Rhizoctonia Disease of Potato: Epidemiology, Toxin Types and Management

Potato plays an important role in food systems and its usefulness cannot be downplayed. However, the production and output of potato have been threatened by Rhizoctonia disease, caused by Rhizoctonia solani. Evidence of the negative effects of this fungal disease of potato is enormous in major potato growing zones in the world, particularly in temperate regions. R. solani produces some phytotoxins, which are detrimental to plants. It poses phytotoxic effects on the potato plants, inducing symptoms on the aerial parts and in extreme cases, on the roots as well. This review presents the overviews on Rhizoctonia disease of potato, disease cycle and its epidemiology.  Data on the mycotoxins and various phytotoxins from R. solani and their respective chemical structures are included. It provides information on the mode of actions of the various phytotoxins produced by the R. solani. It also provides detailed information on the different recommended methods for the treatment of potato Rhizoctonia disease. The review seeks to make available, information about the Rhizoctonia disease and its respective pathogen, as a guide to farmers engaged in potato production, for the control of the disease and reduction of yield losses.