News on Potato Defects and Diseases from Alberta

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.

October 23, 2017

Zebra chip pathogen found in Western Canada for the first time

For the first time, evidence of the zebra chip pathogen has been found in potato fields in southern Alberta, but the University of Lethbridge’s Dr. Dan Johnson cautions against panic.

September 07, 2014

Late blight confirmed in Alberta

In Alberta, late blight occurs infrequently, but can have devastating impacts in the years when it reaches epidemic levels.

April 15, 2014

Alberta potato growers prepare for late blight

Times have changed for Alberta potato growers. Up until four years ago, the province was virtually late blight-free. Lately, wet springs and high humidity — uncharacteristic for this region — have nurtured the growth and spread of the disease.