Some effects of Rhizoctonia solani on growth and yield of potatoes.

Below ground infection by Rhizoctonia solani had little effect on the development of potato haulm. Severe infection caused an increase in the number of tubers initiated, but a reduction in the total weight of tubers. Tubers often formed in leaf axils of severely infected plants. It is suggested that these effects occur because assimilate production is not markedly affected by infection, but the compounds need to be redistributed when lesion development on the stolons blocks transport to the usual sinks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]