Potato

Solanum tuberosum

Vegetable

Overview

Potato is a major vegetable and staple food crop. It is primarily a Rabi crop grown in cool weather conditions.

Common Pests

Potato Tuber Moth (Phthorimaea operculella)

Symptoms:

Mines/tunnels in tubers in field and storage; larvae inside causing total quality loss.

ICAR-Licensed Pheromone Trap for White Grub

Aphids (Myzus persicae)

Symptoms:

Colonies on undersides of leaves; curl leaves; transmit potato virus X and Y causing yield loss.

ICAR Licensed Shatpada Fruit Fly Trap - for Mango, Guava & Vegetables

Common Diseases

Late Blight (Phytophthora infestans)

Symptoms:

Water-soaked lesions on leaves turning dark brown; white sporulation on undersides; complete haulm collapse; tuber rot.

Treatment:

Apply Bordeaux mixture (1%) or copper-based organic fungicide at FIRST sign of infection.

Early Blight (Alternaria solani)

Symptoms:

Target-spot lesions with concentric rings on older/lower leaves; upward progression.

Treatment:

Use neem-based organic fungicide spray; remove heavily infected foliage.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type Sandy loam, Well-drained

Optimum pH 5.0–6.5 (slightly acidic optimal)

Potato's underground tubers require porous, well-drained sandy loam soil for proper expansion and to prevent rotting. Clay or compacted soils produce misshapen tubers and increase disease. Add organic matter to improve structure and water retention balance.