Potato Progress

Volume 23 Number 1

27 February 2023

Introducing the 2023 Release of the “Integrated Pest Management Guidelines for Insects and Mites in Idaho, Oregon and Washington Potatoes”

Potato growers in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington face new insect pests and pest management scenarios that pose significant challenges. The wide range of pests and production locations and systems leave pest management decision-makers with a complicated set of choices that vary across fields and seasons.  The Guidelines represent our best information on how potato pest insects and mites in the Northwest can be cost-effectively managed.  First released over 20 years ago, this document has grown in terms of pests and insecticides covered. It is led by Alan Schreiber (Agriculture Development Group, Inc.), with contributions from Andy Jensen (Northwest Potato Research Consortium), Silvia I. Rondon (Oregon State University), Erik Wenninger (University of Idaho), Stuart Reitz (Oregon State University), and Tim Waters (Washington State University). The Guidelines are research-based and supported financially by the Northwest potato commissions through the Northwest Potato Research Consortium. Access the Guidelines on the Consortium’s website here: https://www.nwpotatoresearch.com/item/pest-management-options

‍Northwest Potato Research Consortium

Manager Recruitment

‍The state potato commissions of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington seek applicants for Manager of the Northwest Potato Research Consortium, a cooperation in research funding by those commissions. The mission of the Consortium is to support the Northwest potato industry by funding and supporting high-quality research aimed at solving problems and advancing the potato enterprise regionally. Duties of the Manager include, 1) Organizing and facilitating the regional research review, funding process, and budgeting, 2) Information dissemination via the website (https://www.nwpotatoresearch.com/), 3) Facilitation and participation in large federal grant projects, and 4) Interaction with all relevant research scientists and administrations of their research institutions. 

‍The position location is virtual, but residence in or very near the Northwest states of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington is required. The position requires travel to various industry and research meetings across North America.

‍An advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in a scientific discipline relevant to agriculture is required, as are at least 5 years of self-directed work experience. Starting pay is in the range of $85,000 - 120,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The Manager will be an employee of one of the state potato commissions and will therefore enjoy the benefits of being a state employee. 

‍For a full job description and itemizing of required and preferred qualifications, see: https://www.nwpotatoresearch.com/item/manager-recruitment. To apply, send a cover letter and CV, including three or more references, to ajensen@potatoes.com by April 15, 2023. For questions about the Consortium or the Manager position, contact Andy Jensen at the above email address.

Research at USDA-ARS Temperate Tree Fruit and Vegetable Research Unit

‍The USDA-ARS Temperate Tree Fruit and Vegetable Research Unit includes 11 research scientists who conduct research on entomology, plant pathology, and potato breeding.  Two geneticists and a plant pathologist located in Prosser, WA develop new potato cultivars with superior pest and disease resistance, enhanced amounts of phytonutrients, and better overall quality.  Nine entomologists located in Wapato, WA conduct research on the biology and management of insect pests and pathogens of potato and temperate tree fruits.  You can read about recent accomplishments by scientists at the Temperate Tree Fruit and Vegetable Research Unit in the 2022 Annual Report.  Contact Rodney.Cooper@usda.gov for more information or to tour the research facilities.

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