Potato Bytes
01.10.2023

News from Northland Potato Growers Association
Serving the potato industry in North Dakota and Northwest Minnesota.
Potato Expo 2023 is in the Books
Ted Kreis - NPGA Communications

Over 1,800 people, including a large contingent from our region attended the 2023 Potato Expo held last week in Aurora, Colorado. The trade show had 176 exhibitors which also included a number of local organizations.

A number of hot topics were discussed in breakout sessions and key topics at the UPGA Potato Business Summit were the explosive growth of yellow skinned potatoes in the fresh market, and the dramatic drop in production of russet potatoes in Idaho which is stirring up both the fresh and frozen processing markets.

Below are some photos from Expo events last week.
Gregg and Leah Halverson represented our region in the
Instant Pot-ato Challenge. Here they pose with the Food Network's Simon Majumdar and Potatoes USA Chef
R J Harvey.
R J Harvey interviews the Halversons during the competition. Three teams were given baby purple potatoes and an Instant Pot to create their own recipe. The Halversons cooked up a beef stew.
Instant Pot-ato contest judges included from L to R, Celebrity Chef Jason Morse, Bonnie Johnson from Potatoes USA and Shelly Henschel from The Little Potato Company.
Over 400 people attended UPGA's Potato Business Summit, the largest crowd in the event's 10-year history. In case you missed it, presentations are available on YouTube.
Randy Schmidt (L) and Justin Dagen promoted Minnesota Certified Seed in
their booth at the Potato Expo.
Willem Schrage (L) and Kent Sather manned the North Dakota Certified Seed booth.
NPGA Potato Associates Exhibiting at the Potato Expo
Mike Delisle - Harrison Mayo
(L to R) Even Nyborg, Scott Homstad, Bruce Nyborg and Josh Barker - Tri-Steel Mfg.
Joe Dahlen - Lockwood
PAPAS Announces Plan to Combat Potato Nematodes
 
Leading nematologists commit to finding and sharing industry solutions 

A team of scientists and researchers named Potatoes & Pests – Actionable Science Against Nematodes (PAPAS) announced today their plans to address industry-wide challenges in managing potato nematodes. 

“Potato nematodes not only cause internal and external defects, but also reduce yield and market value,” says Louise-Marie Dandurand, Ph.D., director of PAPAS and associate professor and director of the University of Idaho Potato Cyst Nematode Program. “Some potato nematodes may even result in total crop rejection and regulatory action.” 

Root knot and potato cyst nematodes are two of the most economically damaging pests of potato, causing up to 80% yield loss in infested fields,1 rejection of complete shipments, and garnering worldwide regulatory concern. There are currently no russet-type varieties with resistance to potato nematodes, and the use of soil fumigants for control has become increasingly restricted. 

“Potato growers face challenges in managing plant-parasitic nematodes and reducing the damage that they cause,” Dr. Dandurand explains. “Our ongoing research will focus on developing resistant commercial varieties, establishing damage thresholds and decision support systems, as well as creating new nematode control measures.” 

PAPAS’ team of researchers and investigators includes:

  • Louise-Marie Dandurand, Ph.D., Project Director, University of Idaho
  • Cynthia Gleason, Ph.D., Project Co-Director, Washington State University
  • Joseph Kuhl, Ph.D., Project Co-Director, University of Idaho
  • Marisol Quintanilla, Ph.D., Project Co-Director, Michigan State University
  • Philip Watson, Ph.D., Project Co-Director, University of Idaho
  • Inga Zasada, Project Co-Director, USDA-ARS, Corvallis
  • Allan Caplan, Ph.D., Principal Investigator, University of Idaho
  • Walter DeJong, Ph.D., Principal Investigator, Cornell University
  • Max Feldman, Ph.D., Principal Investigator, USDA-ARS
  • Ananth Kalyaranaman, Ph.D., Principal Investigator, Washington State University
  • Rich Novy, Ph.D., Principal Investigator, USDA-ARS
  • Inna Popova, Ph.D., Principal Investigator, University of Wisconsin
  • Sagar Sathuvalli, Ph.D., Principal Investigator, University of Oregon
  • Rhett Spear, Ph.D., Principal Investigator, University of Idaho
  • Xiaohong Wang, Ph.D., Principal Investigator, USDA-ARS
  • Jonathan Whitworth, Ph.D., Principal Investigator, USDA-ARS
  • Fangming Xiao, Ph.D., Principal Investigator, University of Idaho 

Learn more about PAPAS at PotatoNematodes.com.  
Robinson Seeking Growers to Help with Study

The NDSU/UMN Potato Agronomy team is working on modelling 10-foot dig data to provide better information when to vine kill. If you have historical data and would like to participate, please send the data to Andrew.p.robinson@ndsu.edu.

We need variety, test dig dates, size/weight, and any other information. Data will be kept confidential and pooled with other growers’ data to build the best model (based on variety, environment, etc.). Thank you! 
Potato Bytes TV & Movie Trivia

Last Week's Photo

Last week's photo was Leroy and Abby (Mark Harmon and Pauley Perrette) from the TV series NCIS now in its 20th season! The show which has produced several spin-offs, was actually a spin-off itself from the TV show Jag.

It was answered correctly by Dorothy Viker, Kristi Anderson, Todd Forbush, Karen Radke, Brett Miller, Vicky Boyd, Matt VanRay and Victoria Stamper.

This Week's Photo

What movie is this photo from? Send your answer by clicking on the red tab below.


All those answering correctly will be recognized in the next Potato Bytes
 
Greek Isles Mashed Potato Board

Red mashed potatoes flavored with roasted garlic and lemon juice topped with kalamata and green olives, thinly sliced red onions, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, crumbled feta cheese, and dill.

Dish: Appetizer
Potato Type: Red
Cuisine: American, Greek, Mediterranean
Prep Method: Baked, Mashed


Get one delicious, potato recipe delivered to you each week. You’ll always have new, tasty ideas to surprise and delight your family and friends—even on a busy weeknight. Sign up

News from the National Potato Council

1/6/2023

Sorry, no report from the NPC this week due to the Potato Expo. It will return next week.
Coming Events @ a Glance


February 21 - Alerus Center, Grand Forks

  • NPGA MSA and Chairman's Banquet - Social Hour 5:30, Banquet 6:30


February 22 - Alerus Center, Grand Forks



February 23 - Alerus Center, Grand Forks



March 7