Tim Waters

While a bit on the early side, several potato growers across the region are already moving dirt, and planting for the season.  Tim Waters with WSU Extension says soil temperatures and moisture level as on par for where they should be this time of year.  A ...

Vegetable growers across the Columbia Basin are reminded to remain vigilant  in fighting pests this year.  WSU’s Tim Waters says for potatoes, there’s been more aphid pressure this year than in previous years.  He added the long, hot, dry spell the region has been under for the past week has led to the development of two spotted spider mites.   “Almost every pot...

After a cool wet spring to start the 2017, it appears that the local potato crop has rebound nicely.  Washington State University's Tim Waters says thanks to the hot weather for the past two weeks, the area is very close to on schedule for degree days.  Bu...

Washington State University is warning onion growers to be vigilant with their disease management.  WSU Extension’s Tim Waters told the Washington Ag Network one of the chief concerns is Downy Mildew, which is a water mold like Late Blight   “Conditions that promote Late Blight in potato are also going to promote Downy Mildew in Onions; so cool wet conditions.  And we had those co...

Potato growers on the Columbia Basin need to be on the lookout for Late Blyte this summer.  Washington State University's Tim Waters says there is a greater than 95% chance we’ll see Late Blight this year.   “The reason for that is, the cool wet conditions that we’ve had to date this spring.  So, late blight is a water mol...

The 2017 WSU Potato Field Day gets underway Thursday at the Washington State University Research station in Othello.  WSU researcher Tim Waters told the Washington Ag Network this year’s field day will include many of the staples growers have come to expect over the years, such as nutrient management, but there’s several things that are new.   “There’...

While the calendar may say it’s time to plant vegetables across the Columbia Basin, Mother Nature is saying something else.  Washington State University's Tim Waters told the Washington Ag Network there are dangers when planning seeds with soil conditions like these.   “...

Row crop growers are reminded to scout their fields this time of year for spider mites.  WSU Extension’s Tim Waters says it’s the time of year when spider mites begin to develop and thrive thanks to the warm dry weather.  Waters notes spider mites are typically held in check by other predators, but many of those predators are gone, thanks to a spring and summer of regular insecticide application.

It’s that time of year when Columbia Basin sweet corn growers need to actively scout of corn earworm.  Now through harvest time, earworm numbers are expected to grow. Washington State University Extension’s Tim Waters said both growers and processes must be vigilant.   “The managem...

Onion growers across the Columbia Basin are being advised to actively scout for Thrips.  WSU Extension’s Tim Waters said warmer, dryer conditions allow Thrips to thrive and multiple quickly.  He said if left untreated, thrips can decrease overall yield by 5% to 40%.  So growers mu...