Late blight of potato is caused by

Late blight of potato is caused by Phytophthora infestans. This oomycete pathogen infects potato plants, particularly in cool and humid conditions. It spreads rapidly, infecting foliage and tubers alike. Phytophthora infestans can lead to devastating yield losses and significant economic impacts on potato production globally. The disease manifests as dark lesions on leaves and stems, often with white fungal growth under moist conditions. Infected tubers develop dark, sunken lesions that render them inedible. Management strategies include crop rotation, fungicide application, and resistant cultivars. However, the pathogen’s ability to evolve quickly and develop resistance poses challenges for control efforts. Late blight outbreaks have historically caused severe famines and continue to threaten potato crops, emphasizing the importance of ongoing research and integrated disease management approaches to mitigate its impact on global food security.