POTATO MURRAIN Meaning and
Definition
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Potato murrain, also known as Potato Blight or Late Blight, refers to a devastating and highly contagious fungal disease that affects potato plants. The term "murrain" is derived from old English and means a contagious disease affecting livestock or crops.
Potato murrain is caused by the pathogenic fungus Phytophthora infestans, which primarily targets plants belonging to the Solanaceae family, such as potatoes and tomatoes. This disease typically thrives in cool and moist climates, making it a significant concern in regions with these conditions.
The symptoms of potato murrain are characterized by the appearance of dark, water-soaked lesions on the leaves, stems, and tubers of affected plants. These lesions gradually expand and turn into a brown or blackish color, emitting a foul odor. Infected plants may experience a rapid and complete decay, leading to severe crop losses.
Potato murrain spreads through the airborne spores produced by the fungus or through contact with infected plant material. The disease can significantly impact potato yields and has historically caused widespread famines, most notably during the Irish Potato Famine in the 1840s.
Controlling potato murrain requires a combination of preventive measures and management methods. These may include crop rotation, the use of disease-resistant potato varieties, regular scouting for symptoms, and the application of fungicides. Additionally, timely harvesting and proper storage of potatoes can help minimize the spread and impact of this destructive disease.
Common Misspellings for POTATO MURRAIN
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Etymology of POTATO MURRAIN
The term "potato murrain" is derived from the Middle English word "murreyn", which means a kind of plague or disease. The word "murreyn" itself has its roots in the Old French word "morine", meaning a malignant or deadly disease. The "potato" element of the term refers to the specific context in which the disease affects potato plants. "Potato murrain" was used historically to describe the devastating disease known as the late blight, caused by the pathogenic organism Phytophthora infestans, which inflicts severe damage to potato crops.
Similar spelling words for POTATO MURRAIN
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