Potato Wart Confirmed in Canada

Published online: Nov 30, 2020 Articles
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Source: International Plant Protection Convention

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has recently confirmed the presence of potato wart (Synchytrium endobioticum) in two fields on a farm in Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.). Potato wart is a regulated quarantine pest in Canada. Potato wart reduces yield and can make potatoes unmarketable. The CFIA has placed the fields under quarantine and is carrying out official control measures under the authority of the federal Plant Protection Act and Plant Protection Regulations, and as part of Canada's Potato Wart Domestic Long-Term Management Plan. Measures include surveillance; controlling the movement of equipment, tubers, plant material and soil; and, cleaning and disinfecting machinery to prevent spread of the pest. The CFIA, the P.E.I. government and P.E.I. industry associations are working together collaboratively to control this pest. The Potato Wart Domestic Long-Term Management Plan was established after an initial finding of potato wart in PEI in 2000 in order to respond to detections of the pest and to prevent trade disruptions. In accordance with International Plant Protection Convention principles and standards for determining pest status, potato wart is considered to be present but not widely distributed in Canada and is under official control.