Introduction

Potatoes are a staple food in many parts of the world, providing essential nutrients and serving as a key ingredient in numerous dishes. However, potato crops are vulnerable to a variety of diseases that can significantly impact yield and quality. Effective disease management is crucial for ensuring healthy potato production and sustaining agricultural productivity. In this blog, we will explore common potato diseases, their symptoms, and practical management strategies to help farmers and gardeners protect their crops. By understanding and implementing these disease control measures, you can enhance the health and productivity of your potato fields, ensuring a bountiful harvest.

Brown rot or Bangle blight: Ralstonia solanacearum

Symptom:

At the time tuber formation wilt is the main characteristic symptom.

In leaf symptom -wilt, stunt and yellowing.

Browning of xylem tissue.

Eye buds are black in colour.

Bacteria ooze coming on infected tuber surface and emits a foul odour.

Mode of spread and survival:

Infected soil and seed tubers form the main source of the primary infection.

Brown rot affected plant parts decay and release masses of bacteria in the soil where these may remain viable from season to season.

The bacteria in the soil are disseminated by wind from one field to the other.

The infection usually occurs through wounds in the root system.

Management:

Crop rotation of wheat along with potato Use resistant varieties like Solanum pujera

Post-harvest tuber rots: Sclerotium rolfsii

Symptom:

Wilting is the initial symptom.

Yellowish brown coloured Sclerotia appeared on the infected tuber.

Rotting of the tuber.

Milky white and floccose appearance of the tuber.

Mode of spread and survival:

The mycelium and sclerotia of the organism subsist in the soil and are responsible for the infection of the crop.

The pathogen is disseminated with infected soil, in running water and on farm implements.

Mycelium and sclerotia may also be carried to soil with the seed tubers.

In dry soil sclerotia can remain viable for more than two years.

 

Management:

Treating seeds with mercury compounds after harvest reduces tuber rot.

Treating the furrows at planting with PCNB @ 15kg/ ha reduces the disease incidence.

The disease is low in the variety Kufri Sindhuri.

Among the Indian commercial cultivars, Kufri Bahar, Kufri Chamatkar, Kufri Jyothi, Kufri Muthu and Kufri Swarna are resistant.

The disease can be controlled to a certain extent by growing non susceptible crops like corn and sorghum.

Summary

Potato farmers beware! Two destructive diseases threaten your harvest. Brown Rot, a bacterial villain, causes wilting and discolours potato tubers. Fight back by rotating crops with wheat, planting resistant potato varieties, and keeping fields clean to starve the bacteria. However, the fight doesn't end at harvest. Post-harvest Tuber Rots, a fungal foe, can cause wilting, rotting, and unsightly growths on stored potatoes. Fortunately, treating seeds with fungicides and choosing resistant varieties can minimize infection. Consider rotating crops with corn or sorghum for added protection. By employing these strategies, potato growers can ensure a bountiful harvest and minimize costly post-harvest losses.