Potato experts at Cambridge-based NIAB, the UK independent plant science company, have warned growers to watch out for an increase in lenticel breakdown in their crop.
Lenticel breakdown can occur in wetter harvesting conditions, which have been experienced in many parts of the country this year.
It develops rapidly among affected potatoes in storage, but will not spread to other potatoes.
As well as depressed brown lesions on the surface of potatoes, NIAB experts are also concerned that the lenticel breakdown symptoms may also be associated with
Erwinia infections.
If Erwinia is found to have taken hold in a crop the breakdown of infected potatoes is even more rapid. In addition, the infection can spread to adjacent potatoes.
David Kenyon, potato pathologist, said: "This harvest has been very difficult for growers and the heightened levels of lenticel breakdown are symptomatic of this. Growers should avoid long term storage of affected tubers, as any Erwinia infection associated with lenticel breakdown may spread."
NIAB has developed tests to confirm lenticel breakdown, and indicate the presence of Erwinia species.
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