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NorthernPlainsPotatoGrowersAssociation P.O.Box301 420BusinessHighway2 EastGrandForksMN56721 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E N O R T H E R N P L A I N S P O T A T O G R O W E R S A S S O C I A T I O N Non-ProfitOrg. U.S.Postage PAID FargoND PermitNo.152 March2016 bbringing auBec e tg mor ouuse y ao the tt evbelie able in bbringing e tg mor ao the tt able. ro oYo udorpdnasdohtemcinagror esruom yore fromdnameduo usmuimerpmusisatorPstc r puof yt ocepsy arevd enafle siS71-05-0-0hsatopfoetaflu u uoyfr iettao mN.noitcudorp ruoyfoyhtrows lanoitnevnoe csu ot ts si. Voon tau coo ye slbae tho t musisatoh pgih hti. Wsdradnat eao ltmoc.sulPmuissatorPtsi o cy nllautri vruflue staflu sm .eron mra edarf gy oteirad a vne adirohl eros mgnirt b is M A R C H 2 0 1 6 POTATO GROWER 3 March 2016 81 245 CONTENTS 4 NPPGA Marketing Message 6 USPB Message 8 NPC Message 12 Andys Advice Understanding and Manag- ing Blemish Problems in Fresh Market Potatoes 14 NPPGA MSA Award and Chairmans Banquet 16 Carl Hoverson Receives NPPGAs MSA 18 2016 International Crop Expo 24 NPPGA Research and Reporting Conference On the cover Outgoing NPPGA Chairman Don Suda right exchanges the gavel with incoming Chairman Lonnie Spokely. Publisher Northern Plains Potato Growers Assn. General Manager Todd Phelps NPPGA Staff President Chuck Gunnerson Finance and Operations Director Diane Peycke Marketing and Communications Director Ted Kreis NPPGA Executive Committee Chair Lonnier Spokely Vice Chair Greg Campbell SecretaryTreasurer Eric Halverson ND Council Representative Greg Campbell MN Council Representative Justin Dagen Potato Associate Representative Todd Phelps Past Chair Don Suda Valley Potato Grower is published 8 times annually at P.O. Box 301 East Grand Forks MN 56721. Telephone 218 773- SPUD. Fax 218 773-6227. E-mail vpgsalesnppga.org Subscription no charge in U.S. Canada 401-year Foreign 601-year. Advertising call 218 773-SPUD. Editor welcomes manuscripts and pictures but accepts no responsibility for lost materials. Reproduction in whole or in part of materials in this issue without permission is prohibited. Copyright 2016 Northern Plains Potato Growers Association. All rights reserved. M A R C H 2 0 1 64 POTATO GROWER4 POTATO GROWER Park River Fort Yates and W-A-O Receive School Salad Bars from NPPGA and USPB Supported Program by Ted Kreis NPPGA Marketing and Communications Director Back in October we told you that the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association NPPGA had committed a salad bar donation to the Lets Move Salad Bars to Schools program partner- ing with the United States Potato Board USPB United Fresh and others. The Park River School District was cho- sen as our first recipient. Park River is in the heart of the potato growing region in northeast North Dakota. The school has an enrollment of 431 students in K- 12. Shelly Poitra who heads the lunch pro- gram at the school submitted an appli- cation last fall that was approved and the school took delivery of the salad bar in December. A remodeling project at the school prevented it from being put into use until January. The one salad bar the school had been using worked fine for older students but was much too high for younger children so Shelly took advantage of an option to order a salad bar designed for smaller kids. Both salad bars are now being used with the taller salad bar still serving the older students. Poitra said The young kids absol- utely love it It is just the right height for them adding We really want to thank the growers association and the U.S. Potato Board for making this avail- able to us. The salad bar came complete with serv- ing tubs tongs and re-usable ice packs. Poitra said the school is considering pur- chasing a re-usable hot pack that would work well for warm potato dishes. Potato salad was being served from the salad bar on the day I visited. Shelly assured me their potato salad is made from scratch with fresh Red River Valley red potatoes. Shelly is originally from Hoople North Dakota also known as Tater Town USA. Shelly said she would never consid- er ordering pre-made potato salad from a foodservice vendor. Thats just not the way we do things here. The United States Potato Board matches one salad bar for each one donated by groups individuals or businesses. The match to our Park River donation went to Standing Rock High School in Fort Yates North Dakota. That salad bar had been on display at the USPB Summer Meeting which was held in Grand Forks last August. A bonus donation was also made in our region thanks to the USPB. The salad bar on display in the USPB booth Shelly Poitra proudly displays her new salad bar at the Park River School. The Park River kindergarten class can now dish up their own potato salad just like the big kids. M A R C H 2 0 1 6 POTATO GROWER 5 at the International Crop Expo was shipped directly from the show in Grand Forks to the Warren-Alvarado- Oslo School in Warren Minnesota. Missy Jones the Food Service Coordinator for the district said The kids love it my salad bar participation doubled the first day we had it in use. The USPB has sent out information about the Potatoes Raise the Bar pro- gram to each of these schools. The USPB will continue to send them mate- rials about the program to get them excited about serving potatoes. Other schools in North Dakota and Minnesota have received funding for salad bars through other partners sup- porting the initiative however some schools are still waiting for funding. How Schools Apply School districts wishing to receive a free salad bar must start the process by filling out an online application at salad- bars2schools.org get-a-salad-bar. A salad bar for your school will be fund- ed after your appli- cation is approved and an individual organization or busi- ness chooses your school from a list of approved applicants. How to Donate Local businesses organizations and individuals are encouraged to donate and support their local schools. Make sure your salad bar donation is part of the USPB Salad Bar Challenge and matched by the USPB. To make your school salad bar donation or learn more visit uspotatoes.com salad-bars or email saladbarsuspota- toes.com or call 303-369-7783. - Use in multiple crops year round - Link the Crop Cart via GPS to the Harvester to maintain position The perfect holding tank to keep harvesting between trucks- esvethink HarR ear round GPS to the Harvester to maintain position k to keep harvesting between trucks top Carst with a Cr n position rucks Spudnik.com USPBs David Fairbourn is pictured with the salad bar he displayed at the International Crop Expo that the USPB donated to the Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School. M A R C H 2 0 1 66 POTATO GROWER By Kimberley Breshears Marketing Programs Director US Potato Board Consumers across the United States are very diverse so its critical to focus our marketing efforts on spe- cific targets. Food Enthusiasts the United States Potato Boards newest consumer segment represent a large portion of the population and are defined by their love and overall involvement with food as well as their desire to explore culinary cre- ations from around the world. For Food Enthusiasts potatoes are a loved vegetable and appreciated for their varieties versatility and ability to pair with many foods and flavors. Consumers are at the heart of the USPBs marketing efforts since they choose the food they eat. As such our focus is to inspire consumers to make potatoes an integral and con- sistent part of their food choices whether thats at home or away. Potatoes The 9th Wonder of the World is the USPBs new fully inte- grated communications campaign designed to engage all of the shop- ping and consuming segments by using a combination of targeted print digital and social advertising video electronic marketing social media and public relations. The 9th Wonder of the World marketing cam- paign is focused on the following components USPB Message Food EnthusiastsFocus Of The 9th Wonder Of The World Campaign M A R C H 2 0 1 6 POTATO GROWER 7 Consumers Continuously inspir- ing Food Enthusiasts with endless potato possibilities. Foodservice Partnering with lead- ing chefs and the foodservice profes- sional throughout the year to inspire new and innovative potato dishes. Food Manufacturers Introducing new and inspiring potato dishes to food manufacturers to meet todays consumers need for flavor creativity and convenience in retail stores. Retail Educating retailers about their potato category sales and share ideas to positively impact retailers volume and dollar sales. Ensuring the most current retail data is readi- ly available to growers and shippers. School Foodservice Inspiring schools to provide healthy and nutritious potato options in K-12 schools. Nutrition Communications Partnering with nutrition influ- encers and the media to promote potatoes as an important part of a healthy diet. Market Research Conducting mar- ket research throughout the year to assess program performance track potato volume and usage and iden- tify new opportunities to strengthen the demand for potatoes. By tapping into the adventurous nature of Food Enthusiasts the USPBs promotional campaign is designed to inspire consumers chefs food manufacturers retailers and school foodservice directors to cook with potatoes. We are showing there are no limits to the cuisines flavors and preparations with pota- toes. We are celebrating the creativi- ty fun and versatility of cooking with potatoes. Inspiration is at the heart of the 9th Wonder of the World marketing campaign. SEED CUTTERS SEED TREATERS DIRT ELIMINATORS PILERS CONVEYERS ACCUSIZERS Used cutters purchased from Milestone are rebuilt and ceritfied and have a one year warranty. North Valley Equipment 701-352-1833 1809 Hwy 81 S Grafton ND 58237 800-833-0705 BARREL DUSTER LIQUID APPLICATOR POTATO SEED CUTTER Quality from the ground up... The only liquid applicator that qualifies for rebaterewards programs. Ask your chemical representative for details. Ask about our used cutters Double Seed Piece Eliminator Available 84 Cutter Ask About OurNew EquipmentAnd FeaturesFor 2016 1054 AM Page 1 M A R C H 2 0 1 68 POTATO GROWER About The New President At the National Potato Councils NPC 2016 Annual Meeting held January 14-15 in Las Vegas Nevada Jim Tiede of American Falls Idaho was elected to serve as the NPC President for 2016 and to lead the councils Executive Committee. He is in his fifth year of serving on the NPC Executive Committee and has previously held the titles of Vice President of Grower and Public Relations and Vice President of Government and Legislative Affairs. Tiede also served the U.S. Potato Board USPB for six years as Vice Chairman of Research and Domestic Marketing and USPB Chairman in 2002-2003. In 2012- 2013 he was appointed Chairman of the Idaho Potato Commission. Although Tiede carries many acco- lades for having served on some prestigious committees he is no stranger to potato fields. Tiedes grandfather John immigrated to Idaho and homesteaded in 1908. He broke out the land from sage brush to dry land wheat production. Tiedes father Otto served his coun- try bravely in the South Pacific Theater during World War II and returned to the farm in 1949 to drill the wells and convert the farm to irrigation. Tiede later took over the farm from his dad in the 1970s and started to modernize the irrigation systems to pivots. His son Alex is currently in the process of taking over and will be the fourth genera- tion of the Tiede family to farm the same ground. In 1974 he married his high school sweetheart Debra and Tiede says that she has been at his side for over 41 years. Tiede has four children Jacklyn Meredith Erin and Alex. All of his daughters are married with two children each so he spends a lot of his down time playing with his six grandchildren. His family lineage is made up of NPC Message by John Keeling NPC Executive Vice President and CEO Jim Tiede M A R C H 2 0 1 6 POTATO GROWER 9 hard working productive potato growers and that is shown through his genuine interest and passion in leading NPC in a direction that will benefit the industry as a whole. There will be many challenges and hurdles for the new president but there is plenty of confidence amongst Tiedes peers that he will meet them head-on and prevail. He is connected with elected represen- tatives and has proven effective in relaying the real concerns of potato growers to them. These concerns call for voting in favor of funda- mental and scientific sound legisla- tion and not playing politics with issues that are crucial to our indus- try. By recruiting and encouraging potato growers to advocate for the industry Tiede will show Capitol Hill and federal agencies that we are serious. Previous NPC presidents have done a tremendous job in fur- thering the councils legislative agenda so their forward momen- tum will be an added benefit for him. The upcoming year will be pivotal for the potato industry on Capitol Hill with so many important issues including increasing truck weight limits federal preemption on food labeling approving the Trans- Pacific Partnership TPP and fund- ing potato breeding and research. It is equally important to stay engaged with federal regulators at USDA and EPA on issues that affect how potato growers go about their daily lives such as the regulation of our water- ways and preserving the bee popula- tion without over regulating impor- tant pesticide tools. With the Potato D.C. Fly-In com- pleted in February growers will set their sights on the NPC Summer Meeting this July 13 through 15 in Park City Utah to discuss what issues are left on the table and strategize how to close out the year in a positive fashion for the potato industry. The skill and determina- tion that Tiede has shown in the past leaves little doubt that the out- come of 2016 will complement NPCs track record of advancing and improving the potato grower com- munity. M A R C H 2 0 1 610 POTATO GROWER Minnesota Certified Seed Potatoes Winter Test By Jeff Miller Certified Seed Potato Specialist In 2015 6477 acres were entered for certification in Minnesota compared to 6693 acres in 2014 a decrease of 216 acres down 3.2. Of these 5699 acres passed summer certification compared to 5575 acres in 2014 an increase of 124 acres up 2.2. There were 28 seed potato growing operations in Minnesota in 2015. Minnesota seed growers experienced crop challenges for a third year in a row. A few fields got planted earlier than nor- mal but then a colder wetter spring delayed planting three to four weeks on average missing the normal mid-May planting dates. The majority of the acres were planted the last week of May to mid-June. Then the rains came again and some fields did not get planted until the first week of July. As summer pro- gressed some of the growing areas expe- rienced heavy rainfall some reports of 6 8. This combined with the later planting is having an effect on yields. As summer passed into fall harvest got off to a good start. Later on it turned extremely dry in SeptOct and many growers held off harvesting for a few weeks until much needed rains returned to soften up the soil. All said and done some growers have said they had a greater than aver- age yield having to rent warehouses to store their crop but most growers are saying their yields are average or even on the lighter side. The quality of the crop looks very good to excellent though. Dark Red Norland and Red Norland vari- eties had the largest combined acreage in Minnesota at 1734 acres. Other major red-skinned varieties included Test plot on the North Shore of Oahu Hawaii. Winter Test Crop Year 2015 By Acreage Class Entered Eligible Not Eligible Eligible Not Eligible Eligible G1 6.1 6.1 0.00 100 0 100 G2 96.8 95.8 1.0 99 1 91 G3 1783.1 1643.8 139.3 92 8 94 G4 1105.8 981.5 124.3 89 11 75 G5 908.1 783.0 125.1 86 14 78 G6 251.9 137.0 114.9 54 46 56 C 72.3 1.0 71.3 1 99 15 Totals 4224.0 3648.2 575.9 86 14 75 2015 Acres 2014 Acres M A R C H 2 0 1 6 POTATO GROWER 11 Chieftain 238 acres Red La Soda-New York 263 acres Red Pontiac 229 acres Dark Red Chieftain 140 acres Dakota Rose at 91 acres and Dakota Ruby 56 acres. White skinned vari- eties include Cascade 456 acres Dakota Pearl 338 acres Kennebec 165 acres CalWhite 66 acres and Waneta 56 acres. Russet Burbank was the second highest acreage 1008 acres. Other russet skinned varieties included Umatilla Russet 36 acres Alpine Russet 62 acres and Russet Norkotah with 18 acres. Yellow fleshed varieties were mainly Yukon Gold 160 acres and Satina 79 acres. Other varieties entered into certification with varied acreage include All Blue Irish Cobbler Viking Norchip Dakota Crisp Lamoka Goldrush Ranger Russet Jelly Milva Nicolet French Fingerling Russian Blue Runestone Gold and Sangre. In Minnesota all lots of seed potatoes planted or sold as seed must be winter tested regardless of class. Minnesotas winter test plot was planted on Dec. 1st 2nd 2015 by Eric Byre and Jeff Miller. 253 lots representing 4224 acres were planted on Twin Bridges Farms on the north shore of Oahu in Waialua Hawaii. Perry Paschke and Jeff Miller arrived in Hawaii on the 4th of January 2016 to certify the crop of 2015. Upon arrival we found the plants to be at ideal plant growth for reading the plants the 1st week. According to Al Medrano of Twin Bridges Farm the weather was a little warmer and drier than the previ- ous year when the plants were in an advanced state of growth when we arrived. Even though the number of virus transmitting vectors was up this year the overall potato virus Y PVY levels were down due to earlier planting of seed lots timely applications of crop oils and earlier vine killing and harvest before aphids moved in. Last year only 68 of the lots passed the winter test comapred to 81 that passed this year. The number of acres that passed this year was also up substantially from the previous year 86 vs. 75 again reflecting on the overall good year for Minnesota seed growers. Minnesota Certified Seed Potatoes When you buy Minnesota certified seed potatoes youre getting a history of high performance high quality seed. Minnesota seed is grown on a wide range of soil types from the rich black soils of the Red River Valley to the irrigated sands of Central Minnesota to the deep peat soils of East Central and Southern Minnesota. If you want a specific variety we can grow it. www.mnseed potato.org For your free copy of the Minnesota Certified Seed Directory Call 218-773-4956 MINNESOTA CertifiedSeedPotatoDirectory 2015 M A R C H 2 0 1 612 POTATO GROWER The biggest challenge of providing a high quality potato is to produce tubers free from blemishes because consumers buy with their eyes as they naturally gravitate to tubers free from blemishes. Fresh market potato growers will often cull 15 to 20 of their crop because of tuber blemishes. Blemishes can be defined as any flaw or imperfection that spoils the appearance of the tuber thus making it unmarketable. Smooth- skinned tubers red white and yellow in particular are especially vulnerable to blemishes because they are easily observed. The primary blemishes fresh market potato growers face today include but are not limited to silver scurf black dot scab unattractive skin color malformed tubers and other unknown blemish problems. The overall purpose of this research project was to reduce loss of fresh market potatoes and improve the overall returns to fresh potato growers. We determined the blemish complex by surveying the types of blemish that are currently causing loss and determined what management methods are avail- able for controlling these blemishes. In Minnesota 11 samples were taken from eight different fresh pack sheds to be evaluated for blemishes. There were seven red-skinned cultivars three yel- low-skinned cultivars and one white- skinned cultivar. The most prevent blemishes by percent were external bruiseskinning 36 lenticel spot 33 superficial common scab 25 and black dot 22. Other blemished found were skin netting 13 silver scurf 9 enlarged lenticels 7 black heart 5 greeningsunburn 5 pitted common scab 2 growth Andys Advice Understanding and Managing Blemish Problems in Fresh Market Potato By Dr. Andy Robinson NDSUUMN Potato Extension Agronomist and Dr. Gary Secor NDSU Plant Pathologist M A R C H 2 0 1 6 POTATO GROWER 13 cracksecondary growth 2 hollow heart 2 wireworm 2 and soft rot 1. In North Dakota samples were collected from 17 different red-skinned potato lots. From these samples the most prevalent blemishes were skin netting 40 and external bruisingskinning 35. Other blemished documented were superficial common scab 15 black dot 14 growth cracks 14 lenticel spot 10 silver scurf 7 enlarged lenticels 6 pink or light color 4 and vascular discoloration 3. Blemishes such as external bruise lenticel spot and sunburn can be con- trolled through cultural management practices. These data indicate growers could improve quality by taking more care when handling potatoes allowing potatoes to dry sufficiently after wash- ing and ensuring complete soil cover- age over tubers to prevent greening. The use of plant growth regulators to improve blemishes was evaluated in Becker Minnesota and Grand Forks North Dakota. In each trial plant growth regulators did not effect total yield. The use of NAA naphthale- neacetic acid Rejuvenate on seed reduced stem number at Grand Forks from 4.5 non-treated to 3.3-3.7 stemsplant. This was likely because the stem number of the non-treated was higher in Grand Forks than Becker. In Grand Forks blemishes were not affected by the growth regulators used. However in Becker ethephon 2- chloroethyl-phosphonic acid reduced nettingrusseting on tubers but increased the amount of pitted scab and lenticel spot. The use of 24-D did not increase or decrease blemishes. Trials conducted in Grand Forks North Dakota and Becker Minnesota showed that some fungicides reduced black dotsilver scurf blemishes. Those that were most consistent were Emesto Silver Quadris Nubark Mancozeb Moncot 70 DF and Maxim 4 FS Table 1. Other treatments showed promise but were not consistent as the previous- ly mentioned products. We have learned from this first year of study that blemishes were common from tubers sampled and some can be controlled by management practices. Plant growth regulators generally did not effect blemishes except in the case of ethephon. Fungicides at planting reduced blemishes in some cases. Further research is being conducted on this project and will be reported in the future. M A R C H 2 0 1 614 POTATO GROWER 2016 NPPGA Annual Meritorious Service Award and Chairmans Banquet The 2016 Annual NPPGA Meritorious Service Award and Chairmans Banquet was held at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks North Dakota on Tuesday February 16th. The banquet was well attended with around 230 growers and industry people on hand to enjoy an evening of fun. Lonnie Spokely a certified seed and fresh market grower from Nielsville Minnesota is the new NPPGA Chairman. He was handed the gavel from Don Suda chip grower from Grafton North Dakota who served as chairman for the past year. Carl Hoverson of Hoverson Farms was this years recipient of the NPPGA Meritious Service Award. Carl Hoverson is currently the Chairman of the US Potato Board and was a past Chairman of the NPPGA. Duane Sarge Preston introduced Carl at the banquet and talked about his career and everything he has done for the potato industry. Chairman Don Suda presented Carl with the MSA award. The National Potato Councils Executive Vice President and CEO John Keeling was on hand to present the NPCs Seed Grower of the Year Award posthumously to the Orvil Gilleshammer family. The award is typically presented at the NPCs Annual Meeting in January but the family was unable to make the trip to Las Vegas to accept the award because of the untimely death of Orvils widow Joy just three days before the event. A short presentation was still made in Las Vegas with Brad Nilson stepping in to accept the award on the familys behalf but arrangements were also made to honor Orvil in Grand Forks at NPPGAs annual meeting. Orvils grand- son Preston Thiele accepted the award with other family members present. The entertainment portion of the night was light music by Jazz On Tap with a social before the speakers and then another social after the speakers where everyone could visit. The NPPGA would like to thank Cenex Harvest States Bremer Bank and the NPPGA Potato Associates and all of the sponsors who helped make this years event successful. Without your contin- ued support events like these would not be possible. NPC Executive Vice President and CEO John Keeling left presents Preston Thiele and extended family with the NPC Seed Grower Of The Year award given posthumously to Orvil Gilleshammer. M A R C H 2 0 1 6 POTATO GROWER 15 Left to right Addy Waxman with 14 GROUP Amanda Crook MS student Dr. Asunta Susie Thompson NDSU Harlene Hatterman Valenti NDSU and Leah Krabbenhoft MS student. Left to Right Justin Dagen from Dagen Farms shares a moment with Mike Sczpanski of Techmark Carl Hoverson of Hoverson Farms and Duane Sarge Preston. NPPGA Marketing and Communications Director Ted Kreis left with incoming Chairman Lonnie Spokely and Tobiason Potato Companys Brian Baglien right with his wife Lori. Left to right Steve Tweten of NoKota Packers with Chris Shields and Kelly Eggen and Gary Shields from Valley Bag Company enjoy the banquet. The Chairmans Banquet was very well attended by growers. M A R C H 2 0 1 616 POTATO GROWER Carl Hoverson Of Hoverson Farms Receives NPPGAs Meritorious Service Award Carl Hoverson was awarded the Northern Plains Potato Growers Associations Meritorious Service award at the annual Chairmans Banquet on February 16th at the Alerus Center in Grand Fork North Dakota. Duane Sarge Preston was on hand to intorduce and say a few words about his good friend. Hoverson Farms is a multi-genera- tional farming operation specializ- ing in raising premium processing chipping and table stock potatoes along with corn seed canola soy- beans sugar beets and wheat. Their 26000-acre operation includes 5400 acres of potato fields in North Dakotas Red River Valley a growing region known for ideal climate con- ditions yielding excellent quality potatoes. The rich well-drained and rock free soil is nearly 20 inches deep making for perfect plant growth. Their six state-of-the-art potato storage sheds keep the pota- toes in top condition for year-round deliveries. Carl Hoverson manages the opera- tion with his two sons Mike and Casey. They continue to expand the farming operation every year. Learning from every challenging cir- cumstance their combined efforts and dedication have made them leading experts in agronomy irriga- tion all things relating to potato varieties successful rotation crops and the business of running a large- scale operation. The main processing variety pro- duced is Russet Burbanks followed by Umatilla Russets for Simplot. Simplot is a major supplier for such companies as McDonalds Burger King and I Hop just to name a few. Carl says Our biggest challenge is Mother Nature and timing of the planting and harvest work. We have to watch our windows and be ready to work when the time is right. We take advantage of the opportunities when they come and this can mean long days and hard hours in the fields to get the work done. During harvest the day might start at 4 A.M. and last until midnight depending on weather conditions. One of the biggest things this requires is everybody maintaining good attitudes and everybody being positive about getting in and getting the work done. Carl is a past Chairman of the NPPGA and is currently serving as Chairman of the US Potato Board. Before becoming Chairman Carl served as Co-Chairman of the International Marketing Committee and also on the Domestic Marketing International Committee. Carl has six children sons Mike and Casey and four daughters Alyssa Fallon Norah and Paris. NPPGA Chairman Don Suda right presents the NPPGA Meritorious Service award to Carl Hoverson. M A R C H 2 0 1 6 POTATO GROWER 17 M A R C H 2 0 1 618 POTATO GROWER 2016 International Crop Expo by Willem Schrage North Dakota State Seed Department The annual International Crop Expo was held in the Alerus Center in Grand Forks February 17th and 18th. There were programs for small grains soybeansdry beans and for potatoes. There were twelve speakers in the potato program during the two days. The program started with marketing and general information before pro- duction technology and disease con- trol. United Potato Growers of America Buzz Shahan gave statistics about the correlation between supply and price for potatoes. He indicated that the quality of Red River Valley potatoes was excellent but that a good price could not be obtained if the supply in the two states was above around 3.3M cwt. Mr. Shahan also mentioned that pota- toes in the Red River Valley have longer storability because of the qual- ity of potatoes produced in the soil here. He saw a future for yellow flesh potatoes hin the Valley. US Potato Board Carl Hoverson Hoverson Farms Chairman of the US Potato Board mentioned that he had seen great interest for American potatoes in South East Asia. He then introduced John Toaspern the Chief Marketing Officer. John Toaspern mentioned listening sessions of the last year where the Potato Board wanted to know what the people in the industry expected. The mission of the board is now Strengthen demand for potatoes. The boards Vision is to create positive change in the industry through inno- vative and inspiring approaches. The goals of the Board are Establish new markets for potatoes. Increase new channels for usage of potatoes. Improve perceptions of nutrition and health benefits of potatoes. Optimize coordination of national and regional research efforts. Expand the awareness understand- ing engagement and involvement of board members and industry. Exports are up 12 from July September after they had been down 20 in October June. the US Potato Board organized many promotional efforts in Southeast Asia. Promotion strategies mentioned were The Ninth wonder of the world inspiration to people interested in food preparation. Digital Advertising Inspiration and print advertising. Honest cooking videos. Spud Nations a new food truck pro- gram that includes the food truck as a billboard and a way to introduce new recipes with potatoes. Salad bars are the new approach because there is so much interest today in salads. The school foodservice program develops several new kid-friendly recipes in an easy to prepare school food service format. The brochure Potatoes Raise the Bar Kid-Friendly Ideas for a Farmers Market Bar and the website PotatoesRaiseTheBar. com highlights research recipes nutrition information as well as dis- play and merchandising ideas to increase kids consumption of vegeta- bles especially potatoes More information can be found at www.uspotatoes.com. John Keeling of the National Potato Council mentioned that participation in the FLY-IN to Washington DC is growing. It is important for growers and other members of the industry to be heard in Washington DC. The Trans Pacific Trade Pact was expected to be of great benefit to the industry. He also mentioned that the present political climate is not the most con- ducive to get an international trade pact accepted but he had great hopes that the US would be part of it. The National Potato Council supports a national labeling of Genetically Modified Organisms GMOs under the Food and Drug Administration. It is becoming more urgent because states such as Vermont are starting to mandate labeling. For industry and consumers it will be costly to have a patch-work of GMO labeling man- dates. Mr. Keeling mentioned that funding for potato research increased from 1.3 million to 2 million dollars and emphasized the importance of this. Introduction of 14PEEP and 14ZAP Ms. Addie Waxman 14 GROUP remembered Jim Zalewski who had participated in the research and development of 14PEEP and 14ZAP. M A R C H 2 0 1 6 POTATO GROWER 19 She emphasized the importance of potato storage. Early sprouting in storage depends on variety field con- ditions poor chemical application and mechanical failure. Applicators had pushed for a better treatment that would deliver a fast even and safe burn of sprouts. She mentioned that the 14 Zap potato sprout elimi- nator was named after Jim Zalewski. 14PEEP was also developed. It is a potato dormancy enhancer and sprout eliminator. Both 14PEEP and 14ZAP can only be dispersed by fog- ging. Ms. Waxman concluded from the research that 14ZAP provides effective burn of peeps and sprouts and 14PEEP provides both effective burn inhibition of sprouting. Syngenta Dr. Kiran Shetty mentioned several new Syngenta products of which the data were to be published in about 2 weeks after the Expo. Syngenta will have a program in place showing growers what to use depending on conditions. Introduction to Nichino America and its Products for Potatoes John Aigner Jr. stated that Nichino America was founded in 2001 head- quartered in Wilmington Deleware. It is a subsidiary of Nihon Nohyaku Company that had been founded in 1928. It is Japans oldest Agrochemical Manufacturer. He men- tioned some of their products such as TORAC Tolfenpyrad Insecticide and Fungicide with a new mode of action for target pests. TORAC 15EC is a new mode of action in potatoes that provides fast broad spectrum control of potato psyllid aphids and Colorado potato beetle. MONCUT in-furrow potato provides control of both seed and soilborne Rhizoctonia. Moncoat MZ seedtreatment offers control of both seedborne and soil- borne potato diseases. MONCOAT MZ provides control of Rhizoctonia solani And added sup- pression of Fusarium dry rot and Silver scurf. Post Harvest Test Results Jeff Miller Minnesota Department of Agriculture and Willem Schrage North Dakota State Seed Department reported on their post-harvest test results. Both states had a higher per- centage of eligible seed lots in the lower generations in 2015 compared to 2014. Willem Schrage concluded in his last presentation before retire- ment that PVYNTN and PMTV are two of the challenges remaining for seed potato certification because they may cause tuber necrosis. To manage PVYNTN one needs to plant as little inoculum as possible. Introduction of PMTV however should be avoided because there is no control of that virus after it has been introduced. Blemish Problems in Fresh Potatoes Dr. Andy Robinson NDSUUMN stated that blemishes are a problem for fresh potato growers because con- sumers buy with their eyes. They are more apparent on smooth skinned tubers. They reduce mar- ketability and total yield can spread in storage increasing tuber blemishes and can be difficult to identify and control. In a study of silver scurf and black dot on Red Norland and Yukon Gold Emesto Silver reduced blemish- es in all tests and Quadris Nubark Mancozeb Moncut 70 DF and Maxim 4FS reduced blemishes in three out of four trials. In their trial on 24-D 24-D did not negatively affect tubers Bringing Potato Seed to Your Farm What to Watch for Dr. Neil C Gudmestad NDSU stated that the potato is the worlds most important vegetable. The potatos method of propagation and crop growth makes it very susceptible to diseases. Globally there are more than 150 diseases of potato of which around 40 are economically impor- tant. All diseases can be carried either on or in the seed tuber. Dr. Gudmestad emphasized the important risk associated with importing potato diseases with seed and continued by defining an inva- sive or exotic species as an organism plant microbe or animal that is not native to a specific location but have been introduced. Because they have been introduced they have no natu- ral enemies to dampen their spread. The net result is that invasive pathogens have a tendency to spread uncontrolled due to their lack of ene- mies and due to their ability to go undetected. Dr. Gudmestad indicated that there are four types of seed borne pathogens Type I- Pathogen passively carried on the seed surface usually in soil adhered to the tuber. Examples include any soil borne pathogen such as Verticillium dahliae Phytophthora erythroseptica Spongospora subterranea potato cyst nematodes. Type II- Pathogen carried in seed coat or in periderm skin of potato tuber. Examples include the silver scurf and black dot pathogens common and powdery scab pathogens Erwinia Pectobacterium in lenticels. Type III- Pathogen in seed endosperm or vascular system of propagule tuber. Examples include ring rot bacterium V. dahliae Erwinia Pectobacterium Dickeya sp. phytoplas- mas. Type IV- Pathogen carried systemical- ly in seed embryo or in all internal tis- M A R C H 2 0 1 620 POTATO GROWER sues of tuber. Examples include all potato viruses PVY PLRV PVX PMTV TRV. Dr. Gudmestad indicated that there is a role for regulatory agencies in help- ing control seed borne pathogens. One finds that Type I and Type II pathogens are not regulated. However if they constitute an inva- sive pathogen they are most com- monly regulated via quarantines APHIS or CFIA. Type III and Type IV pathogens are most commonly regu- lated through seed certification regu- lations and occasionally by quaran- tines i.e. PMTV. There is a risk associated with import- ing seed despite the fact that there are valid reasons to buy out-of- stateprovince seed. The most com- mon reason is to access newer vari- eties. However one should carefully weigh the risk of either importing a major disease problem or worse yet importing a pathogen that can do irreparable harm. Examples of serious and urgent problems are the intro- duction on the farm of powdery scab new strains of late blight bacterial ring rot PMTV cyst nematodes and now Dickeya soft rot. Dickeya sp. are a new threat. Recommendations by Dr. Gudmestad were that potato growers if at all pos- sible buy seed locally because the risks that you will buy a problem from out-of-state that does not exist in your statefarm are higher than you think. Seed has been responsible for moving new genotypes of late blight potato cyst nematode pow- dery scabPMTV and now Dickeya. The last recommendation was that if you must buy seed remember to get a NA Plant Health Certificate in advance of purchase. Pectobacterium and Dickeya Dr. Gary Secor NDSU was speaking on a video about bacterial soft rot such as bacterial seed decay Dr. Secor mentioned that Pectobacterium bacte- ria occur in tuber lenticels. They per- sist in the soil less than one year. There are bacteria in all surface waters they move in aerosols enter through lenticels and wounds and are the most common cause for decay during wet conditions. This can be followed by systemic blackleg. There is no chemical control. Blackleg always has a decayed seed piece but a decayed seed piece does not always result in blackleg. If air is cut off from the seed by a film of water preventing it from breathing bacteria will begin to grow on the cut surface or in lenticels causing soft rot. The rate of growth increases with the temperature. Both liquid and dust seed treatment can aggravate the situation if not applied properly. Liquid can be too wet or hygroscopic dust may absorb too much moisture resulting in too wet seed pieces. Pectobacterium sp. can also cause soft rot in stem or tuber. Stem rot often occurs after damaging wind or hail. Tuber rot is most often a secondary pathogen to late blight ring rot pink rot Fusarium. Again bacteria develop faster at higher temperatures. Infections require an entry site and free water. It is good to avoid injuries and wet conditions. Improper han- dling for shipment can be the cause of tuber soft rot. The names of soft bacteria has been changed since 2005. In the US we have Pectobacterium atrosepticum Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. caro- tovorum and P. brasiliense and P. wasabiae. Dickeya dianthicola has a wide host range and was present but not common on potatoes in the US. Others in the US are D. dadantii and D. zeae. The most virulent species is D. solani which was found as a bio- var3 of D. dianthicola. It is not found in the US. Dickeya symptoms resem- ble blackleg but are not black. The plants collapse in the field while the bacteria are still inside the system. Dickeya is more aggressive but is less hardy. It needs higher temperatures. Potato samples have been identified for Dickeya dianthicola in the US. We need molecular testing to identify whether Pectobacerium or Dickeya is present and what species it is. When Dickeya is suspected the symptoms to look for are stem rot that is drier than that of Pectobacterium and not black inky or wet but with hollow stem and vascular infection. Plants may collapse quickly in the field without obvious wet blackleg symptoms and tubers with internal rot. Plants rot underground and can be picked up easily. The vascular tissue may be black staying inside the stem. Dr. Secor mentioned that a quaran- tine for Dickeya was not expected to be necessary. Sanitation is very important. All disinfectants work. Crop rotation is a good management strategy because the organism does not survive well in the soil but sur- vival in water is important. Certification agencies are in the process of developing a response. Dr. Secor concluded that there is an urgent need for testing as it is being requested by buyers. Testing proto- cols are now being developed and val- idated. M A R C H 2 0 1 6 POTATO GROWER 21 Turning Back The Clock A Look Back 25 Years Ago at Excerpts from The March 1990 Issue of The ValleyPotato Grower Magazine Red River Valley Potato Growers To Host 1990 Seed Seminars Plans are now underway for the 9th annual National Potato Council Seed Seminar formerly known as the North American Seed Seminar which is being hosted by the Red River Valley Potato Growers Association. Ron Carlson of Stephen Minnesota and Rodney Olson of Adams North Dakota have been named Chairmen of this 1990 event. Carlson is owner of Valley Spuds Inc. in Stephen. He has been grow- ing seed potatoes all his life and has been very active with the Red River Valley Potato Growers Association. Now a Past President of the Association Carlson has served two terms on the Board. He is also SecretaryTreasurer of the Minn- esota Seed Potato Growers Associa- tion. Olson owner of Rodney K. Olson Potato Company in Adams has grown potatoes since 1962 and has been a broker for 17 years. He is President of the North Dakota Seed Potato Growers Association. There are a couple of changes this year in the annual Seed Seminar. The National Potato Council voted in February to change the seminar name to the National Potato Council Seed Seminar which they feel better addresses the administra- tion of the seminar. Carlson explained the Red River Valley Potato Growers Association is the third state association to organize and host this annual event. It is hoped that each state association will eventually have an oportunity to host the Seed Seminar. Another change this year is while this is the 1990 Seed Seminar it will not be held until January 17-19 in 1991 and will be held in Miami Florida. Carlson explained This is an annual affair which usually takes place in early December. Weve decided to depart from the normal format because we believed it would be of interest to host the event in Florida and tour the winter test plots. Most state associations in the US have winter test plots in Florida and many seed growers have never had an opportunity to view these test plots Carlson and Olson explained. The Florida test plots will not be ready for view until about mid- January when the plants are of a somewhat mature state. The two Chairmen are looking for- ward to a busy year and are excited about their new venture. Olson said This is going to be challeng- ing and will take much time but it is going to be exciting. An unusual perspective to this years seminar is that it is intended to be of interest to both potato growers and their families. We are hoping to attract more families than just individual growers. Olson said. In addition to the usual workshops of interest to seed potato growers some of the proposed activites include tours of the test plots an ocean cruise and a golf tourna- ment. While plans are just preliminary a committee of about 30 people will be formulation and finalizing the various activities as time goes on. M A R C H 2 0 1 622 POTATO GROWER Pictures fromThe 2016 International Crop Expo M A R C H 2 0 1 6 POTATO GROWER 23 M A R C H 2 0 1 624 POTATO GROWER 2016 NPPGA Annual Research And Reporting Conference by Willem Schrage North Dakota State Seed Department The Northern Plains Potato Growers Association Research Reporting Conference was held February 16 in the Alerus Center in Grand Forks North Dakota. It is the opportunity for research scientists to provide details of their recent research that was facilitated by funds of the potato growers. It proved to be of much interest as it was a well-attended conference. The first sub- ject was from the USDAARS facility in East Grand Forks Minnesota. Storage and Processing Evaluation of Advanced Potato Breeding Clones Dr. Darrin Haagenson USDA-ARS emphasized the cooperation with uni- versity breeders researchers producers and processors in evaluating storage and processing characteristics. Dr. Haagenson has recently become the director of the USDA-ARS Potato Research Worksite. He mentioned dif- ferent activities of the facilty such as 1 Sample Analysis of 3000 french fry samples and 2000 chip samples which were tested for storability processing quality cold sweetening and nutritional quality such as vitamin C. 2 The Storage and Processing Evaluation on specific gravity of advanced breeding clones of 80 clones. 3 The Cold Storage Processing Classifi- cation in three classes where Class A chips directly from 42F after 7 months of storage Class B chip directly from 45F after 7 months of storage Class C only chip from 48F after 7 months of storage. 4 The National Fry Processing Trial NFPT assisting the US Potato Board with identification of potato lines with low reducing sugaracrylamide potential in storage. 5 The Snack Food Association Chip Trials of 12 varieties sponsored by US Potato Board. 6 Proposed research on Glycoalkaloids to create leaf tissue profiles of 200 devel- opmental lines from USDA Research Geneticist. Survey Among several questions fifty nine per- cent of the audience indicated that they thought that neonicotinoid insecticides may have failed. Forty four percent of seed potato growers sprayed oil weekly to control PVY and fifty eight percent had thought about using drones. Identification of specific starch pro- files in NDSU potato germplasm Ms. Leah Krabbenhoft NDSU started with indicating that potato starch is used for food products and animal feed. It also has industrial applications as bio- plastics such as tableware shopping bags pharmaceutical coatings paper starches building additives green adhe- sives and textile auxiliaries. Potato starch contains around 75 amy- lopectin that is soluble and rapidly digested. This means a high glycemic index eliciting high insulin demand. It also contains around 25 amylose which is resistant that is slowly digest- ed. Potatoes have a relatively high glycemic index that is associated with an increased risk of diabetes and cardio- vascular disease. It explains the need to produce and examine improved culti- vars of potato that have increased health benefits. Ms. Krabbenhoft found in her research that in rapidly evaluating test samples Ziploc Zipn Steam bags can be used as a more efficient method of cooking. She also observed that cooking methods did not influence the levels of starch. In her evaluation of clones for starch attributes she discovered that there was the trial location influenced whether there was a significant difference in starch attributes. Understanding Phosphorous Acid on Injury to Potato. Dr. Andy Robinson NDSUUMN said Phosphorous acid applied to protect crop from pink rot and late blight tuber rot is shown to be highly effective. Data indicate that there also is some silver scurf control in storage. A problem is that applying phosphorous acid on the foliage results in leaf burning especially if the crop is under moisture fertility or disease stress. They were looking at adjuvants to reduce the burning. They also looked at effects of applications directly on tubers going into storage. Their conclusions were that there is less injury at after earlier application using higher water volumes and lower rates 5- 7 pta. Silicone surfactants may help if you dont apply foliar fungicide for 2-3 days after using silicone surfactant. The application from the air or without chemigation resulted in more phospho- rous acid in tubers than chemigation alone. Some research suggests that 100 ppm of phosphorous acid is needed for Phythophtora spp. control. More than three applications of phosphorous acid M A R C H 2 0 1 6 POTATO GROWER 25 were best for pink rot control. Timing is important because it was found that an application after July 9th gave the best pink rot control. Surfactant and sili- cone adjuvants can help reduce injury when phosphoric acid rates were low 5 pta. This means that multiple applications of low amounts 5-7 pta of phospho- rous acid at the right time with a surfac- tantsilicone will provide the least injury and best protection from pink rot. Aphid Alert II Trapping Network Mr. Nathan Russart UMN said the results of Aphid Alert can be found at www.aphidalert.blogspot.com and at www.aphidalert.umn.edu. They created a risk index which reflects the relative efficiency of PVY transmis- sion of aphids compared to that of the green peach aphid Myzus persicae. Using five traps in the post-harvest test in Hawaii the risk index helped indicate that because of the very low number of aphids the probability of current season infection in Hawaii was negligible. Optimizing Metam Sodium Fumig- ation in Fine-Textured Soils Dr. Neil Gudmestad NDSU said that the primary cause of early dying is Verticillium dahlia. It is primarily soil- borne and the fungus survives as microsclerotia in the soil and on crop debris. Microsclerotia are released into the soil from potato debris breakdown after 1.5 to 2 years. He stated that Verticillium dahlia is probably the most important cause of economic losses in potato industry in the U.S. today when calculating the cost of control with the direct losses. Crop rotation is necessary to allow plant tissue to release the sclerotia Dr. Gudmestad said. The challenge is to kill the pathogen in the top layer of the soil. Eight Verticilium propagules per gram soil is the number at which fumigation becomes necessary. The highest propor- tion of Verticillium dahliae inoculum is in the top 4 of soil. However the Verticillium inoculum in 4-8 depth may be more efficient and has a greater influence on wilt development and totalmarketable yield. Trials showed that temperature had less impact of fumigant efficacy in a fine-textured soil high in organic matter than in a loamy sand low in organic matter. Dr. Gudmestad stated they have not observed a metam sodium rate response. He also said that correct tillage is needed before fumigation. One should till deeper than the applica- tion depth when there is between 80- 85 available soil moisture. That may be less on difficult soils. He emphasized that we need a grant to study soil health. One comment was that if you can bury debris with for example a M A R C H 2 0 1 626 POTATO GROWER moulboard plow youll get 40 greater reduction break down faster and release Verticillium faster developing antago- nists faster resulting in breaking down Verticillium faster. Developing a qPCR Assay to Deter- mine Population Densities of Root- Lesion Nematodes Pratylen-chus Penetrans in Soils to be Planted to Potato Dr. Guiping Yan NDSU mentioned that the root-lesion nematode is a com- mon nematode pest of potato. Yield losses vary from 25-73. Pratylenchus penetrans is the more virulent. It is important because plant growth was negatively correlated with densities of P. penetrans The damage threshold is about 100 nematodes250 g soil. In an affected field in Norway the potato yield had been reduced by 50. There is an interaction with Verticillium wilt fungi resulting in the Potato Early Dying Syndrome. In her research Dr. Yan collected 50 samples of which 23 samples contained root lesion nema- todes. 12 samples were identified as P. scribneri and 11 as P. penetrans. Dr. Yan used carrot disk cultures to increase pure populations of P. penetrans. It is challenging to identify P. penetrans using traditional microscopic methods. Morphological differences from other Pratylenchus species are minor and there is a great variability of individual speci- mens within a population. Dr. Guiping Yan developed a qPCR Assay to identify and quantify P. penetrans in the soil. She found that much sequence varia- tion was found in ITS rDNA region. She stated that the consensus sequence will be used to design qPCR primers next year. Potato Improvement for the Northern Plains Dr. Susie Thompson NDSU said that the first objective of the breeding pro- gram was to release varieties to the industry She also has some material available in her breeding program with resistance to golden nematode and PVY. Dr. Thompson mentioned a few clones with positive characteristics such as ND8068-5Russ a russet with good storability and low sugar accumulation. It has an excellent frozen processing quality after 7 months storage. ND6002-1R a red round with smooth bright red tubers smooth eyes and bright white flesh. It is still early in the evaluation process. ND7799c-1 chips from 42oF storage. Soft Rot Bacteria Present in Northern Plains Potatoes Dr. Carol Ishimaru UMN mentioned that potato soft rot blackleg and stem rot affect potato production and storage by causing tuber and stem rots. There may be multiple causal agents varying by location. The disease is favored by wet conditions and water films create anaerobic pockets. Dr. Ishimaru commented that planting infected seed or poorly suberized seed decays after planting and results in The NPPGA Research Reporting Conference was very well attended. M A R C H 2 0 1 6 POTATO GROWER 27 uneven stands. A more aggressive bacte- ria Dickeya dianthicola is found in the US since 1970. It has a wide host range and is generally more aggressive on potatoes than older species. Thats why it was considered necessary to identify common bacterial species associated with black leg and soft rots in potatoes grown in the Northern Plains. They processed 38 samples of tubers stems and water. They isolated Pectolytic bacte- ria isolated from 26 samples. 55 isolates were purified and characterized. They found P. carotovorum subsp. Carotovorum P. carotovorum subsp. Brasiliensis P. wasabiae and other Pectobacterium species and pectolytic bac- teria. Dr. Ishimaru intends to improve detec- tion and identification scheme and to continue monitoring for shifts in soft rot bacteria as well as the introduction of new species. Some recommendations for the man- agement of soft rot and stem rot were Prevention which means planting cer- tified seed crop rotation detection and diagnosis and reduce wounding. One has to control the environment by reducing water films and maintain cool storage temperatures. Sanitation is very important. That means cleaning and disinfection. Dr. Ishimaru included copper sprays in the management strategies. Use of resistant varieties is limited. The take home messages were that soft rots continue to affect crops in the Northern Plains potato growing region that common types of soft rot bacteria belong to the genus Pectobacterium and that Dickeya was not detected in any samples. A survey of soft rot bacteria could help identify introduction or spread of new species. The management of Pectobacterium and Dickeya species is similar. Nitrogen Response of New Potato Varieties Selected for Low Tuber Reducing Sugars Dr. Carl Rosen UMN indicated that reducing acrylamide content in fried potato products is a priority in the pota- to industry. Reducing sugars is usually the limiting factor for acrylamide in potatoes. Dr. Rosen tried to determine the Nitrogen N response of promising new varieties selected for low tuber reducing sugars. He evaluated varieties and N fer- tilizer rate effects on tuber reducing sug- ars over an eight month storage period. Two new varieties Easton and Dakota Russet were compared with Russet Burbank. Dr. Rosen found that the newer varieties tended to be more N efficient than Russet Burbank with lower glucose and lower potential for acrylamide produc- tion. He concluded that the variety selection had more effect than N man- agement for lowering reducing sugars. Dakota Russet and Easton had better tuber bulking than Russet Burbank. Easton was the highest yielding variety. University of Minnesota Potato Breeding Program Dr. Tom Michaels UMN indicated that some of their research objectives were to breed new varieties for chip and fry pro- cessing and red and white fresh market. They also want to develop capacity for producing disease free seed stock. They compared two hydroponic production systems One conventional in deep water with an airstone and one without an airstone. The unexpected discovery was that when no airstone supplied oxy- gen the plants adapted and produced many more roots. Dr. Michaels expect- ed that to mean a higher production at lower cost. Can Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers reduce nitrogen N loss with prof- itable yield in potatoes Ms. Upasana Ghosh NDSU stated rea- sons to manage Nitrogen in potatoes The high N demand. Leaching in sandy soils. Shallow root system of potatoes. Enhanced efficiency fertilizers can have urease inhibition or nitrification inhi- bition andor controlled- or slow- release of N. Some results of her research were that 200 lba Urea and 250 lba of ESN gave the highest yield in her trial. One of Ms. Ghoshs conclu- sions was that ESN maintained yield as well as effectively mitigated N loss. Simulated Glyphosate Drift in Red Norland Seed Potato Fields Affects Daughter Tubers Ms. Amanda Crook NDSU emphasized the risk of the increased use of glyphosate close to seed potato fields. Ms. Crook used an ELISA test to measure the glyphosate residue in tubers of crops exposed to glyphosate. She determined that drift during early bulking resulted in a higher residue in the tuber than drift during tuber initiation. Previous research had indicated that later drift resulted in less emergence from the seed potatoes planted from that crop. She now confirmed the hypothesis that later glyphosate drift results in less emer- gence because the residue is higher in the tuber than when drift occurs during tuber initiation. Ms. Crook emphasized that the problem is self-eliminating in seed potatoes because daughter tubers from seed out of a contaminated crop do not show any effect after planting. M A R C H 2 0 1 628 POTATO GROWER At the National Potato Councils NPC 2016 Annual Meeting held January 14-15 in Las Vegas Nevada Jim Tiede from James Tiede Farms of American Falls Idaho was elected to serve as NPCs president for 2016 and to lead the councils Executive Committee. NPC delegates also approved Dwayne Weyers from Center Colorado as First Vice President and Vice President of the Grower and Public Relations Committee. Additional members of the Executive Committee include Cully Easterday of Pasco Washington as Vice President of the Trade Affairs Committee Larry Alsum of Friesland Wisconsin as Vice President of the Finance and Office Procedures Committee and Dominic LaJoie of Van Buren Maine as Vice President of the Environmental Affairs Committee. Britt Raybould of St. Anthony Idaho is a new member of the Executive Committee and was elect- ed as the Vice President of the Legislative and Government Affairs Committee. NPCs 2015 president Dan Lake of Ronan Montana will continue to serve on the Executive Committee as the Immediate Past President. As president Tiede will host the 2016 NPC Summer Meeting July 13-15 in Park City Utah. Potato Growers Select 2016 NPC Leadership NPC 2016 Executive Committee Standing from left to right Cully Easterday Larry Alsum Dominic LaJoie. Seated from left to right Britt Raybould Jim Tiede Dan Lake Dwayne Weyers. M A R C H 2 0 1 6 POTATO GROWER 29 People Product News NPC Praises Release Of Legislative Proposal To Create Federal Preemption For Food Labeling The National Potato Council NPC last week praised the release of a legislative proposal by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts that would create per- manent federal preemption for food labeling requirements and urged Congress to consider and approve the legislation quickly to avoid con- fusion and increased costs in the marketplace. Consumers businesses and farmers all need uniform standards based on federal determinations for food label requirements for all foods including those made with geneti- cally modified organisms GMO. A patchwork of state food labeling laws will increase costs to con- sumers by increasing processing and packaging costs without any associated benefit. Vermonts mandatory labeling law for foods containing ingredients that have been genetically modified takes effect in July and unless Congress acts swiftly families farmers and food companies will face confusion and higher food costs in the market place - with low- income Americans being hit the hardest. U.S. potato growers thank Chairman Roberts for introducing national labeling legislation that is a reasonable common-sense approach that provides consumers easy access to product information and will not result in increased food costs said John Keeling NPC Executive Vice President. We look forward to working with both sides of the aisle to ensure that this legis- lation is approved by Congress in a timely manner. USDA Seeking Further Input On GMO Regulations In February a Federal Register notice seeking public input on the way the government regulates genetically engineered crops was issued by USDA. Within the docu- ment the departments Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service APHIS outlines different alterna- tives for restructuring and revising its regulations. One of the alterna- tives would replace the petition sys- tem with a two-step process that would evaluate whether a biotech plant poses a risk to the environ- ment before imposing any regula- tions or requiring a permit that APHIS currently requires for the ini- tial regulation of GMO crops. Currently technology developers must file for deregulation and the crop is reviewed for any potential risk to the environment. Department officials have said that they want to propose a rule to update the regulations in 2016. M A R C H 2 0 1 630 POTATO GROWER CALENDAR March 2016 Ad Index AgCountry............................32 Insulation Place...................29 Minnesota Seed....................11 North Dakota Seed...............25 North Valley Lockwood.......3 North Valley Milestone.......7 Protassium.............................2 Spudnik Equipment..............5 TriEst Ag GroupInc...............9 Tri-Steel Mfg.........................13 Valley Tissue Culture...........30 Mar 15-17 USPB Annual Meeting Colorado Springs Colorado Information 303-369-7783 Mar 19-22 SNAXPO Houston Texas Information www.snaxpo.com May 21-24 National Restaurant Association Show Chicago Illinois Information 312-580-5403 June 20-23 United Fresh 2016 Convention Chicago Illinois Information 202-303-3420 July 9-17 Maine Potato Blossom Festival Fort Fairfield Maine Information 207-472-3802 July 21 NPPGA Annual Golf Tournament Park River North Dakota Information 218-773-3633 July 29-31 PMA Foodservice Conference Monterey California Information 207-581-3042 Aug 8-11 Empire Farm Days Seneca New York Information 877-697-7837 Aug 25 NPPGA Field Day Larimore Inkster and Hoople Information 218-773-3633 WOGRHE GUOO HELP YERE THE O HEERE T GUOELP Y WOGR Fargo ND 282-949 800-450 D 94 or 0-8933