Investigations into the occurrence of silver scurf (Helminthosporium solani)

The disease often spreads rapidly on seemingly healthy tubers after a few weeks of storage, manifesting as a silvery-gray, mottled appearance of the skin and leading to a reduction in quality. Even more problematic, however, is the fact that heavily infested seeds germinate much less readily and, in severe cases, may not germinate at all. Therefore, it is crucial to understand variety-specific susceptibility and to eliminate the factors responsible for the transmission and rapid spread of silver scurf.
This project combines various studies on silver scurf, with each project partner contributing their specific expertise. The cooperation partner will conduct investigations into the occurrence of silver scurf in the individual varieties within the variety trials and examine the silver scurf pathotypes found in the agronomic trials.
The BAL Gumpenstein will, on the one hand, conduct an agronomic trial with different varieties using treated and untreated seed – with support from leading plant protection companies – paying particular attention to the quality of the tubers at harvest time. A storage trial will also be carried out at a farmer's farm who simultaneously produces potato seed. Careful observation of the stored tubers over the winter months and documentation of the storage conditions will be used to try to control the problem of silver scurf.