b'Red-Hot Potato ResearchAn overview of some of the latest potato research in North America presented at the Potato Association of Americas annual meeting.BY: ASHLEY ROBINSONAS THE PANDEMIC kept in person conferences off the table this summer, the Potato Association of America (PAA) joined together virtually for their 104th meeting on July 20 to 22. Potato researchers from across the continent presented their research findings to their colleagues.The Spud Smart staff tuned in for the meeting and gathered together some of the most interesting findings which may just help you out in your fields.USING ETHYLENE FOR TUBER ACCUMULATIONEthylene is commonly used in Europe for sprout inhibition and seed tuber accumulation, but this new technology is not registered for use in Canada yet. The Prince Edward Island Potato Board and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) tested this technology out on seed potato varieties grown on the Island in 2018 and 2019. Ryan Barrett with the P.E.I. Potato Board presented their findings.For the trial, seed potatoes were kept in a constant concentration of ethylene gas in a temperature-controlled, air-tight storage at AAFCs Harrington Farm for approximately 90 days before planting. Another group of seed potatoes were held in similar conditions with no ethylene. The seeds were then planted.We saw an accelerated emergence with the use ethylene in both years. Some varieties, such as Russet Burbank, produced a significantly higher yield with an increased number of tubers with the use of ethylene. For the varieties that did not respond to the use of ethylene, no significant negative effectsRyan Barrett, from the P.E.I. Potato Board, was part of a group who researched using were observed, Barrett says during his presentation.ethylene for tuber accumulation.PHOTO: RYAN BARRETTOverall, there were no significant negative effects found on the cultivars by using ethylene.We saw an acceleratedFor more information on this research visit: https://peipotatoagronomy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Evaluating-Ethylene-for-Seed-Tuber-Accu- emergence with the use ethylene mulation-2019-Report-final.pdfin both years. Some varieties, such PHOSPHITE FUNGICIDE APPLICATIONS ON PINK ROT ANDas Russet Burbank, produced a PYTHIUM LEAK significantly higher yield with an Foliar applied phosphite-based fungicides are an effective tool for managing pink rot but not Pythium leakpost-harvest applications have also beenincreased number of tuber withhighly effective against pink rot. A group in Idaho looked into how in-seasonthe use of ethylene. and post-season applications affect disease control. Jeff Miller with Miller Research presented their findings.RYAN BARRETT18 SPUDSMART.COM FALL 2020'