The soil borne fungus Monilochaetes infuscans causes Black Scurf disease in sweet potatoes, which can cause significant crop damage. The disease infects tubers and causes raised, dark-colored scabby lesions on the surface.
This not only changes the appearance of the tubers, but also makes them more susceptible to secondary infections, which can reduce the crop’s quality and marketability even further. The fungus can also infect the plant’s stems and leaves, causing stunted growth and decreased yields.
