Pathogen

Actinomycete (closely related to a bacterium)

Hosts

Potatoes, beetroot, radishes, carrots, turnips, swedes and a range of weed species.

Symptoms

Shallow and irregular blemishes on the tuber, occasionally with a raised appearance. Deep cracking and pits develop in severe cases.

Development

The main source of the disease is infected soil. It exists as a free-living organism which infects tissue via lenticels (pores in the tuber surface) or wounds caused by machinery or pests. Infection occurs soon after tuber initiation and the plant responds by producing loose corky tissue which enlarges to form scabs as the tuber swells. It does not develop and spread in storage.

Favourable Factors

Dry, warm soil conditions and light alkaline soils.

Importance

A commonly occuring disease of potato tubers and although it may not affect their yield, it can reduce their market value because infected tubers are less attractive and it can lead to considerable peeling wastage.

Control

• Information on less susceptible varieties is available on the National List

• Avoid raising soil pH levels with lime prior to growing potatoes

• Plant disease free tubers

• Irrigate when soil moisture is high and allow the crop to dry out before harvest

• There is no chemical treatment available