Blackleg

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Blackleg
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Blackleg in a potato caused by Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. atrosepticum
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Bacteria
Phylum: Proteobacteria
Class: Gamma Proteobacteria
Order: Enterobacteriales
Family: Enterobacteriaceae
Genus: Pectobacterium
Species: P. carotovorum subsp. atrosepticum
Synonyms
Black leg

Blackleg (Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. atrosepticum) attacks potatoes early in the season and is worst in heavy soils and rainy weather.[1]

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Tell-tale sign is the blackening of the stems at and below ground level. The leaves turn yellow and wilt; eventually the haulm withers.[1]

Treatment[edit | edit source]

None. Lift and destroy affected plants.[1]

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Never plant seed tubers that are soft and rotten. The practice of cutting seed tuber in half to make them go further increases the risk of attack.[1]

Examples[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. a b c d Hessayon, D.G. (2009). The Vegetable & Herb Expert. Transworld Publishers, London. p. 84. ISBN 9780903505468