Synchytrium endobioticum

The potato wart disease is a serious potato disease caused by a primitive fungus : Synchytrium endobioticum.

The spores released by the tumours can remain alive for many years (up to 30 years) in the soil, in encysted form.

The attacks are particularly severe in a cold and damp climate.

Tumours, due to cell proliferation, of variable size (from a few mm to the size of a fist), develop on :

• the lenticles,

• the stolons,

• parts of the stem under the ground.


Attacks are mainly below ground level, however, under very damp conditions, they can also be observed above ground.

Unlike powdery scab or root-knot nematodes, the tumours never form on the roots.

The tumours are initially whitish, turning black later on and releasing a black spore powder. The tumours can turn green if they are exposed to light.

The disease can develop during storage.

• A quarantine parasite subject to compulsory control procedures (cultivation prohibited, restriction on imports from infested areas, etc.);
• Use of healthy seed potatoes;
• Use of resistant varieties;
• No effective chemical control.

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