How to Manage Pests

UC Pest Management Guidelines

SYMPTOMS

Tubers infected with powdery scab develop small purplish brown pustules about 0.06 inch (1.5 mm) in diameter. The pustules typically become raised, brown, and wartlike as they enlarge to about 0.37 inch (9 mm) in diameter and rupture the tuber periderm. Powdery scab lesions on tubers may be confused with lesions of common scab, and laboratory confirmation of powdery scab is advised. Microscopic observation of mature powdery scab lesions typically reveals diagnostic dark brown spore balls of the causal fungus. In addition to tuber symptoms, S. subterranea causes galls on roots and stolons. Foliage symptoms have not been observed in California.

COMMENTS ON THE DISEASE

The inoculum that initiates powdery scab can originate from infected seed tubers or infested soil. Once Spongospora subterranea is introduced into a soil, its resting spores survive indefinitely (3 to 10 years). The pathogen can also persist in noncomposted manure from animals that have fed on infested tubers. When done properly, however, composting can apparently destroy infective inoculum of S. subterranea. In the presence of susceptible potato roots, resting spores can germinate and release swimming zoospores that infect the host. Infection and disease development are favored by cool, wet conditions.

MANAGEMENT

Powdery scab can be minimized by using good cultural practices. Avoid planting seed tubers affected by powdery scab. Avoid planting potatoes on sites with a history of the disease. Russet varieties show less tuber damage than smooth, red- and white-skinned varieties; russet-skinned varieties rarely show tuber symptoms although root galls are common. Susceptibility varies among red and white varieties. Rotations out of potatoes for 3 or more years may be beneficial on some infested sites. Do not use noncomposted manure from animals that have fed on tubers infested with the pathogen. Plant in well-drained soils, and avoid overirrigation. In fields with a history of powdery scab, preplant chemigation with metam sodium can reduce disease in a subsequent crop of potatoes.

Common name		Amount/Acre	R.E.I.+	P.H.I.+
(trade name)			(hours)	(days)
When choosing a pesticide, consider information relating to the impact on environmental quality Not all registered pesticides are listed. Always read label of product being used.
A.	METAM SODIUM*
	(Vapam, Sectagon)	37.5–75 gal	48	0
	(Metam Sodium)	50–100 gal	48	0
	COMMENTS: Follow manufacturer recommendations on waiting interval between treatment and planting. Fumigants such as metam sodium are a source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are a major air quality issue. Fumigate only as a last resort when other management strategies have not been successful or are not available.
+  Restricted entry interval (R.E.I.) is the number of hours (unless otherwise noted) from treatment until the treated area can be safely entered without protective clothing. Preharvest interval (P.H.I.) is the number of days from treatment to harvest. In some cases the REI exceeds the PHI. The longer of two intervals is the minimum time that must elapse before harvest. * Permit required from county agricultural commissioner for purchase or use.

PUBLICATION

UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Potato
UC ANR Publication 3463
Diseases
R. M. Davis, Plant Pathology, UC Davis
J. Nuñez, UC Cooperative Extension, Kern Co.
B. J. Aegerter, UC Cooperative Extension, San Joaquin Co.
Acknowledgment for contributions to the disease section:
C. Smart, Plant Pathology, UC Davis

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