May/June 2004
Breaking Through
Leafhoppers
Researchers believe they are only weeks
away from figuring out which type of leaf hopper is to blame for transmitting
phytoplasma on potato plants. With dozens of species out there, USDA
researchers like Joe Munyaneza, Wapato, Wash., are cracking down on
which leafhopper it is so they can figure out the best management practices
for growers.
Nitrogen Management on Columbia Basin
Cultivars
Growers in Washington, Oregon and Idaho produce 12.7 million tons of
potatoes, 55 percent of the total U.S. production. PNW acreage totals
about 623,220 acres, 45 percent of the total U.S. potato acreage (www.nass.usda.gov).
The farmgate value of potatoes in the Pacific Northwest is estimated
at about $1.3 billion. The value added return from processing and the
economic opportunities provided by other related industries are of significant
importance to this region.
Seed Corn Maggot Surveys To
Be Conducted in Potatoes
Be on the lookout for maggots in your potato fields this year, say researchers.
There is a fly species that has an immature or larval form (the maggot)
that can cause major direct damage to potato seedlings and may also
transmit diseases such as stem soft rot and Fusarium. The seed corn
maggot (Delia platura) adult is a gray fly that is slightly smaller
and more slender than a house fly.
Tri-State Potato Program Releases
Three New Varieties
A potato that needs no fungicides to withstand late blight is one of
three new varieties being released this spring by the Tri-State Potato
Variety Development Program. Named Defender, the late-maturing, unrusseted
"long white" spud develops late blight symptoms so slowly
that growers who would otherwise be spraying fungicides weekly need
not spray for late blight at all.
Minimize Spray Drift Through Management
Spray planes swoop over agricultural fields. Homeowners clear weeds
from roadsides and pastures. Spring is in the air, along with seasonal
applications of pesticides and fertilizers. Mary Corp, Oregon State
University Extension weed specialist in Umatilla County, warns that
the arrival of spring brings increased concern about drifting herbicides
and the potential damage they can cause.
2004 Chip Seminar Focuses on the
Future
New products. New packaging. New markets. An industry preparing itself
to embrace new ideas in "marketing Americas Favorite Salty Snack
to consumers" was the theme of this year's Chip Seminar. More than
120 chip growers, chip manufacturers, and suppliers attended the 2004
Chip Seminar in Jacksonville, Florida, March 3 - 6. The seminar, sponsored
by the United States Potato Board, was also promoted and supported by
the National Potato Council, the Snack Food Association and the National
Potato Foundation.