Diseases are here listed under the season in which they are generally first noticed. Dry rot is caused by pink, yellow, white, or gray fungi that can be seen in cavities in tubers. Rotting seed pieces in the field cause missing hills. Treating seed by dipping in a fungicide prevents spread during cutting and planting. Consult the label for dosage rates and safety precautions.
Soft rot is caused by bacteria that break tubers down in a soft, slimy, stinking decay.
Rot organisms are present in seed and soil, but they enter only injured tubers. Decaying seed and low, wet soil decrease stands. Infection may spread to new shoots causing Blackleg. Whole seed or cut seed healed before planting improves stands. Blackleg, Erwinia carotova var.