To educate growers on PVY and other new hybrid strains, a website has been launched by the USDA, the University of Idaho, Cornell University and the University of Wisconsin, reported Capital Press.

At www.potatovirus.com, growers can read PVY research updates by experts from the three universities, along with related links and a discussion forum.

While the traditional strain hurts yields by damaging leaves and stunting growth, many strains that began surfacing in the U.S. in 2000 can impair tubers.