USDA: Extent of PEI Potato Wart Crisis Likely Larger, Current Mitigation Insufficient

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Climate suitability for potato wart establishment in the contiguous United States. The map shows the likelihood that all three parameters (average temperatures between 50.2 and 75.6°F for ≥ 1 month during the potato growing season; ≥ 160 days during the year with minimum temperatures ≤ 41°F; and average annual precipitation ≥ 700 mm) will be met within a given area in any given year. Unsuitable means that from 2000 to 2019, there was no year when all three parameters were met in that area.

October 24, 2022

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On October 14, USDA’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) released a comprehensive report on the current status of the potato wart crisis on Prince Edward Island, Canada, stating that PEI’s potato wart infestation is “likely” larger than reported and that the disease is “almost certain to be introduced” to the United States without additional mitigation measures in place.

“This USDA report confirms the position of the U.S. industry over the past year and validates that the 2021 PEI export ban was entirely appropriate given the overwhelming disease risks,” said Kam Quarles, National Potato Council CEO.  

In March 2022, the NPC issued a statement condemning the resumption of PEI table stock potato shipments.

APHIS Report Conclusions

  • The full extent of the potato wart infestation in PEI is currently unknown.
  • About half of potato production areas in the contiguous United States and all potato
    production areas in Alaska have a suitable climate for potato wart establishment.
  • Without mitigation measures, potato wart is almost certain to be introduced to U.S. potato
    production areas via seed potatoes imported from PEI. An estimated 37 percent of all PEI
    seed potato imports will go to climatically suitable areas.
  • Introduction to U.S. production areas via potatoes for consumption may occur if fresh
    manure from animals fed infested potato waste is applied to potato fields. Direct
    application of infested potato waste to potato fields has a similar likelihood of
    introduction.
  • Backyard potato gardens may become infested if infected table stock potatoes are used in
    backyard compost.
  • Tools, equipment, or vehicles contaminated with infested soil are another pathway of introduction.

READ NPC STATEMENT ON APHIS REPORT

READ FULL APHIS REPORT

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