Plant only disease-free tubers. A 4-year crop rotation which includes soybeans and alfalfa, can decrease disease severity. This disease is favored by low soil moisture. Proper irrigation can help control it. It is important to keep the field moist when potato tubers are actively growing, especially 4 to 9 weeks after tuber set.
Nutrient levels can also affect the development of disease.
Keeping the pH of the soil between 5.0 and 5.3 can decrease significantly the level of disease in susceptible varieties. This has been done by adding sulfur in some cases. See current recommendations for chemical control measures. Hooker, W.J. 1981. W. J. Hooker, ed.