Pocatello Hosts 2026 Idaho Potato Conference Featuring Soil-Disease Panels and Industry Innovations

The 58th annual Idaho Potato Conference will return to Pocatello in January, bringing together growers, researchers and industry leaders for two days of education and discussion. Hosted by the University of Idaho, the event will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 21 and from 8 a.m. to noon on Jan. 22 at Idaho State University’s Pond Student Union Building.

Organizing committee chairman James Woodhall, a University of Idaho associate professor and extension specialist in plant pathology, said the conference remains a key gathering for the potato sector. 

James Woodhall, University of Idaho associate professor and extension specialist in plant pathology:

"It’s a great meeting for the potato industry to get together with researchers and extension specialists."

Kasia Duellman, University of Idaho assistant professor and extension seed potato pathologist:

"This year we’ll have more panel discussions, more opportunities for engagement and new topics."

Focus on Soil-Borne Diseases and Emerging Challenges

Soil-borne diseases — an escalating concern within the potato industry — will be a major theme of this year’s conference. Day one will include a mini-symposium covering disease biology, control and management, the role of potato variety selection in verticillium wilt, and the causal agents behind the early die complex. 

A panel discussion will examine powdery scab and potato mop-top virus, two diseases without reliably effective management tools and listed among top research priorities by the Idaho Potato Commission and the Northwest Potato Research Consortium. Another panel will evaluate biological control products for disease management. 

Presenters will also address water issues, with irrigation specialist Emily Bedwell and hydrologic science assistant professor Meetpal Kukal leading a panel titled “Water on the Line.”

Agronomy, Storage, Policy and Industry Insights

Agronomy will be highlighted in a presentation by Mike Thornton, University of Idaho emeritus professor of plant sciences. Ben Ingalls of Industrial Ventilation in Nampa will discuss how potato storage practices could be affected by the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act, which grants the Environmental Protection Agency new authority over hydrofluorocarbons.

Guest speakers include University of Wisconsin entomologist Russell Groves on aphids; Washington State University potato specialist Mark Pavek on potato varieties and agronomy; and Oregon State University Extension soil fertility specialist Amber Moore on how soil conditions influence potato yield, quality and fertility. 

Sessions offered in Spanish will cover topics such as wireworms, aphids, soil types, potato varieties, nutrient management, drought management and soil-borne diseases.

Registration is USD 40 through midnight Jan. 14 and USD 50 afterward, and may be completed online or at the event. Exhibitor and registration details are available at the University of Idaho’s website: https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/events/potato-conference