Potato Pests Observed in Seed Potatoes, North Korea during 2001 to 2005

During visiting North Korea from 2001 to 2005, I have had a few chances to observe and discuss several North Korean scientists for the seed production program and also, the occurrence of potato pests. Healthy seed production, especially in the early generations, e.g. the production of virus-free starting materials as well as in vitro pre-basic seeds (G0) by hydroponics and basic seeds under netted houses according to her new national seed potato program of Academy of Agricultural Science, Pyongyang, North Korea, has been done well so far. Some major pests occurred, however, in the early generations such as pre-basic seed (G0) in greenhouse, basic seed (G1) in screenhouse, foundation seed-I (G2) and even ware potatoes in the fields are Phytopitthora infestans, Spongospora subterrunea, Ralstonia solanacearum, Pythium spp. and some viruses such as Potato virus X, Potato virus Y, Potato leafroll virus, and also larger potato ladybeetle, greenhouse whitefly and potato tuber moth. Therefore, the success of healthy seed production in North Korea will be thoroughly depended on the pest control and the multiplication of virus-free seed stocks in the isolated areas, especially where no infected potatoes are grown.