Virus levels high in some spud varieties

P.E.I.'s tough standards for seed potatoes mean some Island potato producers may need to import seed this year.

The Island's rules call for 97 per cent pass rates in the batches of potatoes producers plan to plant. It's designed to make sure Island farmers are planting the best seed possible.

In addition to visual inspections, seed is also tested in independent labs, making P.E.I. the only province to use the extra scientific step.

Elevated virus levels were found in russet burbank and shepody varieties in the lab testing.

The board said while some seed showed a 98 per cent pass rate in the visual inspections, the lab results returned a 70 per cent pass rate in testing for potato leaf roll, and the mosaic virus.

Those viruses affect the yield of the potato plants.

Ivan Noonan, general manager of the P.E.I. Potato Board, said other provinces allow virus rates that are higher than the Island's three per cent tolerance.

"It just means that we've raised our standards here on Prince Edward Island based on a laboratory test. That means that those lots that are over a total of three percent virus cap for leaf roll and mosaic are not eligible to plant here. But they are eligible to be sold in other areas."

Noonan said the lab testing ensures Island producers are planting seed that will return the best yields possible.

Seed imported into the province has to meet the same standard as the Island grown seed.

P.E.I. seed can be sold into other provinces where higher virus levels are allowed.