For the first time, evidence of the zebra chip pathogen in potatoes has been discovered in Southern Alberta, but it's nothing to be alarmed about.

The pathogen causes dark striping in the tuber, and is spread by small winged insects called potato psyllids.

Terence Hockstein, Executive Director of Potato Growers of Alberta says, they've only found a small number of infected psyllids carrying the Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (Lso) pathogen.

"What it does, if that particular bug is tested positive, then it will infect that plant. What ends up happening then, it could, not always, could cause those symptoms of the striping on the tubers."

The potatoes with zebra striping are still safe for consumption, but get culled due their physical appearance when fried.

Hockstien says, the potato psyllids have been seen in Canada for a number of years, and every once in a while you get one that carries the Lso pathogen.

"If you have positive finds of your cards, then you go about your necessary best management practices. There may be some insecticide applications on some fields, but it's just another disease the industry has to deal with."

The number of infected psyllids is Southern Alberta is still very low, and the disease won't become a problem until they are seen in much high numbers.

It will remain to be seen what impact this pathogen has on Southern Alberta's potato industry.

 

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