Tuber Talk

Is it possible for anomalies to be the "new normal?"

That might be something for growers to get used to – that's at least according to early/preliminary growing season reflections across Canada. While there is much to celebrate, according to United Potato Growers of Canada GM Victoria Stamper and Manitoba plant pathologist Vikram Bisht, one of the markers of the 2024 growing season was its lack of predictability.

"Some of [the events], growers are prepared for," says Stamper. "Others can be quite surprising – like the lack of precipitation that happened in P.E.I. this year."

Stamper provides a holistic view of the growing season from coast to coast based on feedback from the industry. Bisht joins the podcast to provide a specific update on Manitoba, which has faced many unique weather challenges in recent years, and how its weather has affected yields and tuber quality. He also provides an update on pests to watch for and which diseases to keep an eye on.

Because of the nature of Potato Early Die complex, a control approach is more pragmatic than an elimination approach. Dr. Marisol Quintanilla picked up some tips from her grandfather growing up - including the use of chicken manure to kill insects, earthworms and nematodes. Quintanilla's research team at Michigan State University has explored various combinations of manures and fertilizers. She shares the results gleaned so far, and what she's still looking to learn.

Potato production in Northeastern North America can lead to stagnant yields and declining soil health. This is why practices such as cover cropping and the use of manure are important. However, these practices also lead to increased weed problems by adding seeds into the weed seedbank. A recent AAFC study explored how cover crops and manure affect weed populations in a potato crop rotation over three years.

To speak more about the study, the process and insights gleaned are Judith Nyiraneza and Andrew McKenzie-Gopsill of AAFC. They discuss the background of the still-ongoing research project, insights into the various cover crop/manure combinations, and discuss why weed seeds in manure did not necessarily evolve into dense weed spread.

Potato DNA is unique from human and most animal DNA, becuase they’re of tetraploid origin, meaning they have four copies of each chromosome in their DNA – two from each plant parent, as opposed to one. Because of the vast number of tetraploid varieties, potato varieties become closely related to one another and more genetically similar. Decreased genetic diversity leads to varieties being more vulnerable to different diseases, and less adapted to climate change.

One step scientists are taking to increase genetic diversity is working with potato relatives that are tetraploid or diploid. Wild diploid potatoes have two copies of each chromosome in their DNA, making their genetics easy to work with. Diploid potatoes are smaller, but hold true breeding potential because of their unexplored genetic traits.

AAFC research scientist Bourlaye Fofana discusses the work he and his team are doing with breeding diploid potatoes – from the desirable traits of the 50 most promising diploid clones, especially as it relates to drought resistance, to why taste-testers do indeed play an important role in in the scientific process.

For many potato producers, late blight is a well-known disease – either because they're unfortunate enough to have already experienced it, or they're from a region that has had highly publicized late blight symptoms observed. Late blight requires a fairly specific combination of climate and other external factors. Although it's not late blight season yet, it's a good time to know if things are shaping up in that direction. Ryan Barrett, research and agronomy specialist with the P.E.I. Potato Board, shares the conditions that result in late blight, what to look for and how to work with agronomists and local labs to learn more about late blight.

The 2024 growing season has officially kicked off, and United Potato Growers of Canada general manager Victoria Stamper joins us to share an update on activity in each province and sector. While some parts of Canada were fooled by signs of an early spring, it's now looking a little modest for 2024. Plus, a review of the recent grain-versus-vegetable debate south of the border, and why such matters can promote nerves in producers.

Through her research, Dr. Meghan Cameron has discovered that eight in 10 farmers in P.E.I. are experiencing some level of anxiety or depression – a remarkably high number – shining a light on the importance of mental health.

Cameron, who recently completed her family medicine residency with Dalhousie University and whose husband is a potato grower, joins this episode of Tuber Talk to discuss mental health in farmers, potential causes and key indicators of anxiety and depression and where growers and their families can turn for help if someone is dealing with a mental health issue.

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Support for this series provided by Syngenta.

Potato crops can be susceptible to aphids, as they migrate from the south and “look for anything green” when they arrive in Canada.

In this episode of Tuber Talk, Manitoba Agriculture’s Vikram Bisht provides some insight into these tiny pests and what growers can do to spot and treat any possible infestations that could occur this season. Bisht also talks about the work he is doing to track aphids and how farmers can help.

Proper irrigation and weed control measures are key to kicking off the growing season for potato farmers.

In this episode of Tuber Talk, Mike Wind, president of Windiana Farms in Taber, Alta., talks about what he is doing to get water to his crop in what has been a hot, dry spring in much of Western Canada, while also providing some tips on controlling those pesky weeds.

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The past couple of years have been good for potato growers, so how is 2023 shaping up?

In this episode of Tuber Talk, Potatoes in Canada editor Derek Clouthier chats with Victoria Stamper, general manager of the United Potato Growers of Canada, about her insights into the market and demand for the coming growing season, and some thoughts on what she sees for growers across the country in 2023.

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