Potato Pests, Diseases and Physiological disorders

The Andean potato weevil severely threatens highland potato farming, causing up to 100% yield loss. Climate change, poor detection, limited IPM adoption and pesticide resistance worsen its impact, demanding sustainable, community-based management solutions.

Any and all disorders and diseases of potato plants and tubers, whether caused by a biological agent (fungus, bacteria, virus, nemetode, insect, etc) or environmental (temperature, mechanical, oxygen availability, herbicide, etc)

The armyworm is a rapidly spreading, highly adaptive pest damaging potato foliage and tubers worldwide. Its resistance, migration and climate resilience cause severe yield losses, economic strain and management challenges for farmers.

Pectobacterium induced blackleg and soft rot severely impact global potato production, causing up to 50% yield loss. Latent infections, resistance, co-infections, climate change and poor seed certification complicate control, especially in smallholder systems.

Potato brown rot, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is a devastating, soil-borne bacterial disease affecting potatoes and solanaceous crops worldwide. It spreads via soil, water and contaminated tubers, causing wilting, tuber decay, yield loss and major economic impact.

Cutworms (Agrotis spp.) are major nocturnal pests of potatoes, cutting stems and damaging tubers, causing 20–80% yield loss. Found globally, they thrive in weedy, moist soils. IPM with cultural, biological and chemical control is key to sustainable management.

Flea beetles are small beetles and jump easily in the foliage of plants. Their feeding results in characteristic circular holes less than 3 mm in diameter. Larvae that feed on roots, stolons, and tubers also cause damage. They bore the tubers superficially or scratch the skin, thus facilitating penetration of pathogenic fungi.

Potato ladybirds are polyphagous species feeding on a variety of plant species. However, most severe damage is usually reported for Solanaceae’s crops, including potato.

Discover information on potato leaf beetles at PotatoPro. Explore identification, damage they cause, and effective control methods for growers.

Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) threaten global potato yields by thriving in hot, dry climates, causing severe defoliation and losses. Integrated pest management combining monitoring, cultural, biological and chemical controls is vital for sustainable suppression.