Potato wart was eradicated from the United States in 1992. If the disease were to reappear, it could be devastating to the U.S. potato industry because of potential losses in production, lost export markets, and the spores of the fungus can remain viable in contaminated soil for many years. Potato wart is a soil-borne disease, not spread by insects or wind. On infected tubers, the eyes develop into characteristic warty, cauliflower-like swellings. When formed underground, they are the same color as the potato skin, but gradually darken with age.
Diseased potatoes are deformed and unmarketable.
Until now, potato wart in Canada occurred only in Newfoundland. Potato wart was discovered in Prince Edward Island on October 26.