Idaho Potato Industry task force to probe origin of ring rot in Idaho potatoes

The Idaho potato industry is forming a task force to trace the origin of a ring rot flare-up that's affected roughly 20 farms, mostly in the Magic Valley area.

University of Idaho Extension seed potato pathologist Phil Nolte, who will likely head the task force, said the bacterial disease has affected Russets grown for processors and chipping potatoes, including some chipping spuds in the American Falls area of eastern Idaho.