Dry Rot
Fusarium spp (4 different species have been identified)
Pathogen
Fungus
Hosts
Potatoes
Symptoms
Concentric wrinkles develop on the tuber skin with white, pink or blue fungal patches. The rot inside the tuber is usually pale brown in colour with an undefined margin.
Development
The fungus is carried on seed tubers and can also survive in the soil for up to 7 years. Tubers are infected when inoculum in soil is impacted into wounds. Rotting usually develops late in storage as the temperature begins to rise.
Favourable Factors
Warm, humid storage conditions (12 - 20C).
Importance
One of the most important storage diseases of potatoes in the UK. In the growing crop a problem causing uneven emergence, reduced yields and variable tuber sizes.
Control
There are no resistant varieties, but information on less susceptible varieties is available on the National List.
Rotation of at least 5 years
Plant disease free seed tubers
Minimise mechanical damage
Ensure a good skin set before lifting
Store in cool, dry conditions
Treating with fungicides may reduce disease incidence after lifting
