February 2004
Achieving Potato Harmony
Pete Thomas has spent years in the field of
plant pathology studying potato viruses. Charles R. Brown didn't intend
to study the genetics of potatoes, but now bears the title of research
geneticist. As a soil scientist, Harold Collins looks at the "wee
things in the soil." And then there's Rick Boydston, the weed guy-
a physiologist by trade.
Testing Seed in Paradise
The word "Hawaii" normally invokes
a feeling of warmth and leisure. But to Mike Sun, director of the Montana
State University seed potato certification program, Hawaii is synonymous
with "work."
Potato Alliance Moves to Remove Trade Barriers
The American Potato Trade Alliance met at
the Port of Seattle headquarters on Jan. 15 to discuss market access,
transportation and other issues affecting potato exports. The APTA consists
of representatives from quick service restaurant chains, potato processors
and potato grower organizations. Members work with U.S. and foreign
governments to remove trade barriers impacting U.S. frozen fries, dehydrated
potato products and other processed potato products.
Low Rates, High Performance from Liquid Seed Treatment
It sounded like a radical idea-applying a
liquid fungicide seed treatment to potato seed pieces to protect them
from Fusarium dry rot and Rhizoctonia. After all, generations of growers
have worked to keep their tubers dry at nearly all costs. But last season,
Maxim® 4FS liquid potato seed treatment fungicide proved that what
was radical was the outstanding application and performance of the new
formulation of the popular Maxim seed treatment fungicide.
Potato Palette Tempts Customers to Try New Varieties
"What do consumers want?" It's a
question that often bedevils producers and marketers alike. It's all
in the eyes, according to Dr. William J. Lamont, associate professor
and extension vegetable specialist at Penn State University. If Lamont
is right, then specialty potato varieties may have an edge in the competitive
world of fresh produce marketing.