Many common seed-borne potato diseases can be avoided simply by purchasing and planting certified seed. Included is a brief description of diseases that home gardeners frequently encounter and suggestions for control. Note that the control measures include management practices to observe for the entire season, even before planting. It is best to avoid conditions that favor disease development. Common scab can be a problem on tubers harvested form the home garden.
Dry conditions enhance scab development, especially early in the growing season.
Proper water management should greatly reduce the potential for scab development. Scab can be particularly severe in soils with a high organic matter content. Avoid planting potatoes in soil recently treated with animal manure. In gardens where scab has been a problem in the past, consider planting a scab-resistant variety. Scab is strictly an appearance problem and does not affect potato quality.