Black Scurf Potatoes

Rhizoctonia solani

Causal organism – Rhizoctonia solani. Black scurf manifests itself as raised black encrustations on potato tubers. These are the resting bodies (sclerotia) of fungus. Being unsightly, Black scurf is very visible once potatoes are washed and requires grading out of high value pre-pack market lines.

Related Pests

Stem Canker

Rhizoctonia solani

Stem canker results from early season infections from Rhizoctonia solani on potato crops. The fungus attacks emerging stems causing characteristic browning /blackening symptoms on stems inside the moulds. Often results in delayed emergence and in severe cases can kill stems resulting in gappy crops. Infected plants also have reduced yields, misshapen tubers, uneven tuber sizing and reduced internal tuber quality.

Late Blight

Phytophthora infestans

Late blight (Phytophthora infestans) is a devastating disease of potatoes that can completely destroy the crop foliage and severely reduce yields. Leaf lesions enlarge into brown spots that are not limited by leaf veins. White sporulation can develop on the underside of leaves. Under ideal conditions (high humidity, mild temperatures and leaf wetness) late blight epidemics can rapidly develop.

Potato Tuber Moth

Phthorimaea operculella

Potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella) is an issue for potato growers throughout New Zealand. The larvae can mine leaves but the major challenge is in the dry season when the soil cracks and adults can directly access and lay eggs on the tubers. The larvae then burrow into the tubers rendering them unmarketable and causing rots in storage.