Potato experts at Washington State University share the latest in disease defense, production advances and new varieties at the Potato Field Day, Thursday, June 21.
The free event is 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at WSU’s Othello Research Unit at 1471 West Cox Road, Othello, Wash. Following a tour and discussions, lunch will be provided.
Visitors will also meet Dr. André Wright, new dean of WSU’s College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS).
Washington state grows more potatoes per acre than any other state, and its $4.6 billion industry produces some of the best potatoes in the world. Washington State University and WSU Extension support the industry, developing new ideas, disease- and pest-fighting techniques, and sustainable potato varieties to meet consumer and industry needs.
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.
This year’s field day includes tours, discussions, and a close look at detection for PVY, a devastating virus that can cause total crop losses.
“Field days help everyone in the potato industry—from researchers to seed growers to processors—share ideas and see what’s happening in our research trials,” said Mark Pavek, WSU’s Pullman-based potato specialist.
“In potato production, there is always room for improvement,” he added. “Working with our partners at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the potato commissions and Foundation, industry, and partner universities, we’re all pulling together to make that happen.”
Wright, new CAHNRS dean, will attend the field day and discuss the future of WSU agricultural research and partnerships.
A world-renowned researcher in animal sciences, Wright is the former director of the School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences at the University of Arizona. For more than 20 years, he has researched ways to help animals use nutrients more efficiently, reduce methane, and increase food production, sustainably. Wright began his duties as CAHNRS dean June 1.
- To learn more about the Field Day, contact Mark Pavek, WSU Potato Specialist, at 509-335-6861 or by email at mjpavek@wsu.edu
- Learn more about potato research at WSU by visiting potatoes.wsu.edu.