OTHELLO, Wash – The Washington State University Potato Research Group will host its annual Potato Field Day starting at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 24, at the WSU Othello Research Farm.
The Field Day will feature field tours highlighting the latest research developments in potato cultural practices and pest management, as well as a potato irrigation workshop on chemigation remote monitoring and irrigation uniformity.
Talks on the management of new potato cultivars, fertility, and disease and pest management will be presented by experts from WSU, WSU Grant/Adams County Extension, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service, and the Washington State Department of Agriculture.
Washington State University is a partner in the Pacific Northwest Potato Variety Development Program along with the University of Idaho, Oregon State University, and the USDA/ARS. Since its founding in 1985, the program has released more than 30 varieties including cultivars with resistance to potato late blight.
According to a study by University of Idaho agronomist Stephen Love, every dollar invested in the Tri-State breeding program yields a return of at least $38 to the region’s economy.
The Field Day will culminate with a hosted lunch. CCA and pesticide recertification credits have been applied for in Washington and Idaho.
The Othello Research Farm is located at 1471 Cox Road, Othello. More information about the WSU Potato Research Group and the complete schedule for the Field Day can be found at http://potatoes.wsu.edu/index.html