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FAQ #13128

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I dug my Yukon Gold potatoes a couple of weeks ago. The first ones we used had hollow spots in the center, and now there are quite a few oozing and rotting. Is this due to drought/water stress, or could it be an insect/disease problem?

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The problem could be soft rot, caused by Erwinia bacteria. Soft rot often develops after harvesting injuries. When bruising occurs in the early stages of postharvest handling, the potatoes get nicked and become breeding grounds for microorganisms, allowing them to spread rapidly and cause serious losses.

A hollow center (or "hollow heart") is generally caused by fluctuations in soil moisture. If potatoes aren't watered during drought periods, this problem often develops.

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