Potato virus Y incidences on the rise in Idaho seed

The incidence of potato virus Y has increased markedly in Idaho potato seed, according to newly released results of the state’s 2015 winter grow-out. Alan Westra, Idaho Crop Improvement Association’s southeast manager, said during his organization’s Jan. 20 seed seminar clean seed lots in the grow-out decreased from 54 percent in 2014 to 44 percent this winter. Westra said the percentage of lots with some level of PVY that are still eligible to be replanted for seed increased from 25 percent in 2014 to 32 percent in the recent grow-out, and the percentage of lots ineligible for recertification due to having 2 percent or greater PVY infection increased from 21 percent to 24 percent. Capital Press