In a recent update from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the 2023 National Survey for Potato Wart concluded with no detection of the pest across over 2000 soil samples. These samples were meticulously gathered from prominent potato-producing regions including PEI, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. The comprehensive survey aimed at ensuring the health and safety of Canada's potato crops, has shared its findings with provincial authorities, the Canadian Potato Council, and the United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to monitor and control potato wart since its first appearance in PEI in 2000, an event that led to a significant six-month trade halt of fresh PEI potatoes with the U.S. The diligent surveillance and soil testing practices underscore the importance of safeguarding the agricultural sector and maintaining trust in Canadian produce.
Source: centralalbertaonline.com