[surbie100]

Hi,

I think I have potato blackleg on my balcony potatoes (Swift). They were planted in mid-April and have had something of a buffeting by the wind. On 2 of the plants, one of the stems has turned black, mushy and a bit smelly. I've taken those off. Each has one healthy looking stem.

Is there anything I can do to stop it spreading? Do I need to haul out the affected plants asap?

Thanks!!

[sunshineband]

Check on the RHS website for a photo if you are unsure, but it sounds like blackleg, I must admit. Black streaks on other stems will be visible now I think

There is no actual cure or control and blackleg spreads very quickly

Taking out the stems stright away and disposing of them (burning or green waste bin, but not compost heap) might save your spuds

Dig them up and any that are infected will be obvious... the rest will be fine to eat

Hope that helps

[surbie100]

Thanks for your advice Sunshineband.

I'll get them out tonight. Fingers crossed the other two don't have it!