Rare potato disease could spread

Fungus found in Jutland field poses threat to potatoes nationwide

The first case of potato wart in three decades was discovered in a field in Ikast in central Jutland last month, and now the authorities are afraid that it may have spread.

Nature authority NaturErhvervstyrelsen is taking the outbreak of the fungal infection seriously.

“We are taking the possibility an outbreak of potato wart, which has not happened in 33 years, very seriously,” Kristine Riskær, the unit head at NaturErhvervstyrelsen, said in a statement.

“We know that the farm had already delivered one fifth of its net production to the factory before we were alerted, so we must conclude that there is some risk that the infection may have spread.”

A fungus among … potato flour
Riskær said that talks will be held with potato farmers about good production practices.

“The situation calls for accountability all round’” said Riskær. 

NaturErhvervstyrelsen will continue to study fields at risk of infection to ascertain any potential long-term consequences of the fungus.

READ MORE: New species of fungus discovered in Denmark

The current outbreak of potato wart has been confined to potatoes that have been turned into potato flour. 

Potato wart poses no threat to humans.

 

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