Since the 1970s, Washington State University has been conducting annual seed lot trials to test for seed-born potato viruses or injuries to crops from herbicides or pests like aphids and psyllid. The university's Extension Office of Grant and Adams counties is now seeking samples for the 2016 seed trials.
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.
“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. They can also be dropped off at Quall Ag Labs.
