Potato harvesters have been spotted in Manitoba fields over the past week or so.

Vikram Bisht, plant pathologist with Manitoba Agriculture, says some areas, such as Winkler, are already about 25 per cent complete. Other regions such as Portage and Carberry are about 15 per cent done.

The first reports have been showing good yield and quality.

Bisht says the hot, dry conditions have slowed down harvest is some areas, with producers waiting until temperatures cool down before they continue with harvest.

"These warm tubers start to lose moisture and conditions in storage because of the big piles. They develop some soft rot and other storage issues."

He notes many producers do not have equipment that will cool the potatoes while they are in storage.

Late blight was not a major concern this year as the hot, dry conditions helped to prevent the spread of the disease.

Bisht adds there were some issues with Colorado potato beetles during the growing season, as the pest was becoming resistant to certain insecticides. He expects the beetle to be a concern next year as well.