Potato Research and Extension
- Jul 2, 2021
- 1 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
As part of multistate projects, researchers at land-grant universities are improving potato production.
Over 70% of varieties grown in the U.S. were created with U.S. Potato Genebank material (Colorado State University, Cornell University, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, North Carolina State University, Oregon State University, Texas A&M University, University of Wisconsin).
Eastern land-grant universities conduct potato variety trials and populate a database for eastern growers (Cornell University, University of Florida, University of Maine, North Carolina State University, Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University, Rutgers University, Virginia Tech)
Scientists developed potato virus detection training for potato growers, inspectors, and regulators so they can act quickly and prevent serious losses (University of Idaho, Montana State University, Washington State University, University of Wisconsin).
A new zebra chip detection method is 30-60% more accurate (Oregon State University).
Scientists bred potatoes resistant to tuber greening, which can be toxic to consumers (University of Idaho).
A potato farmer using weather monitoring data to schedule irrigation increased yields 15% (University of Idaho, Oregon State University).
Land-grant universities bred potatoes with high levels of nutrients like folate, potassium, and antioxidants that benefit human health.
Two varieties bred by land-grant scientists account for 15% of U.S. potato chip production (Cornell University).
Learn more about these projects:
