Caps Removed on Potato Virus Levels

Agriculture and Forestry Minister Mitch Murphy announced today that there will be no limit on potato virus Y levels for potatoes being planted for the 2002 season, and a limit of three percent on potato leafroll virus. The minister said it is up to the industry to decide on future strategies to reduce the level of the disease. The decision was made because of higher-than-expected virus levels detected in post-harvest testing of the 2001 crop which would have left seed in seriously short supply.

Last year, the limit on total potato virus was five percent for seed potatoes and 10 percent for tablestock and processing potatoes. The intent was to reduce the cap to five percent on all potatoes being planted in the coming season.

"This has been a difficult issue for the industry, and there is no clear consensus among growers," said Mr. Murphy. "The industry has committed to develop a strategy to address potato viruses based on sound science by engaging expertise on these potato diseases." He said that all sectors of the industry would have to work together to address viruses.

Mr. Murphy said that, based on information received from potato virologists, the level of inoculum in potato volunteers would make it virtually impossible to keep potato virus Y levels below five percent. Test results on some varieties showed that less than 20 percent would meet the five percent cap on virus levels.