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Is this potato blackleg?

Hello
Assuming no repeat of recent photo upload problems, do my potatoes have blackleg and if so what should I do? The first sign was what looked like a droopy plant from lack of water but I noticed the stem was black and soft. We have just had high winds and some of the stems got damaged so I wondered if that might be the cause.
The summer up here has been really dry so the soil isnt waterlogged, in fact I have had to water the plants reasonably often. Also the tubers were fine, not cut or soft when planted
All advice welcome

No longer newish but can't think of a new name so will remain forever newish.  B) 

Posts

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    It certainly looks like it.
  • So do I need to dig up affected plants or should it not spread? It currently affects a plant at either end of the row, not neighbouring ones
    No longer newish but can't think of a new name so will remain forever newish.  B) 

  • Assuming that this is Blackleg,..you would have blackening of the stems at and below ground level,..leaves turning yellow and wilting,..there is no treatment for this other than lifting and burning the diseased plants.

    If as in your case it has only infected a plant at either end of the row  and not the neighboring ones you may be lucky,..just dig up and burn the infected ones,..then fingers crossed that's the end of the infection,..i hope there is no further infection.

    Just a note,..there are a few diseases or infections that resemble Blackleg,..slightly,..
    Rosy Rustic Moth,..Potato Cyst Eelworm,..where lower leaves and stems rot away starting at the base.

    I used to grow Organic Potato for sale.
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