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Irish Cobbler Potato Damage #842834

Asked July 27, 2023, 10:35 AM EDT

We have been growing a variety of bucket potatoes for three years; 2023 is first year attempting Irish Cobbler. Potatoes are hand harvested and the Cobblers presented with lesions (for lack of a better word) that only protrude roughly 1/8" to 1/4" into the interior of the potato. Otherwise, interiors look fine. Our Superior potatoes in adjacent pots do not show any damage. 10 gallon pots, well drained, 1 part composted potting mix (by Miracle Gro), 1 part Peet Moss, 1/2 part Vermiculite, fertilized with MI Gardner Trifecta+ 5-10-4. This soil was used in last year's plantings. I did not see any wireworms or other visible insects during harvest. We have only harvested two of 13 pots of several potato varieties (as mentioned Superior and Irish Cobbler so far). May have additional information upon completing the harvest. 1. Do you know what caused this? 2. Is it unique to Irish Cobblers? 3. Are the potatoes safe to eat after removing the damaged areas? 4. Do you have recommendations on how to prevent in the future? Thank you....

Kent County Michigan

Expert Response

Hi Mark, thanks for the question.

This looks like common potato scab (not unique to Irish Cobler) of which Irish Cobler is vulnerable.  Superior has some resistance. Several sources indicate that potatoes with scab are safe to eat after removing the bad spots. Resistant varieties, proper soil pH, rotation (changing soil in containers), and certified seed potatoes should help reduce the incidence of scab. Check out the following links:

Detection of Potato Tuber Diseases and Defects | Cornell Vegetables

https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/yard-and-garden-when-potatoes-have-skin-problems

I hope this is helpful.


An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 28, 2023, 9:57 AM EDT

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