Zebra Chip Disease of Potatoes in Nebraska

A new disease of potato with symptoms consisting of leaf yellowing, purpling, and distortion was first observed around Saltillo, Mexico in 1994. The tubers, when sliced, displayed a brown vascular discoloration (Figure 1). Potato chips made from affected tubers displayed dark stripes and streaks (Figure 2), thereby providing the justification for naming the disease “zebra chip” (ZC). As a result of these characteristics, affected chipping potatoes with these symptoms are unmarketable and reputedly inedible. This disease also causes marketing issues for other table stock as well.