News on Research from Prince Edward Island

The World Potato Congress Inc. is now calling for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from parties interested in hosting the 15th and 16th World Potato Congresses to be held in 2030 and 2032.

The World Potato Congress will host a webinar on Dec 10, 2025, where Dr. Christine Noronha shares research showing how crop rotation reduces wireworm damage in potatoes, highlighting her innovative pest management advances and key field results.

World Potato Congress Inc. (WPC) will host a webinar, 'Biology and Integrated Management of Potato Common Scab,' October 20, 2025. The speaker is Amanda Gevens, PhD, Professor and Extension Plant Pathologist, University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Prince Edward Island researchers are testing the Weed Zapper, an electric tool offering a chemical-free alternative to herbicides. The 2-year study aims to cut costs, limit weed spread, and support sustainable pest management in horticulture crops.

The WPC congratulates Julio Kalazich, as he makes the transition from WPC International Advisor to WPC Director. New International Advisors are welcomed to the World Potato Congress Inc.

Cavendish Farms is launching a sustainability project on Prince Edward Island to help potato growers adopt eco-friendly practices, focusing on water use, pest control, and soil health. A farm advisory group will guide research and share results with local farmers.

Chad Hutchinson of TriCal Group joins the World Potato Congress Inc. Board as a Director. A global expert in potato research and soil health, he brings decades of experience supporting growers and advancing crop production worldwide.

WPC Inc. announces leadership changes: Nora Olsen, Jang Sangha, and Martin Acosta retire, with Greg Donald named Vice President and Brian Douglas appointed Treasurer as preparations begin for the 2026 Congress in Kenya.

PEI celebrates the 2nd International Day of Potato, honoring its historic role and global impact. With innovation and sustainability, Island farmers grow 2.6B lbs yearly - feeding over 25 million people and securing the future of this vital crop.

Celebrate the International Day of the Potato on May 15, 2025, with a global webinar hosted by the World Potato Congress! Discover how this vital crop drives food security and rural resilience through expert insights and global case studies.

Diploid potatoes are quickly becoming the stud spuds for breeding new commercial potato varieties. Wild diploid potatoes have 2 copies of each chromosome in their DNA, unlike more traditional tetraploid potatoes, like Russet Burbank, which have 4 copies of each chromosome.

The PEI Potato Board recently welcomed a 15 member delegation from the
Philippines.

World Potato Congress Inc. presents their next Webinar: The National Potato Program and its Contribution to Potato Industry Advancement in China, by Jin Liping, on Wednesday April 3, 2024 at 8:00 am Eastern Standard Time (USA/Canada).

Wireworms are a common potato plant predator, living in soil and feeding on roots. They are notoriously difficult to control, and populations are increasing in farm fields across Canada

Researchers at UPEI are experimenting on food scraps, wood and UV light to produce hydrogen gas.

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

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.

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.