Bacterial Soft Rot

(Erwinia carotovora pv. carotovora , E.c. pv. atroseptica)

Credits:Biovision-Infonet

The bacteria enters through wounds and cause extensive rotting of potatoes due to degradation of tuber cell walls, often reducing tubers to a smelly pulp. They may also be carried over on tubers, and shoots (stems) emerging from infected tubers. These are blackened and commonly referred as blackleg, and the affected stems subsequently die.

What to do:

• Use resistant varieties where available. This constitutes the best management strategy.
• Use healthy seed tubers and avoid injury to the tubers.
• Avoid excess watering.
• Store and transport tubers in dry, well ventilated conditions.
• Practise field hygiene.