March 2004
New Potato
Herbicide to Be Registered in 2004
Spartan, a new pre-emergence herbicide, is
expected to be labeled for use on potatoes in the 2004 growing season.
The herbicide's manufacturer, FMC Corporation, is currently writing
the potato label. Once the label is submitted, the EPA has up to 90
days to review and approve the label. Following EPA approval, potato
growers will be able to include Spartan in their weed management programs.
Potato Foundation Honors Potato Industry Leader
The Washington State Potato Foundation (WSPF)
awarded the 2004 Potato Industry Honoree Award to Dennis Conley of Moses
Lake. This award was presented at the WSPF Banquet held Feb. 4 at the
Moses Lake Convention Center. The banquet ran in conjunction with the
Potato Conference and Trade Show held in Moses Lake.
New Washington Conference Opens to Enthusiastic Participants
The 2004 Washington State Potato Conference
and Trade Show got off to both a great start its first year of expanded
offerings and also garnered new volunteer support for next year's event.
Oregon Conference - Potatoes: More than Just for Eating?
Dean of OSU's college of agriculture
suggests looking into bioenergy.
A potato is to eat. From grower to processor, from packer to shipper,
from retail to consumer, ultimately, potatoes are meant for consumption.
Until now, major market expansion efforts have been geared toward making
potatoes more tasty. Recently, however, research has shown opportunities
in places other than eating. Could there be another use for the one
of the most consumed vegetables in the world?
Idaho Conference - Who Moved My Potato?
Just think about this for a minute: when you
go to your favorite restaurant, how many of you order a different meal
every time? How many of you order the same thing every time?
Pavek Takes Over Thornton Position at WSU
Mark Pavek, who officially started Feb. 9,
is the new extension and research horticulturalist at Washington State
University. He fills the position vacated by potato scientist veteran
Robert E. Thornton, who retired in January.