CFA does not support the continued use of a single positive sample as the threshold for an index field. Spore detection should be confirmed in two separate samples within the same field before the field is classified as an index field.
The CFA supports the addition of a viability assessment for spores detected in potato fields when no visible tuber symptoms are observed.
The CFA supports the new “Field of concern” classification, as it would address some of the risk to the industry, associated with false positive or false negative test results. However, we suggest the following wording: “A field where spores in only one sample have been detected and confirmed via morphology and molecular analysis will be designated a field of concern.”