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Title: Aphids and virus incidence in Alaska potatoes: do we need management tactics even at latitude 64 north?

Author
item Pantoja, Alberto
item SMEENK, JEFF - University Of Alaska
item ANDERSON, JODIE - University Of Alaska

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/7/2011
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The role of traditional agricultural production is receiving renewed attention, especially in circumpolar environments facing challenges and opportunities associated to climate change. Issues such as food security, biodiversity, natural resources preservation, and traditional farming are receiving attention of circumpolar communities interested in preserving fragile natural resources. Because of the remote geography and unique ecological character, rural communities in Alaska practice subsistence or outpost agriculture practices. Subsistence agriculture complements wild food harvests and fills in the gaps created by variation in the harvest of wild game and by the unpredictable food supply chain from the main cities. Potatoes are the most important vegetable crop in Alaska and a common vegetable grown by subsistence farmers. In the 1980s, the Alaska Division of Agriculture instituted a seed certification program and a clean potato seed production facility in response to observed decreases in potato yields. Since the introduction of the program, Alaska seed growers are marketing clean seed both in-state and for potential export. Despite the availability of clean seed, many non-commercial growers still plant non-certified seed. The potential for virus contamination from non-certified seed suggests the need to understand the virus prevalence and the potential insect vectors in the different potato producing areas of the state. Knowledge of insect pests and insect mediated diseases is critical in establishing proper IPM and producing virus free potato seed. This work reports on virus incidence and potential insect vectors from commercial and outpost potato production in Alaska.