Experts will share the state of current research on potatoes at the Washington State University Potato Field Day, Thursday, June 26, at Othello, Wash.
The field day brings together researchers from WSU and partner institutions who breed and test potato varieties and develop improved ways to grow the crop, fight disease, and increase productivity and health.
“The research and Extension activities on display at Potato Field Day are designed to keep our potato growers and industry competitive and profitable,” said organizer Mark Pavek, professor and research agronomist with WSU’s Potato Extension and Research program. “Every project is important.”
The highlight is the annual tour of WSU’s commercial seed lot trial, a 62-year-running field test of dozens of commercially grown potato varieties held in partnership with the Washington State Potato Commission and members of the potato industry.
The trial helps scientists and growers compare performance and quality of different varietie. It is also a resource for disease recognition and diagnosis: farmers learn to identify symptoms of virus infection and other problems by examining flagged plants. Results from the seed trials are published annually at the WSU Potatoes website.
The day will include two simultaneous field tours and discussions covering potato-growing practices and pest management. Field day participants can move between sessions to learn about topics of interest.
Water use updates
Experts from WSU, the Soil Health Institute, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture will present updates on new irrigation methods and water use productivity, healthy soils, potato trials, wound healing, heat stress, nutrient effects on potato skin and quality, and other topics.
Concurrently, scientists from WSU, USDA, University of Idaho, and Cornell University will share pest trends and alerts, virus and nematode research, virus resistance, herbicide trials, biosecurity, and the potato-supporting work of the WSU Plant Pest Diagnostic Clinic.
A special presentation explores alternatives to neonicotinoids — a class of pesticides that may harm beneficial insects — and their impact on transmission of viruses. Scientists and students will also share interactive sessions on their research.
A hosted noon lunch completes the field day. Admission is free. The field day is supported by WSU, the Washington State Potato Commission, the Washington State Potato Foundation, and corporate sponsors; backers will be recognized for their support during the field day.
WSU’s potato program needs involvemet and input from farmers and industry members to ensure that research is timely, appropriate, and necessary.
“We need their assistance, just as they need ours,” Pavek said. “We are all far more successful when we work together as a team. Attendees will be able to see that team at work during the field day.”
The Othello Research Farm is located at 1471 W Cox Rd, Othello, Washington.
A field day agenda, seed lot information, and a map to the research center can be found at www.potatoes.wsu.edu.
Source: Washington State University