[Ballymulvey]

Hello guys, I am wondering if anyone can assist me. I'm from the rep of Ireland. I have been growing exhibition vegetables for the past 5years. Unfortunately due to brexit English or Scottish seed potatoes are no longer available to us here.
 
Frustratingly all Irish seed potatoes being offered are totally substandard, covered with scab. Finally my question, if I peel off the scab is there a disinfectant that I can use to actually kill the fungus before I plant them. Any information would be so so helpful.

Patrick

[AndyRVTR]

I know potatoes with scab can be used for cooking etc by cutting off the affected skin, but I don't believe there's any sort of treatment to prevent crops being reinfected when using infected potatoes to be used as seed! What about using store bought potatoes to use as seeds this year until supply improves?

[Hampshire Hog]

I don’t think using potatoes with scab is viable I’m afraid. Not sure anything would disinfect them. My only thought is whether a friend in the north of Ireland could source you some seed potatoes. ( Assuming this could happen legally )
Good luck HH

[mumofstig]

You could cut out a small amount before planting, and let the wet areas dry out for a few days before planting.
But if yours are as badly affected as you say, then I doubt this would help....

[Rob the rake]

I don’t think using potatoes with scab is viable I’m afraid. Not sure anything would disinfect them. My only thought is whether a friend in the north of Ireland could source you some seed potatoes. ( Assuming this could happen legally )
Good luck HH

Could you expand on this please, HH. The old literature points to scab as being a disease which can be avoided by soil pH adjustment. Is this only partially true?

[Hampshire Hog]

Hi Rob
I’m sure you are correct if you are starting with scab free seed potatoes.
My comment on the viability was my personal view I don’t think people would normally plant diseased spuds. I’m not aware of any scientific data on this I’m afraid however a quick google shows several websites caution against use of seed spuds with scab. The disease can contaminate the soil and impact other crops as well as your potatoes so seems definitely something to avoid.