Annual/Termination Reports:

[06/15/2004] [01/04/2006] [06/01/2006] [08/09/2007] [06/10/2008]

Report Information

Participants

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

The annual meeting was organized to address the objectives and facilitate interactions between research and extension personnel, as well as with the potato industry. The project was initiated in October 2003 and this was the first meeting. <br /> <br><br /> <br>The inclusion of a diversity of representatives from the potato industry in this meeting was a major accomplishment and is different from activities of most NCR committees. Industry representatives provided important perspective to the discussion at the meeting and relative to future priorities.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Several multistate projects that were ongoing prior to the initiation of NCR-205 have already been strengthened by increased involvement of additional states and an increased level of cooperation. These projects include: development of potato cultivars which are superior genetically for yield, marketing and processing quality, through traditional breeding for the North Central Region and the US; identifying and incorporation into adapted potato, genetic resistance to disease and insect pests important to potato production in the North Central Region; high-intensity regional late blight resistance evaluation of breeding lines; and the regional Colorado potato beetle insecticide resistance monitoring program. Wisconsin has formed a Potato Research Exchange between the processing industry, researchers, and growers and this group would like to associate with NCR-205. A regional "Aphid Alert" monitoring program, coordinated by the University of Minnesota and aimed at virus management, unfortunately was terminated due to lack of funding.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Future meetings. Susie Thompson (NDSU) will be Chairperson in 2004-05, Dave Ragsdale (MN) will be Vice Chairperson, and A.J. Busan (UW) will be Secretary. The 2005 annual meeting will be February 4-5 in Fargo, ND. The 2006 meeting will be in Minnesota and the 2007 meeting will be in Wisconsin.

Publications

Anon. 2004. 2003 Michigan Potato Research Report. Volume 35. Mich. Agric. Exper. Station, East Lansing, Michigan.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Carroll, M. W., E. B. Radcliffe, I. V. MacRae, D. W. Ragsdale, K. Olson, and R. A. Suranyi. 2004. Reducing organophosphate use in seed potato production: targeted insecticide application for green peach aphid control. Valley Potato Grower 146(69):5,17. <br /> <br><br /> <br>Coombs, J., D. Douches, W. Li, E. Grafius, and W. Pett. 2003. Field evaluation of natural, engineered, and combined resistance mechanisms in potato for control of Colorado potato beetle. J. Amer. Soc Hort. Sci. 128:219-224.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Cooper, S., D. Douches, and E. Grafius. 2004. Combining genetic engineerring and traditional breeding to provide durable resistance in potatoes to Colorado potato beetle. Ent. exper. et appl. (in press).<br /> <br><br /> <br>Davis, J. A., E. B. Radcliffe, and D. W. Ragsdale. 2004. A new vector of PVY: Soybean aphid, Aphis glycines (Matsumura). American J. Potato Res. 81:53-54.

Impact Statements

1. Develop potato cultivars which are superior genetically for yield, marketing, and processing quality.
2. Identify and incorporate into adapted potato, genetic resistance to disease and insect pests important to potato production.
3. Evaluate high-intensity regional late blight resistance of breeding lines.
4. Monitor the regional Colorado potato beetle insecticide resistance program.
5. Wisconsin has formed a Potato Research Exchange between the processing industry, researchers, and growers and this group would like to associate with NCR-205.

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Report Information

Participants

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

1. Colorado Potato Beetle Resistance. Rotation of products within the neonicotinoids will not solve resistance problems. Rotations must be with a new class of insecticides. Recommendations include using insecticides as a part of IPM and to include crop rotation; do not follow at planting application with a second neonicotinoid later in the season (Grafius, MI).<br /> <br /> 2. Breeding programs in the four states focus on screening for resistance to: Common scab, Late Blight, Colorado Potato Beetle (MI); Common Scab, Silver Scurf, Pink Eye (ND); Verticilium Wilt, Common Scab, Early and Late Blight (WI); Late Blight, Verticilium Wilt, PVY expression (MN). Also, 104 clones were evaluated for storage, processing, color, cold chipping, and sugar issues (MN).<br /> <br /> 3. More than 113,300 seedlings derived from 420 families were evaluated by ND. Unselected materials were made available to CO, MN< TX, MI, and ID. ND 7818-1Y has strong resistance to pink rot, Snowden was very resistant to Pythium leak. Dakota Crisp released by NDSU in 2005 and Dakota Jewel released in 2004.<br /> <br /> 4. "Healthy Grown" program continues to move forward and is well received by the growers and industry (WI).<br />

Publications

None.

Impact Statements

1. New potato cultivars have been released that possess improved disease resistance and horticultural characteristics, and improved quality traits. This reduces the use of pesticides and improves economic competitiveness of potato growers in the North Central Region.
2. Identified new sources of resistance to a wide range of disease and insect pests.
3. Effective monitoring of Colorado Potato Beetle resistance to insecticides; developed recommendations for proper rotation of crops and chemicals to control this devastating pest.

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Report Information

Participants

Ragsdale, David (ragsd001@umn.edu) - U of MN, Entomology;
Olsen, Larry (olsen1@msu.edu) - MSU, Entomology;
Bishop, Beth (bishop@msu.edu) - MSU, Entomolgy;
Palta, Jiwan (jppalta@wisc.edu) - U of WI, Horticulture;
Navarro, Felix (fmnavarro@wisc.edu) - U of WI, Rhinelander Ag Research Station; Bowen, Bryan (bdbowen@wisc.edu) - U of WI, Rhinelander Ag Research Station; Morrow, Leigh (leigh.morrow@mccain.com) - McCain Foods;
Baer, Debra (dbaer@state-seed.ndsu.nodak.edu) - NDSU, Seed Program;
Vogt, Glenn (vogtg@simplot.com) - J.R. Simplot Co.;
Rose, Carl (crosen@umn.edu) - U of MN, Horticulture;
Bussan, A.J. (ajbussan@wisc.edu) - U of WI, Horticulture;
Stevenson, Walt (wrs@plantpath.wisc.edu) - U of WI, Plant Pathology;
Hatterman-Valenti, Harlene (h.hatterman.valenti@ndsu.edu) - NDSU, Plant Sci;
Otto, Mark (maotto@ameritech.net) - Ag Business Consultants, MI;
Grafius, Ed (Grafius@msu.edu) - MSU, Entomology;
Lauer, Florian (lauer002@umn.edu) - U of MN, Horticulture;
Thompson, Susie (asunta.thompson@ndsu.edu) - NDSU, Plant Sci;
Davis, Jeff (davis271@umn.edu) - U of MN, Entomology;
Mollov, Dimitre (moll0073@umn.edu) - U of MN, Plant Pathology;
Maatz, Duane (dmaatz@nppga.org) - Northern Plains Potato Growers Association; Carter, Mike (mcarter@wisconsinpotatoes.com) - Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable
Growers Association;
Radcliffe, Ted (radcl001@umn.edu) - U of MN, Entomology;
Malek, Chris (chris.malek@mccain.com) - McCain Foods;
Sowokinos, Joe (sowok001@umn.edu) - U of MN;
Thill, Christian (thill005@umn.edu) - U of MN, Horticulture;
Schrage, Willem (willem.schrage@state.mn.us) - MN Dept. of Ag

Brief Summary of Minutes

Next year will be an interim project, thus requiring resubmission of the project proposal prior to the 2008 meeting. A writing subcommittee will need to be appointed and proposal submitted following the 2006 meeting.

Administrative advisor report included the following: The NCR-205 (now NCERA-205) committee had its midterm review. This committee received very high marks from the NCAC committees (made up of department chairs in the region) and the Multistate Research Committee (MRC). The MRC identified the high level of productivity in a short period of time, its very strong level of participation by committee members, identification on extension activities to distribute information to stakeholders, and the strong industry participation at committee meetings. Also, the committee was commended for the degree of collaboration among committee members in their research, education, and extension activities. Perhaps the only "negative" item was that the committee should continue to interact with NCR-84 when possible (i.e., joint meetings on occasion). In response to this criticism, members of the NCR-84 committee participate in the NCR-205 committee and several major objectives are related to activities in the NCR-84.

State Reports
NDSU: Susie Thompson - focus on development of management practices for newly emerging potato varieties, selection of disease resistant clones, and development of new varieties with specific quality traits.

MSU: Ed Grafius - focus on issues with neonicotinyl resistance in Colorado potato beetles, and integrated pest management practices for fields with resistant beetles including use of trap cropping.

WI: AJ Bussan - focused on recap of 2005, events planned for 2006 in WI (including the Potato Association of America meetings which will include a discussion on nutrient management led by NCR-205 committee members; completion of the Potato Storage Research Facility, national seed meetings, and Summer NPC meeting), research for 2006 including new faculty at UW Bethke and Colquhoun (horticulture) and Groves (Entomology); and 2005 research report

MN: David Ragsdale - Sowokinos discussed development of cold chipping lines and current work at the USDA Potato Storage Research Facility, Rosen discussed current work on slow release N fertilizers, Mollov (Bradeen lab) discussed identification of disease resistant genes in potato (RB gene), Thill discussed PVY symptom expression and MN genetics and breeding program, Ragsdale discussed soybean aphid transmission of virus to seed potatoes.

Nominating Committee - AJ Bussan will be chair for 2007 and Willie Kirk will be secretary for 2007 and chair for 2008. Meeting will be held in Stevens Point, WI February 8 and 9, 2007 and in MI in 2008.

General Session -
Resistance monitoring
Insecticide Resistance - Grafius shown increased levels of neonicotinyl insecticides within Colorado potato beetle. Resistance found in ND, MN, WI, and MI. Resistance levels not so high as to inhibit management in all regions yet, but increasing. Cultural management will be necessary to prevent spread of resistance.

Fungicide Resistance - Monitoring early blight populations from region for resistance to strobiluron fungicides. Collections were made by Gudmestad in MN and ND, Kirk in MI (sent samples to WI) and Stevenson in WI. DNA were isolated from WI and MI samples and sent to Gudmestad. All samples screened for resistance to strobilurin, boscalid, and Scala. All samples resistant to strobilurin fungicides. Large range of susceptibilities to boscalid and Scala indicated large potential to select for resistance. Will continue evaluations and now ND lab has permits to allow shipping of leaf materials. Central WI has concentrated production with heavy use of strobilurins and expect resistance. In fact resistance is found, but other isolated areas have same level of resistance. Within NC Region, strobilurin (class 11) requires careful monitoring and incorporating products into integrated management program. Rotation modes of action, tank mixing, and other practices are necessary to manage resistance.

Herbicide Resistance - Lack of labeling of new herbicides limits modes of action for weed control. Spartan label has been withdrawn from the potato market due to risk of injury in potato. Preventing resistance to metribuzin and rimsulfuron becomes that much more important due to lack of new potential products. New product development and investigation has to proceed with more caution due to issues that arose with Spartan. Injury potential needs to be investigated more thoroughly.

Variety trials
Limitations in seed available for research trials or farmer evaluations. How can this process become more efficient? Cost is time and space to blow up seed for research and grower trials. Now each of the independent breeding programs is blowing up seed within their own programs. Discussion of coordinated seed production for breeding lines was discussed for the region. Emphasis was placed on the need of virus testing (leaf test or winter test) of breeding lines. Current testing done by ND (indexes lines and does leaf tests for PVY and pays certification) and WI (winter grow out test and are not charged by seed program). There was also much discussion on the amount of seed needed. Cost of breeding line seed production is a huge burden to each individual breeding program

Action item - need to have consensus and develop a plan. Rhinelander ARS has agreed to do this if others are interested. Cost of shipping seed should also be considered. Seed certification programs should review process to make sure appropriate safeguards are in place and minimize risk to growers and industry.

Nutrient management
Rosen summarized MSU, WI, MN, and ND fertility recommendations and found all were variable. At issue is potential use of current recommendations as regulation standards for P application. Inconsistency across states causes concerns about how regulations will be created. Rosen pointed out inadequacies in soil test P procedures. Currently, many soils respond to P fertilizer applications even though they test high and should not have P response. MSU is changing P and K recommendations due to meetings addressing future nutrient management regulation. All growers will be impacted if they are trying to enter conservation programs. NRCS will require nutrient management plan for any growers applying for conservation programs.

Action items - potato nutrient management task force to include Carl Rosen - MN, Carrie Laboski - WI, yet to be named contact - MSU, Dave Franzen - NDSU, Mark Otto - MSU, Mike Carter - WPVGA, Duane Maatz - NPPGA, Shawn Kasprick - Simplot, Dale Steevens - RDO. Committee will:
1) prioritize nutrient management issues for committee
2) P workshop at PAA
a. Description of different P management recommendations
b. Why those differences exist

Other nutrient management issues
-K - using it to lower gravity on potatoes
-fate of fertilizer applications of P
-how do you improve efficiency of applied fertilizers
-variety differences in ability to mine P

Forecasting Disease and Insect
Blights - Stevenson discussed need for regional forecasting due to lost extension appointments in potato of vegetable pathology. Forecast for aerial born foliar diseases late and early blight. Why forecast instead of weekly fungicide applications: Data shows can reduce number of fungicide applications without reductions in management of early or late blight. Just as important make applications at critical times for management. Current forecasting tools include WISDOM -> Real Toolbox. New proposed tools include DACOM service provided by chemical companies.

Traditional method: How are data collected - in-field and in-canopy collection. Data collection is done in several locations in each of the states by each state's extension plant pathologist or climatologist. Specifics of data collection and generation of application recommendations varies by state. Testing new alternatives that utilize prediction services across the country. All forecast use proportion of foliage predicted and persistence of fungicide. DACOM also predicts infection events and incorporates into forecast.

WISDOM compared to DACOM last few years. New comparison funded by RAMP across several states including WI, IA, NY and others in forecasting diseases in vegetables and fruit. New model is ZedX. New algorithms have been developed to use historical weather data to predict in-canopy conditions. Current project is trying to verify accuracy of algorithms for in-canopy predictions. ZedX will also use historical data to predict future conditions for 24 to 72 hrs and thereby predict future impacts on disease development. In addition to comparing accuracy of forecasting, recommended spray forecasting will also be tested with small plot and field scale evaluations.

Insects - Radcliffe discussed project on forecasting aphid movements using weather system modeling. Using low level jets to predict movement of aphids. Low level jets influenced by weather systems that move through the Midwest. Critical time were LLJ during May and June. Pre-May aphids likely wont survive. Post June events likely have little impact relative to earlier arriving aphids.

Duration of necessary wind events from LLJ during May to June varied from 46 to 213 hr over 11-year period from 1992 to 2003. Basically predicted winged aphids at the end of June based on wind events with >80% accuracy. These data predicted aphid pressure in August during critical management periods. Aphid pressure predicted issues with leafroll fairly effectively, but to a lesser extent PVY.

Aphids concentrated of field margins. An aphid population density spike occurred in margins during late July or early August for a 7 to 10 day period where. If margins were sprayed during this 7 to 10 day period, the colonization of potatoes in the field interior were greatly reduced.

Seed certification
Jeff Davis reported PVYn:o is becoming primary strain in the Midwest. PVYn:o is not visually expressed which indicates rather large potential issues within the certification programs across the region. Aphids typically only transmit one virus at a time. Yet many tests are showing multiple stains within individual plants, suggesting multiple aphid visits. This shows an abundance of innoculum in the environment and abundance of aphids to transmit.

Industry Research Needs
Glenn Vogt - Simplot
Too high of specific gravity has reduced processing quality in some areas. High tuber K has been correlated to increased bruise. Skin blemish diseases such as black scurf (minor), silver scurf, pink eye, and black dot are causing issues with skinning. Pink eye is the key issue. Pressure bruise has been a continual issue. A large amount of breakdown occurred in storage this year due to a warm spell early in the storage season. During the warm spell, many growers did not bring in outside air. Wet bulb temperatures should be used in deciding run times.

Duane Maatz - Northern Plains Potato Growers
Humidification effects on shrink and cost of lost size. Silver scurf management in storage. Quality specs: 65% of tubers between 6.5 and 10 oz is optimal.

Leigh Morrow - McCain
Heat stress effects on sugars and solids, tuber size. Should have had more storage issues, but did not materialize. Optimal gravity is not the same across varieties and varies with level of processing (i.e., skin on versus skinless).

Accomplishments

1) Held meeting with diverse participants focused on the study of potatoes and the potato production system. Meeting participants included extension and research personnel with areas of focus on soil fertility, entomology, plant pathology, weed science, breeding and genetics, physiology, storage, production, cropping systems, and other areas. In addition, industry participants included personnel from potato processing companies, grower associations, crop consultants, and others. Research projects were discussed and several coordinated projects will be occurring across the region. Potato seed was exchanged to allow for evaluation of different breeding materials across the region. Finally, educational and extension programs were planned to minimize conflicts with meetings between states and develop coordinated programs.<br /> <br /> 2) Development of North Central IPM working group in potato. The working group met in conjunction with the NCR-205 committee. Resistance management goals were accomplished with NCR-205 supporting the development of National Potato Council publications on fungicide, insecticide, and herbicide resistance management.<br /> <br /> 3) Regional screening of pesticide resistance was completed. Colorado potato beetle resistance to neonicotinoid insecticides is well characterized for ND, MN, WI, and MI due to coordinated efforts of NCR-205 committee members. Early blight resistance to strobilurin fungicides has also been characterized in the region through coordinated efforts of NCR-205. Characterization of the levels of resistance of these pests has been critical for development of management strategies.<br /> <br /> 4) Regionally coordinated trials evaluating forecasting models for late blight and early blight have been ongoing for the past 3 to 4 years. DACOM model developed in the Netherlands has long been the focus of this committee.<br />

Publications

Andow, D. W., G.P. Fitt, E.E. Grafius, R.E. Jackson, E.B. Radcliffe, D.W. Ragsdale, L. Rossiter. 2006. Pesticide and Transgenic Plant Resistance Management in the Field, In M.E. Whalon [ed.] Resistance Management, CABI. <br /> <br /> Davenport, J. R., P. H. Milburn, C. J. Rosen, and R. E. Thornton. 2005. Environmental impacts of potato nutrient management. Amer. J. Potato Res. 82:321-328.<br /> <br /> Davis, J. A., E. B. Radcliffe, D. W. Ragsdale. 2005. Soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura, a new vector of Potato Virus Y in potato. Amer. J. Potato Res. 81: 101-105.<br /> <br /> Groza, H.I., B.D. Bowen, D. Kichefski, S.J. Peloquin, W.R. Stevenson, A.J. Bussan, and J. Jiang. 2005. Millennium Russet: A Dual Purpose Russet Potato Variety. Am J. Potato Res. 82:211-219.<br /> <br /> Groza, H.I., B.D. Bowen, W.R. Stevenson, J.R. Sowokinos, M.T. Glynn, A.J. Bussan, and J. Jiang. White Pearl - A Chipping Potato Variety with High Resistance to Cold Sweetening. Am. J. Potato Res. (accepted)<br /> <br /> McKenzie M.J., Sowokinos J.R., Shea I.M., Gupta S.K., Lindlauf R.R. and Anderson J.A.D. 2005. Investigations on the role of acid invertase and UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase in potato clones with varying resistance to cold induced sweetening. Am. J. Potato Res. 82:231-239.<br /> <br /> Miller, J. S. and C.J. Rosen. 2005. Interactive effects of fungicide programs and nitrogen management on potato yield and quality. Amer. J. Potato Res. 82:399-409.<br /> <br /> Olson, K., T. Badibanga, E. Radcliffe, M. Carroll, I. MacRae, and D. Ragsdale. Economic analysis of using a border treatment for reducing organophosphate use in seed potato production. Staff. Paper P04-8, Department of Applied Economics, University of Minnesota, 2004. <br /> <br /> Ragsdale David W., Edward B. Radcliffe, and Kathy L. Flanders. 2006. Managing Aphids and Leafhoppers. In D. Johnson, [ed]. Potato Health Management, American Phytopath. Society Plant Health Management Series, APS Press, St. Paul, MN.<br /> <br /> Thompson, A.L., Novy, R.G., Farnsworth, B.L., Secor, G.A., Gudmestad, N.C., Sowokinos, J.R., Holm, E.T., Lorenzen J.H. and Preston D.A. 2005. Dakota Pearl: an attractive, bright-white skinned, cold chipping cultivar with table stock potential. Am. J. Potato Res. 82:481-488.<br />

Impact Statements

1. Management of pest resistance has been improved through the regional screening of Colorado potato beetle (CPB) and early blight. In particular, neonicotinoid insecticide use patterns have shifted due to increasing tolerance of CPB. Specific changes to management include extended rotations, utilization of trap crops and barriers, and shift in use of pesticides to rotations of insecticides, alternative new products with activity on CPB, and avoiding use of neonicotinoid insecticides more than once in a season.
2. New varieties are being planted that have been released through the regional breeding and evaluation programs. Megachip is being produced and sold by over 5 seed growers in WI with primary production in MI. Bannock (ID release) and Freedom (WI release) are being grown on 500 acres in WI intended for processing with McCain. Umatillage (ID release) is being grown for processing in MN and ND. Dakota Crisp and Dakota Pearl are being grown by ND and WI seed growers and produced for chipping in WI and ND. White Pearl (WI) is being grown for long-term storage and chipping in WI. Villetta Rose (WI) is being grown by WI seed growers and produced in MN, WI, and MI with special marketing campaign being initiated around unique character of this variety.
3. Regional research efforts are being implemented based on comments from producer, processor, and industry members of NCR-205 committee. Specific examples are on evaluation of P fertility on farm scale trials across the region, managing stem end sugars, new varieties management profiles, disease forecasting, and management of pest resistance.

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Report Information

Participants

Olsen, Larry (olsen1@msu.edu) - MSU, Entomology; Palta, Jiwan (jppalta@wisc.edu) - U of WI, Horticulture; Navarro, Felix (fmnavarro@wisc.edu) - U of WI, Rhinelander Ag Research Station; Bowen, Bryan (bdbowen@wisc.edu) - U of WI, Rhinelander Ag Research Station; Rosen, Carl (crosen@umn.edu) - U of MN, Horticulture; Bussan, A.J. (ajbussan@wisc.edu) - U of WI, Horticulture; Stevenson, Walt (wrs@plantpath.wisc.edu) - U of WI, Plant Pathology; Otto, Mark (maotto@ameritech.net) - Ag Business Consultants, MI; Grafius, Ed (Grafius@msu.edu) - MSU, Entomology; Thompson, Susie (asunta.thompson@ndsu.edu) - NDSU, Plant Sciences; Davis, Malek, Chris (chris.malek@mccain.com) - McCain Foods; Kirk, Willie (kirkw@msu.edu) - MSU, Plant Pathology; Grafton, Kenneth (K.Grafton@ndsu.edu) - NDSU, Dean, College of Agr. and Director, NDAES; Essah, Samuel (sessah@lamar.colostate.edu) - Agronomy, Colorado State University; Ragsdale, David (ragsd001@umn.edu) - U of MN, Entomology; Bishop, Beth (bishop@msu.edu) - MSU, Entomology; Morrow, Leigh (leigh.morrow@mccain.com) - McCain Foods; Baer, Debra (dbaer@state-seed.ndsu.nodak.edu) - NDSU, Seed Program; Vogt, Glenn (vogtg@simplot.com) - J.R. Simplot Co.; Hatterman-Valenti, Harlene (h.hatterman.valenti@ndsu.edu) - DSU, Plant Sciences; Lauer, Florian (lauer002@umn.edu) - U of MN, Horticulture; Jeff (davis271@umn.edu) - U of MN, Entomology; Mollov, Dimitre (moll0073@umn.edu) - U of MN, Plant Pathology; Maatz, Duane (dmaatz@nppga.org) - Northern Plains Potato Growers Association; Carter, Mike (mcarter@wisconsinpotatoes.com) - WI Potato and Vegetable Growers Assn.; Radcliffe, Ted (radcl001@umn.edu)- U of MN, Entomology; Sowokinos, Joe (sowok001@umn.edu) - U of MN; Thill, Christian (thill005@umn.edu) - U of MN, Horticulture; Schrage, Willem (willem.schrage@state.mn.us) - MN Dept. of Ag

Brief Summary of Minutes

This year will be an interim project, thus requiring resubmission of the project proposal prior to the 2008 meeting. A writing sub-committee was appointed and the proposal will be submitted following the 2007 meeting. The committee consists of A.J. Bussan, Willie Kirk, Susie Thompson, and Carl Rosen.

Administrative advisor report included the following: The NCR-205 (now NCERA- 205) committee had its midterm review. This committee received very high marks from the NCAC committees (made up of department chairs in the region) and the Multistate Research Committee (MRC). The MRC identified the high level of productivity in a short period of time, its very strong level of participation by committee members, identification on extension activities to distribute information to stakeholders, and the strong industry participation at committee meetings. Also, the committee was commended for the degree of collaboration among committee members in their research, education, and extension activities. Perhaps the only "negative" item was that the committee should continue to interact with NCR-84 when possible (i.e., joint meetings on occasion). In response to this criticism, members of the NCR-84 committee participate in the NCR-205 committee and several major objectives are related to activities in the NCR-84.


Brief Synopsis of State Reports

NDSU: Susie Thompson - focus on development of management practices for newly emerging potato varieties, selection of disease resistant clones, and development of new varieties with specific quality traits. 100,000 A planted and 98,000 harvested in 2006. 2006/07 15,866 A of seed approved. Acreage is 60% processing with a large red segment still very strong. ND had very hot weather in 2006 resulting in a reduction in specific gravity throughout the crop.

MSU: Willie Kirk - late storage crops to Jun  chipped well (indicated good season in 2005). Elevated PVY in seed (winter tests) otherwise certification statistics largely unchanged. Weather in early season resulted in two distinct planting windows. Early season conditions ideal for PLB and mid season ideal for early die (many crops affected in Montcalm). Wet period during late Jul resulted in flooding with soil temps 80  85F at 4. Harvest was severely delayed (14  21 days). PLB occurred in three areas (+ Indiana); southwest MI, Saginaw and Bay County. Crops that were affected are now already processed. Common scab was severe in susceptible cvs; partially resistant cvs had little to no CS. Crops harvested during late fall now in trouble  potentially 20-30% loss; potential frosting but definitely harvested outside of current recommendations for safe harvesting (by necessity). CPB  no reported field failures. Other diseases; Rhizoctonia black scurf visible in many crops; Fusarium dry rot appears to be getting worse? Black dot has now been reported but is not yet an issue (yet). Emerging/continuing issues included common scab, bacterial diseases and early die complex. A new soil biologist (Dr. Stuart Grandy) will commence in Aug 2007.

WI: AJ Bussan  focused on events of 2006 in WI (including the Potato Association of America Meetings which included a discussion on nutrient management led by NCR-205 committee members; completion of the Potato Storage Research Facility, National seed meetings, and Summer NPC meeting). An impromptu tour of the Potato Storage Research Facility was offered and accepted by the group and a summary of the 2006 research report was given.

MN: Carl Rosen - at issue is skin quality (color), and sugar end physiological disorder. Pathology problems in 2006 with pink rot (storage issues), and common scab. Thill has nine selections ready for release. Bradeen is working on herbicide tolerance and RB transformed lines. Davis completing virus survey; of 603 samples, 71% with virus detected by immunodiagnostics and PCR, 61% of which were PVTn:o. ELISA increased detect-ability of PLRV. The usefulness of these techniques was discussed. Rosen discussed his work on the replacement of conventional fertilizers with slow release fertilizers, leaching of N due to permeable film coating, and that specific gravity can be lowered by increasing amount of potassium after emergence. In an evaluation of liquid and granular Phosphate sources, no difference in agronomic qualities.

CO: Samuel Essah was welcomed to the group. Colorado will host the NCERA meeting in 2009.

Nominating Committee  A.J. Bussan will be chair for 2007 and Willie Kirk will be secretary for 2007 and chair for 2008. Meeting will be held in East Lansing, MI in 2008 on a date to be decided. It is requested that a meeting time is suggested by all copied on the minutes.

General Session 
Resistance monitoring
Insecticide Resistance  Grafius presented information on increased levels of neonicotinyl insecticides within Colorado potato beetle. Resistance found in ND, MN, WI, and MI. Resistance levels not so high as to inhibit management in all regions yet, but increasing. Cultural management will be necessary to prevent spread of resistance

Fungicide Resistance  Monitoring early blight populations from region for resistance to strobilurin fungicides. Collections were made by Gudmestad in MN and ND, and Stevenson in WI. Samples from MI were collected but were found to be Alternaria alternata (brown spot) and were processed locally. DNA were isolated from WI samples and sent to Gudmestad. All samples screened for resistance to strobilurin, boscalid, and Scala. All samples resistant to strobilurin fungicides. Large range of susceptibilities to boscalid and Scala indicated large potential to select for resistance. Will continue evaluations and now ND lab has permits to allow shipping of leaf materials. Central WI has concentrated production with heavy use of strobilurins and expects resistance. In fact resistance is found, but other isolated areas have same level of resistance. Within NC region, strobilurin (class 11) requires careful monitoring and incorporating products into integrated management program. Rotation modes of action, tank mixing, and other practices are necessary to manage resistance. The isolates of A. alternata from MI were found to be resistant to azoxystrobin also.

Herbicide Resistance  Lack of labeling of new herbicides limits modes of action for weed control. Spartan label has been withdrawn from the potato market due to risk of injury in potato. Preventing resistance to metribuzin and rimsulfuron becomes that much more important due to lack of new potential products. New product development and investigation has to proceed with more caution due to issues that arose with Spartan. Injury potential needs to be investigated more thoroughly.

Forecasting Disease and Insect
Blights - need for regional forecasting due to lost extension appointments in potato of vegetable pathology. Forecast for aerial born foliar diseases late and early blight. Why forecast instead of weekly fungicide applications: Data shows can reduce number of fungicide applications without reductions in management of early or late blight. Just as important make applications at critical times for management. Current forecasting tools include WISDOM--Real Toolbox.

Accomplishments

1 - Held meeting with diverse participants focused on the study of potatoes and the potato production system. Meeting participants included extension and research personnel with areas of focus on soil fertility, entomology, plant pathology, weed science, breeding and genetics, physiology, storage, production, cropping systems, and other areas. In addition, industry participants included personnel from potato processing companies, grower associations, crop consultants and others. Research projects were discussed and several coordinated projects will be occurring across the region. Potato seed was exchanged to allow for evaluation of different breeding materials across the region. Finally, educational and extension programs were planned to minimize conflicts with meetings between states and develop coordinated programs.<br /> <br /> 2 - North Central IPM working group in potato. The working group met in conjunction with the NCR-205 committee. Resistance management goals were accomplished with NCR-205 supporting the development of National Potato Council publications on fungicide, insecticide, and herbicide resistance management. It was suggested (and accepted) that the names of the authors of these publications be listed on the publications.<br /> <br /> 3 - Regional screening of pesticide resistance was completed. Colorado potato beetle resistance to neonicotinoid insecticides is well characterized for ND, MN, WI, and MI due to coordinated efforts of NCR-205 committee members. Early blight resistance to strobilurin fungicides has also been characterized in the region through coordinated efforts of NCR-205. Characterization of the levels of resistance of these pests has been critical for development of management strategies.<br /> <br /> 4 - Regionally coordinated trials evaluating forecasting models for late blight and early blight have been ongoing for the past 3 to 4 years. DACOM model developed in the Netherlands has long been the focus of this committee but has been dropped due to lack of interest from commercial sponsors.<br />

Publications

Wharton, P. S., P. Tumbalam, and W. W. Kirk. 2006. First report of potato tuber sprout rot caused by Fusarium sambucinum in Michigan. Plant Disease. 90:1460. DOI: 10.1094/PD-90-1460B.<br /> <br /> Rubio-Covarrubias, O.A., D.S. Douches, R. Hammerschmidt, A. daRocha and W.W. Kirk. 2006. Effect of photoperiod and temperature on resistance against Phytophthora infestans in susceptible and resistant potato cultivars: Effect of deposition of structural phenolics and on the cell wall and resistance to penetration. Amer. J. Potato Res. 83:325-334.<br /> <br /> Douches, D.S., J. Coombs, R. Hammerschmidt, W.W. Kirk, C. Long, S. Snapp, B. Kudwa, D. Flannery and T. Bourgoin. 2006. Beacon Chipper: A round white chip processing variety. Amer. J. Potato Res. 83(3):241-248.<br /> <br /> Kirk, W. W., A. B. da Rocha, Hollosy, S. I., R. Hammerschmidt and P.S. Wharton. 2006. Effect of soil salinity on internal browning of potato tuber tissue in two soil types. Amer. J. Potato Res. 83(3):223-232. <br /> <br /> Kirk, W.W., F. M. Abu-El Samen, J.B. Muhinyuza, R. Hammerschmidt, D.S. Douches, C. A. Thill, H. Groza and A. L. Thompson. 2005. Evaluation of potato late blight management utilizing host plant resistance and reduced rates and frequencies of fungicide applications. Crop Protection 24:961-970.<br /> <br /> Baker, K.M., W.W. Kirk, J.M. Stein and J.A. Andresen. 2005. Climatic trends and potato late blight risk in the Upper Great Lakes region. HortTechnology 15(3):510-518.<br /> <br /> Rubio-Covarrubias, O.A., D.S. Douches, R. Hammerschmidt, A. daRocha and W.W. Kirk. 2005. Effect of temperature and photoperiod on symptoms associated with resistance to Phytophthora infestans after leaf penetration in susceptible and resistant potato cultivars. Amer. J. Potato Res. 82:153-160.<br /> <br /> Kirk, W.W., R.L. Schafer, P. Tumbalam, D.R. Berry, P.S. Wharton 2006. Evaluation of Ranman, EBDC and chlorothalonil-based programs for potato late blight control, 2005 61:V005.<br /> <br /> Kirk, W.W., R.L. Schafer, P. Tumbalam, D.R. Berry, P.S. Wharton 2006. Evaluation of fungicide programs for potato late blight control, 2005 61:V006. <br />

Impact Statements

1. Management of pest resistance has been improved through the regional screening of Colorado potato beetle (CPB) and early blight. In particular, neonicotinoid insecticide use patterns have shifted due to increasing tolerance of CPB. Specific changes to management include extended rotations, utilization of trap crops and barriers, and shift in use of pesticides to rotations of insecticides, alternative new products with activity on CPB, and avoiding use of neonicotinoid insecticides more than once in a season.
2. New varieties are being planted that have been released through the regional breeding and evaluation programs. Megachip is being produced and sold by over 5 seed growers in WI with primary production in MI. Bannock (ID release) and Freedom (WI release) are being grown on 500 acres in WI intended for processing with McCain. Umatillage (ID release) is being grown for processing in MN and ND. Dakota Crisp and Dakota Pearl are being grown by ND and WI seed growers and produced for chipping in WI and ND. White Pearl (WI) is being grown for long-term storage and chipping in WI. Villetta Rose (WI) is being grown by WI seed growers and produced in MN, WI, and MI with a special marketing campaign being initiated around the unique character of this variety.
3. Regional research efforts are being implemented based on comments from producer, processor, and industry members of NCR205 committee. Specific examples are on evaluation of P fertility on farm scale trials across the region, managing stem end sugars, new varieties management profiles, and disease forecasting, and management of pest resistance.

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Report Information

Participants

Jianjun Hao, Michigan State Univ. [jjhao@msu.edu];
Andrew Grandy, Michigan State Univ. [grandya1@msu.edu];
Christopher Long, Michigan State Univ. [longch@msu.edu];
Esther Gachango, Michigan State Univ. [gachango@msu.edu];
Ben Kudwa, Michigan Potato Industry Commission [Ben@mipotato.com];
maotto@ameritech.net;
Vaughn Gingerich, Black Gold Farm [vaughg@blackgoldpotato.com];
Nick David, North Dakota State Univ. [nicholas.david@ndsu.edu];
Wesley Everman, Michigan State Univ. [everman@msu.edu];
William Kirk, Michigan State Univ. [kirkw@msu.edu];
A.J. Bussan, Univ. of Wisconsin [ajbussan@wisc.edu];
Brice Michael Stine, Michigan State Univ. [stinebr1@msu.edu];
Phillip Wharton, Michigan State Univ. [whartonp@msu.edu];
David Douches, Michigan State Univ. [douchesd@msu.edu];
Loren Wernette, Michigan State Univ. [wernet12@msu.edu];
Samuel Essah, Colorado State Univ. [sessah@lamar.colostate.edu];
Alex Pavlista, Univ. of Nebraska [apavlista1@unl.edu]

Brief Summary of Minutes

Call to order: William Kirk (chair) called the meeting to order at 1:20 p.m. on Thurs., March 13.

Introductions: Members present introduced themselves.

Selection of officers and future meeting places:
Chair for 2009--Samuel Essah
Secretary for 2009--Nick David
Venue for 2009 meeting--Denver, Colorado
Venue for 2010 meeting--North Dakota
Venue for 2011 meeting--University of Nebraska

Revisiting NCERA-205: William Kirk introduced NCERA-205 to new members of the group. He went through the NIMSS (NCERA-205) website to familiarize new members of what is on the website.
The NCERA-205 group involves people who deal with Research, Extension, and growers. The aim of the group is to share information among members.
Official states that make up NCERA-205 include Michigan, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Colorado, and Nebraska.
Michigan State is officially represented by two delegates to attend the annual meetings. All the other states are officially represented by one delegate each. However, as many people as possible from each state can attend the meetings. Each state is advised to encourage growers and other faculty to attend the annual meetings.

Information exchange between potato breeding/genetics and the NCERA-205 group: The group agreed that there was a need to interact and exchange information with breeders and geneticists in the various states so that we can come out with breeding/genetics and production profile of potato cultivars.


Expected outcomes and impacts of NCERA-205 activities:
Due to the rising cost of importing potatoes from other states and repacking and shipping them out by packers, it has become more important than ever to evaluate storage management of different varieties for extended period of time in various storages.
Storage of red potatoes over a longer period of time without losing the red color was discussed extensively.

Black Dot:
A grower present at the meeting brought up the problem of Black Dot Disease. This disease is known to be a huge problem in some operations but difficult to control compared to other diseases. Not much research attention has been given to black dot. The group agreed that it is an issue that needs to be addressed both at the pathological level and also need to be incorporated into breeding programs.

State Reports--

Wisconsin:
A.J. Bussan focused on Best Management Practices for new cultivars grown in Wisconsin. He emphasized the importance of storage management for individual cultivars.

Michigan State:
David Douches gave a presentation on the breeding and genetics program at Michigan State University.

2007 NCERA-205
Michigan 2007 Crop Update

The 2007 growing season in Michigan is best characterized as warm and dry. The average monthly maximum and minimum temperatures in the months of May, June and September were above the 15-year average. No extreme highs or lows were reported. Relative humidity was lower overall, resulting in less physiological stress and disease pressure. Rainfall for the season was approximately half of the 15-year average of 21.5 inches.

Some localized heavy rainfall was reported in southwest and south central Michigan resulting in field rot and subsequent losses of chip and table potatoes in the field.

Overall statewide yields were reported as above average with average specific gravity's being noted.

GDD base 40 were reported in potatoes at 3300 to 3900 DD or higher in some location. The potato crop experienced a moderately hotter growing season in 2007.

Fall harvest was warm, with early storage crop being difficult to cool down. Some minor early storage crop wet break down was reported.

Storage potatoes table and chip have stored and processed well from December to current. Quality in storage is reported as being very good this season for almost all chip stock with little to no storage pathological problems.

MSU will be releasing Kalkaska (MSJ036-A), a round white chip processing variety.

New fresh packing shed in White Pigeon, MI to package 3000-5000 acres of potatoes.

Resistance monitoring:
Significant levels of resistance to imidacloprid were again present in Michigan. Beetles from Sackett Potatoes, fields 26-29 were 32-fold resistant to imidacloprid, compared to the susceptible strain. An additional five fields on the home farm (field 1, field 4, fields 5-8&31-32, field 12, and field 25) were also greater than 20-fold resistant to imidacloprid. In total, 14 samples were tested with imidacloprid from the Sackett Potatoes home farm, all but two were greater than 10-fold resistant to imidacloprid.

In 2007, 14 additional sites away from the Sackett Potatoes home farm showed greater than 20-fold resistance to imidacloprid, contrasted with only three sites in 2006, and all Michigan samples had significantly higher LD50 values than the susceptible New Jersey strain. These sites were all within approximately 10-12 km from Sackett Potatoes home farm, but in several different directions (i.e. Paul Main Rodney Farm to the northwest, Paul Main HB-S site to the southwest, and Sackett Potatoes fields 101-103 to the northeast). The overall LD50 values were lower than last year; this year's highest LD50 value was 1.563 ¼g/beetle (Sackett Potatoes field 155) compared to last year's 3.244 ¼g/beetle (Sackett Potatoes fields 47&48), but the proportion of samples greater than 10-fold resistant was up from 50% in 2006 to 67% in 2007.

No Michigan populations had greater than 10-fold resistance to thiamethoxam. However, of the 34 sites sampled, all but four had LD50 values significantly higher than the susceptible New Jersey strain. The thiamethoxam results mirrored those of imidacloprid, overall resistance values were lower this year, but the proportion of sites exhibiting significant differences from the susceptible strain increased from the previous year.

Susceptibility to imidacloprid (as measured by LD50) in field-collected Colorado potato beetle populations was highly correlated with susceptibility to thiamethoxam. This result was also found in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006 (e.g. Grafius et al. 2004, 2005; Byrne et al. 2006, 2007). This high correlation is a strong indicator that alternation between imidacloprid and thiamethoxam would not be an effective or wise management technique.

Insecticide Trials: The seasonal average number of large larvae was significantly lower in treated plots compared to untreated plots. All treatments resulted in significantly fewer large larvae than the untreated plots. The insecticide treatments kept large larvae below the economic threshold of 1 to 2 large larvae per plant compared to 18 large larvae per plant in the untreated plots. The seasonal average number of egg masses and small larvae, included larvae that had recently hatched and were still on the egg mass, resulting in high variability in these results. All treatments resulted in significantly higher yields than the untreated plots.

The 2007 insecticide evaluations tested four non-neonicotinoid insecticides, and combinations of non-neonicotinoid insecticides, all proved to be to effective for the control of CPB. Although these chemicals may have cost limitations, restrictions in number of applications, and timing of application, they are valuable chemicals to slow CPB resistance to neonicotinoids. Disease update for MI 2007 season 2007 storage issues. Some LB from 2006 was processed early and was not stored into 2007. Some storages were affected by Pythium but losses in 2007 generally low. 2007 growing season started early with a warm spring and again there was survival of volunteers from 2006/2007 season in most areas in MI. Ideal growing conditions resulted in few issues with stand establishments caused by Fusarium and Rhizoctonia was moderate in 2007. Still some issues with bacterial soft rot. Hot and very dry summer resulted in no LB being reported in crops. Common scab was relatively widespread in 2007. LB reported on a tomato sample in September and a home gardener tuber sample in December. Corky ring spot (tobacco rattle virus) officially reported in state in 2006 and published in Plant Disease in 2008. So far, soil temperature over winter has been moderate at 6' depth and we are likely to see survival of volunteers.

Colorado State:
Breeding and Selection Program: Major emphasis is placed on the development of early maturing russet cultivars. Reds, Specialty and Chipping cultivars are also being developed. Selection emphasis is on the development of 'low input' cultivars, primarily for reduced nitrogen and fungicide input. Currently, emphasis is also being placed on selection for PVY immunity and Nematode resistance. Two cultivars were named in 2007--Rio Grande Russet and Canela Russet. Colorado is trying to come up with a grading standard for fingerlings. Pathology Program: Studies conducted in 2007 include early blight fungicide trials, early blight degree days, root knot nematode degree days, late blight forecasting in the San Luis Valley, pink rot fungicide evaluation, powdery scab trials, seed piece treatment trials, and advance clone disease assessment. Potato Management and Physiology: In 2007, horticultural evaluations were conducted on 36 potato cultivars and clonal selections. These evaluations assessed the influence of different management practices on growth, development, tuber bulking rate, tuber yield, tuber size distribution and tuber quality of cultivars studied, in an effort to establish optimum management guidelines for each cultivar.

Post Harvest Research: Studies were initiated on the effect of 1,4-DMN on pressure bruise and tuber dormancy.

North Dakota/Minesota:
Nick David presented a brief outline of activities in 2007. He gave a presentation on Corky Ring Spot (TRV) - Tobacco Rattle Nematode.

Action Items:

- A look into changes in virus diseases

- Home page of NCERA-205 needs to be updated to include Colorado State and the State of Nebraska.

- A distribution list needs to be created. A.J. Bussan was asked to help in compiling the distribution list.

- We need to identify speakers to talk on PVY and Black Dot during the 2009 meeting in Denver. Funding the speakers for their travel is a question.

- The U.S. Potato Board needs to be invited to talk about the downward trend in potato acreages. A formal invitation is to be sent to the US Potato Board to attend the 2009 meeting.

- The annual meetings should be publicized to industry members/growers. The NCERA-205 web site address should be given to mailing list.

- The NCERA-205 group needs to state agenda items or action items that the group needs to pursue.

- The group will want to decide whether to write a proposal to address an issue that cuts across all participating states.

Accomplishments

Accomplishment: <br /> Activities of NCERA-205 were introduced to new members of the group.<br /> <br /> Summary and Wrap Up:<br /> It was suggested that environmental concerns influencing potato production and the economic implications of such practices should be part of the focus of this group. David Douches suggested the need to breed for nutrient efficient varieties to help in improving ground water quality and reducing the cost of fertilizer input. Nick David suggested an across the state TRV Project.<br /> <br /> Adjourn:<br /> Meeting was adjourned at 12:10 p.m. on Friday, March 14, 2008.<br />

Publications

None.<br />

Impact Statements

1. Management of pest resistance has been improved through the regional screening of Colorado potato beetle (CPB) and early blight. In particular, neonicotinoid insecticide use patterns have shifted due to increasing tolerance of CPB. Specific changes to management include extended rotations, utilization of trap crops and barriers, and shift in use of pesticides to rotations of insecticides, alternative new products with activity on CPB, and avoiding use of neonicotinoid insecticides more than once in a season.
2. New varieties are being planted that have been released through the regional breeding and evaluation programs. Megachip is being produced and sold by over 5 seed growers in WI with primary production in MI. Bannock (ID release) and Freedom (WI release) are being grown on 500 acres in WI intended for processing with McCain. Umatillage (ID release) is being grown for processing in MN and ND. Dakota Crisp and Dakota Pearl are being grown by ND and WI seed growers and produced for chipping in WI and ND. White Pearl (WI) is being grown for long-term storage and chipping in WI. Villetta Rose (WI) is being grown by WI seed growers and produced in MN, WI, and MI with a special marketing campaign being initiated around the unique character of this variety.
3. Regional research efforts are being implemented based on comments from producer, processor, and industry members of NCR205 committee. Specific examples are on evaluation of P fertility on farm scale trials across the region, managing stem end sugars, new varieties management profiles, and disease forecasting, and management of pest resistance.

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