b'2020 Potato Field Research In Nby Dr.Andy Robinson, NDSU/UMN Potato Extension AgronomistThis unique year caused by the COVID-19 has resulted in many challenges andchanges in the research and Extensionactivities. These changes include thingssuch as where we placed research trials,how we plant and, and how we do thefield work. It will also affect field days.The good news is that spring was favor-ableforplantingresearchtrialsinatimelymanner.Sincethen,favorabletemperatureshaveencouragedrapidplantgrowth.Anumberofpotatoresearch projects are being conducted bytheexcellentresearchersinNorthDakotaandMinnesota.Theseresearchers are focused on current andfuture issues affecting potato growers inthe two states. However, the findings oftheseresearchprojectsareoftenfargreaterthatourregionbecausetheresultsareoftenusedthroughouttheUnited States and other countries. Thank you to all those who help makethe research tests possible. Projects are something you feel needs to be studied, fromEricBrandvikandPeterIhryasfunded by many sources, including the pleaseletusknow.Keepupdatedon well as master students, Enise AyyildizNorthernPlainsPotatoGrowers potatoesbyfollowingAndyRobinson and Jed Grow. Our trials are in four loca-Association, Minnesota Area II Research @spudologyandwww.ag.ndsu.edu/ tionsthisyear,Perham,Minnesota;and Promotion Council, through state potatoextension.TheNDAWNPotato Oakes,HoopleandInkster,Northand federal grants and other in the pota- Blight app is the key source for blight Dakota. In addition to these, we are con-toindustry.Weparticularlywantto notifications and can be downloaded at ductingthelateblightsporetrappingthank the grower cooperators who host iTunes or Google play store.networkwithpartnerfarmsinNorthresearchtrialsontheirfarmandseed Dakota and Minnesota. Because of theNDSU/UMNPotatoExtension COVID-19travelrestrictions,mostofgrowerswhodonateseedfortrials.Agronomist the research trials are in North DakotaThanks to all our industry partners whoaresupportingresearchprojectsand Dr. Andy Robinson, NDSU/UMN this year. The focus of our work is inExtension activities.variety development, weed control, her-The Extension agronomy team has been bicide injury, fertilizer and other agro-If there are any questions or if there is busy conducting many agronomy trials. nomic related questions. Our team includes technical assistance18 POTATO GROWER JULY/AUGUST 2020'