Powdery scab

The powdery ( Spongospora subterranea ) is a disease caused by fungi of the potato.

Symptoms and Biology

In humid mounting positions and in wet years the powdery occurs. The spores can survive in soil for several years. The distribution is, however, mainly through infected seed tubers. The infection can happen but also on roots and stolons. The infestation sites include under the popped bark dark spore material. Ultimately, only into small " korkige ", bordered by torn pieces of skin indentations. The tubers are strongly deformed, rotten easily and are difficult to use for animal feed. The fungus can be carriers of the mop -top virus that causes the inside of the tuber necrosis.

Combat

The spread of this disease is low in Central Europe. Therefore, little information is available to combat it. In susceptible growing regions (eg Scotland, Scandinavia ) long crop rotations must be respected (at least 5 years). Through the selection of healthy planting material and less susceptible varieties, the infestation risk can also be minimized. Dressing the planting material and the chemical treatment of the soil can also be made to control the disease. To waterlogging -prone soils should drained for growing potatoes ( drained ) are.