Young Potato plants showing bumps, discoloration on leaves

My young potato plants in my Taos New Mexico greenhouse are experiencing bumps on the leaves leading to discoloration and wilting. Any ideas? All help much appreciated. Thanks Peggy

This is a contagious illness principally tracked down in late potato assortments. From June onwards, strongly characterized, round, earthy colored spots show up on the more seasoned leaves, which can sever. What's more, indented, earthy colored spots with firm tissue foster on the tuber.

It sounds like your potato plants might be experiencing a problem. Bumps and discoloration on the leaves can be symptoms of a variety of issues.

Here are some common causes and potential solutions:
1. Early Blight (Alternaria solani)

Symptoms: Dark, sunken spots with concentric rings on older leaves. The spots can sometimes appear as bumps.
Treatment: Remove and discard affected leaves. Avoid overhead watering to reduce moisture on leaves. Apply fungicides if needed, following label instructions.

2. Late Blight (Phytophthora infestans)

Symptoms: Irregular, water-soaked lesions on leaves that can turn brown and shrivel. Sometimes appears with a white mold on the underside of leaves.
Treatment: Remove and destroy affected plants. Avoid working in the garden when the plants are wet to prevent spreading. Use resistant varieties and apply appropriate fungicides.

3. Potato Leafroll Virus

Symptoms: Leaves roll upward and become yellow or purple. The leaf edges might also appear as if they are cupped or deformed.
Treatment: This virus is transmitted by aphids, so controlling aphid populations is key. Remove and destroy infected plants. Use certified disease-free seed potatoes.

4. Potato Tuber Moth (Phthorimaea operculella)

Symptoms: Small bumps or holes on leaves, and sometimes larval tunnels on stems and tubers.
Treatment: Use pheromone traps to monitor for adult moths. Apply appropriate insecticides or biological controls if needed.

5. Nutrient Deficiencies

Symptoms: General discoloration, such as yellowing or purpling. Bumps are less common but might occur if nutrient imbalances cause irregular growth.
Treatment: Test soil to determine nutrient levels and amend accordingly. Common deficiencies include nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus.

6. Environmental Stress

Symptoms: Discoloration and leaf deformities can result from environmental factors like extreme temperatures or water stress.
Treatment: Ensure consistent watering and provide shade if needed. Mulching can help regulate soil temperature and moisture.

General Steps for Addressing Issues:

Inspect Plants: Closely examine your plants for additional symptoms or pests.
Confirm Identification: Accurate identification of the problem is crucial. You might want to compare symptoms with images online or consult with a local extension office.
Treatment and Prevention: Implement the appropriate treatment based on the identified issue. Follow best practices for prevention, such as crop rotation and disease-resistant varieties. Regards, USA Gardening Guide