Friday, January 19, 2018

Scientists develop resistant spuds

Federal agriculture researchers in New Brunswick have developed two potato varieties with resistance to Colorado potato beetles.

They were developed from crosses with wild potatoes.

Colorado potato beetles are one of the most significant threats to potato farming and are famous for becoming resistant to pesticides.

There have been times when farmers have resorted to flame throwers and building dikes around potato fields to keep the beetles from destroying their crops.


Dr. Helen Tai is one of the lead researchers involved in the development of the new varieties.