By Scott Weybright, College of Agricultural, Human & Natural Resource Sciences PULLMAN, Wash. – When it comes to potatoes, french fries are the big outlet for Columbia Basin farmers. And when it comes to selling french fries, McDonald’s is the holy grail.
By Sylvia Kantor, College of Agricultural, Human & Natural Resource Sciences PULLMAN, Wash. – The next time you sink your teeth into a hot, crispy french fry, consider the threats that stand between you and this iconic food. Newly emerged viruses threaten the U.S. potato industry, including potatoes grown in Washington.
By Scott Weybright, College of Agricultural, Human & Natural Resource Sciences PULLMAN, Wash. – Zebra chip disease, caused by a bacterium carried by insects, can ruin a potato crop; but little is known about where it comes from and how it can be avoided.
MOSES LAKE, Wash. – The potato psyllid insect pest is being seen in rapidly growing numbers across the Pacific Northwest, but few so far have been found to carry a potentially devastating disease.
By Cathy McKenzie, WSU Mount Vernon MOUNT VERNON, Wash. – Diseases and weeds that afflict potatoes and best practices for growing them in western Washington are among the topics at a potato workshop 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, at the Washington State University Mount Vernon Research Center, 16650 State Route 536, Mount Vernon.
By Scott Weybright, College of Agricultural, Human & Natural Resource Sciences PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University researchers have discovered that a common potato virus and a fungus-like pathogen can work together to damage the crop.