Research from Maine

UMaine researchers testing lobster shells to thwart potato soil pathogens

December 22, 2022

University of Maine researchers are testing lobster shells to thwart potato soil pathogens

Scientists at the University of Maine are evaluating if lobster shells can cultivate beneficial microbial communities that ward off soil borne potato pathogens.

July 15, 2022

Gregory Porter awarded Honorary Life Membership by the Potato Association of America

Gregory Porter, professor of agronomy in the University of Maine School of Food and Agriculture, will receive an Honorary Life Membership from the Potato Association of America (PAA) at the organization’s annual meeting in July 2022.

August 22, 2021

New University of Maine research hub to focus on Potato Virus Y

Greater understanding of the biology of one of the most destructive plant viruses to potato crops will be the focus of a research hub at the University of Maine.

Aerial view of the McCrum French Fry plant in Belfast, Maine

December 22, 2020

Maine French Fry manufacturer McCrum: 'Kiremko and Idaho Steel are our partners.'

McCrum: 'This project with Kiremko and Idaho Steel was a big project for our family. Trust with Kiremko and Idaho Steel has grown from day one. Our family considers them as partners now.'

December 08, 2020

Maine researchers are developing genomic tools for potato breeders

Two University of Maine researchers, Greg Porter and Han Tan, are part of a team of plant geneticists and breeders working to develop tools that will help Maine scientists and farmers become more efficient in bringing novel, improved potato varieties to market.

October 12, 2019

University of Maine has officially opened its new greenhouse

The University of Maine at Presque Isle marked the completion of its state-of-the-art, four-season Zillman Family Greenhouse with an official opening and dedication ceremony on Friday, Sept. 27.

August 12, 2018

Range of potato experiments underway at Maine Research Farm (Aroostook)

Farmers, researchers and members of the public gathered at the University of Maine’s Aroostook Research Farm in Presque Isle last Wednesday to learn about the latest in potato research.

UMaine receive grant for potato breeding and to improve quality and pest resistance

November 27, 2017

UMaine receives grant for potato breeding with focus on quality improvement and pest resistance

The USDA-NIFA has awarded a grant totaling $388,000 to the University of Maine to study potato breeding and improve quality and pest resistance in the eastern United States.

Potato researchers gather in Maine to find a solutions for the Blackleg disease

November 17, 2017

Potato researchers gather in Maine to find solutions for the Blackleg disease

Researchers from all over the world were in Bangor for the '2017 Dickeya and Pectobacterium Summit', organized by the University of Maine Extension.

June 27, 2017

To protect crops, farmers could promote potato beetle cannibalism

UMaine scientists say farmers could try to protect their potato crop by utilizing agricultural practices — including crop rotations and push-pull strategies — to create field conditions that favor Colorado potato beetle cannibalism.

March 02, 2017

Tomorrow's Leaders Trained at 2017 Potato Industry Leadership Institute

The 2017 Potato Industry Leadership Institute (PILI) provided training to 22 US potato growers and industry representatives in leadership development, public policy, marketing, team building and public communication.

February 01, 2017

Field Peas show promise in Maine Potato Crop Rotation Research

In the search for a third rotation crop for potatoes, trials at the Aroostook Research Farm in Presque Isle are showing some promise for field peas, a crop that once had a successful run in the region until the 1970s.

June 27, 2016

Potato planting in Maine complete after winter dealing with Dickeya

Maine potato farmers have wrapped up planting and are hoping for a good year.

March 13, 2015

New Potato Variety - Caribou Russet - released by Maine Potato Board and the University of Maine

The University of Maine and the Maine Potato Board have released a new potato variety, Caribou Russet.

Maine potato field near Fort Fairfield early in the season

July 28, 2014

Maine Potato Board: Maine potato crop looking wonderful

Officials with the Maine Potato Board said Monday that weeks of heat and sunshine in July have done wonders for this year’s potato growing season.

June 16, 2014

President signs into law revisions to the EPA rules supporting Maine Farmers

President Obama signed into law revisions to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules that ease compliance for farms across Maine.

December 05, 2012

Maine Potato Board selects Young Farmer of the Year

The Maine Potato Board is pleased to announce the selection of the 2013 Young Farmer of the Year - Shawn Doyen of Willard C. Doyen &Sons Farm. Doyen lives in Mapleton with his wife Christi and their two children, Taylor, 7 and Charles, 3 Growing u...