Causal Organism Ring rot is caused by the bacterium Clavibacter michiganense subsp. Ring-rot bacteria survive between seasons mainly in infected seed tubers. They are also capable of surviving 2-5 years in dried slime on surfaces of crates, bins, burlap sacks, or harvesting and grading machinery, even if exposed to temperatures well below freezing. Survival is longest under cool, dry conditions. Ring-rot bacteria do not survive in soil in the absence of potato debris, but can survive from season to season in volunteer potato plants.
Wounds are necessary for penetration of the bacteria into seed pieces.
The pathogen is easily transmitted from diseased tubers to healthy seed pieces during the seed-cutting process. A knife that cuts one infected tuber can spread these bacteria to the next 20-100 seed pieces. Likewise, the bacteria may be spread during planting, particularly if a picker-type planter is used. Ring-rot bacteria can be moved in irrigation water and by chewing insects, such as Colorado potato beetles and flea beetles. After the bacteria become established in a plant, they multiply and move throughout the plant via the water-conducting tissues.