury or injury caused by pests and diseases. Affected tissues become wet and cream to tan colour and soft, and are easily separated from healthy tissue.
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