WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY POTATO FIELD DAY SHOWCASES LATEST RESEARCH

The Washington State University (WSU) Potato Field Day was held on June 25, 2026 at the WSU Othello Research Station, bringing together potato growers, industry representatives, extension specialists, students, and researchers from Washington State University (WSU), Oregon State University (OSU), the University of Idaho (UI), Montana State University (MSU), and the USDA Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS). The event served as an important platform for sharing the latest research findings and production practices aimed at improving the sustainability and profitability of the potato industry.

The program began with a welcome address by Dr. Raj Khosla, Dean of the WSU College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS), who emphasized the importance of land-grant university research and the value of collaborative partnerships in addressing the challenges facing modern agriculture. Dr. Mark Pavek, WSU potato breeder, organized the field day and coordinated the annual seed lot trials, which remain a valuable resource for evaluating seed quality and disease incidence.

One of the highlights of the event was the seed lot trial, where participants observed potato seed lots for mosaic virus symptoms, blackleg disease, and chemical or herbicide injury. The trial provided growers and seed producers with an opportunity to observe differences among seed lots and discuss disease identification and management strategies with researchers and extension specialists.

The field day featured two concurrent tours: the Potato Cultural Management Practices Field Tour and the Potato Pest Management Field Tour. These sessions allowed attendees to visit research plots, interact directly with scientists, and observe ongoing experiments under field conditions.

Researchers presented a wide range of topics addressing current production challenges and future opportunities. Highlights included presentations on diploid potato breeding, which offers new possibilities for accelerating variety development, and the development of novel methods to evaluate heat stress in potato under field conditions, an increasingly important area of research as temperatures continue to rise. Additional presentations focused on the management of internal brown spot, a physiological disorder that affects tuber quality and marketability.

The pest management tour included updates on weed control trials, tobacco rattle virus research, and the management of Verticillium wilt, providing growers with practical information on integrated approaches to reduce yield losses and improve crop health. Discussions emphasized the importance of combining resistant varieties, cultural practices, and effective pest management strategies to sustain potato production in the Pacific Northwest.

The event was well attended and encouraged active participation from growers and industry professionals. Throughout the field tours, attendees engaged in discussions with researchers, asked questions about ongoing studies, and exchanged ideas on production challenges and potential solutions. A lunch provided additional opportunities for networking and collaboration among participants from universities, government agencies, and the potato industry.

Overall, the 2025 WSU Potato Field Day successfully highlighted the strong partnership among land-grant universities, USDA-ARS, and the potato industry. By showcasing current research on breeding, crop management, pest and disease control, and seed quality, the event equipped growers with practical, research-based information to address emerging production challenges. The field day continues to play a vital role in connecting research with on-farm application and supporting the long-term success of the Pacific Northwest potato industry.