Seed potatoes Prince Edward Island plagued by virus

January 21, 2010

Almost half of P.E.I.'s seed potatoes, used to plant the spring crop, are above the Island's allowable virus standard this year, according the P.E.I. Potato Board.

The board spent Thursday discussing the situation, trying to decide whether to ask the provincial government to increase the current three per cent cap on allowable virus in the seed.

A decision could be made within a week, officials say.

If the tolerance level isn't increased, farmers will have to import expensive seed potatoes from Manitoba, said Agriculture critic Jim Bagnall.

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