Tuber rots, bacterial soft rot and lenticel rot, can be caused by Pectobacterium species, often P. carotovorum or P. atrosepticum, and may also be associated with other pectolytic bacteria, like Dickeya spp. Wounds and natural openings on tubers (lenticels, eyes, stem attachment) are common points of entry for bacteria.
Soft rot symptoms can be observed in the field, at harvest, or in storage. As the infection progresses, the tuber flesh decays and becomes cream-to-tan, and there is often a black border between healthy and rotting tissue. Lenticel rot causes tan-to-dark brown, circular, water-soaked spots surrounding lenticels. It does not usually extend more than about 4 mm into the tuber.
Bacterial tuber rots are often associated with warm soil temperatures and excessive soil moisture. Monitor soil moisture levels daily and avoid overwatering. Water needs decrease significantly when vines and roots are senescing, so irrigation should be adjusted accordingly. In the last several weeks of growth, allow soil moisture to deplete to 70-75% of the available water holding capacity before irrigating.
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