Dr. Andrew McKenzie-Gopsill’s research explores a novel weed control method for Canadian farmers using baking soda and corn cob grit. By employing abrasive techniques and bioherbicides, the approach effectively targets stubborn weeds, like lamb’s quarters and wild buckwheat, without harming potato crops or yields. While promising, challenges include sourcing materials and costs. This method particularly benefits high-value and organic crops, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional herbicides.
Pests and Diseases
PapaDX moves beyond photo diagnosis as AI assistant learns the history of individual potato fields
PapaDX, an AI-driven app developed in Argentina, has expanded from basic image-based crop diagnosis to a comprehensive digital assistant for potato growers. Its new features include field-specific memory tracking, Growing Degree Days monitoring, and a weed identification function. These updates enhance crop management by anticipating risks and contextualizing field history, marking a shift from reactive diagnosis to proactive support, ultimately aiming to empower growers in potato production.
Drought, deluge and disease: How El Niño is reshaping the global potato outlook
The 2026-27 El Niño is rapidly intensifying, posing diverse threats to global potato production. Regions like India and Peru face risks from drought and flooding, while Europe experiences severe crop damage from heat and dryness, with uncertain attribution to El Niño. Each region’s unique climatic conditions necessitate careful monitoring of weather patterns and risk management strategies to mitigate agricultural stress and potential market disruptions.
Potato growers welcome new USDA protections against potato wart
Potato growers are supportive of new USDA regulations designed to combat potato wart from Prince Edward Island. National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles highlighted the absence of the disease in the U.S. and the potential risks it poses. He also touched on anti-dumping orders affecting U.S. potatoes in British Columbia and the resulting trade tensions with Canada, potentially increasing costs for growers. Quarles expressed hope for Congress to pass the Farm Bill by year-end.
Longer potato rotations linked to improved tuber quality and stronger short-term returns in US trials
New research indicates that extending potato crop rotations can enhance tuber quality and profitability, based on a four-year study across various U.S. locations. While longer rotations performed better economically, results for other practices like fumigation and biofumigation were inconsistent. The findings suggest that potato growers may improve soil and crop health without sacrificing quality, but economic outcomes may vary and need careful evaluation over multiple growing seasons.
The seed looked clean. The test said otherwise: Oregon study exposes a hidden potato disease pathway
A nine-year study from Oregon State University revealed that seed potatoes appearing healthy can carry hidden pathogens, including the powdery scab pathogen and potato mop-top virus, without showing visible symptoms. The study suggests visual inspections alone are inadequate for detecting these risks, advocating for targeted molecular testing to enhance seed certification and protect agricultural fields from hidden threats. Findings carry implications for the broader potato industry.
PapaDX brings AI-assisted potato crop diagnosis and weather alerts to the field
Aconcagua Digital has launched PapaDX, a mobile application for potato growers that analyzes crop photographs to diagnose health issues using AI technology. Released in August 2026, it offers confidence ratings and management suggestions based on identified diseases, pests, and nutrient deficiencies. In addition to visual assessments, PapaDX provides weather alerts to predict disease risk. While a useful tool, it should not replace professional consultation for accurate diagnoses.
‘The cost of being late’: Ecuador’s zebra chip warning to the global potato industry
What Ecuador’s experience with zebra chip can teach the global potato industry about preparedness, diagnosis and the human cost of being late. By Lukie Pieterse, Editor/Publisher of Potato News Today On 21 August, a European potato research project published an account from Ecuador that deserves attention well beyond Europe. It was not a story about a laboratory breakthrough or a[Read More…]
Global partnership launches AI project to accelerate development of climate-resilient potato and sweetpotato varieties
A global initiative named GAIN-RT has been launched to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) in the rapid development of crop varieties, primarily focused on potatoes and later sweetpotatoes. This collaboration includes the International Potato Center, the James Hutton Institute, and African partners, aiming to address challenges posed by climate change, pests, and diseases. The project also emphasizes training for scientists, particularly women, to enhance local research capabilities and improve food security.
The global potato industry in 2026: More potatoes, less certainty – and a seed system beginning to change
Global potato production is at an all-time high, yet complexities loom. North America is reducing acreage, Europe faces shifting blight populations, and trade policies are uncertain. Notably, a diploid potato variety has been registered in the Netherlands, signaling progress in breeding. Overall, while production rises, profitability and system resilience remain critical as the industry adapts to new challenges, including reliance on integrated supply chains and disease management strategies.
The pathogen is changing: Why potato disease surveillance must become a core production tool
The potato industry’s approach to crop protection is evolving due to fungicide-resistant pathogens, symptomless virus infections, and complex pathogen movement. Effective management now demands early detection and coordinated surveillance, transitioning disease identification from mere reaction to proactive monitoring. Recent experiences, such as Denmark’s handling of the resistant EU43 genotype, highlight the importance of integrating advanced forecasting, rapid diagnostics, and biosecurity protocols to protect potato crops against emerging biological threats.
Fifteen years is too long: Why the potato industry is rebuilding the road from genetic discovery to the grower’s field
The potato breeding industry faces challenges from climate change, evolving diseases, and high production costs, complicating the development of new varieties. Researchers are collaborating to improve data, enhance decision-making, and accelerate breeding. The merits of modern techniques like genomic selection and gene editing are discussed, yet traditional breeding remains critical. Successful varieties must balance yield, quality, and disease resistance while considering market acceptance and long-term sustainability to thrive in a rapidly changing environment.
The potato store is learning to speak: How data and AI could reveal crop losses before they become visible
The Rotten Potato Data Project, initiated by Cellar Insights in July 2026, aims to enhance potato storage management by analyzing historical failures to predict potential spoilage before it becomes visible. By harnessing machine learning, the project seeks to identify complex patterns in environmental data, allowing operators to address issues promptly. This innovative approach not only values human expertise but also emphasizes the importance of data ownership and trust within the agricultural community.
Longer potato rotations boost yields and disease resistance
A recent report from GB Potatoes highlights the advantages British growers experience from extended potato-based rotations, which lead to improved economic performance and lower disease pressure. According to the report, these rotations can yield nearly 40 percent more food compared to cereal-based systems. Longer rotations, now prevalent in the UK, enhance disease resistance and sustainability, aiding farmers in producing nutritious food efficiently.
Potato cultivation at a crossroads: The future crop will be grown with more precision, more resilience and a deeper respect for soil
Potato cultivation is a challenging endeavor, sensitive to climate variations and agricultural practices. As climate instability, water scarcity, and disease pressures rise, growers must adopt smarter, more resilient systems. Effective water management, soil health, and integrated pest strategies are crucial. While advancements in technology and variety development are important, they must be paired with comprehensive management approaches to ensure the potato remains a vital global food source amid increasing demands.
New insecticide option for Colorado potato beetle management
A new insecticide, Zivalgo, has been introduced for effective control of Colorado potato beetles and other pests, according to Zsofia Szendrei from Michigan State University. As a Group 30 insecticide, Zivalgo operates through a unique mechanism compared to existing products, aiding resistance management. It controls all life stages of beetles and can be applied until 14 days before harvest, but should be reserved for specific conditions to protect its efficacy.
The Crop Protection Transition: From Chemicals to Biologicals Powered by AgTech
The agricultural sector is shifting from chemical reliance to biological solutions enhanced by AgTech, amidst significant restructuring among major chemical companies. Biological crop-protection solutions are gaining traction, promoting regenerative farming. The transition is uneven due to grower hesitancy and market dynamics. Companies that innovate quickly will find opportunities in this emerging market, as chemical dependence declines and biological solutions promise enhanced resilience and productivity in farming systems.
Targeted virus testing set to modernise Scotland’s seed potato industry
Scotland’s plant health authorities are implementing targeted post-harvest virus testing for the Cara seed potato variety to manage rising virus levels and modernize plant health inspections. David Kenyon from Sasa highlights a significant increase in virus infections between the fourth and fifth generations of crops. This initiative aims to improve understanding and management of virus presence, particularly for the widely grown variety known for its susceptibility to potato leaf roll virus.
EuroBlight releases first 2025 late blight genotype snapshot: EU36 still leads as EU46 expands across more countries
EuroBlight has released its first monitoring results for the 2025 potato season, based on more than 1,200 genotyped Phytophthora infestans samples. EU36 remains the dominant genotype across much of western and central Europe, though its overall frequency fell versus 2024. EU43’s decline has stabilised, with a notable jump in France and first detections in Switzerland and Latvia. EU46 increased and expanded geographically. Diverse “Other” types surged in northern and eastern regions.
Precision placement: Protecting potato yields with smarter granule and fertiliser delivery
Precision placement of granules in potato treatments is crucial for protecting crops and maintaining health, especially amid challenging spring conditions. With soil pests and nutrient challenges, accurate nematicide application is essential. Techneat Engineering highlights their advanced applicators, ensuring effective placement and compliance. Their equipment, designed for precision agriculture, meets the growing demands for efficiency, offering multi-use capabilities across various farming applications, while supporting sustainability and cost-effectiveness in nutrient management.
‘Pesticide pioneers’: University of Idaho research team taking novel approach to develop new fungicides for potato farmers
A University of Idaho team is innovating agricultural fungicide development through computer molecular modeling. With a focus on potato diseases, they have screened under 60 compounds and identified 15 effective candidates, aiming to introduce novel fungicide classes targeting specific fungal proteins. The project, supported by state and federal grants, could offer growers new crop protection solutions and generate substantial royalties for the university.
PotatoGuardNet targets faster, more reliable potato leaf disease detection – and reports 99.41% accuracy in image-based testing
A provisionally accepted Frontiers in Plant Science paper introduces PotatoGuardNet, an AI framework for potato leaf disease detection that both pinpoints suspect areas on leaves and classifies disease type. Using PlantVillage potato images, the authors report 99.41% accuracy and an mAP of 0.9556, plus heatmaps to explain model decisions. The research highlights the promise of faster, more consistent scouting support, while underscoring the need for real-world field validation.
Powdery scab and PMTV put market access at risk as soil pathogen prevalence climbs in Idaho
Recent testing by the University of Idaho Extension shows that 75% of Idaho potato fields are infected with the pathogen Spongospora, which causes powdery scab, impacting U.S. potato marketability, especially in exports to Mexico. A new two-year project funded by a $130,000 Specialty Crop Block Grant aims to develop management strategies against these diseases. Researchers will evaluate various control measures, including irrigation management and fungicides, to mitigate the spread and effects of powdery scab and PMTV.
Potato News Today launches a Living Dictionary for the Global Potato Industry
Potato News Today is launching the Living Dictionary of the Potato Industry, curated and compiled by Lukie Pieterse. This practical, plain-language reference hub is designed to help potato professionals across the value chain align terminology and reduce confusion. The Dictionary launches with an initial 800 core terms – 100 terms in each of eight sections – covering everything from agronomy and storage to trade, crop protection, sustainability, and data. It will expand over time, with reader suggestions welcomed.
UK declares Colorado potato beetle eradicated after two-year surveillance effort
The UK government announced the successful eradication of the Colorado beetle, a major potato pest, following its discovery in Kent in July 2023. There were no further finds over two years, leading to the declaration of eradication status. Continuous vigilance from farmers and the public, alongside effective biosecurity measures, were crucial. Officials urge ongoing reporting of suspected sightings to prevent future threats to crops.

























