Incidence and severity of powdery scab on potatoes in Pennsylvania

Studies were conducted in Potter Co., Pennsylvania to investigate the effect of powdery scab (Spongospora subterranea) on five potato cultivars (Norchip, Rosa, Kennebec, Katahdin, and Monona) at two planting dates. Soil temperature was within the range of 15–18 C and soil moisture was within 15–19% based on dry weight throughout the season. The effect of planting date was significant at each disease assessment, except for the severity on the fourth assessment. By the end of the season, incidence of scab was 66% or more for all cultivars. Rosa, Kennebec and Katahdin had a greater scab incidence over both planting dates and a greater severity at the first planting date than Monona and Norchip.