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Cause of Potato Scab. The cause of common potato scab is a bacterium, Streptomyces Scabies, found in the soil. It is most common on light, sandy soils, low in organic matter. Soils that were previously grassland are particularly liable to having the disease. Soils with a high pH (recently limed) provide a better environment for the bacteria.
Be sure to add another layer of soil and mulch on top of your potatoes once they reach about 10 inches tall. If your potatoes grow exposed to the sun, theyâll begin to photosynthesize and could produce a toxin thatâll make you sick. Also, be sure to toss out any green potatoes.