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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