Hermiston Potato Field Day, Addressing The Needs Of Growers

Oregon State University’s Hermiston Potato Field Day took place Wednesday and growers and researchers from across the Northwest turned out to share the latest information and discoveries.  Sagar Sathuvalli, OSU potato breeder, noted that much of the work is a team effort between OSU, Washington State University, the University of Idaho and USDA's ARS.  Sathuvalli said if you combine the resources of those four outlets, the Tri-State is the largest breeding program in the world, especially when it comes to russets.  He added by having that depth of knowledge and background, growers are well positioned.

"When we release a variety, the growers get a package of they know what germplasm is, what are they resistant to, and how they need to manage agronomically and what is, what are their susceptibility and resistance to which pathogens,"  Sathuvalli said.  "So and highly supported by the grower.”

Growers Need To Know This Is A Wise Investment

Speaking of the growers, Sathuvalli said they’ve had a great working relationship with growers across the Northwest, receiving research funding via the commodity commissions since the 1980s, resulting in new varieties and breakthroughs.  And that, he said, is another important aspect of the Hermiston Potato Field Day.

“This gives them an opportunity to see how their money is being effectively spent,"  Sathuvalli added.  "So, that's the main thing, or one of the things, is you are giving us money, we want you to see what we are doing.  And it takes a lot of time and effort, so it's an opportunity for them to see money well spent.”

We Are Here For Growers Anytime

Sathuvalli said for growers that didn’t get a chance to see the research at Wednesday’s field day, they are encouraged to visit the Hermiston Agricultural Research & Extension Center any time for an update on the latest potato news.

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