PAPAS (Potatoes & Pests – Actionable Science Against Nematodes) is a collaborative, multi-state research consortium comprising nematologists, plant pathologists, breeders, economists, computer scientists, and extension personnel across major U.S. potato-producing states.

Funded by a $6.8 million USDA-NIFA Specialty Crop Research Initiative grant, PAPAS is executing a novel systems-based approach to managing plant-parasitic nematodes in potato cultivation. 

This program advances nematode control through the development of improved diagnostics and decision support tools, breeding for nematode-resistant potato varieties, and the creation of plant-based nematicidal compounds. By integrating these methods, PAPAS aims to safeguard crop yields, reduce regulatory risks, and enhance economic outcomes for potato producers nationwide.