The control of leaf-roll disease in potatoes by the diagnosis of “primarily infected” tubers: Preliminary note

Abstract

1. Healthy tubers and “primarily infected” tubers, at time of lifting, appear to be similar both in external appearance and chemical composition.2. On drying at laboratory temperature (about 60° F.) healthy tubers lose weight much more quickly than “primarily infected” tubers. In addition, the latter remain in a “hard” condition which persists even after sprouting whereas the former become soft and flabby.3. It is suggested that healthy “seed” may be separated from “primarily infected” seed on this basis.