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Potato Scab Photo Identification

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  • Pest Type: Disease
  • Crops Affected: Potatoes
  • Scientific Name: Streptomyces scabies
Symptoms
This disease primarily affects tuber quality, with little effect on yield and storability. Tubers show unsightly brown discoloration, which may consist of a few spots or complete coverage of the surface. Scab appears as superficial or raised corky spots.

Disease Cycle
This disease can be seed piece-borne, debris-borne, and soilborne. The scab bacteria survive indefinitely in soil and invade through lenticels during the early weeks of tuber development. Dry, alkaline soil conditions during early tuber formation favor scab development.

Control Measures
Plant scab-free tubers and avoid short rotations with scab-susceptible crops, which in addition to potatoes includes beets, carrots, and other root vegetables. Use resistant varieties and/or use treated seed pieces. Maintain good soil moisture levels and if manure is used, make sure it is well rotted. Soil acidification may also reduce common scab.



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