Final answer:
Potato late blight, caused by the oomycete Phytophthora infestans, is the condition where soaked potatoes turn slimy, and it was responsible for the nineteenth-century Irish potato famine. It remains a significant agricultural threat to potato crops.
Step-by-step explanation:
The condition described in the question occurs when potatoes have soaked in water for an extended period, typically after twenty hours, and is characterized by the potatoes appearing eaten away and slimy. This condition is commonly known as potato late blight, which is caused by the oomycete Phytophthora infestans. History has seen severe effects of potato late blight, such as during the Irish potato famine in the nineteenth century, where millions of people died or emigrated due to the failure of potato crops caused by this pathogen. Its effects are not limited to the past, as late blight still poses a significant threat to potatoes, especially in areas without the use of pesticides, where it can destroy a large percentage of the crops. Infected potatoes should not be consumed, as they might not only be deteriorated but also carry the risk of harboring dangerous pathogens.