Soil Rot (bacterium
- Streptomyces ipomoea): Soil rot, also called pox, is a storage root and
fibrous plant root disease. Storage roots are often misshapened with rough, scabby
pits or shallow surface lesions that result in scars. Fibrous roots develop dark,
necrotic lesions that eventually kill the root. Serious plant losses result when
heavy infection occurs immediately after transplanting. Soil rot is favored as
soil pH rises above 5.2. Crop rotation, resistant or tolerant varieties and soil
fumigation are means of control. Soil rot is widespread and a major disease on
sweetpotato.
