A bid to synthetically produce a toxin that costs the Australian potato industry about $20 million annually might hold the key to beating the disease, Australian researchers say. Researcher
Peter Molesworth, of the University of Tasmania's School of Chemistry, says he is close to synthetically producing thaxtomin, the compound that causes potato scab.
Potato scab is one of the most common and prevalent diseases for the potato industry worldwide. It does not reduce crop yield, but causes unsightly black and brown holes in the tubers that cannot be removed through modern steam peeling methods.
Peter Molesworth, of the University of Tasmania's School of Chemistry, says he is close to synthetically producing thaxtomin, the compound that causes potato scab.
Potato scab is one of the most common and prevalent diseases for the potato industry worldwide. It does not reduce crop yield, but causes unsightly black and brown holes in the tubers that cannot be removed through modern steam peeling methods.
