State phytosanitary inspectors revealed potatoes from the Netherlands infected with potato cancer in the Ternopil region. The item has been returned to the sender.

On April 16, 2019, in the territory of the Ternopil region, during the state inspection of phytosanitary inspectors at the Ternopol-Tsentral customs post, a causative agent of potato cancer (Synchytrium endobioticum (Schilbersky) Percival) was discovered in a cargo of potato weighing 20 tons.

The infected product came from the Netherlands. As part of the sanitary measures, he was returned to the sending country. In order to prevent such incidents in the future, a notification was sent to the exporting country - the Netherlands about the non-compliance of the cargo with phytosanitary requirements of Ukraine.

For information, potato cancer is a dangerous fungal disease that affects all parts of the plant except the roots. Infected plots grow greatly, resembling cauliflower with their appearance.

The growths can be from a few mm to 10 cm. When they fall into the ground, they begin to burst and secrete millions of spores. The causative agent of the disease can winter on tubers and remain in the ground for up to 20 years.