Potatoes
Solanum tuberosum
Versatile root vegetable grown for its starchy tubers
Growing Conditions
- Full sun
- Loose, well-draining soil
- Cool to moderate temperatures
- Regular watering
- Hilling as plants grow
Common Problems
Late Blight
Cause:
Fungal disease (Phytophthora infestans) thriving in wet conditions
Solution:
Remove infected plants, improve air circulation, apply copper-based fungicides if organic, practice crop rotation
Organic Treatments:
None - fungal issue
Synthetic Treatments:
None - fungal issue
Visual Description:
Dark brown to black water-soaked spots on leaves, stems develop dark brown lesions, white fuzzy growth appears on leaf undersides in humid conditions. Tubers show reddish-brown to purplish areas of rot.
Scab
Cause:
Bacterial infection (Streptomyces scabies) favored by alkaline soil
Solution:
Lower soil pH to 5.2-5.5, plant resistant varieties, ensure good drainage, rotate crops
Organic Treatments:
Sulfur to lower pH
Synthetic Treatments:
Aluminum sulfate to lower pH
Visual Description:
Rough, corky, raised or sunken brown patches on tuber skin. Lesions can be circular or irregular, ranging from superficial to deep pits.
Green Tubers
Cause:
Exposure to sunlight causing solanine development
Solution:
Hill soil around plants regularly, maintain 4-6 inches of soil coverage
Organic Treatments:
None - cultural issue
Synthetic Treatments:
None - cultural issue
Visual Description:
Tubers develop green patches under skin, particularly near eyes. Color ranges from light to dark green, indicating toxic solanine development.
Colorado Potato Beetle Damage
Cause:
Beetle infestation feeding on foliage
Solution:
Handpick beetles, use row covers, apply organic insecticides like neem oil or spinosad
Organic Treatments:
None - pest issue
Synthetic Treatments:
None - pest issue
Visual Description:
Yellow-orange beetles with black stripes. Leaves show extensive chewing damage, often stripped to veins. Red-orange larvae also present on undersides of leaves.
Hollow Heart
Cause:
Irregular water supply and rapid growth
Solution:
Maintain consistent soil moisture, proper spacing
Organic Treatments:
Balance with phosphorus and potassium
Synthetic Treatments:
NPK balanced fertilizer with emphasis on P and K
Visual Description:
Brown hollow cavity in center of tuber, typically star or angular shaped. External appearance normal but internal hollow visible when cut.
Early Blight
Cause:
Fungal disease (Alternaria solani) in warm, humid conditions
Solution:
Remove infected leaves, improve air circulation, apply organic fungicides
Organic Treatments:
None - fungal issue
Synthetic Treatments:
None - fungal issue
Visual Description:
Dark brown concentric rings on leaves forming target-like patterns. Lower leaves affected first, yellowing and dropping. Can cause dark lesions on stems.
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