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Blackleg - Erwinia caratova
 HOSTS: Potatoes (subspecies of this
bacterium affect other crops including sugar beets and sunflowers).
DESCRIPTION: Inky,
black decay which starts at the tuber and progresses up into stems.
Plants yellow and wilt. Leaves roll upwards at the margins.
LIFE CYCLE: Seed
tubers transmit the disease, but the bacteria may also overwinter in
infected crop debris. The disease is favored by moist soil and cool
temperatures (60 – 65° F.).
CONTROLS: Plant in
well-drained raised beds. Avoid excess irrigation. Treat seed tubers.
Remove and destroy infected plants.
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