Mutant virus threatens P.E.I. strawberries

Island strawberry growers are worried a mutant virus from the mainland may now be attacking plants on P.E.I.

The virus, the mutated combination of two strawberry viruses, is transferred from plant to plant by aphids. Signs include yellow leaves, and poor production. The virus eventually kills the plant.

In Nova Scotia some growers have had to plow under the majority of their fields in an effort to control the spread of the disease. Some Island growers have seen signs but testing to confirm it have not come back yet.

"We're being told to be very vigilant in our own fields," said Arnie Nabuurs, president of the P.E.I. Strawberry Growers Association.

"Initial indications are that we do have some problems with it here. How much of an effect it will have on this year's crop it's premature to say at this point, but we're definitely very concerned about it and something that we're going to have to monitor and take corrective action, if possible."

Nabuurs says Island strawberry growers will probably get confirmation in a couple of weeks. There are about 15 commercial growers on P.E.I. and a number of small producers.