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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.
However, if cooled improperly, this starchy vegetable can yield unsavory results. Perhaps the most concerning consequence of cooling a baked potato improperly is the potential growth of Clostridium botulinum, which is a group of bacteria that can cause botulism. Botulism is a serious illness that can lead to paralysis and even death if left untreated.