Skip to main content

Epidemiology and control of potato powdery scab in Finland

Kuorirokko kuriin

Powdery scab is an important disease and quality problem in potato crops worldwide. It is caused by a plasmodiophorid pathogen, Spongospora subterranea, which also acts as a vector of potato mop top virus (PMTV). In Finland, the problems caused by powdery scab have increased in recent years. Due to climate change, both powdery scab and potato mop top are likely to become more prevalent in future, and new control measures are urgently needed. The aim of the project is to investigate the epidemiology of powdery scab in Finland, focusing in particular on the factors that are expected to influence the occurrence and development of the disease in Finnish conditions. Information produced will help to find new methods to manage powdery scab and to also reduce the impact of PMTV.