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| Potato Scab |
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Common scab appears on the tuber skin as slightly raised, scabby patches, the skin then breaks leaving the scabs with rough edges.
It is caused by soil organisms.
Potatoes grown on light sandy soils that are a deficient of organic matter are most susceptible.
Infection is usually superficial and the potatoes are fit to eat.
To control it, it is important to plant unblemished seed potatoes and to practice crop rotation.
The condition tends to be worse on heavily limed soils and under dry conditions.
Add organic matter to the soil to improve water retention and water during dry weather.
There are no chemical controls available to the amateur gardener.
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