Knowledgebase

Growth on a potato #779518

Asked December 28, 2021, 7:11 PM EST

A smooth round ball like and yellowish is growing on a russet potato. The potato is also shriveled and wrinkles. What is it

Wayne County Michigan

Expert Response

Hello

Would it be possible to attach a picture of the potato?

Also, is the one you grew yourself or is it purchased? About how long have you had it in storage?

This information would be very helpful to our expert, so they can help, you. Thank you.

purchased the potato at whole foods either on Washtenaw in Ann arbor or orchard lake in West Bloomfield about 2 to 3 weeks ago .

On Tue, Dec 28, 2021, 7:32 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied December 28, 2021, 8:52 PM EST


---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Lori O'Donnell <<personal data hidden>>
Date: Tue, Dec 28, 2021 at 8:31 PM
Subject: Re: Growth on a potato (#0049449)
To: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>


purchased the potato at whole foods either on Washtenaw in Ann arbor or orchard lake in West Bloomfield about 2 to 3 weeks ago .

On Tue, Dec 28, 2021, 7:32 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied December 28, 2021, 9:14 PM EST

Thanks for the question.  

The picture is probably not clear enough to identify the growth. It may be no more than a sprout or a conjoined tuber that has not yet broken down like the rest of the potato. Cutting the growth in half could provide further information.

I hope this is helpful.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied December 29, 2021, 9:32 AM EST
I will try to send a better picture and then cut the growth in half and take another picture. Would you please explain about the tube or tumour not breaking off. I have never seen anything but a sprout on a potato

On Wed, Dec 29, 2021, 9:32 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied December 29, 2021, 10:52 AM EST

Here is some info (with pictures) of knobby potatoes. These can form for various reasons.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied December 29, 2021, 11:29 AM EST
Could be figure 8 or 11 tubors. I am thinking it is dangerous mutation that would need to be reported. So, will this tubors break off and grow into another potato. It us an organic potato so the shouldn't be gmo issues

On Wed, Dec 29, 2021, 11:40 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied December 29, 2021, 12:34 PM EST

It is unlikely that multiple/second growth tubers are a mutation but rather due to environmental influences.  It is possible that they could break off and grow other potatoes. If you could send some well focused pictures we can see what we are dealing with. 

An Ask Extension Expert Replied December 29, 2021, 4:05 PM EST

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