Potato Central Clinic To Focus On Fumigation, Education

It may not feel like it with inches of snow still on the ground across much of the Northwest, but planting season will be here for potato growers before you know it.  In an effort to prepare growers, RDO will hold a Potato Central Clinic Thursday in Pasco.

RDO’s Erin Hightower said they will have a variety of speakers from Washington State University as well as the Washington state Department of Agriculture, talking about the latest regulations.

“Fumigation, fumigation safety, and when to fumigate and when not to fumigate.  All of that decision making process we need to have when we’re fumigating to make sure we do it properly, we do it safely, and we do it for the right rates.”

Hightower said WSDA will also focus on when growers need to wear personal protection, and what qualifies.  She noted pesticide credits for both Washington and Oregon will be available.  Hightower added the late snow storm has made the growing season very interesting.

“This wet weather is going to set us up for some of those diseases and pests that are going to need to be fumigated, this is your chance as a producer to get ready for that season, do it safely and do it with a good amount of confidence.”

The Potato Central Clinic runs 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at RDO’s location at 5806 North Industrial Way in Pasco.

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