Research from Northern America

November 28, 2023

Potato growers can use AI to monitor and predict potato nutrition in real time

Potatoes are the premier vegetable crop in Canada, with CAD 1.5 billion nationwide in potato receipts in 2021. The agricultural significance of potatoes is particularly prominent in provinces like New Brunswick, the home of McCain Foods Limited, the world’s largest potato processor.

Bryan Bender hosts the 2023 Leadership Institute class on his farm in Chambersburg, Pa., as the class traveled through New York and Pennsylvania in Feb. 2023.

November 20, 2023

Potato LEAF’s Leadership Institute Class of 2024 Announced

The Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF) is pleased to announce the 2024 class of the potato industry’s Leadership Institute.

Douglas (Doug) Harley, Group Managing Director of Alexander Harley Seeds Ltd

November 13, 2023

World Potato Congress Inc. Welcomes New International Advisors

The World Potato Congress Inc. (WPC) is pleased to welcome Douglas Harley and Derek Roulston as International Advisors.

Zsofia Szendrei, professor in MSU's Department of Entomology

November 13, 2023

Research team led by MSU scientist receives USD 6 million USDA grant to study pest-management strategies for potato systems

A research team has received a USD 6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to study insect pest management strategies for United States potato production systems.

Gefu Wang-Pruski, Acting Dean and Principal, Faculty of AgricultureAppointment of Acting Dean & Principal, Faculty of Agriculture

November 06, 2023

Well-known potato researcher appointed as Acting Dean and Principal, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie

A well-known potato researcher, Dr. Gefu Wang-Pruski will commence a one-year term as Acting Dean and Principal, Faculty of Agriculture at Dalhousie University, effective October 30, 2023.

November 05, 2023

Renaissance BioScience and Certis Belchim enter partnership for innovative biopesticide development

Renaissance BioScience, a leader in bioengineering microbes for the global agriculture and food industries, has signed a joint development agreement (JDA) with Certis Belchim, a global leader in the development of crop-protecting biocontrol agents that combat agricultural pests.

Growing Nitrogen: Plants like this vetch plant with long roots can produce lots of nitrogen once they become established.

September 27, 2023

Start growing your own nitrogen

Four studies released from 2019 to 2023 by the University of Illinois show that on average, 67% of nitrogen found in corn comes from sources occurring in the soil. Researchers labeled nitrogen fertilizers applied with N15 to identify naturally occurring nitrogen vs. synthetic nitrogen.

McGill University Professor Martina Stromvik and her team have created a potato super pangenome to identify genetic traits that can help produce the next super spud.

August 29, 2023

Mapping genetic variation of the potato: McGill researchers create super pangenome

Scientists have assembled the genome sequences of nearly 300 varieties of potatoes and its wild relatives to develop more nutritious, disease-free, and weather-proof crop.

Andrew McKenzie-Gopsill is experimenting with using a sandblaster to help manage weeds.

August 02, 2023

Researchers looking into using sandblasters to kill weeds in potato fields

Scientists are running experiments at a Harrington, P.E.I., field to see if they can better manage weeds by using a sandblaster filled with crushed walnuts, corncobs and baking soda.

August 01, 2023

Idaho evaluating alternate method of dormancy testing for Seed Potatoes

University of Idaho doctoral student Lisa Tran’s dissertation has the potential to transform how Idaho’s seed potato certification authority does business.

UM will host a new research chair in potato sustainability, which will advance the global potato industry in part through hands-on fieldwork.

July 23, 2023

Research Chair Potato Sustainability coming to University of Manitoba (UM) thanks to 19 industry partners

The potato is one of the most important food crops in the world, a staple in meals for more than a billion people worldwide, and University of Manitoba (UM) is leading the way globally in the future of potato production and processing.

Now Accepting Proposals for 2024 Potato Expo Sessions

July 16, 2023

Now Accepting Proposals for Potato Expo 2024 Presentations

The National Potato Council (NPC) is seeking proposals that showcase new advancements in production agriculture relating to potatoes, uncover on-farm solutions, focus on current trends, or ignite inspiration, for the Potato Expo in January.

July 07, 2023

Potato industry of Alberta contributes CAD 2.87 Billion to the economy of Canada, according to PGA report

Potato Growers of Alberta (PGA) announced today the release of its landmark study on the economic impact the potato industry in Alberta. The report, entitled The Alberta Potato Industry – Growing Success in 2022 outlines the significant growth of Alberta’s potato industry in recent years and documents its economic impact on our economy.

NPC Releases 2023 Annual Potato Yearbook

July 06, 2023

National Potato Council 2023 Yearbook offers detailed insight in the United States industry and its achievements

The NPC 2023 Annual Potato Yearbook highlighting progress on NPC’s national legislative, regulatory, and marketing priorities. The Yearbook also features updated US and world potato production and consumption stats, grower and industry contact information, position statements, and program overviews.

July 06, 2023

PepsiCo collaborates with Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence to shape responsible AI standards

PepsiCo, Inc. announced a collaboration with the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, an organization dedicated to guiding and building the future of artificial intelligence.

June 14, 2023

Renaissance BioScience’s novel RNAi biopesticide technology receives Canadian regulatory approval for 2023 field studies

Authorization from the PMRA, following a thorough review of the company’s extensive data dossier, indicates a mutual understanding of the composition, potential and low risk of the RNAi technology.

The patchwork quilt of farm fields near Breadalbane on Prince Edward Island

May 22, 2023

PEI Potato Board: Acreage of cover crops before potatoes has doubled

New numbers from the P.E.I. Potato Board show that on Prince Edward Island the acreage of cover crops grown before potatoes has doubled.