Abstract
Black dot has become an increasingly major issue in potato production, with recent studies highlighting its importance. The fungal pathogen responsible for this disease, Colletotrichum coccodes , is widely distributed across major potato-growing regions and in fields where alternative hosts are cultivated. The pathogen has a broad host range, including many economically important crops, several of which rank amongst the most widely produced and high-value commodities globally. Direct yield losses associated with black dot disease in potato production have been documented, with yield reductions ranging from 19 to 48%, whilst indirect losses are likely substantial but remain poorly quantified. The disease is recognized as a significant problem in the fresh potato market. Despite its agronomic significance, black dot is not regarded as a major regulatory concern due to the extensive distribution and host range of the pathogen, C. coccodes . There is no evidence to suggest that the pathogen poses a direct threat to biodiversity or conservation. However, disease management practices (e.g., fungicide use) may have environmental implications. Future research will need to address the challenges of microsclerotia (inoculum) buildup in soil, the lack of biological control, and the absence of durable, black dot-resistant potato cultivars.