The situation
In the UK, powdery scab is a much greater problem in the cooler and wetter northern and
western areas. Recent studies have demonstrated that in south and east England, powdery scab
can occur but is of much less significance. In 1998, losses from powdery scab in England were
estimated at £1m but in Scotland where total production is 20% of that in England, losses were
estimated at £6 - 8m.
Historically, powdery scab has been recorded as a disease since intelligence records began in
the 1920’s. Sporadically, it achieved greater significance when more susceptible cultivars came
to prominence (e.g. in the early 1950’s). However, it became a very significant disease of
potatoes from the late 1970’s onwards for several reasons.
Spraing caused by Potato Mop Top Virus (PTMV) or Tobacco Rattle Virus (TRV) is an
increasing problem is table crops. The relative importance of the two viruses is uncertain
although tuber diagnostic tests in one laboratory suggests that PTMV and TRV are of equal
occurrence.
Research:
Contact address:
Alison Lees
Head of Dept. Cell & Molecular Sciences
The James Hutton Institutte
Dundee
UK
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Last update: January, 2025