Potato experts from Washington State University, the USDA, the Northwest Potato Consortium, and partner universities will share the latest in disease defense, production advances and new varieties at the WSU Potato Field Day, Thursday, June 27, at Othello, Wash.
The free event runs 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at WSU’s Othello Research Unit, 1471 West Cox Road. Following tours and discussions, lunch will be provided.
WSU hosts the Potato Field Day every year in partnership with the Washington State Potato Commission and Washington State Potato Foundation, giving growers, industry supporters, commission members and visitors from the Northwest and around the world an up-close look at potato research in action.
The 2019 field day includes tours on improved growing practices, pest management, and a look at commercial seed trials.
A potato cultural practices tour includes updates on planting dates, promising fresh market and chip selections, screening for heat stress tolerance, research to reduce tuber greening, water use patterns, and more.
A concurrent pest management tour explores research on Lygus bug, Potato virus Y, potato black dot, glycoalcaloids and greening, insect monitoring, soil-borne disease, and a demonstration of how sensors can detect pathogens in storage.
“Field days help everyone in the potato industry — from researchers to growers to processors — share ideas and see what’s happening in our research trials,” said Mark Pavek, WSU’s Pullman-based potato specialist.
Learn about potato research at WSU.
Contact Mark J. Pavek, associate professor/potato specialist, WSU Department of Horticulture, at (509) 335-6861 or mjpavek@wsu.edu.