Controls include treating seed tubers, avoiding planting in cold soils, and using disease-free seed. Scab is caused by an actinomycete that spreads rapidly in dry alkaline soils. Rotted areas of infected tubers are cream to dark tan with a distinct, dark border between healthy and infected tissue. The rotted tissue is soft, mushy and can be easily be rinsed away with water. The bacteria is seedborne, soilborne and spread by unsanitary equipment.
Soft rot has no odor.
Controls include using disease-free seed, preventing bruising of tubers, treating and suberizing seed pieces, warming seed and practicing good sanitation. Areas of infection are cream to dark tan with a distinct, dark border between healthy and infected tissue. The rotted tissue is soft, mushy and can be easily be rinsed away with water. The bacteria is soilborne and spread by contact. Soft rot has no odor.