How to Fix Common Potato Problems

1. Blight: This fungal disease causes leaves to turn brown and die. To prevent blight, keep plants well-watered and avoid overhead watering. You can also use a copper-based fungicide.

2. Scab: This bacterial disease causes rough, brown patches on the skin of potatoes. To prevent scab, plant potatoes in soil with a pH of 5.0-5.5. You can also apply a sulfur fungicide before planting.

3. Colorado Potato Beetles: These pests can quickly defoliate potato plants. To control Colorado potato beetles, hand-pick them off plants or use an insecticide.

4. Aphids: These small pests can suck the sap out of potato plants, causing leaves to turn yellow and curl. To control aphids, spray plants with a strong stream of water or use an insecticidal soap.

5. Verticillium Wilt: This fungal disease causes plants to wilt and die, often starting with the lower leaves. To prevent Verticillium wilt, plant potatoes in well-drained soil and rotate your crops.

6. Early Blight: This fungal disease causes brown spots on leaves and stems. To prevent early blight, keep plants well-ventilated and avoid overhead watering. You can also use a copper-based fungicide.

7. Late Blight: This fungal disease causes large, brown lesions on leaves and stems. To prevent late blight, keep plants well-watered and avoid overhead watering. You can also use a copper-based fungicide.

8. Potato Leafroll Virus: This virus causes leaves to roll upward and turn yellow. To prevent Potato leafroll virus, control aphids, which spread the virus. You can also use virus-resistant potato varieties.

9. Potato Virus Y: This virus causes leaves to turn yellow and develop a mosaic pattern. To prevent Potato virus Y, control aphids, which spread the virus. You can also use virus-resistant potato varieties.

Harvesting tip: Wait to harvest potatoes until the vines have died back and the skins of the potatoes are tough. This will help to prevent the potatoes from getting bruised or damaged.