Diseases

Blackleg of potato

Solanum tuberosum L.

A bacterial disease of potatoes caused by pectolytic bacteria that affects stems and tubers, leading to their decay.

In the reference 179 varieties crop Potato, where this is mentioned in the description.

The disease is caused by bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family, including the species Pectobacterium atrosepticum, Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum, and the genus Dickeya. The pathogens are classified by species and temperature preferences: members of Dickeya are typically aggressive in warm conditions, whereas P. atrosepticum is more common in cooler climates.

Symptoms on the aerial parts include yellowing and upward rolling of leaves, thinning and blackening of the stem base, which easily separates from the roots. In tubers, the disease manifests as soft rot starting from the stolon end, where the flesh acquires a slimy consistency and a foul odor.

Resistance to blackleg is a polygenic trait with an additive inheritance pattern. There are no varieties with absolute resistance, therefore breeding work is based on the use of wild species, such as Solanum chacoense or S. berthaultii, and the assessment of complex field resistance.

General information about the subject — on the page Blackleg.

Sources8

Varieties of Potato mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.