Sustainable Alternatives for Managing Silver Scurf on Potato Microtubers and Minitubers

Silver scurf, caused by Helminthosporium solani, is a prevalent tuber blemish disease of potato negatively impacting tuber quality. To reduce reliance on the use of synthetic fungicides for managing silver scurf, this study evaluated a range of biologically derived compounds and related derivatives for their in vitro potential to suppress H. solani infection and sporulation on potato tubers using microtuber and minituber infection assays. Phosphorous acid significantly reduced pathogen sporulation, consistent with its known efficacy. Among the defense elicitors tested, Pep13 notably suppressed H. solani sporulation on microtubers, indicating its promise as a defense inducer. Additionally, cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) derived from softwood and bamboo markedly decreased infection, with bamboo CNF showing greater efficacy. This study suggests that CNFs, in addition to phosphorous acid and Pep13, offer promising sustainable alternatives for managing silver scurf, enhancing the postharvest quality and shelf life of potato tubers.