Progress 07/01/01 to 06/30/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Significant Project Outputs: Activities- The most significant project outcomes were the field trials that were conducted to evaluate potato varieties and management strategies for their appropriateness for production under the field conditions seen in South Central Alaska, the major potato production region. These trials focused on determining which varieties had the yield and marketing characteristics for the Alaska tablestock market. Other trials focused on optimizing marketable yields of varieties currently grown for the wholesale market by managing plant spacing. Events - The primary event outputs of this project are the annual Potato Day meetings held in Palmer for the potato industry. This project also facilitated several special events such as the Potato Demonstration Day, a large Potato Bash held for Anchorage gardeners, and multiple potato tastings held around the state. Services - The primary service output of this project is consulting. The large difference in
grower expertise in Alaska requires broad knowledge. One very experienced grower needed information on using biochemical tests to determine the identity of a mislabeled seed lot. While other potential growers needed very basic production information on how to plant, grow and store the crop. Products- This project has multiple product outputs. One of the products is data supporting higher planting densities than have been traditionally practiced in Alaska. Other products include a large collection of heirloom potato varieties for growers to evaluate for their marketing opportunities. This project has also facilitated a strong collaboration between the university, the AK Division of Agriculture, and multiple units of the USDA Agriculture Research Service. One of the products of this collaboration is the production and evaluation of new potato germplasm that has potential marketing opportunities for small-scale growers. Significant Project Dissemination activities: The primary
dissemination method used by the potato industry in Alaska is the annual Potato Day meeting held in Palmer during late winter. Research results from the 2003 fungicide trial were presented in 2004. Preliminary data on a potato spacing trial were presented in the 2005 Potato meetings with additional seasons data presented in the 2006 meeting. Handouts were distributed that showed the results of variety trials. In 2007, a Potato Demonstration Day was held to exhibit over 180 varieties of potatoes along with all yield and grading data. The Demonstration Day was attended by three of the four wholesale produce buyers operating in the state along with the majority of commercial potato producers. The event was also used to showcase the heirloom material and breeding lines that could be available to market gardeners who focus on production for the farmer's market rather than the wholesale market.
PARTICIPANTS: Individuals: PIs/PDs - Dr. Donald Carling was the project initiator and was the initial PI. Dr. Carling left the project in 2003 to accept a position with USDA-ARS. Upon Dr. Carling's departure Dr. Roseann Leiner became PI of the project. Dr Jeffrey Smeenk became a Co-PI on the project when he joined the UAF faculty in 2006. Gregg Terry, Kate Brainary, Susan Spensor, Kim Swinburg, Steve Swor, Will Carlson, and Chad Eriksen each provided at least one month of technical support to the project. Partner Organizations: University of Alaska-Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service provided financial, equipment, and personnel support. USDA Agriculture Research Service - Alaska Unit provided equipment, financial, in-kind, personnel, and consulting collaborations. USDA Agriculture Research Service - Prosser WA Unit provided germplasm and technical expertise. USDA Agriculture Research Service - Aberdeen ID Unit provided germplasm and technical expertise. Alaska Department of
Agriculture Plant Inspection Unit provided technical expertise Alaska Department of Agriculture Plant Materials Center provided germplasm materials, virus testing services, and extensive technical expertise. Collaborators and Contacts: Since there has been a complete turnover in project personnel, all of the collaborators and/or contacts have been added since the initiation of the project. Julie Riley, Phil Kaspari, Michele Hebert, Tom Jahns, Bob, Gorman, Peter Bierman, Pam Compton are all fellow Cooperative Extension personnel that are involved in the Agriculture and Horticulture Program. Julie Casio and Kristy Long are CES Home Economics faculty that have also worked with aspects of this project. Within the Plant, Animal and Soil Sciences department at UAF Pat Halloway, Meriam Karlsson, Steve Sparrow, Mingchu Zahng, Gary Michaelson, and Chen-Lu Ping have all consulted and/or collaborated on various aspects of the project. Within the Division of Agriculture Jerry Mason, Doug Warner,
Amy Petit Stony Wright, and Bill Campbell have been involved with aspects of the project. The ARS collaborators and contacts include Joe Kuhl, Nancy Robertson, Alberto Pantoja, Steve Siefeld, Aaron Haggerty, Lori Winton, Chuck Brown, and Rich Novy. This project has also involved extensive interaction with numerous commercial potato producers and other members of the potato industry. Training or professional development: The program does not have a formal training component. Technical and farm staff are trained to manage the trials and the results of the trials are then incorporated into extension presentations given to agriculture professionals and to home gardeners. We have given K-12 classroom presentations and hosted class field trips into the research plots.
TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences: Commercial growers of potatoes and the industries that service them. Home gardeners that wish to grow potatoes Food aficionados that wish to try alternative potato types. Retail venues that sell potatoes Subsistence potato growers. Alaska Native potato growers. Efforts: The primary methods of reaching these audiences are through Extension presentations and on-site consulting. There are also limited opportunities to incorporate the information generated into formal classroom material. As growers gain experience more of the consulting is done via phone and email rather than in person.
PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: There were major project modifications due to a turnover in personnel. Dr. Donald Carling, the original PI, left the project in 2003. Without Dr. Carling's Rhizictonia expertise subsequent PIs were unable to complete Objective 3 of the project which focused on evaluating the pathogenicity and taxonomy of Rhizoctonia. With Dr. Carling's departure there was no longer the expertise in working with Devils Club (Oplopanax horridus) necessary to complete Objectives 4-6. These objectives focused on the horticultural production and biochemical analysis of Devil's club as a medicinal plant. From 2003-2006 the project focused on Objectives 1 and 2, potato productivity and potato disease management.
Impacts
The project facilitated numerous changes in knowledge. Growers viewed the tubers and learned the total and marketable yields of numerous potato varieties. Wholesale buyers learned the ranges of potatoes that could be grown in Alaska that could meet their customer's needs. Gardeners learned about the various types of potatoes that are currently available. Gardeners learned about production techniques to optimize their home production. Growers learned about fungicide application technology in addition to information about the fungicide products available. Growers also learned about rotating fungicides for disease resistance management. The project also facilitated changes in actions. For example, there was initial interest by several growers to use a fungicide at planting time to minimize Rhizoctonia damage to the subsequent tubers. The results of the 2003 fungicide trials caused the growers to lose interest in the potential strategy and the pesticide companies were not
approached to register the products in Alaska. On the other hand, following presentations on how this project managed potato late blight during the 2005 growing season, several growers have taken steps to upgrade their fungicide spraying capabilities. In addition, all of the conventional growers have identified how they will acquire the fungicides necessary to control the disease in future seasons. Organic growers have increased their scouting intensity in potatoes and have developed strategies to minimize their potential late blight losses. Another change in action from this project is that several growers expressed interest in growing new varieties that had been introduced through the trials and consequent outreach activities. Many gardeners have expressed interest in planting their potatoes at higher densities than previously recommended based on the project results. Some of the commercial growers have investigated higher plant densities but for various reasons have decided to not
implement the changes at this point. Some of the farmer's market growers are surveying their market customers to determine future varieties to grow. From our demonstration events they have seen the large variety of material that can be produced under our conditions and they are now surveying their markets to see which of these new varieties they could incorporate into operation. Home gardeners have been very interested in growing some of these new varieties for their own consumption. After the tasting demonstration there is a lot of interest in acquiring seed material of the most popular lines. Garden clubs have reported heightened interest in growing vegetables after these tastings. A change in condition associated with this project is that several operations in rural Alaska are now producing more potatoes that will be sold (or donated) into their local communities. In the remote village of Aniak the potatoes are harvested by school kids and distributed to the village Elders. This
community building activity is meant to teach important cultural lessons. In other remote communities increasing the supply of quality vegetables may promote healthier diets.
Publications
- J. Smeenk, R. Leiner, K. Brainard, and G. Terry, 2006, 2005 Potato Variety Trials in the Matanuska Valley, Alaska, Alaska Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station Research Progress Report No. 46, June 2006, 4 p.
- University of Alaska-Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service, 2006, Choosing Quality Alaska Grown Potatoes: A consumer guide to Alaska potato varieties and their use. Un-numbered brochure published by University of Alaska-Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service.
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
Field trials of commercially grown potato varieties were planted to observe differences in yield and marketable quality. Seven varieties of potatoes were planted at 7, 9 and 11 in. spacing and were evaluated for marketable yield. 'Dark Red Norland' and Russet Norkotah showed the greatest yield increases associated with closer spacing. The US#1 yields of 'Dark Red Norland' were 11-33% greater in the reduced spacing treatments than the yields in the standard 11 in. spacing. 'Russet Norkotah' also showed 20-30% increases in marketable yields with the closer spacings. The varieties 'BakeKing', 'Cal White', 'Shepody', 'Yukon Gold', and 'Cherry Red' showed similar trends but tighter spacing was only associated with yield increases of 3-10%. Flame weeding is a potential weed control technique for low-chemical input growers. Three varieties of high-value potatoes were planted. The control plots received standard herbicide treatment. The weeds in all other plots were flamed
off with a propane burner just prior to crop emergence. One treatment had the flame burn the weeds within the row just prior to hilling. Another treatment was flamed a few days after hilling, and an addition treatment was flamed both prior to hilling and again a few days after hilling. For the varieties 'German Butterball' and 'St. Johns' the marketable yields (US#1) from the flamed at emergence only treatment had comparable yields as those of the chemical control. The variety 'All Red' had yields reduced to 78% of the chemical control. In the pre-or post-hilling flame treatments yields were decreased to 65-88% of the chemical control. The treatments that had been flamed 3 times (pre-emergence, pre-hilling, and post-hilling) had yields reduced to 60-80% of the chemical controls. The yield reduction associated with flame weeding is dependent on variety and stage of crop growth. Flame weeding is a viable weed control tool for low-chemical production of potatoes. Approximately 250 potato
accessions were planted to be evaluated for desired colored flesh characteristics. End of season evaluations identified 28 accessions with both the colored flesh traits and agronomic characteristics acceptable to the Alaska markets. In addition to the colored flesh varieties, ten new varieties with resistance to Late Blight along with 200 heirloom varieties were evaluated for agronomic and market acceptability.
Impacts
Potatoes are a nutritious crop to be included in the Alaska diet. Planting more seed tubers per acre was associated with increased marketable yields per acre for the commercial varieties evaluated. Flame weeding did reduce yields a bit but may still offer a viable weed control strategy to the organic growers in the state. A potato demonstration day was held to show the many varieties available to growers and industry buyers. There was significant interest in the heirloom and uniquely colored potatoes.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
Eleven replicated field trials of potatoes were conducted at the UAF Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station Farm located near Palmer. Southcentral Alaska had good weather for potato production with irrigation. Late Blight, a disease caused by Phytophthora infestans, was present in the Matanuska Valley in August and September, and some vine kill and tuber blight were noted. For the 2005 season, 22 cultivars were included in the irrigated potato yield trial. Green Mountain had the highest yield of marketable potatoes (US #1 grade) at 20.1 tons per acre. Of the 7 red-skinned cultivars included, Ida Rose had the highest yield of marketable potatoes at 19.9 tons per acre. Management optimization trials evaluated the effects of plant spacings on marketable yield of seven cultivars that are commercially grown in the region. The trend seen in all of the seven cultivars was higher marketable yield at spacings less than 11 inches between seed pieces in row. Closer spacing
can increase yields, but net return may also be affected by greater cost for seed when plant density is greater. The average marketable yields were 21.5 tons per acre in these management trials.
Impacts
The management optimization trials and cultivar yield trials provide commercial growers with yield comparisons that will influence their seed purchasing decisions. Local production of potatoes is a benefit to the economy when consumers at grocery stores and local Farmers Markets can choose Alaska grown that is fresher by far.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
trials of potatoes in the Matanuska Valley of Alaska. Seven replicated trials and two un-replicated demonstration trials were conducted at the UAF Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station Farm located near Palmer. Southcentral Alaska had an outstanding growing season for potato producers with irrigation capability. For the 2004 season 17 varieties were included in the irrigated potato yield trial. At 8.5 tons per acre the variety Red Ruby had the lowest yield of marketable potatoes (US #1 grade). And at 24.3 tons per acre, Chieftain had the highest yield of marketable potatoes. The average US#1 yields were 19.4 tons per acre. Management optimization trials, which evaluated the effects of plant spacings and fertilizer regimes on marketable yield, were conducted on six varieties that are commercially grown in the region. The varieties Russet Norkotah, Shepody, and BakeKing exhibited marketable yield increases of almost 10% when plant spacing was decreased from 11"
to 9" between seed pieces. A similar trend was also present in the yields of Cal-white and Cherry Red. On the other hand US#1 yields dropped from 19.3 tons per acre to only 18.9 tons per acre when the spacing of Dark Red Norland was decreased. Changing the nitrogen fertilizer regime from all at planting to a split application did not significantly influence marketable yields. One of the demonstration trials evaluated the horticultural characteristics of 40 potato varieties that may have market garden/Farmers Market potential. These varieties and preliminary yield and quality observations will be shared at grower meetings around the state. The other demonstration trial was using flame weeding techniques to control weeds in organic systems that do not all herbicides. Tolerance of flame distance and flame contact duration was evaluated on 3 varieties of potatoes. It was confirmed that potatoes plants can survive flaming conditions that kill weeds. Herbicide carry-over from a trial
initiated in 2003 involving Outlook and Spartan 75DF was evaluated using baby greens as a bio-assay.
Impacts
Fresh market potatoes are Alaskas most valuable crop ($3.3 M in 2003). The management optimization trials give farmers tools to increase marketable yields while minimizing adverse environmental impacts. The variety trials provide commercial scale growers with yield comparisons that will influence their seed purchasing decisions for the following seasons. Specialty potatoes are sought-after by consumers at local Farmers Markets and presents a lucrative opportunity for small operations. The diverse potatoes grown in the demonstration trial may give competitive marketing advantages to the early adapters of these varieties. The Flame weeding information will enhance the small but growing Organic market in the region.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
This research compared some cultural practices, disease controls, and yield evaluations in field trials of potato varieties that have commercial potential. Eight field trials were planted during the summer of 2003 at Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Farm located at Palmer, Alaska. Twenty-three varieties were included in the irrigated potato yield trial, which has been ongoing since 1985. In 2003, the average in total yield was 36 MT/H (Metric Tons per Hectare), which was lower than the 19-year yield trial average of 41 MT/H and the high 2002 average of 50 MT/H. Varieties with high total yield were Cal-White at 47 MT/H and Bake King at 41 MT/H. Twenty-four varieties were included in irrigated red-skinned potato yield variety trial. Varieties with high total yield were Dark Red Norland at 47 MT/H, and Red Pontiac at 45 MT/H. Another trial evaluated the effect of chemical seed treatment on emergence and performance of potatoes. This experiment has compared four
fungicides (Maxim MZ, Tops MZ, Tops MZ plus Curzate, and Blocker) on Russet Norkotah. Another trial on Russet Norkotah evaluated the effect of seven seed weights and seed cutting (whole or cut) on quality and yield. Both these trials on Russet Norkotah have been planted for the past four years, and the data will be analyzed for publication soon. On Shepody, a trial on the effect of five seed weights and seed cutting (whole or cut) on quality and yield was conducted for the second year. Another trial evaluated the effect of plant spacing on the quality and yield of Yukon Gold potatoes. This experiment, which was new in 2003, compared seven spacings from 15 to 30 cm between plants in a row. The closest spacing had the lowest yield, and the conventional spacing of 28 cm had the greatest average yield. Another field trial, which was also new in 2003, compared two herbicides (Outlook and Spartan 75 DF). The effect on weed control was evaluated in 2003, and in 2004, the effect on rotation
crops will be measured by growing vegetables on the plot. Herbicide residue is possible in short seasons with cool wet soils. The research on Rhizoctonia solani was minimal following changes in personnel. In research on cultivation of Oplopanax horridus (Devils Club), 73 of the original 86 transplants were just surviving in the open field conditions at the end of the second year of nursery cultivation. Transplants of Devils Club grew poorly in field conditions without protection from direct sun and wind that is normally found in a forest understory habitat.
Impacts
Data from field trials can provide local growers with information relevant to selecting varieties and production practices that forecast good yields in long cool days. Fresh market potatoes are produced locally and include niche markets for red-skinned potatoes and larger markets for white and russet skinned potatoes
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
Taxonomic relationships, evaluated via anastomosis, rDNA-ITS sequencing and virulence, between subsets of AG-2 of Rhizoctonia solani were determined. This study revealed questions concerning the relationship between anastomosis groups(AG)and AG subsets and whether some AG might better be thought of as AG subsets. In connection with these questions, a study wherein relationships between bridging and non-bridging AG, using the 1) category and 2) fusion frequency anastomosis methods plus rDNA-ITS sequencing has been completed and the data is being evaluated. The data suggests that AG subsets may be worthy of taxonomic consideration equivalent to that of the AG. In addition, it is arguable that AG-3 and AG-8 may be correctly thought of as subsets of AG-2 whereas AG-6 may be more isolated within R. solani than once thought. Furthermore it is evident that perhaps all AG of R. solani are somatically reactive to some degree with other AG, including AG-1 and AG-4. Data from
field evaluations of potatoes revealed the highest yields in the past 20 years. Total yield of varieties Green Mountain and Kennebec exceeded 67 MT/H and 20 of 28 varieties exceeded a 45 MT/H total yield. Highest US#1 yield, 60.1 MT/H, was achieved by Green Mountain and Kennebec. Highest US#1 yielding red-skinned varieties were Red Pontiac and Chieftain at 57.5 and 57.2 MT/H respectively. Seed piece weight and whether or not the seed has been cut were found to affect yield in Russet Norkotah and Shepody. Cut seed generally yielded less than whole seed of corresponding weight. At the lightest seed level (28g for Shepody and 20g for Russet Norkotah), whole seed yielded less than cut seed. Average tuber weight in the harvested crop tended to decrease as the weight of the seed increased for both varieties.
Impacts
Study of virulence and taxonomic relationships among types of Rhizoctonia solani will enable researchers and farmers to better understand and manage diseases caused by this destructive plant pathogen. It becomes easier to treat a disease if one knows exactly what is causing it. Data from field evaluations of potato varieties and cultural practices used in potato production schemes will assist local growers in making appropriate production management decisions. Preliminary evidence suggests that size of seed may have a significant effect on size of harvested tubers.
Publications
- Carling, D.E., R.E. Baird, and S. Kuninaga. 2002. Characterization AG-13, a newly reported anastomosis group of Rhizoctonia solani. Phytopathology 92:893-899
- Holcomb, G.E. and D.E. Carling. 2002. First report of web blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani on Cantharanthus roseus in Louisiana. Plant Dis. 86:1272
- Walworth, J.L., and D.E. Carling. 2003. Tuber initiation and development in irrigated and non-irrigated potatoes. Am. J. Potato Res. 80:1-9
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
Evaluation off procedures for determining virulence and taxonomic relationships of isolates of Rhizoctonia solani continue. Comparisons of anastomosis reactions, rDNA-ITS sequences and virulence levels show a high level of agreement between anastomosis and rDNA-ITS sequences but not with virulence. RDNA-_TS sequence provides excellent supplemental data for identifying relationships. Comparison of methods for assessing quality of anastomosis reactions is underway. Preliminary evidence indicates the category system provides a better indication of group relationships than the fusion frequency system. Field evaluations of horticultural crop varieties and associated cultural practices used in the field will proceed in the 2002 growing season.
Impacts
Study of virulence and taxonomic relationships among types of Rhizoctonia solani will enable researchers and farmers to better understand and manage diseases caused by this destructive plant pathogen. Data from upcoming field evaluations of varieties and cultural practices will assist local growers in making appropriate production management decisions.
Publications
- Gonzales, D., D.E. Carling, S. Kuninaga, R. Vilgalys and M.A. Cubeta. 2001. Ribosomal DNA systematics of Ceratobasidium and Thanatephorus with Rhizoctonia anamorphs. Mycologia (in press).
- Carling, D.E., and S. Kuninaga. 2002. Hyphal anastomosis reactions, rDNA-ITS sequences and virulence levels among subsets of Rhizoctonia solani anastomosis group-2 (AG-2) and AG-BI. Phytopathology 92: 43-50.
- Priyatmojo, A., R. Yamauchi, K. Kageyama, D.E. Carling, and M. Hyakumachi. 2002. Differentiation of three varieties of Rhizoctonia circinata; var. circinata, var. oryzae, and var. zeae on the basis of cellular fatty acid compositions. J. Phytopathol (In press).
- Banville, G.J., and D.E. Carling. 2001. Rhizoctonia Canker and Black Scurf in: Compendium of Potato Disease second edition, W.R. Stevenson, R. Loria, G.D. Franc and D.P. Weingartner, eds. APS Press, St. Paul, MN pp 36-37
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