Potato Pest & Disease Management Solutions
Potatoes are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases that can severely impact yield and tuber quality. At AcroTerra, we offer effective solutions for managing these challenges with a wide range of crop protection products and custom multi-active formulations.
Common Potato Diseases & Protective Measures
Late Blight
(Phytophthora infestans)One of the most devastating potato diseases, causing rapid decay of leaves, stems, and tubers under cool, wet conditions, risking total crop loss.
- Dark, water-soaked lesions on leaves and stems, often with yellow halos
- White, cotton-like fungal growth under humid conditions on leaf undersides
- Tuber rot with dark, sunken surface lesions
Early vegetative stage to tuber formation
Mancozeb, Copper-based fungicides, Metalaxyl
Early Blight
(Alternaria solani)Fungal pathogen causing target-spot lesions on leaves and stems, leading to premature defoliation and poor tuber sizing.
- Concentric, dark brown or black circular spots (target rings) on older leaves
- Expanding necrotic lesions leading to leaf yellowing and dieback
- Premature defoliation resulting in reduced tuber bulk
Early to mid-growing season
Azoxystrobin, Chlorothalonil
Common Potato Pests & Field Interventions
Colorado Potato Beetle
(Leptinotarsa decemlineata)Voracious foliage feeder attacking leaves and stems; reduces photosynthesis and vectors harmful plant viruses.
- Severe defoliation of leaves
- Yellowish-orange larvae and striped adult beetles on leaf undersides
- Stunted plant growth and stunted tuber development
Early vegetative stage through tuber maturity
Imidacloprid, Thiamethoxam, Pyrethroids, Spinosad
Potato Aphids
(Macrosiphum euphorbiae)Sap-feeding vectors that weaken vines, cause leaf curling, and transmit destructive potato viruses (PLRV, PVY).
- Yellowing, curling, and wilting of canopy leaves
- Colonies of aphids clustered on undersides of upper leaves
- Sticky honeydew secretion promoting sooty mold growth
Seedling emergence through tuber bulking
Imidacloprid, Acetamiprid, Thiamethoxam
Critical Control Periods for Potato
Seedling to Early Vegetative
Control sap-sucking aphids and apply preventative sprays for early blight
Tuber Formation to Bulking
Intensive scouting and protective treatments against late blight and Colorado potato beetle
Maturation to Pre-Harvest
Maintain vine protection until vine kill; ensure skin set and prevent tuber infection at harvest
Mancozeb, Metalaxyl, Azoxystrobin, Chlorothalonil
Imidacloprid, Thiamethoxam, Acetamiprid, Pyrethroids
Agronomic Notes & Resistance Management
- Yield Loss & Marketability: Diseases like late blight and severe Colorado potato beetle defoliation trigger catastrophic yield reductions. Early blight blemishes reduce table potato marketability and processing grades.
- Virus Transmission: Aphid vectors (Macrosiphum euphorbiae) transmit damaging viral pathogens such as Potato Leafroll Virus (PLRV) and Potato Virus Y (PVY), demanding early-season vector suppression.
- Control Indicators & Early Detection: Maintain weekly field monitoring for water-soaked lesions, undersurface sporulation, and egg clutches on lower leaf surfaces.
- Preventive Chemical Regimen: Apply protective contact fungicides (mancozeb, chlorothalonil) before weather windows favoring blight, switching to systemic chemistries (metalaxyl, azoxystrobin) during rapid canopy expansion.