kartulipõletiku

Kartulipõletik, also known as potato blight, is a destructive plant disease that affects potato crops. It is caused by the oomycete Phytophthora infestans, a pathogen that thrives in cool, damp conditions. The disease can rapidly spread through a field, causing significant damage to both the foliage and the tubers.

Symptoms of potato blight typically appear as water-soaked lesions on the leaves, which quickly enlarge and turn brown or black. White, fuzzy growth may be visible on the underside of the leaves in humid weather, indicating the presence of the pathogen's sporangia. Infected stems can become discolored and brittle. On the tubers, blight manifests as purplish-brown, firm lesions that can penetrate deep into the flesh. Secondary bacterial infections can also occur, leading to soft, rot.

The disease is believed to have originated in Mexico and spread globally, famously contributing to the Great Famine in Ireland in the 1840s. Phytophthora infestans reproduces both sexually and asexually, and its spores can be dispersed by wind and rain. Favorable conditions for its development include high humidity, moderate temperatures, and the presence of susceptible potato varieties.

Management of potato blight involves a combination of strategies. This includes planting disease-resistant potato varieties, crop rotation to reduce pathogen buildup in the soil, and maintaining good field hygiene. Fungicides are often applied as a preventative measure or at the first sign of infection to control the spread of the disease. Careful monitoring of weather patterns and timely application of treatments are crucial for effective control.