Potato wart or potato canker – Synchytrium endobioticum
Potato wart disease is caused by a soil-borne fungus, Synchytrium endobioticum, that attacks the growing points on the potato plant, such as eyes, buds and stolon tips. The fungus can be dormant in soil for more than 40 years while it waits for the ideal conditions to grow: a cool, wet spring and a nearby potato plant.
Potato wart detected in Prince Edward Island (PEI)
In October 2021, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed the presence of potato wart in 2 fields on PEI. We immediately initiated an investigation and implemented strict regulatory measures to prevent potential spread.
More information
Policy directives
- D-08-04: Plant protection import requirements for plants and plant parts for planting
- D-01-02: Import requirements for packages of flower bulbs purchased in the Netherlands by travellers returning to or visiting Canada
- D-98-01: Import requirements for seed potatoes and other potato propagative material
- D-96-05: Phytosanitary requirements for the importation and domestic movement of non-propagative potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) and related potato articles, including associated soil
- D-95-26: Phytosanitary requirements for soil and soil-related matter, and for items contaminated with soil and soil-related matter
- D-94-26: Phytosanitary import requirements for root crops (other than potato), mushrooms, and vegetables with attached roots for consumption or processing
- D-94-25: Plant protection import requirements for ginseng (Panax spp.)
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