News on Potato Defects and Diseases from Northern America

Prince Edward Island farmers losing money day by day in potato export crisis.

December 03, 2021

P.E.I. farmers losing money day by day in potato export crisis

After 20 years of successful management, potato wart has closed the U.S. border again. P.E.I. farmers are five days into a suspension of trade for their potatoes into the U.S. market.

PEI based Salad Company, Johnston’s Encourages Canadians to Support Local PEI Potato Farmers in Response to Recent Export Ban

December 01, 2021

PEI based Salad Company Encourages Canadians to Support PEI Potato Farmers in Response to US Export Ban

With its roots firmly planted on PEI soil for over 74 years, Johnston’s Homestyle proudly supports local farmers while they face challenges during supply chain restrictions.

November 27, 2021

Government-Industry potato working group assembles to help affected farmers in Prince Edward Island

The Government of Canada is working with the Province of Prince Edward Island (PEI) and industry to support PEI farmers following the recent suspension of certification of fresh potatoes from PEI to the United States.

Prince Edward Island Potato Board Response to Suspension of Exports to USA

November 23, 2021

Prince Edward Island Potato Board 'shocked' by CFIA decision to suspend its Potato Exports to the US

The Prince Edward Island Potato Board is shocked by the decision by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to suspend the certification of exports of all potatoes from Prince Edward Island to the United States of America.

Tubers affected by potato wart (Synchytrium endobioticum)

November 22, 2021

CFIA announces measures to prevent spread of potato wart from PEI

Today, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced measures to prevent the spread of potato wart from Prince Edward Island (PEI). Potato wart is a plant disease that poses no threat to human health or food safety, but is known to decrease potato yield.

New seed potato lab will benefit Idaho's spud industry

November 16, 2021

University of Idaho new seed potato lab to open this year.

The University of Idaho is close to opening a new Seed Potato Germplasm Laboratory, which is the place where most Idaho potatoes are 'born'.

Potato wart poses no risk to humans or food safety, but it can be a serious disease for the infected potatoes, which become disfigured and unmarketable. (CFIA )

November 07, 2021

Prince Edward Island Seed Potato Export to the United States halted - again - due to Potato Wart

CBC reports that the US border has again closed to Prince Edward Island seed potatoes after potato wart was found in two P.E.I. fields.

September 30, 2021

Breeding beetle-resistant potatoes

In a new study, published in Crop Science, researchers describe genetic tools to develop potato varieties with improved natural resistance to the Colorado potato beetle

September 30, 2021

Revolutionary RNA-based biopesticide technology delivers 98% mortality of Colorado potato beetle in independent test

Renaissance BioScience Corp., a leading global bioengineering company, is pleased to announce that an independent test of its environmentally safe, RNA-based biopesticide technology was conducted on Colorado potato beetle

September 14, 2021

Aroostook County potato experts expect high quality crop in 2021

Aroostook County agricultural growers are predicting a higher quantity and quality of potato crop than was produced in 2020, due to the less severe weather this summer.

August 29, 2021

Heat, drought stress Red River Valley potato crop, resulting in quality, yield reduction of table stock

The toll that hot dry weather took on the Red River Valley 2021 potato crop won’t be visible until harvest begins in a few weeks, but it’s already clear it has affected yields and quality.

August 22, 2021

New University of Maine research hub to focus on Potato Virus Y

Greater understanding of the biology of one of the most destructive plant viruses to potato crops will be the focus of a research hub at the University of Maine.

April 27, 2021

Prince Edward Island Potato Board Launches Podcast: Spudchat

The Prince Edward Island Potato Board is excited to share with potato farmers and industry partners the launch of a new podcast, Spudchat.

April 12, 2021

Big win for Alberta potato growers

A team effort led to Alberta being declared Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) free – improving trade prospects for producers.

P.E.I. seed potatoes cleared for export to U.S. after no more wart found

March 26, 2021

Prince Edward Island seed potatoes cleared for export to United States after no more potato wart found

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has lifted its voluntary suspension of export certification for P.E.I. seed potatoes, allowing trade to the United States to resume.

March 05, 2021

No more potato wart found in 2 P.E.I. fields

Seed potato exports from Prince Edward Island to the United States halted last fall now closer to resuming.

December 29, 2020

How Colorado Potato Beetles Beat Pesticides

Native to the Rocky Mountains, the Colorado potato beetle has now spread to many parts of the world and quickly overcoming almost every pesticide thrown in its way. A new UVM study sheds light on how these insects become resistant so fast.