Prince Edward Island potato producers are going back to school to hear about the latest developments in technologies and production practices. The annual Potato School is being held on Tuesday, February 11 at the Slemon Park Inn and, in addition to a wide range of topics, will also feature a trade show beginning at 8:00 a.m.
Potato health issues are high on the agenda. There will be an update during the afternoon sessions on the potato mop top virus, led by Paul MacPhail, potato specialist with the Prince Edward Island Department of Agriculture and Forestry and Alan Boucher, the Atlantic area seed potato program specialist with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Results of the 2002 post-harvest test will also be discussed, along with a session on potato mosaic research.
Results from the 2002 potato variety trials will also be presented.
The morning session will deal with topics including the selection of grass species for buffer zones, rye grass as an underseeded crop and using fertility credits and debits. New developments in potato cultivation and soil conservation will also be outlined.
"The Prince Edward Island potato industry is leading the way in terms of innovation, and the Potato School is a great opportunity for producers and industry officials to meet and share the latest information," said Agriculture and Forestry Minister Mitch Murphy.