2 More Idaho Fields Test Positive For Spud Disease - Spokane, North Idaho News & Weather KHQ.com

2 More Idaho Fields Test Positive For Spud Disease

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TWIN FALLS, Idaho (AP) - Two more fields in southern Idaho's Twin Falls County have tested positive for a bacterium that can cause a crop-destroying potato disease.
    
Erik Wenninger with the University of Idaho's Kimberly Research and Extension Center told The Times-News (http://bit.ly/LHQVrM ) that potato growers shouldn't panic, but they should be vigilant and keep a close eye on their fields.
    
The bacterium that causes zebra chip was found on insects called psyllids that feed on potato plants. Zebra chip disease damages potatoes by causing discolored flesh, which darkens when the potatoes are cooked, rendering them unsuitable for french fries and other packaged potato products.
    
Farmers can battle zebra chip with regular applications of pesticide. If untreated or uncontrolled, the disease can cause millions of dollars of crop loss.
   

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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