Black Heart of Potato

Black Heart of Potato

Black heart is a physiological or abiotic disease that occurs when tubers undergo periods of oxygen deprivation. It can occur in the field or in storage. High soil temperatures and waterlogged soils contribute to black heart development in the field. Tubers in transit or storage suffer from the disease when they are poorly ventilated or exposed to temperatures below freezing or greater than 90^oF. Some potato varieties tolerate conditions of low oxygen better than others but all are susceptible to injury and subsequent development of black heart.

Symptoms

Black heart is characterized by a bluish-black to black discoloration of internal tuber tissue. The discoloration occurs in an irregular pattern, usually with a distinct line between healthy and affected tissue. In some cases cavities forms in the affected area. They are surrounded by discolored tissue and are referred to as "cat's eye." The affected area usually remains firm and odorless, however, it may become soft when tubers are stored at room temperature. In rare cases, brown or black patches are visible on the surface of infected tubers.

Plant Health Management

Provide potatoes in transit and storage with good ventilation and maintain at the proper temperature.

Avoid planting potatoes in fields that are poorly drained.

References

Hiller, L.K. and R.E. Thornton.1993. Management of physiological disorders. Pages 87-94. in Rowe, R.C. Potato health management. APS Press. St. Paul, MN.

Hooker, W.J. ed. 1981. Compendium of potato diseases. American Phytopathological Society. St. Paul, MN. 125 pp.

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Caveat

This description is presented for information only and no endorsement is intended for products listed, nor criticism meant for products not mentioned. Always consult the product label before purchasing and using any pesticide.

Material contained on the Links from the page are the responsibility of the linked page's author(s).

This page was drafted by: Jane Christensen, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Disease images were provided by: Dr. David Wysong, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

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This page is authored and maintained by:
Dr. J.E. Partridge, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

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