Potato Growing Guide: Potato Scab

Symptoms and Detection of Common Scabies

• Cankers and pustules : Common scab forms raised pustules or sunken cankers on the surface of tubers.
• Brown to light brown spots : Brown or light brown spots appear on the epidermis of the tubers.
• Deep depressions : More or less deep cracks can form on the potatoes.
• No symptoms on the foliage : Unlike other diseases, common scab does not affect the foliage of plants.

Detecting these symptoms is crucial for isolating and managing affected tubers, although they can be eaten after peeling.

Common Scabies Prevention with Patativerse

Crop rotation

Crop rotation is essential to reduce the accumulation of the pathogen in the soil. Patativerse recommends a strict 4- to 5-year rotation to prevent the spread of the disease.

Soil Selection and pH Management

To minimize the risk of common scab, choose heavy, loamy soils, avoiding light, sandy soils. Patativerse recommends maintaining a slightly acidic soil pH (between 5 and 5.2) and limiting the use of lime amendments, as a high pH promotes the development of scab.

Maintaining Humidity

Adequate irrigation during tuber formation helps limit the spread of the disease. Keep the soil moist, especially during the tuber development phase.

Use of Resistant Varieties

Choose resistant varieties, such as 'Amandine', 'Ratte', or 'Roseval', which are less susceptible to common scab. Patativerse offers a range of certified seed potatoes tailored to growers' needs to reduce the risk of infection.

Use of Certified Seeds

Use seeds certified free of common scab to prevent the introduction of the disease into new crops. Patativerse ensures that its seeds are of professional quality, guaranteeing better crop protection.

Green Fertilizers and Organic Matter

Green manures, such as vetch, mustard, or lupin , help improve soil structure and reduce disease pressure. Avoid poorly decomposed organic matter, which can promote the development of common scab.

Management of Affected Tubers

Disposal of Crop Residues

After harvest, it is important to remove all crop residue to reduce sources of infection for subsequent seasons. Patativerse recommends this practice to maintain long-term soil health.

Removal of Infected Tubers

Remove any potentially infected tubers that may remain in the soil. This reduces the risk of spreading the disease to subsequent crops.

Peeling Before Consumption

Tubers affected by common scab can be eaten after careful peeling to remove damaged parts. Patativerse reminds us that the disease does not affect the nutritional or taste quality of potatoes.

Additional Information on Common Scabies

Common scab is caused by bacteria of the genus Streptomyces , which thrive primarily in dry soils and at temperatures between 19 and 24°C. There are two main forms of the disease: pustule scab and cork scab. In the absence of effective curative treatment, it is essential to follow preventive practices to minimize the impact of common scab.

In some countries, phages (viruses that target bacteria) are used to control scab. Although this method is not yet widely used, it represents a promising step forward in the fight against this disease. Patativerse recommends choosing suitable varieties and maintaining healthy soil to grow crops free from common scab.

Patativerse: Your Potato Growing Solutions Provider

Patativerse offers certified and resistant potato plants to ensure a healthy and productive crop, reducing the risk of diseases like common scab. Take advantage of our personalized technical advice , delivery throughout France , and our expertise to protect your crops. Order today and get a free quote within 24 hours for comprehensive and efficient support.