Internal potato tuber defects: Hollow heart and heat necrosis

Hollow heart, depending on its severity, is also called brown center. Hollow heart is characterized by the formation of an irregular cavity in the flesh of the tuber, usually surrounded by dark brown tissues. Heat necrosis is also referred to as internal brown and internal necrosis, which is characterized by small, brown, necrotic lesions or spots inside the vascular ring of the tuber.

Pink eye of potato

Pink eye is a disorder of potato tubers that can cause costly storage losses for potato growers and can reduce tuber quality to the point where tubers will be rejected by potato processors. Pink eye not only directly affects tubers, but also makes tubers more susceptible to diseases such as Pythium leak, bacterial soft rot, pink rot, and Fusarium dry rot. These diseases cause additional storage losses and reduction in quality.

Late-Season Management of Black Dot and Silver Scurf in Wisconsin Potatoes

As the potato harvest season advances, late-season tuber diseases are of concern. Two diseases in particular—black dot (Colletotrichum coccodes) and silver scurf (Helminthosporium solani)—can diminish tuber quality, reduce storability, and lead to post-harvest losses. Managing these diseases requires careful attention in the late season, as cultural and harvest practices can influence disease.

Deep frost this winter limits risk of potato volunteers

This winter of 2024-2025 was markedly different than the last in terms of air and soil temperature and risk of potato volunteer survival. As per the University of Wisconsin Climatology Office, the winter saw minimal snowpack and sustained subfreezing conditions through early to mid-February, and frost extended deep into the ground until the mid-February snowstorms added insulation. These conditions further slowed frost progression despite subzero temperatures in some areas.

Potato Late Blight Fungicides

This document contains a list of fungicides registered for control of potato late blight in Wisconsin. In furrow and seed treatment registrations are omitted. Not a comprehensive list. Most fungicides listed are for use in conventional systems. Where generic fungicide trade names are listed, there may be numerous.