Potato Scab

Potato Scab:
This disease, caused by a bacteria-like organism, affects potatoes all over the United States. Brown, corky areas or pits cover the outside of the tubers. Neutral and alkaline soils encourage the development of scab. Other susceptible crops include beets, turnips, carrots, rutabagas, and parsnips, although scab is usually not a serious problem on these.

Prevention And Control:
Plant resistant potato varieties. Keep the soil pH below 5.2. Use a 3-year rotation between susceptible crops. Avoid using fresh manure in the potato patch because it may carry scab-causing organisms.

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Disease information provided by NationalGardening.com, the online publisher of the National Gardening Association.

Photo courtesy of University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dept. of Plant Pathology.