Sclerotinia sclerotiorum causing white mould on potato in Mauritius

Potato crop is of central importance for Mauritius, but it is vulnerable to diseases. White mould symptoms were observed on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) leaves in Cote D’or, Mauritius, in August 2021. Velutinous-like appearance with brown concentric lesions were observed on the adaxial surface of the leaves. The fungus isolated from lesions was identified by cultural and molecular techniques as being Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Pathogenicity tests revealed similar symptoms on potato leaves and the agent was successfully recovered. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of white mould on potato caused by S. sclerotiorum in Mauritius.