Discovery of potato virus prompts precautions

PRESQUE ISLE – The discovery of potato mop-top virus at the University of Maine Aroostook Research Farm has prompted the implementation of precautionary measures until final confirmation of the virus is made.

The discovery was made this spring when researchers at the farm were preparing seed from a small experimental plot planted last year to study powdery potato scab, according to Donald Flannery, executive director of the Maine Potato Board.

The affected potatoes were tested at the University of Maine where the presence of the virus was confirmed. Samples have since been sent to Cornell University for additional testing, Flannery said. Those results have not yet been received.

Mop-top virus primarily affects visual appearance and processing quality of potatoes, according to information provided to farmers. It poses no health risk to people.

Flannery said the virus is not spread by air and can be transmitted only by infected soil or potatoes containing powdery scab. Presence of the scab does not mean that mop-top virus also is present.

He said the virus is subject to quarantine, and practices already have been implemented to eliminate any threat that the virus might spread off the research farm.

Action taken has included plowing under, seeding and fencing off the field in question. In addition, all personnel, their clothing and boots, and vehicles and equipment entering or leaving the Aroostook farm must adhere to strict disinfection practices.

“We want to be very proactive on this,” Flannery said, noting that officials took their cues from what they learned during the Prince Edward Island potato wart problem a few years ago.

“We’re making sure we’re not behind the eight ball if the [Cornell] tests are positive,” Flannery continued, adding that the potato board and MDOA want to do whatever is necessary to protect the potato industry both in and outside of Maine.

State officials met this week with officials at the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to discuss the situation and outline what steps have been taken and will be taken if the Cornell results are positive.

In addition to more restrictions for the research farm, a formal quarantine would include some manner of inspection and testing for affected fields, as well as inspection and testing of other commercial operations.

“I think we’ve done the right things,” Flannery said. “We’ve been right up front.”