How to thwart potato wart What is potato wart?

How to thwart
potato wart
What is potato wart?
Potato wart is a fungal disease which, if it was to spread
to commercial properties, would have a serious impact on
New Zealand’s potato industry. Although it doesn’t pose a
threat to human health, diseased potatoes are unfit for human
consumption.
The most recent reports of potato wart were in home gardens in
and around Invercargill, in 2012.
The warts grow on all underground parts of the potato except
for the roots. It’s a warty or cauliflower-like black or white
growth that grows out of the eyes of the potato.
Badly infected potatoes are distorted and spongy.
If left untreated, the fungus can remain viable
in the soil for many years.
How does it spread and how can you thwart it?
Potato wart spreads easily either through diseased potatoes or infected
soil from plants, bulbs, and tools used for cultivating potatoes.
The best ways to stop the spread of potato wart are:
• only plant certified seed potatoes;
• don’t share or plant saved seed potatoes;
• don’t share other garden plants instead use cuttings that are free of soil;
• wash your garden tools, machinery and footwear before leaving the
property.
IF YOU SEE THESE SYMPTOMS ON YOUR POTATOES,
PLEASE CONTACT MPI ON 0800 80 99 66