"Ros Butt" wrote ...
My Home Guard first earlies have brown patches in the tubers. They have
no
smell, and the potatoes are edible with the brown bits cut out. On the
outside they seem okay, until I start cutting them, (apart from some
scab).

I am hoping it is not blight as the haulms seemed healthy, and I have read
that the tubers would be rotten and smelly, but I would be grateful for
ideas - could it be early blight? Actually- thinking about it - the first
plant I dug up did have blackening on the stem and one of the potatoes was
soft and smelled, but the rest have been as I have described

I have only one left to dig up now, but would be grateful for any help and
advice.

Blight normally doesn't arrive until much later, and as it's been so dry
this season (it's brought by the rain) I can't see that being your problem.
Often you do find a rotten and smelly spud, it's the one you planted.
Your problem could be "Potato Spraing" although that is normally in arcs
around the inside of the potato. We have had that and it's most frustrating
not being able to bake spuds or cook them whole as you can't see inside
until after they are cooked.
More likely is "Internal Rust Spot" which is not well known or understood.
Often worse on soils low in compost/manure I understand. Would be worth
getting your soil analysed as it may be low in potassium and may also need
some lime (to adjust the ph?).
Personally I would get next years spud plot well manured asap and limed too
and see if you have the same problem next year.
--
Regards
Bob
In Runnymede, 17 miles West of London