A new potato tuber disease has been observed in the Tulelake region, California, USA, since 1995, with tuber symptoms suggestive of silver scurf disease (Helminthosporium solani). In this work we isolated, identified and demonstrated the nature of the causal agent of this potato disease in California. In addition, the distribution of H. solani in potato fields and the inoculum potential at harvest time were investigated. Disease progress and H. solani spore populations were also characterised under commercial storage conditions. The main fungal genera associated with potato tubers in storage were Helminthosporium solani, Colletotrichum sp., Fusarium sp., and Rhizoctonia sp. The results of Koch's postulates indicated that H. solani is responsible for the... |