The Value of Crop Borders for Management of Potato Virus Y (PVY) in Seed Potatoes

Potato virus Y (PVY) is a very serious problem throughout most major seed potato producing states. Seed potato producers in Minnesota and North Dakota were surveyed in early 2005 to assess their perception of the profitability and risks associated with using crop borders to manage PVY in seed lots. Twenty-three producers responded (a 25% response rate), and 5 said they had used crop borders in 2004. These 23 producers entered 152 seed lots into state seed certification programs and provided detailed information on 108. The median number of seed lots rejected for PVY was 1 per producer based on summer inspection and 0 based on winter trials. Of the 108 lots, 104 passed summer inspection for PVY. Seventy-four percent of the 89 lots sent in for the winter test were reported to have passed. Generations 1 and 2 were the most likely generations to be protected by a crop border. The use of crop borders was significant in explaining whether a seed lot had passed the winter test or not. Of the 32 seed lots planted within a crop border, 97% passed the winter test while 54% of the 57 seed lots that were not planted with a crop border passed the winter test. The use of a crop border had a significant positive impact on gross income from seed potatoes. However, the correlation between potential explanatory variables suggests a more intensive management level may be in use by the same producers who use crop borders.