Potato seed samples are being sought for the 2016 seed trials by the Washington State University Extension Office of Grant and Adams counties.
Potato farmers are encouraged to submit a 50 pound sample of either 2 or 4 ounce single-drop seeds prior to the plantings for this year’s trials.
The 2016 seed lot planting dates are March 22, April 5, April 19, and May 3. Samples can be submitted up to the day before each planting date.
Washington State University has conducted the annual seed lot trials since the 1970’s as a way to test for seed-born potato viruses or injuries to crops from herbicides or pests like aphids and psyllids.
“Seed born viruses are our biggest concern every year and being able to get samples from farmers all over the county helps determine how to help farmers keep them from impacting their crops,” said WSU Regional Potato, Vegetable and Seed Specialist Carrie Wohleb.
Wohleb said farmers should include seeds with signs of rot or disease in order to ensure as accurate a sample as possible in the trials.
Seeds can be submitted at the WSU Othello Research Unit, located about five miles east of Othello, near the intersection of Booker Road and state Route 26. They can also be dropped off at Quall Ag Labs, located at 3759 Dodson Road North in Ephrata.
Seeds can be dropped off between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
For more information, contact Mark Pavek, potato specialist at Washington State University at 509-335-6861, or Carrie Wohleb at 509-754-2011 ext. 4313.
SOURCE - www.ifiberone.com/