b'US23 remains the most prevalent late blight strain outside of British Columbia. However, in B.C. strains of both A and A2 mating types and some showing resistance to Ridomil were found. Peters team is still looking closer into the strain diversity in B.C. The researchers also found that some of the newer strains seem to be adapting to warmer conditions, whereas previous strains have favoured wet weather with periods of cooler temperatures.We were still able to accomplish most of the goals based on the samples we did get every year and found some new things that I think will be helpful, Peters adds. Due to non-conducive weather for late blight, they were unable to collect samples from Alberta, Manitoba, or the Maritimes, during those five years. Tracking CPBs DownWhile researchers were able to learn more about Colorado potato beetles (CPBs) during their research project, not every goal was accomplished. With access to labs reduced during the pandemic, some parts of the project were delayed, meaning not all objectives were met.We lost a lot of time required to access both insecticide resistance in the beetle populations, and identifying molecular targets that could be used as markers of resistance, Chandra Moffat, research scientist and entomologist with AAFC Summerland, explains in a Zoom interview. We were still able to generate substantial new knowledge on regional patterns of insecticide by evaluating Adult Colorado potato beetles feeding on a potato plant. PHOTO: TRACY SHINNERS-CARNELLEY, PEAK OF THE MARKET nearly 140 populations collected over five years from five regions of Canada. But in terms of trying to take that to the next level, to develop a screening tool for producers, this would take a few more years to accomplish.The plan had been to develop a bioassay that labs could usebased on molecular differences to screen CPBs for resistance, allowing for faster results than current methods allow.The researchers are still working on developing a web-based application which will show CPB resistance populations in real time. Its currently in the final stages of development with AAFCs agri-geomatics team. Reducing Common Scab ConcernsThe first national common scab research project has been deemed a success with researchers able to identify genetic groups across the country and then investigate control methods. They looked at the genetic groups of the different the pathogens causing common scab in different areas of Canada, showing that there was a large variability in their genetics. Molecular tools were developed to follow specific genetic groups in the fields, which has not been done before, very intensively, Claudia Goyer, a research scientist at AAFCs Fredericton Research and Development Centre, explains in a phone interview. The lesser virulent genetic group New Brunswick, were more abundant compared to the very virulent one. But the North Americasvirulent one, the abundance of the population in the fields were largest exporter going up over the summers.of seed potatoes. The team was able to identify two control methods that showed promising resultsthe biopesticide Serenade Soil and auxin product 2,4-D. Field tests in Manitoba and New Brunswick showed www.seedpotatoes.com Serenade Soil reduced common scab severity. In Manitoba trials 2,4-D was effective for common scab control, however, some genotypes dont respond to 2,4-D. Currently 2,4-D is only registered 30SPUDSMART.COMSummer 2023'