Crop Watch News Diseases
Potato wart found in P.E.I. fields for second year in a row

Potato wart has been confirmed in Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) for the second year in a row. Two separate farms submitted potatoes they suspected to be infected, which was confirmed in October by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). As a result, seed potato shipments to the United States have been temporarily suspended.

Following last year’s discovery of potato wart (Synchytrium endobioticum), U.S. borders were also closed to P.E.I. seed potatoes. The CFIA found the infected fields to be cleared of fungus in February, and the U.S. embargo was lifted in mid-March.

According to the CFIA, no potatoes from either farm have been shipped outside the province, and the agency took immediate action to impose control measures to prevent the fungus spreading on the Island and beyond. The CFIA also emphasized that the movement restrictions do not apply to fresh P.E.I. potatoes for table stock or processing, which continue to be exported domestically and internationally.

While potato wart has no impact on human health or food safety, it makes the potatoes unmarketable and lowers grower revenue.