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Glite Dictionary
potato fungus

potato fungus

4.4
A fungus that attacks potatoes and makes black spots on the tubers
  • noun
  • /pəˈteɪtoʊ ˈfʌŋɡəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : hongo de la papa
  • After noticing the black spots, she realized her potatoes were infected with potato fungus.

Examples

  • Experts suggest rotating crops to help prevent potato fungus from spreading.

  • The farmer lost half his crop to potato fungus last year.

  • The potato fungus spread quickly through the field.

  • Farmers are worried about the potato fungus this season.

  • After noticing the black spots on the tubers, she realized her potatoes were infected with potato fungus.

  • The farmer lost a significant portion of his harvest due to potato fungus last year.

  • Experts advise that rotating crops can help minimize the risk of potato fungus in fields.

Synonyms

Rhizoctinia solani
vspotato fungus
  • Specialized
9.9

A fungus that makes black scaly spots on potatoes and reduces crop yield

is a general fungus that infects tubers causing black scurfy spots
Pellicularia filamentosa
vspotato fungus
  • Specialized
9.9

A fungus that causes black scabby spots on potatoes

is the broader label for any fungus producing those tuber spots

Surface Forms

potato fungus singular
potato fungi plural

Morphology

potato + fungus

This is a compositional noun-noun phrase where 'potato' specifies the host and 'fungus' names the organism, so the meaning 'a fungus that infects potatoes' is directly derivable from the constituents. Such host–organism compounding is common across languages and follows regular English morphology, so a B1 learner who knows both words will readily understand it.

Etymology

Potato fungus shows a simple picture: a small fungus growing on a potato and making black spots on its skin. That's why the name means 'a fungus that infects potatoes and makes black spots'.