ABSTRACT
Non-infectious disorders affecting potatoes Andrew P. Robinson, North Dakota State University and University of Minnesota, USA
1 Introduction
2 External disorders
3 Superficial disorders
4 Internal disorders
5 Case study
6 Conclusion and future trends
7 Where to look for further information
8 References
Providing high-quality potatoes is a complex task which is made more complicated by a range of non-infectious disorders which can reduce the quality and marketability of potato tubers. Physiological disorders of potato tubers are caused by abiotic conditions rather than by pathogenic organisms. They are non-infectious and do not spread from plant to plant or tuber to tuber. Although some diseases or chemicals may accentuate physiological disorders, most disorders are the results of imbalances within the plant caused by environmental stresses. Some physiological disorders can lead to secondary pathogens gaining entry into tubers. While some physiological disorders can mimic the effects of pathogens, it is important to positively identify the cause of the problem so that proper treatment can be utilized.
