Causes and Disadvantages of Black Scurf

Black scurf is a fungal kind of disease that is often developed in crops such as potatoes. In general terms, there is some dirt visible on the potatoes. However, washing dirty black substances, blacktops, or harvests can often be challenging. This is one of the key reasons why there is an idea among potato growers that this dirt cannot be removed even by washing. On the other hand, black scurf of potato is not just a speck of dirt; it is a disease caused by the fungus present in the soil. Therefore, when this fungus comes in contact with potato crops, it infects them. It usually grows on the surface of the crops, which leads to irregular black patches or small hard spots on the tuber side of the potatoes.

Black scurf of potato is a fungus class under the Cantharellales category, which affects only potatoes and not other crops or species. However, this fungus can be affected by closely related crops of potatoes, but it is pretty rare. To be specific, black scurf can be caused in two ways: one is through soil, and another one is through seeds. This kind of condition can also develop during the storage of the crops. Hence, potato farmers or growers need to monitor their harvest and try to remove them as early as possible so that no severe harm can be caused to the soil or future crops.

Black scurf on the surface of potatoes is quite harmful because the condition can become more severe. The black patches can develop stem canker, which is possible when infected stocks of potatoes are used to plant new crops. Furthermore, the build-up of fungus can also impact the sprouts of the crops because it can make them weak and kill them. Thus, growers need to be careful while planting their stocks so that future crops cannot be harmed significantly. Besides, it is not destructive and can be considered a cosmetic crop issue. 

The black spots on the surface of the tuber caused by this fungus may not look appealing. However, it does not have any side effects on the potato consumers. Once the potatoes have such black substances, they are edible because the spots can be easily removed by peeling off the skin of the potatoes. Therefore, after thoroughly washing the crops and peeling off the potatoes, they can be considered or eaten. Irrespective of this fact, people might think this fungus is harmful; hence, it might be an additional cost for the farmers and gardeners to remove them from the crops. The main reason is that these spots develop on the surface of the potatoes at the end of their growth stage or at the time of their harvesting phase. Thus, to remove these stains, the growers need to be extra careful and monitor the harvest so that this disease does not develop or that it might be worse for future crops. This is the only adverse impact of black scurf evident on the surface of the potatoes.

This condition can be controlled using excellent and infection-less stocks to plant new potatoes. It can also be treated with some chemical solutions that are readily available in the market. The farmers can also treat the soil or seeds before planting the crops. People can also opt for crop rotation to mitigate its harmful effects on roots. Garners also should ensure the removal of all the dirt from the surface of the harvests so that this disease can be identified as early as possible. You can also harvest the potatoes as soon as the crops mature so that such disease cannot become severe.

In the end, a conclusion can be derived that black scurf of potato may not be as harmful of a disease as people may think. It might be a fungal disease that might not be easy to wash, but the products can be eaten. People must peel off their skin and remove the black scurf or patches on the potatoes to be eaten safely. Therefore, it is upon the consumers to wash any dirt evident in the potatoes. However, the growers or farmers often worry that developing such diseases can increase their expenses because they must treat their crops. Thus, they are advised to monitor the crops at harvest and remove them if required. However, the presence of such fungus in the soil may lead to worsening conditions of the crops. This might be a concerning aspect for the farmers. Apart from this, black scurf cannot be considered dangerous or harmful.