[Apostrophes]

I put this in the wrong thread originally. Here it is now:

Mine might have fallen to potato leafroll virus. Symptoms are rolled up leaves that become discoloured and brittle, stunted growth and low yields. I only had a few tubers per plant if I were lucky and some didn't have any at all.

Or possibly stem canker, which also causes the leaves to roll up and become brittle. I have reddish-brown colouration on the stems below the surface and some had slimy rot when I pulled them up. Also, none of the tubers came up with the stems when I pulled them. Maris Bard, the affected potatoes, are quite resistant to viruses so it might more likely be this.

Any thoughts?

[Yorkie]

@ Apostrophes - I would eliminate blackleg before considering anything else.  It's been quite widespread this year.

[Apostrophes]

Yorkie,

The stems were not blackened: they were reddish-brown below the surface.

[Apostrophes]

Actually, I say that, but the photos I have just seen look a lot like mine did. Like this one, and the symptoms match.

http://vegetablemdonline.ppath.cornell.edu/Images/Impt_Diseases/85B_Pot_BlLg.jpg

[Yorkie]

I've split your query off from the original thread, Apostrophes, to stop it getting even more confusing 

Here's a question from zazen999 for you:

Apostrophes; are you now saying that you know what your problem is?

[Apostrophes]

Okay, yes, sorry. Was trying to help but can see how I might have muddied the waters.

I think I have narrowed it down to blackleg, yes. The stunted growth, yellow leaves, withering, grey, rotten, slimy seed potato and the reduced yield.Had I left them much longer I'd have not had any at all.  The stems weren't very darkened but they were going that way.  The pictures I have seen of foliage affected by blackleg could have been taken on my plot.

Richard

PS Nice nickname. I practice zazen myself.