Pathogenicity ofAlternaria alternataon Potato in Israel

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Abstract
A fungal pathogen responsible for brown spots on the underside of potato leaves in Israel was identified as A. alternata. The fungus infected the leaf by direct penetration and via stomata. Young plants, at the 10- to 12-leaf stage, were less susceptible than adult plants; a differential susceptibility of the leaves was observed in which the middle leaves of the plant showed the highest disease incidence at any given growth stage. Susceptibility also varied according to the cultivar and the rate of sprinkler irrigation. Under field conditions, 28% foliar disease incidence significantly reduced tuber yield (18%). Fungicidal sprays with maneb, imazalil or iprodione significantly reduced the severity of disease. A. alternata is a new pathogen of the potato crop in Israel.