Sun Sep 15 16:21:57 UTC 2024: ## Newfoundland Researchers Tackle Potato Scab to Boost Local Production
**St. John’s, NL** – While Newfoundland and Labrador may not be a potato powerhouse like other Atlantic provinces, research is underway to tackle a disease that could hamper the province’s growing potato industry. Common scab, which creates unsightly lesions on potatoes, doesn’t affect human safety but can severely impact the market value of crops, leading to rejection by buyers.
Dr. Dawn Bignell, a microbiologist at Memorial University, is leading a team investigating the pathogens responsible for common scab. “Even though you can peel off the scabby parts and eat the potato, the disease affects the quality and value of the crop,” explained Dr. Bignell. “With farmers looking to increase potato production in Newfoundland, this is a disease we need to address.”
The research is particularly relevant in Newfoundland, where even backyard growers face the issue. Dr. Bignell and her team aim to understand the pathogens, their methods of infection, and the subtle differences between them, ultimately leading to better control measures. This federally funded study is expected to produce findings in the near future.
“By understanding the disease, we can work towards developing strategies to protect the province’s growing potato industry,” said Dr. Bignell, who has been researching these pathogens for over a decade. This research is crucial for ensuring the economic success of potato production in Newfoundland, while also benefiting backyard gardeners who enjoy fresh potatoes.
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