Seed Borne Late Blight of Potato

Planting of potato seed pieces infected with Phytophthora infestans can lead to the introduction of late blight within a planting. When infected seed pieces are planted, there are three resulting scenarios: (i) a healthy plant emerges, (ii) no plant emerges because of the rapid decay of the seed piece, or (iii) a symptomatic plant emerges. A major factor favoring stand establishment and seed transmission is the severity of seed piece infection. When infection is severe, stand is compromised and transmission rate is low. When infection is mild, the plant emerges before the seed piece decays and, in some instances, the pathogen makes its way from the seed piece to the plant where a stem lesion is formed. Diseased seed tubers are the principle source of late blight inoculum for infection of healthy seed pieces. Treatment of infected or blighted seed tubers with a seed dressing with activity against P. infestans is not a viable tactic because the products are ineffective against established infections. Conversely, treatment of healthy seed pieces provides a high level of protection against late blight spores that are spread during the seed handling and planting operations. Optimum effectiveness is achieved when products are applied immediately following cutting, as none are effective against established infections. Seed treatment reduces the risk of seed transmission of late blight and enhances stand establishment and plant vigor. This tactic should be an important component of an integrated late blight management program. Accepted for publication 16 January 2002. Published 29 January 2002.