UMaine to hold international Potato Disease Summit, AP reports
The Associated Press reported the University of Maine will host a forum about potato diseases this fall that’s expected to draw scientists from all over the U.S. and Europe. The Potato Disease Summit will be held Nov. 9 at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor. Plant pathologists, researchers and scientists will present the latest information on the bacteria — Dickeya and Pectobacterium — that cause blackleg disease, an emerging potato seed problem. “The University of Maine is responding to this situation by holding an international summit focused on the latest research and what steps are needed to help the potato industry,” said UMaine President Susan J. Hunter. “As Maine’s only public research university, we are a longstanding partner with the state’s potato industry in addressing its needs, including the growing threat posed by Dickeya and Pectobacterium.” The event also is expected to draw regulatory officials and potato seed growers and buyers, according to the AP. U.S. News & World Report, WABI (Channel 5), The Kansas City Star and Madison.com carried the AP report.