To be successful, a grower must take numerous actions during the year. Buying seed with the lowest percentage of virus infected tubers is the best starting virus management tool a grower has. Always purchase certified seed. To make a good choice, one must understand what certification means.
Certification means that seed has met the minimum standards of the state from which it is purchased.
It means that the percentage of virus does not exceed the upper tolerance limit established for the specific virus and class of seed. Tolerance limits for the various diseases, and the way they're determined, differ between states. Before deciding on a seed source, or a seed lot purchase, a Growers should obtain as much information as possible. One way to obtain detailed information about a seed lot is by requesting a Certified Seed Potato Health Certificate . Health certificates have not been widely used by growers, nonetheless, they represent a valuable way for checking on seed quality.