U of I To Host 57th Annual Potato Conference

The University of Idaho is gearing up for the 57th annual Idaho Potato Conference, which will take place January 22nd –23rd in the Pond Student Union Building on the Idaho State University campus in Pocatello.  U of I associate professor of plant pathology James Woodhall noted that much of this year’s workshops and presentations will focus on plant disease and pressures.

“Quite a bit on powdery scab on PMTV [Potato mop-top virus] and the other diseases we're talking about will be verticelli and potato early die. So, the conference will kick off with a presentation from Jeff Miller, from [Rupert-based] Miller Research on management for that, and from Phil Wharton at University of Idaho who's talking about different variety control diagnostics as well as chemical control for early die as well.”

Leaders with Potatoes USA, National Potato Council and the Idaho Potato Commission are all scheduled to provide industry updates as well.  Woodhall added the Conference will also have workshops focused on “Potatoes 101”.

“Across a broad range of topics, from agronomy to irrigation to pests, just to kind of present the current state-of-the-art as it were.  And then we will have technical workshops.”

He said the adjacent trade show will provide additional opportunities for growers, processors, or anyone connected to the potato industry to network and discuss industry trends.

Registration for the conference is Now Open. Registration prior to midnight on Wednesday, January 15 is $40 per person.  After January 15, registration will be available on site for $50 per person.  U of I officials expect this year’s conference will attract a crowd of 600-900 people.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com