US: Ag site for potato seed experiments in limbo over nematodes

The future of an agricultural research farm in Powell Butte, Oregon is in limbo as state officials decide what to do with the land. The Bend Bulletin reported the 80-acre site was primarily used by Oregon State University to experiment with potato seeds. But it was shut down in 2010 after nematodes was discovered. The site was a major part of the Tri-State Potato Breeding Program, which includes University of Idaho and Washington State University. If funded, potential treatments would include fumigating the ground with a proven pesticide, applying mustard meal that kills nematodes or planting nematode-resistant potatoes. (Source: AP)