Potato Silver Scurf

Potato silver scurf Common name Potato silver scurf Causal agent Potato silver scurf is a fungal disease caused by the fungus Helminthosporium solani. The lesions appear commonly on red-skinned varieties and russet-skinned tubers. Scientific name Helminthosporium solani Symptoms & Signs Grayish-brown spots initially appear on the stems and end of the tubers, eventually covering the entire surface of the tubers as the disease progresses. The lesions look shiny and have comparatively dark borders. They contain spores that help in the spread of the disease. Infected crops also suffer from shrinkage and water loss. The infected potatoes may turn brown during storage and lose the outer periderm. Transmission Potato silver scurf disease spreads via spores that travel to healthy crops by means of air, water, and soil. The growth of the fungus is favored by high humidity, greater than 90%, and temperature greater than 4 degrees C. Time of concern Throughout the crops growing season Common hosts Potatoes