Potato Research and Extension
- Jul 2, 2021
- 1 min read
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, Cornell, Michigan State, Minnesota, NC State, Oregon State, Texas A&M, Wisconsin).
Eastern land-grant universities conduct potato variety trials and populate a database for eastern growers (Cornell, Florida, Maine, NC State, Ohio State, Penn State, Rutgers, Virginia Tech)
Scientists developed potato virus detection training for potato growers, inspectors, and regulators so they can act quickly and prevent serious losses (Idaho, Montana State, Washington State, Wisconsin).
A new zebra chip detection method is 30-60% more accurate (Oregon State).
Scientists bred potatoes resistant to tuber greening, which can be toxic to consumers (Idaho).
A potato farmer using weather monitoring data to schedule irrigation increased yields 15% (Idaho, Oregon State).
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).
Learn more about these projects:
