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Potatoes are a common garden crop and many home gardeners grow potatoes. Curling, or whorl formation on potato leaves, is a common phenomenon that can be observed during the growth process.
The curling causes the tissues closest to the ground to become twisted and curled under the weight of the plant.
There are many other factors that can cause potato leaves curling, including waterlogging, insect damage, and fungal overgrowth. Occasionally, a problem with the plant’s genetics will cause curled leaves.
In severe cases, the leaves can completely fall off the plant. Other possible causes of curled potato leave include weak stems, low humidity, dry air, and too much nitrogen fertilizer.
Potato Leaves Curling- What Is The Reason And How To Fix It?
Reasons Of Potato Leaves Curling
Potato Virus Y (PVY)
Potato Virus Y (PVY) is a virus that can cause severe Potato Leaf Roll (PLR) disease in potatoes. The virus is spread through contact with infected soil, water or plants.
The disease causes the leaves of the potato to turn yellow and curl up, leading to a loss of yield and quality. There is no cure for PLR disease, but proper sanitation and management can help protect against it.
Also Read: How To Treat Rust Disease On Plants?
Potato Leaf Roll Virus (PLRV)
Potato Leaf Roll Virus (PLRV) is a virus that causes symptoms in plants, including wilting and stunted growth. PLRV is considered a minor crop virus, but can cause significant economic losses when it affects major crops like potato.
The disease is most commonly found in mature, early-season potato crops. There are currently no known treatments or vaccines for PLRV, so growers need to be on the lookout for symptoms and take appropriate measures to prevent infection.
Symptoms include stunted or dead plants, yellowed foliage and overall reduced yield.
Potato Leafhopper
The potato leafhopper is one of the most common insects in North America. It is a small, green insect that feeds on plants. The potato leafhopper is not a threat to humans, but it can cause damage to plants.
The potato leafhopper is part of the family Pentatomidae, and it belongs to the genus Brachymeria. It is also known as tussock moth or American hopper. The adult potato leafhopper is about 1/10 inch long and is green with yellow markings.
The nymphs are smaller and lighter in color, and they have four wings, rather than two. There are three generations of the potato leafhopper each year.
Viral Disease
Potato leaves curl due to viral diseases that cause the plant to produce a protein that causes the leaves to curve inward. These diseases include potato virus Y and potato virus X, which are members of the papovavirus family.
Potato viruses cause severe damage to crops, and their effects can be seen as early as 4 days after the plants are infected. Curled potato leaves are a common sign of infection, and they make it difficult for potatoes to photosynthesize. Prevention is key in stopping their spread.
Also Check: Why Are My Pepper Plant Leaves Wrinkled?
What Are Symptoms Of The Curly Top Virus In Potatoes?
If you have curly top virus (CTV), your potato crops may be infected. Symptoms of CTV include twisted leaves and branches, distorted growth, stunted potatoes, brown spots on the skin, and eventually death of the plant.
There is no specific cure for CTV, but using antibiotics before planting can help prevent its spread.
Treatment Of Potato Leaves Curling
Improper Watering
As potatoes grow, their leaves will gradually curl towards the light. This is most noticeable in newly planted potatoes, but can also be seen as the leaves get larger.
Improper watering may be the reason for this curvature, as water is unable to reach all parts of the plant’s root system.
This can result in a lack of nutrients and water uptake, which leads to leaf curling. Improper watering can cause leaves to curl, stunted growth, and even death of plants.
Why is Proper Watering so Important For Potatoes?
Here are four reasons why proper watering is so important for potatoes:
1. Proper watering allows plants to get the water they need without getting too much or too little.
2. Proper watering helps prevent root rot and other fungal diseases.
3. Proper watering keeps plants healthy and vigorous, which results in larger yields and more nutritious potatoes.
4. Proper watering prevents leaves from wilting, which makes potato crops less susceptible to insects and diseases.
Soil
Improving the soil for potatoes can help treat potato leaves to curl because it improves the growth of plants in the area and provides nutrients that are necessary for proper leaf development.
Good soil has plenty of organic matter, nutrients, and water to support plant growth. Adding compost or worm castings to your soil will help improve its quality.
Adding amendments like manure, lime, and seaweed will also provide essential nutrients for healthy leaf growth.
How To Treat Potato Leaves Curling?
Curling potato leaves can be a sign of a number of issues, but the most common is excess water.
Here are four tips to help treat your plants:
- Check the water levels – Make sure there is enough water flowing through the plant’s system. If there isn’t, add more.
- Add a potash boost – Potassium is a key nutrient for potato foliage and can help to prevent curling.
- Feed the plant-Feeding your potato plants can help prevent curling.
- Treat the soil-If you suspect that your potato plants are suffering from an issue in the soil, try adding a fertilizer and/or compost to the soil.
Conclusion
If you notice your potato leaves are curling, there are a few things you can do to help improve their appearance. First, make sure the leaves are well-watered and that the soil is moist but not soggy.
Second, give the plants plenty of sunlight and adequate nutrients. Finally, use a fungicide or herbicide sparingly if at all; overuse can damage the plant’s foliage and stunt its growth. Diagnose the reason and treat potato leaves curling according to that!
