Prevalence of different foliar and tuber diseases on different varieties of potato

Abstract

Background: Potato is a starchy and tuberous crop from the perennial Solanum tuberosum of the Solanaceae family. The annually consumed diet of an average global citizen in the first decade of the 21st century included about 33 kg (73 lbs) of potato. Potato has become an important strategic vegetable crop of Pakistan. Therefore, potato health management has assumed new proportions which require continuous monitoring and mapping of the disease problems in the country.

Methodology: In this study thirty genotypes of potato were evaluated for resistance/tolerance against foliar and tuber diseases. The trial was conducted in accordance with randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and the results were statistically analyzed. Different normal agronomic and plant protection measures were carried out in the crop. Data regarding disease incidence was recorded.

Results: Results indicated soil and seed borne diseases are most widespread and are likely to become major threat to potato production in Pakistan. Among these stem canker (Rhizoctonia solani) and black scurf, fusarium wilt and common scab (Streptomyces scabies) are major diseases and present in almost all production zones. Among viral diseases, potato leaf roll virus (PLRV) was the major disease. Mop top virus has been also found on some genotypes. Significant correlation was reported among emergence percentage, potato leaf roll virus, early blight of potato, black leg, potato virus Y (PVY), fusarium wilt, rhizocotonia and potato yield.

Conclusion: It was found that emergence percentage was significantly correlated with PLRV, PVY, fusarium wilt, rhizocotonia and potato yield while negative and significant correlation was reported for black leg and cracking. The significant correlations indicated that emergence was greatly affected by attack of different pathogens and potato yield also decreased due to loss of emergence.