Modifying their typical in-person field day, WSU potato researchers will safely share research results from their 2021 Commercial Seed Lot Trials, during the 2021 Non-Traditional WSU Potato Field Day, Thursday, June 24.
To reduce crowd sizes, the event will be offered across a six-hour window. Attendees can arrive any time between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. at WSU’s Othello Research Unit, 1471 West Cox Road.
Visitors will be able to take part in self-guided tours of the university’s seed lot trials, as well as see several research demonstrations.
While this event won’t follow the traditional field-day format, it will help commercial seed potato producers meet with Washington growers to view samples of 2021 commercial seed lots planted in Washington fields, explained Mark Pavek, professor and potato specialist at WSU.
Each lot contains roughly 200 plants that have been checked and flagged for viruses, herbicide carryover, and other growth-compromising issues. Participants will also be able to view several cut-potato seed-size demonstration plots.
WSU researchers will be available to answer questions and guide participants. If COVID-19 restrictions are reduced prior to the event, hosts may include additional activities and discussion groups.
Potatoes are a $4.6 billion industry in Washington. In partnership with growers and scientists across the Northwest, WSU researchers lead trials informing growers about promising cultivars, evaluate seed lots to ensure
a disease-free industry, and pursue post-harvest research revealing new cultivars with superior storage, processing, and culinary attributes.
Agricultural certification credits may be available.
Learn more at the WSU potato homepage.