Fissure Scab, a New Symptom Associated with Potato Common Scab Caused by a Streptomyces sp in South Africa

摘要

Common scab caused by Streptomyces spp. is one of the major factors limiting successful potato (Solanum tuberosum) production in South Africa. Most potato cultivars are susceptible to the disease and huge losses are incurred due to a reduction in cosmetic value. Common scab symptoms that have been reported worldwide are variable, with circular, raised, tan-to-brown, corky lesions being the most common symptoms. However, a distinct atypical symptom was observed in isolated production regions (Western Free State and Mpumalanga) in South Africa since early 2010. Deep longitudinal fissures (3 to 12 mm) containing scab-like lesions were observed on the surface area of tubers from several potato cultivars (Mondial, BP1, and Buffelspoort). Lesions on Mondial were interesting since this cultivar, but not the susceptible BP1 and Buffelspoort cultivars, is tolerant to typical common scab in South Africa. Isolations were made from tuber lesions obtained from the two production regions and were plated onto yeast malt extract medium.