Michigan State University AgBioResearch In Cooperation With Michigan Potato Industry Commission Michigan Potato Research Report Volume 50 2018 Michigan Potato Industry Commission3515 West Road - Suite A East Lansing, Michigan 48823www.mipotato.com email:info@mipotato.com517.253.7370 fax 517.253.7373 Table of Contents Page Introduction and Acknowledgements 1 2018 Potato Breeding and Genetics Research Report D.S. Douches, J. Coombs, K. Zarka, G. Steere, M. Zuehlke, D. Zarka, N.Manrique, D. Kells, K. Shaw, C. Zhang and S. Nadakuduti 5 2018 Potato Variety Evaluations D.S. Douches, J. Coombs, K. Zarka, G. Steere, D. Kells, M. Zuehlke, A.Sardarbekov, K. Shaw , C. Zhang, C. Long, J. Wilbur, and N. Rosenzweig 20 2018 On-Farm Potato Variety Trials Chris Long, Katrina Zavislan, John Calogero, and Dave Douches 53 Evaluating Synergistic Interactions Between HPPD Inhibiting Herbicides and Atrazine for Volunteer Potato Control Erin Burns 88 Impact of I ncreased Cropping System Diversity as Measured by Improved Productivity and Sustainability in a Michigan Potato Production S ystem Chris Long, Lisa Tiemann, Noah Rosenzweig, Erin Hill, Marisol Quintanilla, Monica Jean, Katrina Zavislan, and John Calogero 92 Targeted Research Within Michigan™s Upper Peninsula to Meet Producer™s Needs and Increase Growth Within the Potato Industry Monica Jean 104 Verticillium Wilt Management for Michigan Potato Production S.Desotell, J. Calogero, N. Stanko, S. Mambetova, and N. Rosenzweig 106 Crop Rotations and Organic Amendments to Reduce Soil -Borne Disease Severity - Entrican 2018 N.Rosenzweig , K. Steinke, J. Calogero, A. Ch omas, and S. Mambetova 110 Determining Insect and disease Impacts on Potatoes and Developing Strategies for Sustainable Management in the Face of Extreme Weather Events Willi am Wetzel, Zsofia Szendrei, Jaim e Wilbur, Joshua Snook 112 Evaluation of Foli ar Fungicides to Manage Late Blight of Potato in Michigan, 2018 Jaime Wilbur and Chris Bloomingdale 118 Evaluation of Table Potato Variety and Fungicides to Manage Late Blight of Potatoes, 2018 Jaime Wi lbur and Ch ris Bloomingdale 119 Remote sensing to Quantify Spatial Variability of Crop Nitrogen (N) Status and optimize N Fertilizer in Potato Fields. Bruno Basso 121 Evaluation of Potato Early Die Complex Management Using Custom Compost Blends and Nematicides Marisol Quintanilla -Tornel, Emilie Cole, and Kristin Poley 128 2017-2018 Michigan Potato Demonstration Storage Annual Report Introduction Chris Long, Katrina Zavislan, and John Calogero New Chip Processing Variety Box Bin Report Chris Long, Katrina Zavislan, John Calogero, and Brian Sackett Bulk Bin (500 cwt. Bin) Report Chris Long, Katrina Zavislan, , John Calogero, and Brian Sackett 132 132 137 150 2018 MICHIGAN POTATO RESEARCH REPORT C.M. Long, Coordinator INTRODUCTION AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The 2018 Potato Resea rch Report contains reports of the many potato research projects conducted by Michigan State University ( MSU ) potato researchers at several l ocations. The 2018 report is the 50th volume, which has been prepared annually since 1969. This volume includes research projects funded by the Potato Special Federal Grant, the Michigan Potato Industry Commission (MPIC), Project GREEEN and numero us other sources. The principle source of funding for each project has been noted in each report . We wish to acknowledg e the excellent cooperation of the Michigan potato industry and the MPIC for their continued support of the MS U potato research program. We also want to acknowledge the significant impact that the funds from the Potato Special Federal Grant have had on the scope and magnitude of potato related research in Michigan . Many other contributi ons to MSU potato research have been made in the form of fertilizers, pesticides, seed , supplies and monetary grants. We also recognize the tremendous cooperation of individual producers who participate in the numerous on- farm projects. It is this dedicated support and cooperation tha t makes for a productive research program for the betterment of the Michigan potato industry. We further acknowle dge the professionalism o f the MPIC Research Committee. The Michigan potato industry should be proud of the dedication of this c ommittee and the keen interest they take in determining the needs and direction of Michigan's potato research. Special thanks goes t o Mathew Klein for his management of the MSU Montcalm Research Center (MRC ) and the many details which are a part of its operati on. We also want to recognize T rina Zavislan , MSU for organizing and compiling this final draft. WEATHER The overall 6-mont h average maximum and minimum temperature s during the 2018 gro wing season were slightly higher than the 15 year averages at 7 8oF and 53 oF respectively (Table 1). May, June, and July were each at least 5 o F warmer than the 15 year average. Extreme heat events were slightly less than average in 2018 (Table 3) with 12 hours over 3 days in which temperatures exceeded 90 oF during the entire summer . Extreme high nighttime temperatures were slightly higher than average in 2018 compared to 2017 with 123 hours over 31 days exceeding 70 o F. Rainfall for A pril t hrough September was 22.76 inches, which was 5.49 inches above the 15- year average (Table 2). A total of 9.85 inches of irrigation water over 15 application timings was applied to Comden 1 between early June and mid -August. In general, May and August had more precipitation t han average while July was a dri er month. Table 1. The 15- year summary of average maximum and minimum temperatures ( F) during the growing season at the Montcalm Research Center .* YearMax. Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. 20046237674674547957765378497349 20056236654182608258815877517551 20066236614678548361805868487251 20075333734782548156805876507450 20086133674077568058805473507349 20095633674576547553765674497148 20106433704977578362826169507452 20115333684877568562795870487251 20125833734884539062825574467750 20135133734877558158805473487349 20145533684578577754795672477249 20155833714876548056775777547351 20165332704578538260856078547451 20176139674478558158775477507450 20185533814684588864846376527853 15-Year Average 5834694679558259805774507450 Average April MayJune July August September Table 2. The 15-year summary of precipitation (inches per month) recorded during the growing seas on at the Montcalm Research Center .* Year April MayJuneJulyAugust September Total 20041.798.183.131.721.990.3217.13 20050.691.393.573.651.853.9015.05 20062.734.452.185.552.253.1520.31 20072.641.601.582.432.341.1811.77 20081.591.692.953.073.035.0317.36 20093.942.152.432.074.741.4916.82 20101.593.683.212.142.631.8815.13 20113.423.082.381.632.571.8414.92 20122.350.980.993.633.310.7612.02 20137.984.522.261.354.061.3321.50 20144.245.513.253.711.782.3520.84 20153.712.964.791.722.423.9019.50 20162.252.771.333.425.353.0518.17 20174.451.986.370.921.360.7015.78 20182.045.513.641.197.732.6522.76 15-Year Average 3.033.362.94 2.553.162.2417.27 Table 3. Seven -year heat stress summary (from May 1 st Œ Sept. 30 th)* HoursDaysHoursDays 2012701514330 201314 314028 201400 5815 201531 6622201610 314731 201714 38018 201812 412331 Average18 410825 Year Temperatures > 90 oF Night (10pm-8am) Temperatures > 70 oFGROWING DEGREE DAYS Table 4 summarize s the cumulative growing degree days (GDD) for 2018 while providing historical data from 2006-2018. GDD are presented from May 1st Œ September 30th using t he Baskerville -Emin method with a base te mperature of 40 oF. T he total GDD base 40 by the end of September in 2018 was 4073 ( Table 4) , which is 285 G DD higher than the 13-year average of 3788. Table 4 . Growing Degree Days* - Base 40 F. YearMay JuneJulyAugust September 20065321310229831803707 20076391503237932773966 20084471240214729733596 20095191264200428003420 20106101411242434023979 20115671354238832703848 20126521177228031533762 20136371421233431793798 20145221340212029773552 20156041353223030513789 20165471318226332744053 20174801279220229903695 20186891487242333734073 Average 5731343226931463788 *2006-2018 data from the w eather station at MSU Montcalm Research Center fiEnviro- weatherfl, Mich igan Weather Station Network, Entrican, MI. PREVIOUS CROPS, TILLAGE AND FERTILIZERS The general potato research area utilized in 2018 was Montcalm Research Center property in th e field referred to as ‚Comden 1.™ This acreage was planted to oats in 2017 with crop residue disked into the soil. In the spring of 2018, the recommended rate of potash was broadcast applied following deep -chisel plowing. The ground was f ield cultivated and direct planted to potatoes. The area was not fumigated with Vapam prior to potato planting, but Vydate ® and Verimark ® were applied in -furrow at planting. The soil test analysis for the general crop area (taken in December 2017) wa s as follows: lbs/A pH P K Ca Mg 6.1 284 (142 ppm) 156 (78 ppm) 1022 (511 ppm) 180 (90 ppm) The fertilizers used in the ge neral plot area are as follows (fertilizer variations used for specific research projects are included in the individual project reports ). Application Analysis Rate Nutrients (N-P2O5-K2O-Ca/Mg/S/Zn) Broadcast at plow down 0-0-22-11Mg -22S 0-0-0-21Ca-16S 0-0-0-21Ca-12Mg 10%B 0-0-62 0-0-0-9Zn 200 lbs/A 150 lbs/A 300 lbs/A 6 lbs/A 350 lbs/A 1 qt/A 0-0-44-22Mg -44S 0-0-0-32Ca-24S 0-0-0-63Ca-36Mg 0.6 lb. B 0-0-217 0.3 lb. Zn At-planting 28-0-0 10-34-0 24 gpa 12 gpa 72-0-0 14-49-0 At-cultivation 28-0-0 10-34-0 24 gpa 12 gpa 72-0-0 14-49-0 At-hilling 46-0-0 120 lbs/A 55-0-0 Late side dress (late varieties) 46-0-0 100 lbs/A 46-0-0 HERBICIDES AND PEST CONTROL A pre- emergence application of Linex at 1.25 qts /A and Brawl II at 1.0 pts /A was made in late May . Verimark and Vydate were applied in-furrow at planting at a rate of 13.5 fl oz/A and 2.0 qts /A, respectively . Echo 720 (1.5 pts/A), Equus 720 (2.0 pts/A), Koverall ( 1.0 or 2.0 lbs/A) , Manzate Pro Stick ( 2.0 lbs/A), and MH 30 (2.0 gal/A) fungicides were applied alone or in combination on twelve dates between June and mid -August. Potato vines were desiccated with Reglone in early September at a rate of 2.0 pts /A. 2018 MSU POTATO BREEDING AND GENETICS RESEARCH REPORT January 2019 David S. Douches, J. Coombs, K. Zarka, G. Steere, M. Zuelke, D. Zarka, N. Manrique, D.Kells, K. , C. Zhang and S. NadakudutiDepartment of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824 Cooperators: Robin Buell, Ray Hammerschmidt, Noah Rosenzweig and Chris Long INTRODUCTION At Michigan State University, we have been dedicated to developing improved potato varieties for the chip-processing and tablestock markets since 1988. The program is one of four integrated breeding programs in the North Central region supported through the USDA/NIFA Potato Special Grant. At MSU, we conduct a comprehensive multi-disciplinary program for potato breeding and variety development to meet MichiganÕs needs. Our program integrates traditional and biotechnological approaches to breed for disease and insect resistance that is positioned to respond to scientific and technology opportunities that emerge . We are also developing more efficient methods to breed improved potato varieties. In Michigan, variety development requires that we primaril y develop high yielding round white potatoes with excellent chip-processing from the field and/or storage. In addition, there is a need for table varieties (russet, red, yellow, and round white). We conduct variety trials of advanced selections and field experiments at MSU research locations (Montcalm Research Center, Lake City Experiment Station, Clarksville Research Center, and MSU Agronomy Farm), we ship seed to other states and Canadian provinces for variety trials, and we cooperate with Chris Long on grower trials throughout Michigan. This testing is crucial in determining the commercial potential of the lines. Through conventional crosses in the greenhouse, we develop new genetic combinations in the breeding program, and also screen and identify exoti c germplasm that will enhance the varietal breeding efforts. With each cycle of crossing and selection we are seeing directed improvement towards improved varieties (e.g. combining chip -processing, scab resistance, PVY resistance, late blight resistance and higher specific gravity ). I am happy to see the increase in scab, late blight and PVY resistance in the breeding material and selections. We need to continue to combine these traits in long -term storage chip-processing lines. Through the USDA/AFRI SolCAP project we developed a new set of DNA genetic markers (8,303) called SNPs that are located in the 39,000 genes of potato. We are now 10 years down the road and we are benefiting from this technology as we can now query 35,000 SNPs for the same cost. This SolCAP translational genomics project has finally giving us the opportunity to link genetic markers to important traits (reducing sugars, starch , scab resistance, etc.) in the cultivated potato lines and then breed them into elite germplasm. The SNPs also allow us to accurately fingerprint the varieties (DNA ID database). In addition, our program has been utilizing genetic engineering as a tool to introduce new genes to improve varieties and advanced germplasm for traits such as insect resistance, late blight and PVY resistance, lower reducing sugar, nitrogen use efficiency and drought. In 2019, we will test invertase silencing on a larger scale and learn more about the potential for drought tolerance and late blight resistance. Furthermore, PotatoesUSA is supporting national early generation trials called the National Chip Processing Trial (NCP T) which will feed lines into the SNaC (SFA) trials and also fast track lines into commercial testing. This national cooperative testing is key! We are leveraging the NCPT F ast Track program to have seed increased for promising chip-processing lines. We also have funding to develop genome editing technologies that may not be classified as genetic engineering through a USDA/BRAG grant. This technology can be used to introduce lower sugars, bruising and asparagine as well a number of other traits in the future. We also have a USDA/AFRI diploid breeding grant to develop some foundational diploid breeding germplasm. In 2015, we were awarded the USAID Feed the Future grant to generate late blight resistance potatoes for Bangladesh and Indonesia. This project brings us into cutting edge GM work with Simplot and the International Potato Center. Lastly, we have NSF-funded grants to better understand the potato genome and study wound-healing in potato. We feel that these in-house capacities (both conventional and biotechnological) put us in a unique position to respond to and focus on the most promising directions for variety development and effectively integrate advanced technologies with the breeding of improved chip-processing and tablestock potatoes. The breeding goals at MSU are based upon current and future needs of the Michigan potato industry. Traits of importance include yield potential, disease resistance (scab, late blight, early die, and PVY), insect (Colorado potato beetle) resistance, chipping (out-of-the-field, storage, and extended cold storage) and cooking quality, bruise resistance, storability, along with shape, internal quality, and appearance. If these goals can be met, we will be able to reduce production input costs, keep potato production profitable as well as reduce the reliance on chemical inputs such as insecticides, fungicides and sprout inhibitors, and improve overall agronomic performance through new potato varieties. Over the years, key infrastructure changes have been established for the breeding program to make sound assessments of the breeding selections moving through the program. In 2016, we constructed a greenhouse to expand our breeding and certified minituber seed production with a hydroponic nutrient film technology (NFT) system. This greenhouse is at the MSU Crops facility on south campus. Also in 2016, we began to upgrade the grading line and this was completed with funding from MPIC and AgBioResearch. Variable speed drives control; a new lift; custom built barrel washer; grading table; and Kerian speed sizer are all part of the set up. Incorporation of bar-coded labels and scales synchronized to computer hot keys have improved the speed, accuracy and efficiency of the grading process. All entities of the potato group: Potato Breeding and Genetics; Potato Outreach Program; pathologists and soil fertility researchers have access to this new equipment. Thank you! Varietal Development Breeding The MSU potato breeding and genetics program is actively producing new germplasm and advanced seedlings that are improved for cold chipping, and resistance to scab, late blight, and Colorado potato beetle. For the 2018 f ield season, progeny from about 450 crosses were planted and evaluated. Of those, the majority were crosses to select for round whites (chip-processing and tablestock), with the remainder to select for yellow flesh, long/russet types, red skin, and novelty market classes. During the 2018 harvest, over 1,000 selections were made from the 45 ,000 seedlings produced. In addition, about 700 first year selections from elite chip-processing crosses segregating for PVY resistance were made. All potential chip-processing selections will be tested in January and April 2019 directly out of 45¡F (7.2¡C) and 50¡F (10¡C) storages. Atlantic, Pike (50¡F chipper) and Snowden (45¡F chipper) are chip-processed as check cultivars. Selections have been identified at each stage of the selection cycle that have desirable agronomic characteristics and chip-processing potential. At the 12 -hill and 30- hill evaluation state, about 3 00 and 100 selections were made, respectively; based upon chip quality, specific gravity, scab resistance, late blight resistance and DNA markers for PVY and Golden nematode resistance. Selection in the early generation stages has been enhanced by the incorporation of the scab and late blight evaluations of the early generation material. Unfortunately, in 2018 we were unable to get the late blight infection to spread enough to collect useful data. We are pushing our early generation selections from the 30 -hill stage into tissue culture to minimize PVY issues in our breeding and seed stock. We are now using a cryotherapy method as well as the traditional methods that was developed in our lab to remove viruses. We feel that this technique predictably as well as quickly remove virus from tissue culture stocks. Our results show that we are able to remove both PVY and PVS from lines, but PVS can be difficult to remove in certain lines. We tested the removal of PLRV and succeeded. Over 1500 lines are maintained in tissue culture for the breeding and genetics program. Chip-Processing Over 80% of the single hill selections have a chip-processing parent in their pedigree. Our most promising advanced chip-processing lines are Mackinaw (MSX540-4) (scab, late blight and PVY resistant), MSV030-4 (scab resistant), MSV313-2 (scab resistant), Huron Chipper (MSW485-2) (late blight resistant), MSW075-2 (scab resistant), MSZ222-19 (scab resistant), MSZ242-13 (scab resistant) and MSZ219-1, MSZ219-13 and MSZ219-14 ( all three sibs are scab, late blight and PVY resistant). We have some newer lines to consider, but we are removing virus from those lines. We are using the NCPT trials to more effectively identify promising new selections with broad adaptability. Manistee was licensed to Canada and Chile. Saginaw Chipper (MSR061-1) and Mackinaw (MSX540-4) are being tested in Australia. Tablestock Efforts have been made to identify lines with good appearance with an attractive skin finish, low internal defects, excellent culinary quality, high marketable yield and resistance to scab, late blight and PVY. Our current tablestock development goals now are to continue to improve the frequency of scab resistant lines, incorporate resistance to late blight along with marketable maturity and excellent tuber quality, and select more russet types, red-skinned, and yellow-fleshed lines. We have also been selecting some pigmented skin and tuber flesh lines for specialty markets. There is also interest in additional specialty mini-potatoes for the ÒTasteful selectionsÓ market. We have interest from some western specialty potato growers to test and commercialize these lines. From our breeding efforts, we have identified mostly round white lines, but we also have a number of yellow-fleshed and red-skinned lines, as well as some purple skin selections that carry many of the characteristics mentioned above. We are also selecting for round white, red-skin, and improved Yukon Gold-type yellow-fleshed potatoes. Some of the tablestock lines were tested in on-farm trials in 20 18 , while others were tested under replicated conditions at the Montcalm Research Center. Promising tablestock lines include MSV093-1 (yellow, scab resistant), MST252-1Y (scab resistant), MSV179-1 (scab resistant), MSW343-2R, MSX569-1R (scab resistant) and MSX324-1P (scab resistant). MSZ109-8PP and MSZ109-10PP (Blackberry) are purple-fleshed chippers with deep purple flesh, round shape and attractive skin as well as scab resistance. Jacqueline Lee (late blight resistant) was licensed to Australia and is being grown in Central America for its late blight resistance. Spartan Splash, Blackberry and our PVY resistant Red Marker #2 potato are being marketed in the specialty markets. Disease and Insect Resistance Breeding Scab: In 2018, we had two locations to evaluate scab resistance: a commercial field with a history of severe scab infection and a highly infected site at the Montcalm Research Center. The commercial site and the Montcalm Research Center both gave us very high infection levels. The susceptible checks of Snowden and Atlantic were highly infected with pitted scab. Promising resistant selections were MSV313-2, MST252-1Y, MSV179-1, MSX324-1P, MSW474-01, MSZ219-1, MSZ219-13, MSZ219-14, MSZ222-19 as well as the MSZ-series selections from the commercial scab site. If you examine the Advanced Chip trial results, you will notice that almost all the lines are scab resistant. We need to continue in this direction of many selections with scab resistance so we can find the great scab resistant chipper. The high level of scab infection at the on-farm site with a history of scab infection and MRC has significantly helped with our discrimination of resistance and susceptibility of our lines. The MRC scab site was used for assessing scab susceptibility in our advanced breeding lines and early generation material and is summarized below (Figure 1). All susceptible check plots (Snowden and Atlantic) were scored as susceptible. Based upon these results, common scab resistance is strong in the breeding program. We lead the nation in scab resistant lines as observed in the national NCPT scab disease trials. These data were also incorporated into the early generation selection evaluation process at Lake City. We are seeing that this expanded effort is leading to more scab resistant lines advancing through the breeding program. The ability to select under commercial settings on-farm is accelerating our ability to select for increased scab resistant varieties. MSZ219-1, MSZ219-13, MSZ219-14, MSZ022-07, MSZ222-19 and MSZ242-13 are some of the first scab resistant chippers to advance through this effort. Fig. 1. Scab Disease Nursery Ratings from MRC trials Late Blight: One of our core objectives is to breed improved cultivars for the industry that have foliar and tuber resistance to late blight using a combination of conventional breeding, marker-assisted strategies and transgenic approaches. Through conventional breeding approaches, the MSU potato breeding and genetics program has developed a series of late blight resistant advanced breeding lines and cultivars that have diverse sources of resistance to late blight. In 2018, we conducted late blight trials at the MSU campus. We inoculated with the US23 genotype but lacked good disease progression due to the 2018 climate. We are not reporting late blight trial results this year. We did conduct detached leaf bioassays in 2018 to study late blight resistance in a mapping study. US23 gave us good infection in the detached leaf tests, so we know that our cultures are virulent. We will continue with late blight trials in 2019 on the MSU campus. PVY: We have focused on incorporating PVY resistance in our germplasm for years, with an increased emphasis in recent years to increase the frequency of PVY resistance in our advanced selections. We are using PCR -based DNA markers to select potatoes resistant to PVY. The gene is located on Chromosome 11. In 2013, we generated over 7,000 progeny segregating for PVY resistance. Each year since 2013 we are making new crosses, making selections and expanding the germplasm base that has PVY resistance (Fig. 3). We are also !"##$%&'()*"(+,-.(/#0%01-&,# !"#$% &'()'&)'(*'&*'(+'&+'(,'&,'( !-.$% 2-"%#13(4"%-5 66789:::;<96= :6 <<8>-"53(?#&#"-1%*& 8;@6@=8A69<@ ::; <;:B%C5*%$ @7@9@9:9<6 =@<; <;A/010"0230 4$"#0.5 63$78/$.#29 D%E# 6F9 G-H*E- using DNA markers to also screen for PVX resistance, PLRV resistance, late blight resistance and Golden nematode resistance. As a result of this work, Mackinaw has PVY resistance as well as MSZ219-1, - 13 and -14 (in addition to scab and late blight resistances). More PVY resistant advanced selections are in the queue. Fig. 2 PVY resistant selections in the breeding program Year Family PVY Resistance YR0 MSGG 332 Families YR1 MSFF 535 Selections to DNA screen YR2 MSEE 473 Selections YR3 MSDD 36 Selections YR4 MSCC 11 Selections YR5 MSBB 23 Selections MSU Lines with Commercial Tracking ____________________________________________________ Manistee (MSL292-A) Parentage: Snowden x MSH098-2 Developers: Michigan State University and the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station Plant Variety Protection: Applied for. Strengths: Manistee is a chip-processing potato with an attractive round appearance with shallow eyes. Manistee has a full-sized vine and an early to mid-season maturity. Manistee has above average yield potential and specific gravity similar to Snowden. This variety has excellent chip-processing long-term storage characteristics and a similar to better tolerance to blackspot bruise than Snowden. Incentives for production: Excellent chip-processing quality with long-term storage characteristics, above average yield, specific gravity similar to Snowden, and good tuber type. ________________________________________________________________________ Saginaw Chipper (MSR061-1) Parentage: Pike x NY121 Developers: Michigan State University and the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station Plant Variety Protection: Trademark Strengths: MSR061-1 is a chip-processing potato with resistance to common scab (Streptomyces scabies) and moderate foliar late blight (Phytophthora infestans) resistance. This variety has medium yield similar to Pike and a 1.079 (average) specific gravity and an attractive, uniform, round appearance. MSR061-1 has a medium vine and an early to mid-season maturity. Incentives for production: Chip-processing quality with common scab resistance similar to Pike, moderate foliar late blight resistance (US8 genotype), and uniform, round tuber type. ________________________________________________________________________ MSV093-1Y Parentage: McBride x MSP408-14Y Developers: Michigan State University and the MSU AgBioResearch. Plant Variety Protection: To Be Applied For Strengths: MSV093-1Y is a high yield potential yellow-flesh breeding line with an attractive, round tuber shape. This line has demonstrated excellent high yield potential in replicated trials at the MSU Montcalm Research Center and on grower field trials throughout Michigan. This yellow flesh line has excellent internal quality (few defects) and a low incidence of blackspot bruise. MSV093-1Y also has moderate scab tolerance. MSV093-1Y has a strong vine and a mid-early season maturity. Incentives for production: High yield potential with an attractive tuber shape with good yellow flesh with excellent internal quality. ________________________________________________________________________ Mackinaw (MSX540-4) Parentage: Saginaw Chipper x Lamoka Developers: Michigan State University and the MSU AgBioResearch. Plant Variety Protection: To Be Applied For. Strengths: MSX540-4 is a chip-processing potato with resistance to potato virus Y (PVY), late blight (Phytophthora infestans), tolerance to common scab (Streptomyces scabies), and demonstrated tolerance to Verticillium wilt. This variety has average yield with a high specific gravity, and a high percentage of A- size tubers with an attractive, uniform shape. MSX540-4 has a strong vine and a mid- to late-season maturity, and has demonstrated excellent long-term storage chip-processing quality. MSX540-4 has performed well in multiple locations in the PotatoesUSA National Chip Processing Trials (NCPT). Incentives for production: Long-term chip-processing quality with resistance to PVY and late blight, and tolerance to common scab. Morphological Characteristics: Plant: Medium height vine, semi-erect with a balance between stems and foliage visible, and flowers. Tubers: Round tubers with lightly netted, tan colored skin. Tubers have a creamy-white flesh with a low incidence of internal defects. Agronomic Characteristics: Vine Maturity: Mid- to late-season maturity. Tubers: Smooth shaped tubers with lightly netted, tan colored skin and a creamy-white flesh. Yield: Average yield under irrigated conditions, with uniform A-size tubers. Specific Gravity: Averages similar to above Snowden in Michigan. Culinary Quality: Chip-processes from short to long-term storage. Diseases: Resistant to PVY and late blight (Phytophthora infestans), tolerant to common scab (Streptomyces scabies). Huron Chipper (MSW485-2) Parentage: MSQ070-1 x MSR156-7 Developers: Michigan State University and the MSU AgBioResearch. Plant Variety Protection: To Be Applied For. Strengths: MSW485 is a chip-processing potato with resistance to and late blight (Phytophthora infestans), and stronger tolerance to common scab (Streptomyces scabies) than Atlantic. This variety has high yield and good specific gravity, with attractive, uniformly round tubers. MSW485-2 has a strong vine and a mid-season maturity, and has demonstrated excellent long-term storage chip-processing quality. MSW485-2 has performed well in multiple locations in the PotatoesUSA National Chip Processing Trials (NCPT) and national SFA (SNaC) trials. Incentives for production: Excellent chip-processing quality out of the field and long-term chip quality with resistance to late blight and a good size profile. Morphological Characteristics: Plant: Medium height vine, semi-erect with a balance between stems and foliage visible, and flowers. Tubers: Uniform, smooth, round tubers with lightly netted, tan colored skin. Tubers have a white flesh with a low incidence of internal defects. Agronomic Characteristics: Vine Maturity: Mid-season maturity. Tubers: Smooth, round tubers with lightly netted, tan colored skin and a white flesh. Yield: Above average yield under irrigated conditions, with uniform tubers. Specific Gravity: Averages similar to above Atlantic and Snowden. Culinary Quality: Chip-processes from short to long-term storage. Diseases: Resistant to late blight (Phytophthora infestans) and tolerant to common scab (Streptomyces scabies). MSX569-1R (Ilse Royale) Parentage: MSS002-2R x MSS544-1R Developers: Michigan State University and the MSU AgBioResearch. Plant Variety Protection: To Be Applied For. Strengths: MSX569-1R is a fresh market variety with an attractive red skin, bright white flesh, excellent round tuber shape, and tolerance to common scab (Streptomyces scabies). This variety has average yield with a high percentage of A-size tubers with an attractive, uniform shape. The bright red skin is highly desirable in the fresh market, and also maintains good red color in storage. This line has demonstrated good marketable yield potential in replicated trials at the MSU Montcalm Research Center, on grower field trials throughout Michigan, as well as in North Central Regional Trials, and trials in Florida and North Carolina. MSX569-1R has excellent internal quality (few defects) and a low incidence of blackspot bruise. Incentives for production: Fresh market variety with a bright red skin, attractive tuber size and shape, excellent internal quality, and tolerance to common scab. Morphological Characteristics: Plant: Medium height vine, semi-erect with a balance between stems and foliage visible, and flowers. Tubers: Round tubers with a smooth, bright red colored skin. Tubers have an attractive white flesh with a low incidence of internal defects. Agronomic Characteristics: Maturity: Mid-season maturity. Tubers: Round tubers with a red skin and an attractive white flesh. Yield: Average yield under irrigated conditions, similar or better than Red Norland. Specific Gravity: Good fresh market specific gravity (1.055 in Michigan). Culinary Quality: Excellent culinary quality. Diseases: Tolerance to common scab (Streptomyces scabies). Blackberry (MSZ109-10PP) Parentage: COMN07-W112BG1 x MSU200-5PP Developers: Michigan State University and the MSU AgBioResearch Plant Variety Protection: To Be Applied For. Strengths: Blackberry is a tablestock variety with unique purple skin and a deep purple flesh. The tubers have an attractive, uniform, round shape and a purple flesh with common scab resistance and low incidence of internal defects. Yield can be high under irrigated conditions. Blackberry will also chip-process out of the field. Incentives for production: The unique purple skin and purple flesh of the tubers of Blackberry offer a unique potato that could lend itself to the specialty variety market, such as gourmet restaurants and food stores, as well as farm and road-side markets. The primary market for this clone will be farm market and direct retail sale growers, and home gardeners. This variety is also used as a gourmet chip processing variety. Morphological Characteristics: Plant: F ull-sized vine, semi-erect with a balance between stems and foliage visible, and flowers. Tubers: Round tubers with a smooth skin and unique purple skin and purple flesh color. Tubers have a deep purple flesh with a low incidence of internal defects. Agronomic Characteristics: Maturity: Mid-season. Tubers: Round tubers with unique purple skin and deep purple flesh. Yield: Average to above average yield. Specific Gravity: Averages 1.070 in Michigan. Culinary Quality: Gourmet specialty with deep purple flesh and also chip-processes. Foliage: Full-sized, semi-erect vine. Diseases: Good common scab resistance. Application of Molecular Markers in MSU Potato Breeding With the development of molecular markers for potato breeding, marker- assisted selection has been incorporated into our routine breeding practice and greatly facilitates the selection process. Some of the main markers that are used at MSU include: RYSC3 and M6, Potato virus Y (PVY) resistance markers; RxSP, a Potato virus X (PVX) resistance marker; TG689, a Golden Nematode resistance marker; RB and R8, Late Blight resistance markers. PVY markers have been the most frequently used tools to assist selection in our program due to the importance of PVY resistance. According to the pedigrees, selections from our single-hill trial (1st year of field selection) are screened for PVY markers every year. This allowed for a prioritization of the space in the field, and for earlier, more informed decisions in variety selection. The trait mapping populations have been a major research focus for us over the previous four years as we try to correlate the field data with genetic markers. We now have DNA SNP markers linked to late blight resistance, scab resistance, chip color, tuber asparagine and specific gravity. We will now start using this linkage information to assist us in breeding. Our first SNP marker is linked to a gene for late blight resistance on Chr. 9 and the second is located on Chr. 10 with new ones recently identified on Chr. 4 and Chr. 5. The ability to use the DNA markers to stack a set of late blight resistance genes will lead to durable late blight resistance. We are now bringing in late blight resistance genes from germplasm from Europe and China. Germplasm Enhancement The diploid genetic material represent material from South American potato species and other countries around the world that are potential sources of resistance to Colorado potato beetle, late blight, potato early die, and ability to cold-chip process. We are now placing more emphasis on the diploid breeding effort because of the advantages the breeding system brings when we introduce the ability to self-pollinate a line. Features of diploid breeding include 1) a simpler genetic system than current breeding methods, 2) tremendous genetic diversity for economic traits, 3) minimal crossing barriers to cultivated potato, 4) the ability to reduce genetic load (or poor combinations) through selfing and 5) the ability to create true breeding lines like wheat, soybeans and dry beans. We are also using some inbred lines of S. chacoense that have fertility and vigor (also a source of Verticillium wilt resistance to initiate our efforts to develop inbred lines with our own diploid germplasm. We have over 40 populations that we are cycling to make selections and we also selected diploid progeny from Atlantic, Superior, Manistee, MSZ219-14, Kalkaska, MSR127-2, MSS576-5SPL and others to cross to the self compatible material so we can develop inbred chip-processing diploid lines. This new diploid potato breeding project is expanding to develop promising lines to use as parents in the future as well as to think about F1 hybrid varieties analogous to what the corn breeders release. Decoding S. chacoense-derived Colorado potato beetle resistance Introgression of Colorado potato beetle resistance from S. chacoense-derived diploid recombinant inbred lines into cultivated backgrounds is being conducted through GREEEN funding. Subsequent marker assisted selection will yield diploid breeding lines with beetle resistance and desirable tuber traits. The spatio-temporal durability of this glycoalkaloid-based host plant resistance will be assessed using Colorado potato beetle populations from potato growing regions across the nation and examining 10 successive generations of beetles grown on host plant resistant material. Furthermore, the development of cross-resistance by beetles grown on host plant resistant material to commercial insecticides will be examined to inform the most sustainable deployment of this germplasm. Overcoming self-incompatibility in diploid potato using CRISPR-Cas9 The aim of this project was to generate a targeted knock-out (KO) of the S-RNase gene, involved in gametophytic self-incompatibility in diploid potatoes, using CRISPR/Cas9 technology in an effort to avoid self-pollen degradation. We identified S-RNase alleles with flower-specific expression in two diploid self-incompatible lines using genome resequencing data. S-RNase gene mapped to chromosome 1 within a low recombination region. S-RNase KO lines were obtained causing premature stop codons. Fruits were set in selected KO and produced viable T1 seeds, and a Cas9-free KO line. Our results suggest that creating S-RNase KO can contribute to generation of self-compatible lines as a first step for the generation of commercial diploid cultivars. Gene editing in diploid potato MSUÕs breeding program has developed diploid germplasm with important agronomic qualities. These lines can be further characterized on traits for the use of gene editing. The first objective of this project is to characterize the MSU diploid germplasm for important molecular and morphological traits such as regeneration capability. The second major objective is to use gene editing, namely, CRISPR-Cas9 to knockout vacuolar invertase (VInv) in select diploid lines. The overall goal is to further advance the diploid breeding program by introducing economically important traits and proving the utility of gene editing in potato. Dihaploid Potato Production at Michigan State University The benefits of developing a broad germplasm of dihaploid potatoes brings the industry ever-closer to the expansive changes that would come with diploid potato breeding. Many of the challenges associated with tetraploid potatoes would be greatly reduced if the potato had a lower, and therefore less complicated, ploidy. Our goal is to develop a broad-based dihaploid germplasm that can be used in diploid potato breeding. We started by crossing successful varieties and advanced breeding lines from MSU tetraploid germplasm with a haploid inducer, S. phureja IVP 101. Tetraploid parent lines were selected based on traits such as high yield, disease resistance, and good chip quality, among others. Resulting seeds were inspected for a purple embryo spot and grown in tissue culture before transplanting in the greenhouse. Chloroplast numbers in guard cells were collected to determine ploidy level. Plants that we determined to be diploid were also SNP genotyped with the Infinium 22K Potato SNP array for ploidy confirmation. These dihaploids were then tested for disease resistance markers: RYSC3+ (Potato Virus Y extreme resistance), GN (Golden Nematode) resistance, and PVX resistance. Those with a Tollocan lineage were also tested for presence of R8 late blight resistance via a SNP KASP assay. Confirmed dihaploids were crossed with a diploid self-compatible inbred line of S. chacoense, M6 to introgress self-compatibility. Of the hundreds of seeds produced in the past 5 years from these diphaploid crosses with 18 breeding lines or varieties, about 80 progeny have been confirmed as diploid (2x). These dihaploids are the foundation of our diploid breeding program for round white potatoes for the chip and table markets. Introgressing Self-compatibility to Solanum tuberosum Dihaploids for Diploid Variety Development Dihaploids of cultivated potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) have been produced for over 50 years to reduce the breeding and genetic challenges of autopolyploidy. Most dihaploids are male sterile (MS) that reduces the benefit of lower ploidy level of cultivated tetraploid potato. In this study, we used three self-compatibility (SC) donors to introgress SC into a wide range of dihaploid germplasm through a series of crosses to dihaploids which we refer to as S. tuberosum backcrossing. The SC increased from 11% in the F1 generation to 33% in the BC2 generations. Over 6,000 genome-wide SNPs were used to characterize the germplasm diversity, heterozygosity, and structure in two backcrossing generations. The BC2 generation was significantly improved regarding maturity, scab resistance, average tuber number, however, the yield in BC2 was not greater than the F1 and BC1 generations. Certified NFT Minituber Production at Michigan State University For two years, the MSU Potato Breeding program has operated a certified NFT minituber production greenhouse. The ability to produce certified seed allows faster introduction of early generation material to the potato industry with commercial certified seed growers. It also helps position the program for participation in international trials, since the minitubers meet Phytosanitary requirements. We offer this service of small volume certified seed minituber production to other breeders and industry partners. Integration of Genetic Engineering with Potato Breeding MSU conducts genetic engineering research to introgress and test economically important traits into potato. We have a USAID-funded project to create and commercialize 3-R-gene potato varieties in Bangladesh and Indonesia. This project is a partnership with Simplot Plant Sciences. Simplot has been creating the plants for the target countries. Greenhouse trials show that a high level of resistance to late blight has been achieved in events that have no backbone and are single inserts. Trials are planned for the fall of 2019. Furthermore, regarding late blight resistance, we have many lines with the RB gene for late blight resistance transformed into MSU lines. The addition of the RB gene allows us to test the effect of multiple resistance genes on the strength of resistance. Our data supports the need to pyramid the late blight resistance R-genes to achieve the best levels of resistance. The RB gene is in Jacqueline Lee and MSL268-D. We now have generated some lines with 3-R-genes stacked with one transformation. We have also generated and evaluated many lines with different genes for water use efficiency. The XERICO gene is showing the most promise. In 2018, we conducted a preliminary trial at MRC with tissue culture transplants of Ranger Russet events. These results are indicating that we are not seeing a yield hit from the XERICO gene. The XERICO events also had a higher specific gravity than Ranger Russet. Meanwhile, the greenhouse experiments are showing an ability to refrain from wilting under sub-optimal soil water levels. In 2019, we will have a seed-tuber based field trial at MRC. Lastly, we have generated and selected a Kalkaska invertase silencing line (Kal91.03) that has resistance to accumulating reducing sugars in 40F storage. We tested the agronomic characteristics of Kal91.03 from 2016-2018. The initial results are suggesting that the invertase silencing line has good tuber type, size and similar specific gravity. This suggests that we can correct sugar issues in a chip processing lines with this genetic engineering strategy. We will conduct a larger block planting in 2019 to look more closely at this line under commercial setting. Chipped directly after 3 months at 40F Funding: Fed. Grant/MPIC/Potatoes USA 2018 POTATO VARIETY EVALUATIONS D.S. Douches, J. Coombs, K. Zarka, G. Steere, D. Kells, M. Zuehlke, A.Sardarbekov, K. , C. Zhang, C. Long, J. Wilbur and N. Rosenzweig,Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824 INTRODUCTION Each year, the MSU potato breeding and genetics team conducts a series of variety trials to assess advanced potato selections from the Michigan State University and other potato breeding programs at the Montcalm Research Center (MRC). In 2018, we tested over 200 varieties and breeding lines in the replicated variety trials, plus over 150 lines in the National Chip Processing Trial (NCPT). The variety evaluation also includes disease testing in the scab nursery (Montcalm Research Center) and foliar late blight evaluation (MSU Campus Plant Pathology Farm). The objectives of the evaluations are to identify superior varieties for fresh or chip-processing markets (chip, round white/yellow table, specialty/red and russet). The varieties were compared in groups according to market class, tuber type, skin color, and to the advancement in selection. Each season, total and marketable yields, specific gravity, tuber appearance, incidence of external and internal defects, chip color (from the field as well as from 45¡F (7.2¡C) and 50¡F (10¡C) storage at 3 and 6 months), along with susceptibilities to common scab, late blight (foliar and tuber), and blackspot bruising are determined. We would like to acknowledge the collaborative effort of the Michigan Potato Industry and research colleagues Matthew Klein and the MSU Potato Breeding Team (especially M. Alsahlany, F. Enciso, N. Kirkwyland, Lea Brunet and Oscar Regalia) for helping to get the field research done. PROCEDURE The fiel d variety trials were conducted at the Montcalm Research Center in Entrican, MI. They were planted as randomized complete block designs with two to four replications. The plots were 23 feet (7 m) long and spacing between plants was 10 inches (25.4 cm). Inter-row spacing was 34 inches (86.4 cm). Supplemental irrigation was applied as needed. Nutrient, weed, disease and insect management were similar to recommendations used by the commercial operations in Montcalm County. The field experiments were conducted on a sandy loam soil that has been out of potato production for 5 years. Oats were grown in 2017 on this ground. The most advanced selections were tested in the Advanced chip and tablestock trials, representing selections at a stage after the preliminary trials. The other field trials were the North Central, Russet, Preliminary (chip-processors and tablestock), Preliminary Pigmented, the NCPT and the early observational trials. 2018 was the eighth year of the National Chip Processing Trial (NCPT). The purpose of the trial is to evaluate early generation breeding lines from the US public breeding programs for their use in chip-processing. The NCPT has 9 trial locations (Northern sites: NY, MI, WI, ND, OR and Southern: NC, FL, CA, TX) in addition to a scab trial Wisconsin. In each of these trials, the yield was graded into four size classes using the new grading line, incidence of external and internal defects in >3.25 in. (8.25 cm) diameter (or 10 oz. (283.5 g) for Russet types) potatoes were recorded. Samples were taken for specific gravity, chip-processing, disease tests and bruising tests. Chip quality was assessed on 25-tuber composite sample from four replications, taking two slices from each tuber. Chips were fried at 345¡F (174¡C) for 2 minutes 15 seconds or until fully cooked. The chip color was measured visually with the SFA 1-5 color chart and a Hunter Colorimeter using crushed chips. Tuber samples were also stored at 45¡F (7.2¡C) and 50¡F (10¡C) for chip-processing out of storage in January and April. Select advanced selections are also placed in the MPIC B.F. Burt Cargill Commercial Demonstration Storage in Entrican, MI for monthly sampling. The lines in the agronomic trials were assessed for common scab resistance at the nursery at the Montcalm Research Center. There has been very strong scab disease pressure at the new Montcalm Scab Disease Nursery for seven years now. The 2018 late blight trial was conducted at the MSU campus Plant Pathology Farm. The simulated blackspot bruise (from 50¡F tuber temperature) results for average spots per tuber have also been incorporated into the summary sheets. RESULTS A. Advanced Chip-Processing Trials (Tables 1 and 2) A summary of the 24 entries evaluated in the trial results is given in Table 1. Overall, the yields for the Advanced trial (142 days) were above average. The check varieties for this trial were Snowden and Atlantic. The highest yielding and most promising lines were Mackinaw, MSZ222-19, MSZ096-03, MSZ219-14, MSZ219-1, MSZ242-02, MSZ242-13, MSZ219-13 and MSZ246-1. Internal defects were minimal for 2018 except for Atlantic and MSZ219-14 which had about 25% hollow heart in the large tubers. Specific gravity was below average with a trial average of 1.077. Snowden and Atlantic had a specific gravity of 1.080 and 1.085, respectively. All chip-processing entries in the trial had excellent chip-processing quality out of the field, with an SFA score of 1.0. Almost all of the MSU breeding lines have good scab resistance. Nineteen MSU chipping lines were classified as having scab resistance scores better than Lamoka (see Table 1). Mackinaw (MSX540-4) has PVY and late blight resistance while MSZ219-13, MSZ219-1 and MSZ219-14 (all three are scab, PVY and late blight resistant). Table 2 had 24 entries and focuses mostly on additional chip-processing lines. Lamoka and Pike were used as the check varieties. MSV313-2, MSX245-2Y, Huron Chipper, MSY156-2 and MSW044-1 were lines that were equivalent or better in yield than Lamoka. Scab resistance was also high in most of these chip-processing lines. NY152 (Niagara) had a high yield but specific gravity was only 1.075 while Lamoka was 1.078. MSW044-1 was noted to have 23% hollow heart in the large tubers. Please note in these chip trials the blackspot bruise was abnormally high due to an overaggressive bruising procedure that was mistakenly followed. B. North Central Regional Trial Entries (Table 3) The North Central Trial is conducted in a wide range of environments (4 regional locations) to provide adaptability data for the release of new varieties from Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin. The trial was reformatted to focus on table potatoes. Twenty-five entries were tested in Michigan in 2018. The results are presented in Table 3. The reference varieties for this trial were Red Norland, Yukon Gold and Russet Norkotah. The highest yielding lines in the trial were ND1243-1PY, MSU Red Marker #2, MSZ109-10PP (Blackberry) and MSZ109-8PP. The three MSU lines produce a high yield with no internal defects. The two PP lines are also scab resistant while Red Marker #2 has PVY resistance. Other MSU lines that looked promising were MSW316-3PY and MSZ107-06PP with a purple tie dye appearance in the tuber flesh. C. Russet Trial (Table 4) In 2018 24 lines were evaluated after 133 days. The results are summarized in Table 4. The Russet trial includes entries from the North Central Regional Trial (NCR). Russet Norkotah, GoldRush and Silverton Russet were the reference varieties used in the trial. In general, the yields were average for many russet lines while Silverton Russet and Reveille Russet were the standouts for yield. In most cases specific gravity was low with average for the trial was 1.072. Hollow heart was prevalent in the 2018 trial despite not having a high percentage of oversize tubers in the trial. Bruise incidence was average a few lines stood out as blackspot susceptible (A08433-4VRRUS, CO05068-1RUS and W10612-8RUS. Scab resistance was common among the lines but susceptibility was observed in a number of the russet lines (see Table 4). D. Adaptation Trial (Table 5) The Adaptation Trial of the tablestock lines was harvested after 130 days and the results of 24 lines are summarized in Table 5. The many of the lines evaluated in the Adaptation Trial were tested in the Preliminary Trials the previous year. Three reference cultivars (Red Norland, Yukon Gold and Onaway) are reported in the tablestock trial. In general, the yields were above average and internal defects were low, but MSZ590-1 had 18% hollow heart incidence. The highest yielding lines were our PP lines (MSZ109-08PP, MSZ109-10PP and MSV443-1PP. Scab tolerance is becoming more prevalent among the advanced selections but the challenge remains to combine scab and late blight resistance together. Blackspot bruising was low for most lines. E. Preliminary Trials (Tables 6, 7 and 8) The Preliminary trials (chip, table, pigmented) are the first replicated trials for evaluating new advanced selections from the MSU potato breeding program. The division of the trials was based upon pedigree assessment for chip-processing and tablestock utilization. In 2018, there were 109 entries trialed in the three Preliminary trials. The chip-processing Preliminary Trial (Table 6) had 47 entries and was harvested after 123 days. Many of the lines chip-processed well from the field but specific gravity values were acceptable with Snowden at 1.081. Internal quality was predominantly vascular discoloration and hollow heart. Promising MSU lines are MSZ269-01Y, MSAA076-6, MSZ194-2, MSZ120-4 and MSAA217-3 combining yield, specific gravity, scab resistance and chip quality. We continue to make progress selecting for chip- processing with scab resistance with 22 lines in the trial with scab ratings equal or lower than 1.8. We are also combing chip-processing quality and late blight resistance, but we did not collect late blight results in 2018 to validate the 2017 results. MSZ120-4 is also noted to have strong verticillium wilt resistance. Table 7 summarizes 32 tablestock entries evaluated in the Preliminary Tablestock Trial. Reba and Yukon Gold were the check varieties. This tablestock trial was harvested and evaluated after 123 days. MSAA196-6, MSAA174-1, MSAA196-1 and MSX472-2 were the promising highest yielding lines. These lines combine high yield potential with scab resistance and good internal quality. Besides some vascular discoloration, other internal defects were minimal. The number of tablestock selections with scab resistance continue to increase. We are also selecting for smoother/brighter skin finish. The interest in the specialty market continues to increase. In 2018, 30 entries were evaluated in a targeted Preliminary Pigmented Trial (Table 8), which was harvested at 123 days. This trial evaluated breeding lines with unique skin and flesh colors. These lines have commercial agronomic performance and specialty characteristics, as well as some scab and late blight resistance. The most promising lines for yield were MSAA183-2PY, MSAA161-PY, MSAA166-2P, MSZ436-2SPL and MSAA101-1RR. Scab resistance was noted in 15 of the entries. F. Potato Common Scab Evaluation (Tables 9 and 10) Each year, a replicated field trial is conducted to assess resistance to common scab. The scab trial is now located at the Montcalm Research Center where high common scab disease pressure was observed in the previous seven years. This location is being used for the early generation observational scab trial (205 lines) and the scab variety trial (224 lines) and diploid scab trial (206). In 2018, the scab infection was aggressive with the susceptible control having a high coverage of pitted scab. We use a rating scale of 0-5 based upon a combined score for scab coverage and lesion severity. Usually examining one year's data does not indicate which varieties are resistant but it should begin to identify ones that can be classified as susceptible to scab. Our goal is to evaluate important advanced selections and varieties in the study at least three years to obtain a valid estimate of the level of resistance in each line. The 2016- 2018 scab ratings are based upon the Montcalm Research Center site. Table 9 categorizes many of the varieties and advanced selections tested in 2018 over a three-year period. The varieties and breeding lines are placed into nine categories based upon scab infection level and lesion severity. A rating of 0 indicates zero scab infection. A score of 1.0 indicates a trace amount of infection. A moderate resistance (1.2 Ð 1.5) correlates with <10% infection. Scores of 4.0 or greater are found on lines with >50% surface infection and severe pitted lesions. The check varietie s Russet Norkotah, GoldRush, Red Norland, Yukon Gold, Onaway, Pike, Atlantic, and Snowden can be used as references (bolded in Table 9). The table is sorted in ascending order by 2018 scab rating. This yearÕs results continue to indicate that we have been able to breed numerous lines with resistance to scab. Scab ratings ranged from 0.3 - 4.0 for the variety trial. A total of 83 lines, of the 224 tested, had a scab rating of 1.5 or lower in 2018. Most notable scab resistant MSU lines are found in the trial summaries (Tables 1-8). There are also an increasing number of scab resistant lines that also have late blight resistance and PVY resistance such as Saginaw Chipper (MSR061-1), MSX540-4, MSZ219-1, MSZ219-13 and MSZ219-14. We also continue to conduct early generation scab screening on selections in the breeding program beginning after two years of selection. Of the 411 early generation selections and diploid selections that were evaluated, 161 had scab resistance (scab rating of ! 1.5) (Table 10). H. Late Blight Trial In 2018, the late blight trial was planted at the East Lansing campus Plant Pathology farm. 206 entries were planted in early June for late blight evaluation. These include lines tested in a replicated manner from the agronomic variety trial (144 lines) and 62 entries in the early generation observation plots. The trials were inoculated three times in August with the US-23 genotype of P. infestans. Late blight infection was identified in the plots one week after the first inoculation, however, disease progression was arrested due to the hot, dry weather. As a result, we did not collect data that could discriminate resistant from susceptible lines. I. Blackspot Bruise Susceptibility (Table 11) Evaluations of advanced seedlings and new varieties for their susceptibility to blackspot bruising are also important in the variety evaluation program. Based upon the results collected over the past years, the non-bruised check sample has been removed from our bruise assessment. A composite bruise sample of each line in the trials consisted of 25 tubers (a composite of 4 replications) from each line, collected at the time of grading. The 25 tuber sample was held in 50¡F (10¡C) storage overnight and then was placed in a hexagon plywood drum and tumbled 10 times to provide a simulated bruise. The samples were peeled in an abrasive peeler in October and individual tubers were assessed for the number of blackspot bruises on each potato. These data are shown in Table 11. The bruise data are represented in two ways: percentage of bruise free potatoes and average number of bruises per tuber. A high percentage of bruise-free potatoes is the desired goal; however, the numbers of blackspot bruises per potato is also important. Cultivars which show blackspot incidence greater than Atlantic are approaching the bruise-susceptible rating. In addition, the data is grouped by trial, since the bruise levels can vary between trials. In 2018, the bruise levels were average compared to previous years except the Advanced Chip trials because of the aggressive bruise protocol. There are many lines with lower blackspot bruise potential across the trials. Some of our advanced selections are similar to or less than Atlantic and Snowden in their level of bruising. A few lines will high susceptibility to bruise were identified and will be discontinued from testing. All the bruise ratings are also found in the variety trial tables (Tables 1-8). J. National Chip Processing Trial (NCPT) data available on-line The Potatoes USA-funded National Chip Processing Trial (NCPT) is an effort to synergize the strengths of the public breeding programs in the U.S. to identify improved chip-processing varieties for the industry. Cooperating breeding programs include the USDA (Idaho and Maryland) and land grant universities (Colorado, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, North Dakota, New York, Oregon, Wisconsin and Texas). The coordinated breeding effort includes early stage evaluation of key traits (yield, specific gravity, chip color, chip defects and shape) from coordinated trials in 10 locations. Since the inception of the trial in 2010, over 900 different potato entries, including reference varieties, have been evaluated. The data for all the lines tested are summarized on a searchable, centralized database housed at Medius. More than 40 promising new breeding lines from the trials have been fast-tracked for larger- scale commercial trials and processor evaluation. The NCPT is also a feeder for the national SNaC International trials. We are using the NCPT trials to more effectively identify promising new selections. These are MSW485-2, MSX540-4, MSZ219-13, MSZ219-14 and MSW075-1, MSW474-1, MSZ063-2 and MSZ242-13 have been added to the mini-fast track. Minituber production and/or commercial seed have been produced of these lines and will be tested in Michigan in 2019. Yellow Flesh and Pigmented Russet Table 4MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITYPOTATO BREEDING and GENETICS3-YR AVGUS#1LINENUS#1TOTALUS#1BsAsOVPOSP GRHHVDIBSBCSCAB3BRUISE4CWT/ASilverton Russet444449290890031.065208001.20.4416Reveille (ATX91137-1Rus)441445790790031.06905002.01.1387A08433-4VRRUS4385463831083071.077388002.02.6-WAF10612-1RUS4379473801480161.074135003.32.0-Caribou (AF3362-1Rus)434538390590051.072013301.01.1380*AF5406-7RUS43354597312730151.0752018001.31.4-A071012-4BFRUS4316389811381051.086408002.83.2-Russet Norkotah4304379801480061.0692813002.81.4358Mountain Gem (A03158-2TERUS)4303375799781121.0696327000.82.0344*AF5091-8RUS4300359831183061.065010002.51.4349CO05068-1RUS4293417702570051.08858135801.73.8-A07061-6RUS3287350831583031.07103002.51.4385*AF5179-4RUS4284354809800101.084520004.01.8370*W10612-8RUS427630690790031.07338002.03.7-A06021-1TRUS4264321821582031.07758001.31.9251*Goldrush Russet4254319801580051.062023000.71.4328*TX08352-5Rus (Vanguard)4230265861186031.06005001.81.6238CW08071-2RUS422226085885171.073510002.02.5-W10594-16RUS4211284742574021.07630003.20.6-CO07049-1RUS4202317623562031.06805001.71.0-AF5312-1RUS4196281702270081.06655000.82.2273*CO09036-2RUS4153271564056041.073020000.81.3-CO07015-4RUS4122222534553021.06700001.20.8-MEAN2833561.0721.91.8349HSD0.051501510.007* Two-Year Average1SIZE: B: < 4 oz.; A: 4-10 oz.; OV: > 10 oz.; PO: Pickouts.2QUALITY: HH: Hollow Heart; BC: Brown Center; VD: Vascular Discoloration; IBS: Internal Brown Spot. Percent of 40 Oversize and/or A-size tubers cut.3SCAB DISEASE RATING: MSU Scab Nursery; 0: No Infection; 1: Low Infection <5%; 3: Intermediate; 5: Highly Susceptible.Plant Date:5/7/184BRUISE: Simulated blackspot bruise test average number of spots per tuber.Vine Kill:9/6/185Enviroweather: Entrican Station. Planting to vine killDays from planting to vine kill:122TUBER QUALITY2PERCENT (%)RUSSET TRIALMONTCALM RESEARCH CENTERMay 07 to September 17, 2018 (133 days)PERCENT OF TOTAL1CWT/ADD Base 40¡F 34295 Sorted by ascending 2018 Average Rating; Sorted by ascending 2018 Rating: 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x Hap Hap Hap Hap Hap Hap Hap Hap Hap 2x 2x Sorted by ascending 2018 Rating: 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x Hap Hap Hap Hap Hap 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x Sorted by ascending 2018 Rating:2x 2x 2x 2x 2x Hap Hap Hap Hap Hap Hap Hap 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x Sorted by ascending 2018 Rating:2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x Hap 2x Hap Hap Hap Hap Hap Hap Hap Hap 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x 2x Sorted by ascending 2018 Rating: Hap Table 11MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITYPOTATO BREEDING and GENETICSPERCENT (%)BRUISEAVERAGEENTRYSP GR012345+ FREESPOTS/TUBERADAPTATION TRIAL, CHIP-PROCESSING LINESManistee (MSL292-A)1.078041083002.4MSZ022-071.072324361162.5MSZ096-031.077319633122.6MSZ219-461.07314684342.7MSZ025-021.07322595382.8MSZ052-021.07202884302.9MSZ222-191.08201775503.2MSZ242-071.08801775503.2MSZ219-141.07710595543.3MSZ219-011.07801478503.5MSZ246-11.08300658603.6MSZ052-141.073016531003.6MSZ219-131.07500396703.7MSZ248-101.07610287843.7Mackinaw (MSX540-4)1.085004651003.8MSZ242-131.090011551404.2MSZ242-091.083001391204.3Atlantic1.085001261004.3Snowden1.080002081504.4ADAPTATION TRIAL, CHIP AND TABLESTOCK LINESMSZ109-05RR1.0611141000041.4MSV093-1Y1.0663911210121.6MSV358-31.078596212201.6Pike1.079665611241.7MSU379-11.07204341002.2HuronChipper (MSW485-2)1.083338830122.2MSV235-2PY1.07007774102.4MSX156-1Y1.06206931502.6MSY156-021.078119112142.6MSW064-011.08100624103.0MSV313-21.07705634703.1MSX245-2Y1.08122546683.1Lamoka1.07800649003.2MSW075-011.07411469443.3MSW502-41.08301664803.5NY1521.07501435603.6MSX225-021.07502158903.8MSV498-11.07200367903.9MSW044-011.0800011041003.9MSV507-0071.07400154904.1NORTH CENTRAL REGION TRIALND081571-2R1.0542500001000.0ND102663B-3R1.0612230000880.1MSZ109-08PP1.0602040000830.2MSZ109-10PP1.0601870000720.32018 BLACKSPOT BRUISE SUSCEPTIBILITY TESTSIMULATED BRUISE SAMPLES*NUMBER OF SPOTS PER TUBERTable 11MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITYPOTATO BREEDING and GENETICSPERCENT (%)BRUISEAVERAGEENTRYSP GR012345+ FREESPOTS/TUBER2018 BLACKSPOT BRUISE SUSCEPTIBILITY TESTSIMULATED BRUISE SAMPLES*NUMBER OF SPOTS PER TUBERRed Norland1.0551770100680.4MSZ107-06PP1.06913100000570.4Russet Norkotah1.06614101000560.5W13103-2Y1.05713120000520.5AND00272-1R1.06011122000440.6QSNDSU07-041.0581473100560.6ND12128B-1R1.0669124000360.8W13008-1rus1.0678132200320.9W14176-14rus1.0846137000231.0W13015-17rus1.073896200321.1W13027-46rus1.06977911281.3ND1232B-2RY1.069593140231.5MSU Red Marker #21.0743712300121.6MSW316-3PY1.066376720121.9MSR226-ARR1.06918853042.0MSQ558-2RR1.06617572142.2ND1243-1PY1.07207573302.6ND113113B-2PSY1.071134103242.7W14176-5rus1.08502882503.0ND1241-1Y1.09602962603.0RUSSET TRIALSilverton Russet1.0651690000640.4W10594-16RUS1.0761474000560.6CO07015-4RUS1.06710104100400.8CO07049-1RUS1.0687117000281.0Reveille Russet (ATX91137-1Rus)1.0697123210281.1Caribou1.0727123210281.1CO09036-2RUS1.073115900041.3Goldrush Russet1.062215530081.4Russet Norkotah1.069213910081.4AF5091-8RUS1.0654812100161.4AF5406-7RUS1.075679210241.4A07061-6RUS1.0712104300111.4TX08352-5Rus (Vanguard)1.0600111410001.6AF5179-4RUS1.084468710151.8A06021-1TRUS1.07718970041.9WAF10612-1RUS1.07418952042.0Mountain Gem (A03158-2TERUS)1.069061351002.0AF5312-1RUS1.066141253042.2CW08071-2RUS1.07307850502.5A08433-4VRRUS1.07705785102.6A071012-4BFRUS1.08602674603.2W10612-8RUS1.07300286503.7CO05068-1RUS1.08800459703.8ADAPTATION TRIAL, TABLESTOCK LINESRed Norland1.0552230000880.1Table 11MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITYPOTATO BREEDING and GENETICSPERCENT (%)BRUISEAVERAGEENTRYSP GR012345+ FREESPOTS/TUBER2018 BLACKSPOT BRUISE SUSCEPTIBILITY TESTSIMULATED BRUISE SAMPLES*NUMBER OF SPOTS PER TUBERMSZ109-08PP1.05815100000600.4MSV111-21.0691671100640.5MSZ428-1PP1.06614101000560.5MSZ109-10PP1.0611673000620.5MSZ413-6P1.06712112000480.6Yukon Gold1.0661393000520.6MSW316-03PY1.069114400580.6MSZ107-06PP1.07211122000440.6MSV179-11.0601152201521.0MSX398-21.0779102300381.0MST252-1Y1.0646116200241.2MSX497-061.063874321321.5MSZ590-11.065677401241.5MSZ407-2Y1.0753105610121.7Onaway1.05847761161.7MSX324-1P1.0763511610121.9MSZ598-21.06509723402.4PRELIMINARY TRIAL, CHIP-PROCESSING LINESMSAA228-11.0741271000600.5AC00206-2W1.069892100400.8AC03452-2W1.0671064100480.8MSAA725-31.069892010400.9AC05153-1W1.0716103100301.0MSAA208-21.085776000351.0MSZ100-031.067682300321.1MSZ144-4Y1.068274000151.2MSZ092-021.073566200261.3MSZ242-031.076386210151.5B2904-21.080735221351.6MSAA266-11.071457410191.7MSX225-11.086356500161.7CO02321-4W1.080272710111.9MSZ020-081.073061031002.0MSAA037-11.08414422082.0MSZ159-31.078262103142.0MSAA240-61.08215842052.1Pike1.080265440102.1MSZ269-181.072246530102.2MSAA061-71.080236530112.2MSZ022-141.06506544002.3MSX177-7Y1.07617552342.4BNC311-41.074432542202.4W9968-51.087255314102.4MSAA217-31.089225632102.6MSAA232-41.077224632112.6MSZ022-191.07402943202.7MSW537-61.08802685002.8Table 11MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITYPOTATO BREEDING and GENETICSPERCENT (%)BRUISEAVERAGEENTRYSP GR012345+ FREESPOTS/TUBER2018 BLACKSPOT BRUISE SUSCEPTIBILITY TESTSIMULATED BRUISE SAMPLES*NUMBER OF SPOTS PER TUBERCO02033-1W1.083234145112.9MSZ194-21.07805343402.9MSZ200-61.07202546303.2MSAA085-11.076212645103.2B2869-291.08704333703.3Snowden1.08101555403.3MSAA571-3Y1.07413152853.4MSZ102-51.07604145603.4MSZ120-41.07902427503.5MSZ268-1Y1.07412124863.7MSAA076-61.08600283703.8MSAA678-11.08011125763.8BNC182-51.081022221204.0MSAA570-31.08000045404.0MSAA353-11.07700082904.1MSZ248-021.06700056804.2PRELIMINARY TRIAL, TABLESTOCK LINESAF5280-51.0581780000680.3NY1491.0711383100520.7Soraya1.0599151000360.7MSV177-11.0798143000320.8Queen Anne1.0578143000320.8Jazzy1.0608106000330.9W9576-11Y1.058997000360.9Bonnata1.0655156000191.0MSAA196-11.0606125100251.0MSX526-02Y1.0665145100201.1MSAA196-61.0615143120201.2Laperla1.0503154300121.3Wendy1.062018700001.3MSL211-31.0643137200121.3MSAA174-11.058669400241.4MSX293-1Y1.0743125500121.5MSZ510-41.062397210141.5Yukon Gold1.075212641081.6Orlena1.053110851041.8MSX472-21.06826962082.0AF4138-81.059010753002.0MSW119-21.07028743182.0MSZ615-21.06526953082.0MSZ513-21.06618940342.1MSZ706-11.07816585042.4MSAA168-81.07306782202.5Alegria1.070011086002.8MSAA168-31.070134113342.8Reba1.069018112302.9Table 11MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITYPOTATO BREEDING and GENETICSPERCENT (%)BRUISEAVERAGEENTRYSP GR012345+ FREESPOTS/TUBER2018 BLACKSPOT BRUISE SUSCEPTIBILITY TESTSIMULATED BRUISE SAMPLES*NUMBER OF SPOTS PER TUBERPRELIMINARY TRIAL, PIGMENTED LINES MSZ436-2SPL1.0531660000730.3Cerata1.0611951000760.3MSZ107-01PP1.0701851000750.3MSAA182-3R1.0751452000670.4MSZ602-2PP1.0611481000610.4MSAA706-7PP1.054540000560.4W8890-1R1.05613111000520.5MSW476-4R1.07213110100520.6MSX569-1R1.0521465000560.6MSZ109-07PP1.0591154000550.7MSAA127-7PP1.0551374100520.7MSZ427-1R1.0581374100520.7MSZ493-1PP1.0618143000320.8AF4831-2R1.0739106000360.9MSS514-1PP1.060380100250.9CO98012-5R1.065978010361.1MSZ433-3P1.076797100291.1AF5245-1P1.0733139000121.2MSZ427-3R1.051968201351.3MSAA127-1PP1.051615300401.3MSZ609-1P1.074335100251.3Mystery Splash1.062954411381.4MSX324-2R1.068210840081.6MSAA166-2P1.068112840041.6MSAA161-1PY1.076775421271.6MSAA183-2PY1.0622104410101.6MSAA161-4RY1.0683106320131.6MSAA157-2PY1.06729482082.0MSAA101-1RR1.07608753102.3W8405-1R1.060334503172.3USPB/SFA TRIAL CHECK SAMPLES (Not bruised)Mackinaw (MSX540-4)1.0841870000720.3NDTX081648CB-13W1.0761851000750.3ND7519-41.0821780000680.3NDA081453CAB-2C1.0761591000600.4W9968-51.081564000600.6Snowden1.07810150000400.6Lamoka1.07711113000440.7AF5429-31.0731471210560.8MSW044-11.085995200361.0NY1621.075251250081.8MSV030-41.0783610420121.8AF5040-81.08227564182.2USPB/SFA TRIAL BRUISE SAMPLESAF5429-31.0739141100360.8Table 11MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITYPOTATO BREEDING and GENETICSPERCENT (%)BRUISEAVERAGEENTRYSP GR012345+ FREESPOTS/TUBER2018 BLACKSPOT BRUISE SUSCEPTIBILITY TESTSIMULATED BRUISE SAMPLES*NUMBER OF SPOTS PER TUBERNDTX081648CB-13W1.0768111220331.1NDA081453CAB-2C1.0767113211281.3W9968-51.080697300241.3ND7519-4 (bruise bag has -1)1.082496500171.5Mackinaw (MSX540-4)1.084387421121.9Snowden1.07805783102.5Lamoka1.07724494282.6MSW044-11.08504766202.8NY1621.07520585583.2MSV030-41.07801269803.8AF5040-81.082103231644.2* Thirteen to twenty-five (dependent on the number of replications used) A-size tuber samples were collected at harvest, held at 50 F at least 12 hours, and placed in a six-sided plywood drum and rotated ten times to produce simulated bruising. Samples were abrasive-peeled and scored 10/26 & 11/1&2/2018.The table is presented in ascending order of average number of spots per tuber. Funding: Federal Grant, M PIC and Potatoes USA/SNAC 2018 On-Farm Potato Variety Trials Chris Long, Trina Zavislan, John Calogero, Dr. Dave Douches Cooperators: James DeDecker, (Presque Isle Co.), Monica Jean (Delta Co.) INTRODUCTION Our main objectives for on-farm potato v ariety trials are to: 1) identify promising lines for further testing and evaluation , 2) conduct larger scale commercial agronomic and processing trials through multi -acre block planting s, and 3) use trial data to encourage the commercialization of new varieties in the state of Michigan. We share our results with growers, breeders, and processors across the country to aid in the development of new varieties. In 2018, we conducted 37 on-farm potato varie ty trial s with 16 grower s in 11 counties. Processing trial cooperators were : 4- L Farms , Inc. (Allegan), Black Gold Farms (St. Joseph), County Line Farms (Allegan), Crawford Farms, Inc. (Montcalm), Hampton Potato Growers (Bay), Lennard Ag. Co. (St. Joseph ), Main Farms (Montcalm), Sandyland Farms (Montcalm), and Wal ther Farms, Inc. (St. Joseph). We also conducted processing trials at the Michigan State University (MSU) Montcalm Research Center (Montcalm) . The Potatoes USA /Snack ing Nutritio n and Convenience International (SNAC Int.) chip trial was conducted at Sandyland Farms (Montcalm). Fresh market trial cooperators were : 4- L Farms (Allegan), C rawford Farms , Inc. (Montcalm) , Elmaple Farm LLC (Kalkaska), Horkey Bros. (Monroe), Jenkins Far ms (Kalkaska), Kitchen Farms, Inc. (Antrim), Lennard Ag. Co. (St. Joseph ), Verbrigghe Farms (Delta), Walther Farms, Inc. (St. Joseph ), and Wilk Farm s (Presque Isle). PROCEDURE A. Processing Variety Trials We evaluated 48 chip processing varieties in 2018. To evaluate selected processing lines, we used the following check varieties: Altantic, Lamoka, Pike, and Snowden. For all trials, we used 10fl in-row seed spacing and 34fl rows. The majority of our processing trials were strip trials. These trials c onsisted of a single 75-95™ strip for each variety of which we harvested and graded a single 23- ft section . For each variety in the Walther Farms, Inc. trials, we planted three, 15 -ft long rows and harvested the center row. We also conducted multi- acre blo ck plantings of promising, non-commercialized trials at Sackett Potatoes, Sandyland Farms, and Walther Farms. Agronomic production practices for these block plantings varied based on each grower™s production system. B. Processing Vari ety Trials We conducted the Potatoes USA/SNAC Int. Trial for Michigan at Sandyland Farms, LCC (Montcalm County). We planted 12 varieties in 300 ™ strips and harvested three, 23- ft section s of row for each variety . Our check varieties were ‚Lamoka™ and ‚Snowden™. For more details on this trial, please reference the 2018 annual report published by Potatoes USA. C. Fresh Market Trials Within the fr esh market trials, we evaluated 100 primary entries (this does not include entries from Potatoes USA /NFPT tria l) which inclu ded: 26 russet, 25 red, 27 yellow, 9 novelty, and 13 round white types. To evaluate selected table- stock lines, we use d the following check varieties: Red : Dark Red Norland Round White : Onaway, Reba Russet : GoldRush, Russet Norkotah, Silverton Russet Yellow : Yukon Gold We planted all trials with 34fl wide rows and 10fl in- row seed spacing. We evaluated the majority of our fresh market trials as strip trials. These trials consisted of a single 60-100™ for each variety of which we harvested and graded a single 23- ft section. We planted the NFPT trial at Walther Farms, Inc. as single 15™ long strips and harvested the entire strip. For each variety in the Elmaple Farm LCC trial, we planted three, 30-ft long rows and harvested 23-ft of the center row. We plan ted Walther Farms, Inc. trials similarly to the Elmapl e trial except the rows were 15 ft long and we harvested the entire center row. We also conducted multi-acre block plantings of promising, non- commercialized trials at Elmaple Farms , Jenkins Farms, Kitchen Farms, Yoder Farms, Lennard Ag. Co.and Walther Farms . Agronomic production practices for these block plantings varied based on each grower™s production system. RESULTS A. Processing Variety Trial Results We recorded general descriptions, pedigrees, and scab ratings for all varieties tested in 2018 (Table 1) and evaluated these varieties based on yield, specific gravity, internal quality, common scab ratings, and maturity (Table 2). Below are six superior p rocessing varieties from 2018. MSZ096-3 : This Michigan State University selection was evaluated only in the MSU Box Bin trial, and had the highest overall and US #1 yields in 2018 of 787 cwt/A and 731 cwt/A, respectively. It produced mainly A-sized tubers with 93 % A size potatoes and 6% B -sized potatoes . It will be further evaluated across multiple locations in 2019 . This variety had an average common scab rating of 1.5, higher than the trial average of 0.8. It had no incidence of stem end defect, and had an off the farm chip color of 1.5 Compared to the trial average of 1.076, MSZ096-3 had a higher specific gravity of 1.081. It requires full season maturity and has smaller vines. Some flattened tubers were observed in 2018. MSZ120-4 : This variety had the second highest US #1 yield in the processing variety trial of 587 cwt/A. It had 90% US #1 tubers and no pickouts . The specific gravity was 1.086, higher than average, and off the farm chip score was 1.0, below the trial average of 1.3. This variety is resistant to both common scab and stem end defects. It had good internal quality except for 20 % vascular discoloration. MSZ120-4 is a medium -late maturing plant with smaller vines. BNC182 -5 : This Maryland variety had a high yield of 453 cwt/A US #1 tubers. I t had a larger size profile with 7 % oversize tubers. BNC182 -5 had a lower than average specific gravity of 1.073 , and an off the farm chip score of 1.3. It had so me internal defects, including 12 % vascular discoloration and 12% hollow heart. This variety will be further evaluated for fresh market use only across multiple locations in 2019. Niagara (NY152) : Thi s recently named Cornell variety was evaluated at nine locations in 2018. It had 87% US #1 tubers and a US#1 yield of 421 cwt/A. This variety had an average specific gravity of 1.076 and an off the farm chip score of 1.4. It had an average amount of internal defects and was moderately resistant to common scab. It had moderate stem end defects with a score of 0.8 . The tubers were uniformly shaped and round. Mackinaw ( MSX540-4) : This Michigan State University variety was planted at fourteen locations, and had an average yield of 279 cwt/A US #1 tubers, significantly lower than in previous years . It had a high specific gravity of 1.079, and an off the farm chip score of 1.2. It had a low incidence o f internal defects except for 11 % vascular discoloration, less than the trial average. This variety was resistant to both common scab and stem end defects. MSX540-4 had a moderately vigorous vine and medium m aturity. It has good chip color after storage, but exhibited bruising and some dark chips. MSZ219-14 : This variety has been selected for the NexGen trial, and was evaluated at three locations in 2018. It had a high US#1 yield of 408 cwt/A and 89% A- sized tubers. It had a higher incidence of hollow heart than the trial average. This variety has medium maturity and produces moderately sized vines. B. Potatoes USA/SNAC Int. Chip Trial In 2018, we conducted the Potatoes USA / SNAC Int. Michigan chip trial at Sandyland Farms , LLC in Montcalm County . We compared y ield, size distribution, and specific gravity of 10 test varieties to Lamoka and Snowden (Table 3). We also evaluated at -harvest raw tuber quality (Table 4) and sent samples to Herr Foods, Inc. (Nottingham, PA) whe re potatoes were processed and scored for out of the field chip quality (Table 5). We assessed blackspot bruise susceptibility (Table 6) and pre- harvest panels for each variety (Table s 7 A and B ). The varietie s with the highest US#1 yi elds were M SV030-4, W9968-5, and AF5429-3, with yiel ds ranging from 500 cwt/A to 476 cwt/A. AF5429-3 had the highes t percent of US #1 tubers at 91 %, while MSW044-1 had the lowest at 67 %. The average specifi c gravity of the trial was 1.079 (Table 3). Minimal brown spot, hollow heart, and brown center were observed in 2018. However all varieties displayed at least 3 % vascular discoloration, with 27 % incidence in W9968-5 (Table 4). Samples collected on October 16th were processed by Herr™s Foods, Inc. on October 29 th. ND7519-1 had the lowest SFA chip color, and was ranked first by Herr™s for overall chi p quality. MSX540-4 and MSV030-4 were also ranked highly, while AF5040-8 and NDTX081648CB-13W were ranked last in the trial (Table 5). Black spot bruise as sessments demons trated that AF5429-3 , NDTX0 81648CB- 13W, and W9968-5 were most resistant to black spot bruising, while MSV030-4 and AF5040-8 were most susceptible (Table 6). C. Fresh Market and Variety Trial Results We recorded general descriptions, ped igrees, and scab ratings for all fresh market varieties evaluated in 2018 (Table 8) and assessed these varieties based on yield, specific gravity, internal quality, common scab ratings, and m aturity (Tables 9 and 10 ). Below are top performing russet, yello w, red, white, and novelty fresh pack varieties. Russets Castle Russet: This variety was evaluated at two locations in 2018, and will be planted across multiple locations in both strip trials and bulk plantings in 2019. It had the highest US#1 and total yield of all trial varieties, 519 and 608 cwt/A, respectively. It had a very high incidence of hollow heart, 75%, but other internal defects were below the trial average. Caribou Russet: This University of Maine variety had the fourth highest US#1 trial yield at 459 cwt/A. It had a medium russeted skin type and a larger tuber size profile. This medium maturing variety is resistant to common scab and has a vigorous vine type . It had a specific gravity of 1.073, at the trial average, and low incidence of h ollow heart, vascular discoloration, brown center. However, it had 22% internal brown spot, w ell above the trial average of 4 %. A08433- 4sto RUS: This Aberdeen, Idaho variety also had a high yield of 499 cwt/A with 75% US #1 tubers. It had a specific gravity of 1.075 and a common scab rating of 0.2. This full season variety had a moderately vigorous vine, and internal defects below the trial average . A08433 -4sto RUS has multiple disease resistances including PVY, Verticillium Wilt, Early Blight, and tuber Late Blight. A07061- 6RUS: This Aberdeen, Idaho variety was evaluated at eleven locations in 2018. It had a high US#1 yield of 440 cwt/A, and a sm aller tuber size profile with 13% B-sized tubers. This variety had a specific gravity of 1 .073 and ex cellent internal quality, with 6% vascular discoloration . It had a higher than average common scab rating of 1.3 and a medium vine maturity. Yellow Flesh Actri ce: This yellow-fleshed variety had the highest total and US#1 trial yield of 782 and 716 cwt/A, respectively. It produced 91% A-sized tubers and had a lower specific gravity of 1.057. Internal quality was good except for 20% vascular discoloration. This variety had a common scab rating of 0.3, and tended to produce misshapen pickouts. Queen Anne: This variety has a consistent attractive appearance with a smooth skin finish and medium yellow flesh. With a US#1 yield of 278 and total yield of 430 cwt/A, this v ariety had a smaller size profile with 39% B -sized tubers. It had high ratings for both skin waxiness and yellow flesh color. Soraya : This Norika selection a high yield of 330 cwt/A in 2018 with 64% US#1 potatoes. It had a specific gravity of 1.059, lower than the trial average of 1.069, and medium vine vigor and maturity. It had good internal quality, with internal defects below the trial average, and a common scab rating of 0.2. Jelly : This SunRain variety had the second highest US #1 yield of 462 cwt/ A with 77% US #1 tubers. At 1.064, it had a lower than average specific gravity, and a common scab rating of 0.5. Jelly had a high incidence of vascular discoloration at 70%, well above the trial average of 13%. This full season variety had oval to oblong tubers. MSX156- 1Y: This Michigan selection also had a high yield of 444 cwt/A US#1 tubers. It had excellent internal quality and an average common scab rating. While the tubers were an attractive round shape, the variety had some netted skin and alligato r hide. Red Skin Cerata : This Stet Holland variety was the high est yielding variety in the 2018 red skin potato trial with a US #1 yield of 439 cwt/A. It was evaluated at nine locations in 2018, and had 75% US #1 tubers. Cerata had a specific gravity of 1.063, slightly lower than the trial average of 1.064. It had good internal quality with defects at or below the trial average. This full season variety had a common scab rating of 0.9 and slight skin flaking. W8405-1R : This Un iversity of Wisconsin variety had a high US #1 yield of 334 cwt/A and a specific gravity of 1.060 . Its internal quality was acceptable, with 10 % vascular discoloration and 9% internal brown spot. This variety had an oval tuber type, very vigorous vine, and medium maturity. W8890-1R: This mid -season maturing Wisconsin variety produced attractive, uniform tubers with deep red skin. It had a US#1 yield of 313 cwt/A, slightly above the trial average of 245 cwt/A . W8890-1R ha d a smaller size profile with 24% B size tubers. It had a higher than average incidenc e of vascular discoloration at 2 5%. CO98012-5R : This Color ado selection has an attractive tuber type and skin finish, but is scab susceptible. It had an above average yield of 311 cwt/A and very good inte rnal quality. The common scab score of 1.9 was higher than the trial average of 0.6. Round White White Beauty: This variety was the highest yielding round white potato in 2018. Evaluated at one location, it had a total yield of 608 cwt/A and US#1 yield of 562 cwt/Q. It had no common scab, and a slightly higher than average specific gravity of 1.071. White beauty was late to mature and produced vigorous vines. MSY111-1: This Michigan State University selection had an average yield of 384 cwt /A of US#1 tubers. This variety produced 76% A- sized tubers, which were round with netted skin. It had good internal quality with 10 % vascular discoloration. This mid -season variety had a common scab rating of 0.8. MSX497-6: This variety produced larger tubers, with 91% A- sized tuber in 2018. It had good internal quality, a common scab score of 1.7, and mid-season maturity. MSX497-6 had an average yield of 375 cwt/A. Nadine: While this variety had a lower yield of 305 cwt/A US#1 tubers, it had a smaller size profile and produced 22% B-sized tubers. It had no internal defects in 2018, and a common scab score of 0.5. It had bright, shiny skin and an attractive appearance. Novelty MSV443- 1PP: This Michigan selection had purple skin and flesh, and was the highest yielding novelty variety in 2018. With a total yield of 374 cwt/A, this variety produced an even split of A and B-sized potatoes. It had no internal defects and a common scab score of 0.3. The purple skin was a uniform dark color, but moderate silver scurf was observed. MSW148- 1P: This v ariety had purple skin and white flesh, and was evaluated at seven locations in 2018. It had the second highest total yield of 385 cwt/A and 69% US#1 tubers. It had good internal quality, but moderate silver scurf with a rating of 2.5, above the trial average of 1.5. Table 1. 2018 Chip Processing Variety Descriptions Entry Pedigree 2018 Scab Rating * Characteristics Atlantic Wauseon x B5141 -6 (Lenape) 1.0 High yield, early maturing, high incidence of hollow heart and internal brown spot , high specific gravity , more oversize tubers than trial average Hodag (W5955 -1) Pike x Dakota Pearl 0.6 Average yield, high specific gravity, size profile similar to At lantic, management should be adjusted because this variety tends to produce large tubers, long storage potential with common scab resistance Lamoka (NY139) NY120 x NY115 0.7 Average yield, mid -late season maturity, medium specific gravity, oval to oblong tuber type, low internal defects, long -term chip quality Manistee (MSL292 -A) Snowden x MSH098 -2 0.9 Average yield with early to mid -season maturity, excellent chip -processing quality and long storage potential, scab tolerance and specific gravity similar to Snowden, uniform round tubers with shallow eyes and heavy netted skin, some compressed tubers apical to s tem Mackinaw (MSX540 -4) Saginaw Chipper x Lamoka 0.8 Average yield with high specific gravity and high percentage of A -sized tubers, mid to late -season maturity, long -term chip -processing quality with resistance to PVY and late blight and tolerance to common scab, currently in Fast Track program (2018 Processing Var ieties cont.) Entry Pedigree 2018 Scab Rating* Characteristics MegaChip Wischip x FYF85 0.0 Medium to late season maturity, high yield potential, early bulking, longer dormancy than Snowden, common scab resistance, fairly resistant to shatter bruise, good chip quality out of the field and out of storage Niagara (NY152 ) B38 -14 x Marcy 0.8 High yield potential, medium speci fic gravity, excellent long -term storage chip quality, tolerance to common scab, Pike (NYE55 -35) Allegany x Atlantic 0.6 Average yield, early to mid -season maturity, small tuber size profile, early storage, some internal defects, medium specific gravity Snowden (W855) B5141 -6 x Wischip 1.6 High yield, medium -late maturity, mid -season storage, reconditions well in storage, medium to high specific gravity AC00206 -2W AC87340 -2 x ND2627 -10 1.4 Common scab susceptible, early to mid -season maturity, lower specific gravity AC03452 -2W A98423 -1C x COA96141 -2C 1.3 High yield potential, high percentage of US #1 tubers, susceptibility to vascular discoloration AC05153 -1W A91814 -5 x Chipeta 1.0 Lower yield, smaller tuber size profile, good internal quality, low stem end defect AF5429 -3 Dakota Pearl x NY140 2.5 High yield potential and percentage of US #1 tubers, round tuber type, average specific gravity (2018 Processing Vari eties c ont.) Entry Pedigree 2018 Scab Rating* Characteristics AF5040 -8 AF2376 -5 x Lamoka 0.8 High yield potential, high specific gravity, medium maturing, vigorous vines, pale yellow flesh, round to oblong shape, common scab susceptible BNC182 -5 Tacna x B0766 -3 0.3 High yield potential, average specific gravity, good OTF chip quality B2869 -29 B0564 -8 x B1316 -5 0.7 Average yield potential, higher specific gravity, B2904 -2 B1873 -6 x Coastal Chip 0.7 Above average yield potential, susceptible to vascular discoloration and hollow heart BNC311 -4 BNC41 -7 x NCB2489 -5 0.7 Average yield potential, susceptible to heat knobs, good internal quality, oval to oblong tuber type, acceptable OTF chip quality CO02033 -1W A91790 -13W x S440 0.8 Smaller tuber size profile, above average specific gravity, mid -season maturity CO02321 -4W NY115 x BC0894 -2W 1.5 Average yield, good OTF chip quality, common scab susceptibility CO10076 -4W CO03243 -3W x CO02024 -9W 0.0 Above average yield, susceptible to vascular discoloration, full season maturity MSV030 -4 Beacon Chipper x MSG227 -2 0.4 High yield and specific gravity, uniform round tuber type, good OTF chip quality (2018 Processing Vari eties cont.) Entry Pedigree 2018 Scab Rating* Characteristics MSV111 -2 MSJ316 -A x MSN105 -1 0.1 Smaller size profile, lower specific gravity, less susceptible to common scab, rougher skin MSV498 -1 Snowden x MSQ283 -2 0.1 Average yield, high percentage US#1 tubers, average internal quality, less susceptible to common scab MSW044 -1 Kalkaska x Lamoka 0.3 High specific gravity, average yield, good internal quality, bright skin, uniform round tuber type MSW485 -2 MSQ070 -1 x MSR156 -7 0.4 High yielding with high specific gravity, full -season maturity, excellent chip -processing quality out of the field and long -term storage, resistance to late -blight and common scab tolerant MSY156 -2 MSK061 -4 x Kalkaska 0.0 Good OTF chip quality and internal quality, above average yield MSZ022 -7 Kalkaska x Tundra 0.0 Average yield potential, full seaso n maturity, SED observed in 2018 MSZ022 -16 Kalkaska x Tundra 0.2 Average yield and specific gravity, susceptible to internal brown spot, less susceptible to common scab MSZ052 -2 Pike x MSR127 -2 0.6 High yield and specific gravity, susceptible to internal brown spot, high percentage A sized tubers (2018 Processing Varieties cont.) Entry Pedigree 2018 Scab Rating* Characteristics MSZ062 -10 MSR127 -2 x McBride 0.2 High yield, average specific gravity, susceptible to vascular discoloration MSZ096 -3 Boulder x MSR127 -2 1.5 Highest yielding variety in 2018, above average specific gravity, good internal quality MSZ118 -8 Kalkaska x Lenape 0.4 Average yield and internal quality, at trial average for common scab, internal defects, vigor, and maturity MSZ120 -4 Kalkaska x MSQ086 -3 0.0 High yield, no common scab observed in 2018, 90% US #1 tubers, bright skin, full season maturity MSZ219 -1 Saginaw Chipper x MSR127 -2 0.5 Scab, PVY and late -blight resistant with high specific gravity, smooth and round tubers, in NCPT and Fast Track MSZ219 -13 Saginaw Chipper x MSR127 -2 0.2 High yield potential, good chip color, some VD in 2017, no common scab observed 2017. MSZ219 -14 Saginaw Chipper x MSR127 -2 0.2 High specific gravity, high yield potential with a high percentage of A -sized tubers, mid to late season maturity, long -term chip -processing quality with resistance to common scab, late blight, and PVY, in NCPT and Fast Track MSZ219 -46 Saginaw Chipper x MSR127 -2 0.2 Lower yield potential, some VD observed in 2017, good chip color (2018 Processing Vari eties cont.) Entry Pedigree 2018 Scab Rating* Characteristics MSZ222 -19 MSR127 -2 x Tundra 0.1 Average yield, deeper apical eyes, less susceptible to common scab MSZ242 -7 MSR169 -8Y x MSU383 -A 0.2 Above average yield and specific gravity, good internal quality, medium to full season maturity MSZ242 -9 MSR169 -8Y x MSU383 -A 0.4 Average yield potential, high specific gravity, susceptible to internal brown spot MSZ242 -13 MSR169 -8Y x MSU383 -A 0.3 Average yield potential, good internal quality, mid -season maturity MSZ248 -10 Snowden x MSV229 -2 1.5 Good OTF chip quality, no internal defects observed in 2018, average yield potential NDA081453CAB -2C Dakota Diamond x ND039173CAB -22 0.0 Larger tuber size profile, good internal quality, no common scab observed in 2018 NDTX0 81648CB -13W ND8456 -1 x ND7377CB -1 1.0 Low yield, smaller tuber size profile, susceptible to vascular discoloration ND7519 -1 ND3828 -15 x W1353 0.7 Above average yield potential, susceptible to vascular discoloration NY162 NYE106 -2 x NYE48 -2 1.1 High yield potential, low internal defects, medium specific gravity, moderate common scab resistance W9968 -5 Fasan x Nicolet 0.8 Average yield potential, acceptable OTF chip color, good internal quality, mid -season maturity *Scab rating based on 0 -5 scale; 0 = most resistant and 5 = most susceptible. Common scab data provided by Potato Outreach Program. Line d escriptions prov ided by various potato breeding pro gram s and updated by Potato Outreach Program following evaluations at various trial locations throughout Michigan . Table 8. 2018 Russet and Tabl estock Variety Descriptions Russet Variety Descriptions Entry Pedigree 2018 Scab Rating * Characteristics Caribou Russet (AF3362 -1Rus) Reeves Kingpin x Silverton Russet 0.2 Long russet with excellent yield, processi ng potential and good appearance, common scab tolerance, early bulking potential, medium russet skin, tolerant to Sencor & Linuron, some internal browning from heat stress observed in 2018, PVY susceptible , below average tuber set Castle Russet (POR06V12 -3) PA00V6 -4 x PA01N2 2-1 0.0 Long, full season russet with dual-purpose pote ntial, resistant to PVY, Pecto. , and corky ring spot, moderate dormancy, susceptible to foliar late blight. Highest yielding russet in 2018 GoldR ush Russet (ND1538 -1Rus) ND450 -3Rus x Lemhi Russet 0.0 Medium maturity, oblong -blocky to long tubers, bright white flesh, common scab resistance, average yield potential Mountain Gem (A03158 -2TERUS) A98292 -2 x A98104 -4 0.0 High yield potential, common scab and tuber late blight resistance, medium maturity, nice dark russet skin type, blocky to long shape Reveille Russet (ATX91137 -1Rus) Bannock Russet x A83343 -12 0.3 Excellent yield potential, common s cab tolerant, early bulking, nice uniform dark russeted skin with good general tuber appearance , occasional misshapen tubers observed, long dormancy Russet Norkotah ND9526 -4Rus x ND9687 -5Rus 0.2 Average yield, mid -season maturity, long to oblong tubers, heavy russet skin, low specific gravity (2018 Russet Varieti es cont.) Entry Pedigree 2018 Scab Rating * Characteristics Silverton Russet (AC83064 -6) A76147 -2 x A7875 -5 0.3 High yield, oblong to long blocky tuber type, medium netted russet skin, masks PVY, medium to low specific gravity, PVY, Sencor & Linuron susceptibility Vanguard (TX08352 -5RUS ) TXA549 -1Ru x AOTX98137 -1Ru 0.1 Nice slightly blocky shape, medium size profile, medium vine vigor and maturity, semi -erect vines , average yield potential A06021 -1TRUS A99031 -1TE x A96013 -2 0.5 Medium yield potential, prominent lenticels, common scab tolerance, nice blocky tuber type, light to medium russet skin A07061 -6RUS Clearwater Russet x Targhee Russet 0.9 Above average yield potential, good internal quality, full season maturity A071012 -4BFRUS A85331 -7 x A01054 -4 0.5 Light russet skin, low tuber set with larger tuber size profile, susceptible to blackspot bruise and hollow heart, high specific gravity A08433 -4VRRUS A02611 -1 x AOND95249 -1 0.2 Oblong tuber shape with medium russet skin, resistant to shatter bruise, tuber late blight, and common scab, high yield potential AF5091 -8RUS AF4116 -9 x AF4185 -1 0.6 A mid -season russet with average yield potential , long to oblong tubers that tend to be large, resistance to blackspot bruise (2018 Russet Varieties cont.) Entry Pedigree 2018 Scab Rating* Characteristics AF5179 -4RUS A01601 -4 x Highland Russet 1.1 Mid to late maturity, average yields and above average specific gravity, long to oblong tubers that tend to be large, resistance to verticillium wilt AF5312 -1RUS A86102 -6 x CO82142 -4 0.3 Dark russet skin, good internal quality, smaller tuber size profile, resistant to tuber internal defects , early to mid -season maturity AF5406 -7RUS Silverton Russet x A7816 -14 0.2 Full season variety, average yield potential CO05068 -1RUS AWN86514 -2 x CO98009 -3RU 0.2 Average yield potential, full season maturity, susceptible to hollow heart, higher specific gravity CO07015 -4RUS Fortress Russet x AC00033 -2RU 0.0 Early maturity, oblong tubers with medium russet skin, smaller tuber size profile with 40 percent B size tubers CO07049 -1RUS AOA95155 -7 x AC00594 -4RU/Y 0.1 Medium maturity, small tuber size profile, good internal quality CO09036 -2RUS AO98282 -5 x CO03276 -4RU 0.2 Average specific gravity, resistant to blackspot bruise, full season maturity CO10087 -4RUS CO03367 -1RU x CO99100 -1RU 0.3 Early maturity, high specific gravity, larger tuber size profile, susceptible to hollow heart CO10091 -1RUS CO03371 -4RU x CO98067 -7RU 0.6 Resistant to blackspot bruise, above average yield potentia l (2018 Russet Varieties cont.) Entry Pedigree 2018 Scab Rating* Characteristics CW08071 -2RUS Premier Russet x Canela Russet 0.5 Average to high yield potential, blocky shape, resistant to tuber internal defects WAF10612 -1RUS W6260 -1RUS x Silverton Russet 2.3 Average yield potential, excellent internal quality. W10594 -16RUS Premier Russet x Freedom Russet 0.5 Light russet skin, medium maturity, average yield potential, good internal quality W10612 -8RUS W6360 -1RUS x Russet Norkotah 1.0 Mid -season maturity, hollow heart susceptible, above average yield potential * Scab rating based on 0 -5 scale; 0 = most resistant and 5 = most susceptible. Common scab data provided by Potato Outreach Program. Line descriptions provided by potato breeding programs and updated by Potato Outreach Program following evaluations at trial locations throughout Michigan. 2018 Yellow Flesh Variety Descriptions Entry Pedigree 2018 Scab Rating* Characteristics Actrice Mei jer Potato 0.3 High tuber set, resistant to leaf roll and several nematode species, highest yield in 2018 Alegria Norika America, LLC 0.6 High yield potential, long -oval tuber shape, resistant to Ro1 Ro4 cyst nematodes, PVY, and leaf roll, average yield potential, good internal quality Bonnata Bernadette x RZ 95 -6643 1.5 Oval shaper tubers, light yellow flesh, medium maturity, susceptible to vascular discoloration Jazzy Meijer Seed Potato Ltd. 0.7 Early maturity, small tuber size profile, light yellow flesh , waxy skin Jelly Sun Rain 0.5 High yield potential, oblong tubers, medium yellow flesh, medium to late maturity, resistant to common scab, PVY, Rhizoctonia, blackleg, and late blight Lady Anna Meijer Seed Potato Ltd. 1.2 Light yellow skin with yellow flesh, oblong shape, uniform, me dium maturity, resistant to bruising and common scab, high specific gravity Lady Claire Meijer Seed Potato Ltd. 1.0 Round tuber size, light yellow flesh, smaller tuber size profile, some skin flaking Lady Terra Meijer Seed Potato Ltd. 1.2 High yield potential, uniform tubers, yellow skin with yellow flesh, medium to late maturity, resistant to common scab, adapted to a broad range of soil types (2018 Yellow Flesh Va rieties cont.) Entry Pedigree 2018 Scab Rating* Characteristics Laperla Solanum International 1.7 High tuber set, light yellow skin, oval tuber shape, early maturity, good internal quality Orlena Emergo x Laura (HZPC) 1.0 Oval to oblong shape, light yellow flesh, resistance to blackspot bruise, some pear shaped tubers Queen Anne Solanum International 0.4 Oval to oblong shape, yellow flesh, yellow skin, shallow eyes, medium to high scab resistance, PVY resistance and resistance to Ro1 and Ro4 nematodes , attractive appearance Rock Meijer Seed Potato Ltd. 2.0 High yield potential, suitable for table and french fries, yellow skin and yellow flesh, oval shape, prefers heavier soils, nematode resistance Soraya Norika America, LLC Marabeel x 1.307 120-93 0.2 High yield potential , late maturity, large oval -oblong tubers with yellow skin and yellow flesh, low specific gravity , resistant to common and powdery scab Wendy Norika America, LLC 1.3 Yellow skin and flesh, oval shape, resistant to Ro1 and Ro4 nematodes, resistant to common scab, moderate resistance to leaf and tuber blight Yukon Gold Norgleam x W5279 -4 1.3 Moderate yields, medium maturity, oval shaped with yellow -white skin and light yellow flesh, common scab susceptible AC10376 -1W/Y Gala x Granola 1.6 High yield potential, full season maturity, resistance to blackspot bruise (2018 Yellow Flesh Va rieties cont.) Entry Pedigree 2018 Scab Rating* Characteristics CO10064 -1W/Y CO00412 -5W/Y x CO04099 -4W/Y 1.4 B sized tuber profile, above average specific gravity, full season maturity CO10097 -2W/Y CO04067 -10W/Y x CO00412 -5W/Y 2.9 Medium maturity, susceptible to vascular discoloration and common scab, average yield potential CO10098 -5W/Y CO04099 -3W/Y x CO04099 - 3W/Y 2.5 High specific gravity, full season maturity, B sized tuber profile, common scab suceptible CO10098 -4W/Y CO04099 -3W/Y x CO04099 - 3W/Y 2.5 Smaller tuber size, high specific gravity, good internal quality MST252 -1Y MSL024 -AY x MSL211 -3 0.7 Average yield potential, good internal quality, light yellow skin color MSV093 -1Y McBride x MSP408 -14Y 0.5 Above average yield, susceptible to vascular discoloration, full season maturity MSX156 -1Y MSI005 -20Y x Boulder 1.1 High yield potential, good internal quality, medium yellow flesh color MSX407 -2Y McBride x OP 0.3 Average yield potential, above average specific gravity, excellent internal quality NY149 Yukon Gold x Keuka Gold 0.5 Mid to late season, slightly -textured skin and pink eyes, oval shape, medium yellow flesh, resistance to Ro1 cyst nematode, moderate common scab resistance W9576 -11Y Dakota Pearl x Gala 0.3 Medium maturity, high yield potential, buff skin type, nice yellow flesh color * Scab rating based on 0 -5 scale; 0 = most resistant and 5 = most susceptible. Common scab data provided by Potato Outreach Program. Line descriptions provided by potato breeding programs and updated by Potato Outreach Program following evaluations at trial locations throughout Michigan. 2018 Red Skin Variety Descriptions Entry Pedigree 2018 Scab Rating* Characteristics Cerata Stet Holland 0.8 Medium to late maturity, oval shaped tubers, white flesh and dark red skin, adapted to all soil types, suitable for storage, resistant to potato cyst nematodes Ro1, moderate resistance to common scab Dark Red Norland Redkote x ND626 0.4 Broadly adapted, low to moderate yields, early season maturity, smooth, oblong, slightly flattened tubers, common scab tolerant Red Marker #2 - 0.9 Above average yield and specific gravity, good internal quality AF4831 -2R ND028946B x ND8555 -8R 1.5 Mid-season, bright red -skinned, white -fleshed variety with oblong tubers and small size profile, moderate common scab and verticillium resistance AF5806 -1 AF4614 -2 x AF4566 -4 0.0 Above average yield, excellent internal quality, average specific gravity AF5831 -2 Liberator x AF4566 -4 0.5 Average yield, above average internal quality, some skinning observed in 2018 CO98012 -5R A79543 -4R x AC91844 -2 1.9 Attractive tuber size profile, dark red skin, susceptible to common scab CO99076 -6R AC91848 -1 x NDC5281 -2R 0.0 Average specific gravity, good internal quality, medium red skin color and uniformity CO99256 -2R NDC5281 -2R x CO89097 -2R 0.0 Susceptible to vascular discoloration, full season maturity (2018 Red Skin Variet ies cont.) Entry Pedigree 2018 Scab Rating * Characteristics CO04159 -1R AC97521 -1R/Y x CO99076 -6R 1.5 Round tuber type, minimal silver scurf CO06215 -2R CO99256 -2R x CO01156 -1R 0.0 Average yield potential, good internal quality, uniform red skin COTX00104 -6R ND3574 -5R x C086218 -2 0.0 Uniform dark red skin color, average specific gravity COTX02293 -4R NDC5281 -2R x ND3574 -5R 0.0 Average specific gravity, acceptable internal quality, lower than average yield MSX569 -1R MSS002 -2R x MSS544 -1R 0.0 High percentage B size tubes, early maturity and small vine type, red pigmentation in vascular ring NDAF102696C -5 ND049326C -2P x ND8555 -8R 0.0 Attractive round tuber type, severe skinning, good internal tuber quality NDAF11348B -1 ND060570B -1R x ND8555 -8R 0.0 Early maturity, above average yield, good internal tuber quality NDAF12129 -6 ND7132 -1R x ND4659 -5R 0.0 Above average specific gravity, uniform medium red skin NDAF12143 -1 ND8555 -8R x Dakota Jewel 0.0 Comparable to trial average in yield, size breakdown, gravity, and internal tuber quality NDAF12198B -5 ND060570B -1R x AND00272 -1R 1.5 Textured skin, less uniform color, good internal quality NDTX071258BS -1R ND039035B -9R x ND4659 -5R 1.5 Attractive round tuber shape and skin finish, many pickouts observed in 2018 (2018 Red Skin Variet ies cont.) Entry Pedigree 2018 Scab Rating * Characteristics NDTX4784 -7R ND3574 -5R x ND2050 -1R 0.0 Very early maturing with small vine, average yield potential QSNDSU07 -4R - 2.0 Susceptible to internal brown spot, above average yield, smooth light red skin W8405 -1R Kankan x W2303 -9R 0.4 High yield potential, oval to oblong tuber type, mid -season maturity W8890 -1R W2169 -1R x Dakota Rose 1.3 Fresh market, dark red skin color and smaller size profile , attractive appearance W8893 -1R W1101R X Dakota Rose 0.4 Average yield potential, lower specific gravity, mid -season maturity * Scab rating based on 0 -5 scale; 0 = most resistant and 5 = most susceptible. Common scab data provided by Potato Outreach Program. Line descriptions provided by various potato breeding programs and updated by Potato Outreach Program following evaluations at various trial locations throughout Michigan. 2018 Round White Variety Descriptions Entry Pedigree 2018 Scab Rating* Characteristics Harmony Nadine x Stamina (Caithness) 0.0 Long dormancy, resistance to black dot and bruising, susceptible to dry rot, powdery scab, and silver scurf Libertie Harmony x Diva (Caithness) 0.0 Moderately resistant to bruising, dry rot, common and powdery scab, susceptible to PVY Moonlight 1463.1 x V394 (New Zealand Institute for Crop and Food Research) 0.0 Good internal quality, moderate r esistance to powdery scab, bacterial soft rot, and late blight , high percentage US #1 tubers Nadine Caithness 0.5 Resistance to potato cyst nematode, b right skin color and appearance Onaway USDAX96 -56 x Katahdin 1.3 Early maturit y, average specific gravity, used primarily out -of-the field for fresh market, minimal internal defects, not recommended for storage Reba (NY 87) Monona x Allegany 0.3 High yield, bright tuber appearance, low incidence of internal defects, mid to late season maturity, medium specific gravity , resistance to golden nematode Ro1, common scab, verticillium wilt, and early blight, susceptible to late blight and PVY Rock - 0.5 High specific gravity, mid -season maturity, good internal quality Superior USDA96 -56 x M59.44 0.0 Early maturity, round to oblong tubers, deep eyes, resistant to net necrosis and common scab, susceptible to verticillium wilt, pressure bruise issues in long -term storage (2018 Round White Variet ies cont.) Entry Pedigree 2018 Common Scab Rating* Characteristics White Beauty New Zealand 0.0 Resistant to PVY and common scab, suscep tible to late blight, high yield AF4138 -8 SA9707 -6 x AF1953 -4 1.1 Susceptible to vascular discoloration, early maturity, moderate scab resistance, blackspot resistance, small er size profile AF5280 -5 ND7799C -1 x ND860 -2 0.3 Average yield potential, susceptible to vascular discoloration, early maturity MSX497 -6 MSQ131 -A x MSL268 -D 1.7 Bright skin appearance, uniform round tuber type , mid -season maturity MSY111 -1 MSQ086 -3 x McBride 0.8 Round tuber shape, netted skin, mid -season maturity * Scab rating based on 0 -5 scale; 0 = most resistant and 5 = most susceptible. Common scab data provided by Potato Outreach Program. Line descriptions provided by various potato breeding programs and updated by Potato Outreach Program following evaluations at various trial locations throughout Michigan. 2018 Novelty Variety Descriptions Entry Pedigree 2018 Scab Rating* Characteristics AF5245 -1P Michigan Purple X Villeta Rose 0.5 Darker uniform skin color, larger vine type with earlier emergence MSV235 -2PY Malinche x Colonial Purple 0.0 B- sized tuber profile, light yellow to cream flesh color MSV443 -1PP MSU200 -5PP x NDTX4271 -5R 0.3 Mid to full season maturity, moderate silver scurf MSW148 -1P Michigan Purple x MSP516 -A 1.5 Common scab susceptible, good internal quality MSW316 -3PY POR04PG6 -3 x Colonial Purple 0.0 Very low specific gravity, light yellow flesh MSX324 -1P MSN105 -1 X Colonial Purple 0.9 Variable tuber shape and skin color, good internal quality MSZ107 -6PP COMN07 -W112BG1 x MSU200 -5PP 0.5 Attractive smooth skin, almost all B -sized tubers MSZ109 -5RR COMN07 -W11BG1 X MSU200 -5PP 0.5 Very small tuber size profile, all tubers less than 1 7/8 inches in diameter, small vine and late emergence MSZ413 -6P Colonial Purple x MSU200 -5PP 0.2 An even split of A and B sized tubers, moderate silver scurf * Scab rating based on 0 -5 scale; 0 = most resistant and 5 = most susceptible. Common scab data provided by Potato Outreach Program. Line descriptions provided by potato breeding programs and updated by Potato Outreach Program following evaluations at trial locations throughout Michigan. Volunteer Potato Control Potatoes th at are left in the field after harvest are considered volunteer potatoes. Historically harsh winter temperatures kill tubers that remain in the field after harvest. Although, in regions where winters are mild and soil temperatures are not cold enough to kil l tubers left in the field, tubers can survive overwinter and become a serious weed problem the following spring . Not only do volunteer potatoes compete with crops and reduce yield, but they also harbor insects, disea ses, and nematodes that can infest neighboring or future potato crops. Volunteer potatoes may become more problematic in the future given current climate predictions. Further complicating this problem is the fact that volunteer potatoes are difficult to co ntrol. Currently, there are no herbicides available that will completely control volunteer potato es and significantly reduce the number of daughter tubers produced per plant . Research conducted evaluating volunteer potato control in Michigan was last condu cted in 2002. Since 2002, new HPPD ( 4-Hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase , pigment inhibitors) inhibiting herbicides have been approved for use in corn and may provide additional options for volunteer potato control. Furthermore, c ombinations of HPPD and PSI I (photosystem II) inhibitors exh ibit synergistic activity. Theref ore, the objective of this demonstration was to evaluate volunteer potato control with HPPD inhibiting herbicides alone and in combination with the PSII inhibitor atrazine to explore potential benef icial herbicide interactions. With the help of Chris Long (MSU Potato Extension Specialist ), v th by scattering seed pieces by hand and working into the ground with a cultipacker. Herbicide treatments (Table 1) we re applied on July 11 th. Volunteer potatoes that were 6, 12, and 20 inches tall at the time of application were flagged, dug on August 15 th, and photographed. Overall, the addition of atrazine to HPPD inhibiting herbicides improved volunteer potato control and in many treatments prevented daughter tuber formation. In general, as the size of volunteer potatoes increased control decreased. The Michigan Potato Industry Commission supported this research. Table 1. Postemergence herbicide treatment list applied July 11 th. Herbicide Trade name Rate (Formulation/A) Additives Callisto 3 fl oz 1% COC + 8.5 lb/100 gal AMS Callisto + Aatrex (atrazine) 90 WG 3 fl oz + 0.5 lb a.i. 1% COC + 8.5 lb/100 gal AMS Armezon/Impact 0.75 fl oz 1% MSO + 17 lb/100 gal AMS Armezon/Impact + Aatrex 90 WG 0.75 fl oz + 0.5 lb a.i. 1% MSO + 17 lb/100 gal AMS Laudis 3 fl oz 1% MSO + 8.5 lb/100 gal AMS Laudis + Aatrex 90 WG 3 fl oz + 0.5 lb a.i. 1% MSO + 8.5 lb/100 gal AMS Acuron Flexi 2 qt 0.25% NIS Acuron Flexi + Aatrex 90 WG 2 qt + 0.5 lb a.i. 0.25% NIS Shieldex 1.35 fl oz 1% MSO + 8.5 lb/100 gal AMS Shieldex + Aatrex 90 WG 1.35 fl oz + 0.5 lb a.i. 1% MSO + 8.5 lb/100 gal AMS COC = crop oil concentrate, AMS = ammonium sulfate, MSO = methylated seed oil, NIS = nonionic surfactant Questions? Erin Burns Assistant Professor/Extension Weed Science burnser5@msu.edu 517 -353 -0223 Callisto Callisto + Atrazine Armezon/Impact Armezon/Impact + Atrazine 6" 12" 24" 6" 12" 24" 6" 12" 24" 6" 12" 24" Laudis Laudis + Atrazine Acuron Flexi Acuron Flexi + Atrazine 6" 12" 24" 6" 12" 24" 6" 12" 24" 6" 12" 24" Shieldex Shieldex + Atrazine 6" 12" 24" 6" 12" 24" Impro ving Productiv ity and Sustainability in Potato Production System s by Increasing Cropping System Diversity Investigators: Chris Long *, Potato Specialist ; Lisa Tiemann, Soil Microbiology ; Noah Rosenzweig, Plant Pathology ; Erin Hill, Cover Crop Specialist; Marisol Quintanilla**, Applied Nematologist ; Monica Jean *** , Field Crops Extension Educator * Dept. of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, 1066 Bogue St., East Lansing, MI 48824; longch@m su.edu ; 517/353 -0277 ** Dept. of Entomology, Michigan State University 288 Farm Lane, East Lansing, MI 48824 ***Michigan State University Extension, Delta County, 2840 College Ave. Escanaba, MI 49829 Abstract: Due to commercial production practices, s oils in potato systems in Michigan experience a sig nificant level of degradation. Mineral withdrawal, poor soil structure and soil microbial community disruption caused by intensive management practices are considered the primary dri vers of soil degradation. Disruption of microbial communities affect s both physical and chemical soil properties as they contribute to aggregate formation and control soil organic matter (SOM) accrual , decomposition , and nitrogen (N) mineralization . We are proposing an additive process for current potato production systems that increases cropping system diversity and rebuilds microbial co mmunity diversity and function. We propose that increas ing diversity in the cropping system will lead to greater soil mic robial activity, improve nutrient cycling and pathogen suppression, increase soil physical structure , and ultimately , improve soil productivity and crop yields. We will begin by identifying grass species that can add large amount s of biomass to potato prod uction systems, and act as non-host s to Verticillium dahliae and Pratylenchus penetrans , the two interacting organisms that cause potato early die syndrome. The optimal grass species will then be added to a legume monoculture commonly used in potato production systems . Results of our research will establish the value of added diversity in a cropping system and provide the potato industry with management recommendations on the efficacy of pearl millet va rieties and grasses to improve cropping system productivity. We will document the additive effects of biodiversity in potato cropping system s by measuring changes in microbial community populati ons and activity. We will quantify t hese factors by evaluating overall potato yield and tuber quality. T he potato industry in Michigan w ill then have methods to increase cropping system diversit y in potato production systems. Potato growers are seeking to optimize cultural practices and biomass production for these new additive cover crop species . A pearl millet optimization trial will occur at Cousineau™s Potato Farm in Hardwood, MI. This demonstration trial seek s to optimize mowing timing, seeding mix diversity and rate as well as variety selection to maximize both above and below ground biomass accumulation . Background: Due to commercial production practices , soils in Mic higan potato cropping system s experience a significant level of degradation. Mineral withdraw al, poor soil structure and soil microbial community disruption caused by intensive management practices are considered the primary drivers of soil de gradation. Disruption of microbial communities a ffect s both soil physical and chemical pro perties because they contribute to aggr egate formation and control soil organic matter (SOM) accrual , decomposition , and nitrogen (N) mineralization (Tiemann and Grandy, 2015; Plaza et al., 2013 ). Under intensive fumigation and tillage practices , s oil microbes no long er function at optimal levels to maintain or improv e soil struc ture , SOM and N cycling (Mbuthia et al., 2015; Klose et al., 2006; Toyota et al., 1999 ). A diverse m icrobial community also facilitates compet ition , which maintain s a balance d and healthy soil ec osystem . When s oil -borne plant p athogens are unchecked by other soil organisms , production system s become out-of-balance , which lead s to pathogen pervasiveness and crop failure (Garbava et al., 2004; van Elsas et al., 2002 ). We propose that increasing diversity in the cropping system will lead to greater soil microbial activity, improve nutrient cycling and pathogen suppression, increase soil physical structure, and ultimately, improve so il productivity and crop yields ( Tiemann et al., 2015; van Elsas et al., 2002 ). We will start by identifying grass species that can add relatively large amount s of biomass to potato production system s, a nd act as non-host s to Verticil lium da hlia e and Pratylenchu s pene trans , the two interacting organisms that cause potato early die syndrome (Phase 1) . Th e optimal grass species will then be added to a legume monoculture commonly used in potato production system s (Phase 2) . The addition of one grass species into a potato production system is a relatively small increase in cropping system diversity, but even this small change can help main tain or increase soil health (Tiemann et al., 2015; McDaniel et al., 2014) and increase the productivity of potato cropping system s. Potato systems that include alfalfa as part of the rotation may see the greatest benefits of increasing cropping system diversity through the addition of a grass species. Several studies have shown that the combination of a grass and legume can have positive effects on microbial community diversity, activi ty, N mineralization and subsequent crop yields beyond those observed with grass or legume alone ( Garbeva et al., 2004; Sainju e t al., 2005; Altieri et al., 1999; Wagger et al., 1998). For example, compared to either crop as a monoculture, hairy vetch combined with rye produced greater cover crop bio mass and greater subsequent crop biomass and grain yields (Sainju et al. 2005) . Additionally, these same cover crop mixtures compared to monocultures had different effects on microbial biomass (Sainju et al., 2006). In a controlled laboratory soil incubation, decomposition of legume -grass mixtures resulted in increased microbial biomass and more even release of N (McDaniel et al., 2014; McDaniel et al., in revision). We hypothesize that the mixture of legume and grass species in a potato system rotation could provide some of these same benefits . P otato cropping system s in Michigan™s Upper Peninsula offers an ideal location to explore different culture practices in cover crop species (Phase 3) . We will inves tigate the effects of mowing timing , variety , variety combinations and seeding ra te on bio mass accumulation. Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucu ) and associated cultivars are warm season grasses that can produ ce large amount s of biomass . Foxtail or German millet ( Setaria italic ) and Japanese millet ( Echinochloa esculenta ) are other grass species with grower interest for biomass production in the Upper Peninsula. Additionally, the effect of m owing timing can delay bolting, prolong heading and delay maturatio n, thus increasing bio mas s production. Phase 1: Identification of Optimal Grass Species Objective 1: Identify pearl millet varieties and other grass species that produce the greatest amount of above and below ground biomass . Objective 2 : Identify which grass species are the poorest host s to V. dahlia e and P. penetrans . In the spring of 2015 ,2016 , and 2018, grass species comparison trial s occurred at the Montcalm Research Center (MRC) , Montcalm County, MI comparing performance of the grass varieti es. W e chose the grass species used in the 2015 trial based on previous research and anecdotal evidence that these species enhance disease and pes t suppression in potato systems. The varieties were evaluated for production of above and below ground biomass, maturity (as a function of bolting ), and likelihood of being a non -host or nematode -antagonistic with respect to P. penetrans root lesion nematode. In 2015, t he following species were evaluated : c ommon oat, ( Avena sativa , ‚IDA™ ); pearl millet, ( Pennisetum glaucum, ‚Tifleaf 3™, ‚Millex 32™, ‚CFPM 101™); proso millet, ( Panicum miliaceum , ‚White™); German millet, ( Setaria italica) ; foxtail millet, ( Setaria italica , ‚White Wonder™) and ; Japanese millet, ( Echinochloa esculenta ). It was determined that the pearl millet varieties produced the highest amounts of biomass , while the Japanese millet varieties produced the lowest amount (Table 1) . Although not statistically significant, the pear l millet varieties tend ed to have fewer nematodes present in the soil and on the root tissue than the other grass species tested (Table 1 ). In 2016, this land was planted with t he potato variety ‚Superior .™ Based on previous grass crop history in 2015, potato yield, tuber qualit y and presence of V. dahliae and P. penetrans were evaluated . Potato production in the pearl millet treatments, specifically Tifleaf and MIllex 32, although not significantly significant , produced higher total yields (Table 2). Root lesion nematode numbers were not significantly different between treatments, but pearl millet CFPM 101 had the lowest Verticillium concentration. In the spring of 2016, the three pearl millet varieties and four other grass species [corn, ( Zea mays spp .) , sorghum sudan grass (Sorghum bicolor x Sorghum bicolor var. Sudanese) , teff ( Eragrostis tef ) and one other pearl millet variety ( P. glaucum ‚ Wonderl eaf™)] underwent side -by-side screen ing at MRC to compare above and below ground biomass production and their effects on V. dahlia and P. penetrans abundance . The 2016 total biomass accumulation resu lts are list ed in Table 3 . The corn control treatment produced the highest total biomass , but the grains were included in weight calculation, artificially inflating it. T here was no significant difference in total biomass produced between the remaining grass species. Sorghum bicolor x S. bicolor var. Sudanese and t eff ‚Dessie™ produced the least amount of biomass. In 2017, we proposed repeating parts 1 and 2 of phase one of this proposal . Due to a trial planting error , part one of the study was not planted and will be delayed until the Spring of 2018. No cover crop bioma ss data was collected in 2017. Part two is replanting the 2016 cover crop study to the potato variety the following season (2019) . Cover crop treatment effects on potato yield and quality perf ormance in 2017 are presented in Table 4 . In 2018 six of the same cover crop species that were planted in 2016 were grown again in 2018. Pearl Millet ‚Millex 32™ was not grown. The same experimental design from previous years was used for this trial at the MRC. As in 2016, corn produced the highest above ground and total biomass as the ears were included in the weight calculations. However, the sorghum sudangrass had the highest biomass at the first cutting and pearl millets ‚Wonderleaf™ and ‚CFPM 101™ had the highest biomass at the second cutting. In 201 8, biomass was measures on July 19 th, August 14 th, and finally on October 19 th. The two initial cuttings excluded the corn control treatment. Pearl millet ‚CFPM 101™ was also the tallest cover crop at the first and second cutting. The 2018 total biomass ac cumulation results are listed in T able 5. 2018 was the last year of cover crop trials in Phase 1 of this project. Summary data is presented in Table 6. Twelve different cover crop varieites were evaluated in 2015, 201 6, and 2018. While dates were variable between years, there were significant differences in cover crop above ground biomass at each of the three cutting dates. Common oat ‚Ida™ produced the most biomass at the first cutting while pearl millet ‚Millex 32™ produced the most biomass at the second cutting. Corn had the highest biomass at the third cutting as it was excluded from the first two cuttings and grain weight was included in the biomass. Therefore, corn had the highest total biomass over all three ears, followed by Teff and pearl millet ‚W onderleaf.™ When below ground biomass was included in the total biomass calculation, pearl millet ‚Millex 32™ had the highest total root and shoot biomass after corn. When considering only below ground biomass, common oat ‚Ida™ had the second highest root biomass after corn. Phase 2: Incorporation of a Grass into a Potato Production System Objective 1: Determine how an increas e in cropping system diversity a ffects SOM decomposition, N mineralization, soil microbial community diversity, and soil aggregation. Objective 2: Determine which grass species confers the greatest benefits when used to increase cropping system diversity. In the spring of 2016 two s eparate cover crop plots were planted at Kitchen Farms, Elmira, MI. One plot was planted into a bare soil field, previously potatoes in 2015. The second plot was planted into a one -year -old alfalfa crop (two years out of potatoes). This plot was planted j ust after the first cutting of alfalfa . Both seedings used the same eight treatments. The first treatment was alfalfa alone followed by the three pearl millet varieties from the 2015 grass species trial, sorghum -sudan grass, teff, cereal rye, and annual rye grass. The grasses were co-seeded with alfalfa in the year one planting and were drilled into the standing alfalfa in the second year planting. All treatments were no -till drilled in a randomized complete block design with four replications. In these gra ss plus alfalfa plots, we measured above and below ground biomass production, soil respiration, potentially mineralizable C and N, and extra- cellular enzyme activities . From the co -seeded plot data ( Table 7) the warm season grasses with the exception of teff and annual ryegrass produced the most total biomass and reduced al falfa biomass accumulation compared to the alfalfa alone treatment. Pearl millet ‚CFPM 101™ had t he highest above ground biomass. All treatment seeding rates will be adjusted as we proceed to balance the bioma ss production of both species. The interseeded plot data (Table 8 ) shows that pearl millet Tifleaf 3 outperformed all other treatments except Millex 32 in biomass production. This demonstrates that cultivar specificity is important in relative competition with alfalfa. None of the interseeded grass species significantly reduced alfalfa production. In 2017 , planting rates were adjusted and the number of grass species and cultivars tested were re duced to the most promising. Mowing times were inconsistent among years. The 2017 treatments were planted June 14 th and included pearl millet (Canadian forage pearl millet 10, Millex 32, Tifleaf 3) and sorghum sudangrass (Super sugar), plus a control treatment with only alfalfa. In 2017, th e alfalfa alone treatment in the co -seeded plot produced a significantly higher amount of biomass. In the interseeded plots, there was not significant differences, but Millex 32 and Super sugar produced the largest amount of total biomass in conjunction wi th alfalfa (Table 6). Cover crop research at Kitchen Farms concluded in 2017. The results of both the co -seeded and interseeded plots are summarized in T ables 9 and 10 , respectively. In the co -seeded trial Sorghum sudangrass produced the most belowground biomass at 1827 lb/A, while pearl millet ‚CFPM 101™ produced the least. Sorghum sudangrass and ‚CFPM101™ produced the most total biomass, although there was no statistically significant difference between the cover crop species. Alfalfa produced the highest biomass when co -seeded with pearl millet ‚Tifleaf 3™ and ‚CFPM 101.™ Finally, there was the lowest amount of weed biomass in the ‚CFPM 101,™ ‚Tifleaf 3,™ and sorghum sudangrass co -seeded plots. There was no significant diff erence in the number of nematodes present between cover crop treatments in these two years in both the co -seeded and interseeded plots (Table 9 ). In the interseeded trial pearl millet ‚Tifleaf 3™ produced the highest above ground biomass while Teff produce d the lowest. Alfalfa produced the higest biomass when grown in conjunction with Teff, but this was likely due to the poor stand of Teff and resulted in an imbalanced grass:alfalfa biomass ratio. In all treatments, the alfalfa biomass was a factor of 10 larger than the grass biomass (Table 10 ). In 2018, ‚Superior™ potatoes were planted over the co -seeded and interseeded plots at Kitchen Farms. Potatoes grown over the co -seeded CFPM 101 pearl millet treatment had the highest yield in the co -seeded trial, while potatoes grown over Interseeded Tifleaf 3 had the highest total yield in the Interseeded trial (Table 11). There were no statistically significant differences in yield, size breakdown, or potato internal quality in 2018. Additionally, there was no si gnificant difference in root lesion nematode concentration between the co -seeded and Interseeded trial or between different cover crop treatments within a trial. Table 7: 2016 Crop Biomass (lb/A) at Kitchen Farms Table 8 : 2017 Crop Biomass (lb/A) at Kitchen Farms Phase 3: Determine Best Management Practices for Pearl M illet Growth in the Upper Peninsula Objective 1: Determine best management practices for optimizing pearl millet growth in the Upper Peninsula. For the past two seasons a grass cover crop demonstration trial has been planted at the Cousineau™s seed potato farm in Hardwood, MI. In addition, the Cousineau family has been planting various millet species on a larger scale in the year before potatoes. It is unclear how planting time and mowing impacts biomass production at this northern latitude. Based on observations, plants that emerged following a mid -May planting but appear ed stunted, whereas planting in late -May or early -June resulted in more vigorous growth during the shorter growing season of these warm -season grasses. Mowing could benefit this system by potentially increasing biomass accumulation and breaking up residues that can impede field operations during the potato season. At the end of the season, total biomass was calculated for each planting rate and mowing treatment. The highest yield occurred in the 22 lbs/A mowed treatment, and the lowest yield occurred in the 15 lbs/A non -mowed treatment (Table 12). No statistical analysis was conduct ed. Table 12: Planting Rate, Mowing Treatment, and Total Biomass of CFPM 101 in 2017 Materials and Methods: Phase 1 The first part of this phase of the project is the pearl millet screening study. Nine grass species were planted in 2015 in a four replication, randomized block design at the MRC in early June. . Each plot is 20 by 45 feet. Each grass species was seeded at a depth of one inch and at a rate of fifteen lbs/A. Each grass plot was evaluated for above ground biomass production using one 0.25 m 2 quadrat prior to each mowing dur ing the growing season and prior to the killing frost. Below ground biomass was evaluated once just prior to a killing frost. In 2016 ‚Superior™ potatoes were planted over the cover crop plots. Root lesion nematode concentration in the soil and plant roots was evaluated, and plant stems were tested for the presence of V. dahliae . The potatoes were harvested, graded, evaluated for internal quality and common scab. Also in 2016, seven cover crop speci es were planted using the same experimental design in 2015. In 2017, the potato variety ‚Superior™ was planted over the 2016 grass species trial at MRC. Sixteen, 34 inch rows were planted perpendicular to the grass trial plots. The in -row seed spa cing for the ‚Superiors™ was 10 inches. Four, 15 foot plots were harvested from the potatoes in each of the grass plots in the fall . Each potato plot was evaluated for US#1 and total yield, internal tuber quality, specific gravity, early die syndrome, vine maturit y and the abundance of V. dahliae and P. penetrans (2016 only) . In 2018 six cover crop species were planted using the same experimental design as in 2017. Phase 2 This experiment was set up as a randomized complete block with eight treatments in 2016 and five treatments in 2017. The 2016 grass species were planted June 17 th and included pearl millet (Canadian forage pearl millet 101, Millex 32, Tifleaf 3), sorghum sudangrass (Super sugar), cereal rye (Guardian), teff (Dessie), and annual ryegrass (Centurion), and a no grass control treament. The 2017 treatments were planted June 14 th and included pearl millet (Canadian forage pearl millet 10, Millex 32, Tifleaf 3) and sorghum sudangrass (Super suga r), plus a control treatment with no grass. In each year there were two plots, one planted at the same time as alfalfa (co -seeded) and one planted into 2 nd year, established alfalfa at the time of first cutting (interseeded). Plots received overhead irrigation per the schedule set by the Kitchens. Weeds within the plots were not controlled during the year grasses were present due to lack of herbicide options. During the alfalfa only years weeds were controlled with glyphosate on Roundup Ready alfalfa. Prior to each mowing, aboveground biomass (cut at mowing height) was measured for both the alfalfa and the grass species. Prior to frost (co -seeded) or termination (interseeded), above - and belowground biomass were recorded . We collected soil samples from the e xperimental plots after grasses were established. We assessed microbial activity in two ways: extracellular enzyme activity (EEA) and respiration rates. We measure d the enzyme activity to asses the presence and concentration of microbes that make nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorous available in the soil. Soil respirati on rate assessment quantified the level of microbial activity, SOM content, and decomposition rate . We performed microbial community structure analyses and V. dahliae colonization on soil and potato plant tissue sample s respectively collected in 2018 . Phase 3 In 2017, our experiment was designed to study the effect of planting date and mowing frequency on pearl millet biomass production. However, due to the unusually wet and somewhat cool spring , the first two planting dates (May 15 and May 31) resulted in no pearl millet stand. There were 20.37 inches of rain between May and September compared to a 24 year aver age of 15.78 inches. We then chose to look at the impact of planting rate and mowing frequency on pearl millet biomass production with the final planting date (June 13). The experiment was set up in a split plot design with three replications. The main plo t factor was planting rate (treatments of 15 and 22 lbs/A) and the subplot factor was mowing regime (treatments of one mowing and not mown). Based on previous research conducted at the MRC, ‚ CFPM 101™ was used. Cover crop emergence was recorded one month after planting by counting the number of plants in three 0.25 m 2 quadrat in each plot. At the time of mowing (August 22), aboveground biomass (cut at mowing height) was measured. Prior to termination and frost (September 11), total biomass were recorded. Outcomes: Results of this research provide the potato industry with information regarding the efficacy of pearl millet varieties and grasses to improve cropping system productivity. This project has established the value of added diversity in a cropping system. Our experiment document ed the additive effects of biodiversity in a cropping system by measuring changes in microbial community populations and activity. We quantified these factors by evaluating potato yield and tuber quality. As a result of this work, the potato industry in Michigan will have strategies to increase cropping system diversity in potato production systems and understand best practices for warm season grass production in Michigan. Phase 1 In 2015, thee pearl millet varieties (T ifleaf 3, Millex 32, and CFPM 101) produced the most biomass using statistical analysis. The potato yields of ‚Superior™ the following year partially support our hypothesis. There is a statistically significant higher US #1 and total yield of potatoes in 2016 grown in the Tifleaf 3 and Millex 32 plots compared to those grown in the foxtail millet and oats plot. Potatoes grown after CFPM 101 also had a statistically higher total yield than those grown after oats. While the data does not show a fibestfl co ver crop variety for increased potato yield the following year, it does indicate that the pearl millet varieties tend to support higher potato yields. This is further confirmed by the potato yield data in 2017. Potatoes grown after CFPM 101 and pearl mille t Wonder Leaf had a significantly higher yield that those grown after sorghum sudangrass and cor n. Future study on Tifleaf 2, CFPM 101 , and Wonder leaf are recommended to create best practices for planting date, spacing, and mowing time that result in the highest yield increase the following year. In 2017, we observed a statistically significant lowest incidence of V. dahliae in German millet, and the lowest amount of fungal DNA from the species in pearl millet CFPM 101 and Wonder Leaf, and teff. In 2016, there was no significant difference in the incidence of plant or soil root lesion nematode. This data was not available for 2017. Plant available nitrogen at each c over crop treatment site in 2016 was also assessed at Kitchen™s Farms. While there was not a statistically significant difference, teff and Millex 32 had the lowest amount of plant available nitrogen while annual rye, Sorghum sudangrass, and alfalfa had the highest amount (Figure 1). This indicates the presence and productivity of soil microbes producing enzymes that break down inaccessible nitrogen in the soil and make it available for plant uptake. In 2018, corn produced the highest biomass due to the inclusion of grain weight, but pearl millet CFPM produced the second highest biomass. Summary data of cover crops in 2015, 2016, and 2018 indicate that after corn, Millex 32 had a statistically significant higher total root and shoot biomass than other cover crops. CFPM 101 also had a higher total biomass than 10 other cover crop treatments . While the results varied from year to year, the summary data in Table 6 show that on average, the four pearl millet species (Millex 32, CFPM 101, Wonderleaf, and Tifleaf) had a higher biomass than Teff, Oat, Sorghum sudangrass and the five millet species . Additionally, the pearl millet species all had a lower than average weed biomass at the second cutting, indicating that effective weed control is possible with these cover crops (data not shown). This phase will conclude in 2019 with a final planting of ‚Superior™ potatoes over the 2018 cover crops. Data compiled and averaged from 2016 and 2017 indicates a statistically significant difference in yield, with Wonderleaf, CFPM101, and Millex 32 supporting higher potato yields than other cover crops. Potato es grown after Wonderleaf also has the fewest Root Lesion Nematodes present in potato root tissue. Further research in 2019 is expected to continue the trend of higher potato yields after pearl millet crops. Phase 2 In 2016, the co -seeded plots were dominated by the grass species with poor alfalfa establishment. Weed populations were also problematic in the poor stands of 2016. Most of the pearl millet varieties and the sorghum sudangrass produced more biomass compared to the other varieties, which wer e then oitted in 2017. The better establishment of alfalfa in 2017 and the 50% reduction in planting rate reduced grass biomass accumulation by approximately 3,500 -4,000 lbs/A compared to 2016. However, the grass to alfalfa biomass ratio was about 50:50 . The total biomass produced in these plots (grass and alfalfa) ranged from 8,000 to 9,400 lbs/A. In 2016, the interseeded plots had very low grass bioma ss accumulation, ranging from 16 to 776 lbs/A (Table 7). Again, the cereal rye, annual ryegrass, and teff plantings were not competitive in this environment and were omitted in 2017. In 2017, the grass biomass accumulation ranged from 440-890 lbs/A (Table 9), about 10-20% of the alfalfa biomass. Significant gains were not made by increasing the seeding rates b y 50% from 2016 to 2017. The data show that co -seeding is preferable to interseeding to obtain a balanced mix of Alfalfa and a grass species. In 2018 potatoes were grown over both the co -seeded and Interseeded plots. No statistically significant difference was found within or between co -seeded and Interseeded trials in terms of yield, tuber internal quality, and size profile. No significant difference in root lesion nematode concentration was found in these plots in 2018. Phase 3 No biomass difference was observed at different planting rates in 2017 , so future plantings will be condu cted with seedings of 15 lbs/A . The data from 2017 indicate that a lat er planting date is preferable, so only the latest planting date will be used in 2018. We propose the following experimental design consisting of five grass treatments (including two equal mixtures) and three moving treatments (no mowing, early mowing, and mid -season mowing). We predict that earlier mowing will increase millet biomass production, which in t urn will support a higher potato yield. Cousineau farms has taken over this portion of the research. Additional findings are available by contacting Monica Jean, field crops educator, at atkinmon@msu.edu. The 2018 potato variety trial results from Upper Peninsula are now available A small -scale field trial of 35 different potato varieties were planted in Michigan™s Upper Peninsula, allowing farmers to survey results and choose promising varieties. Photo by Monica Jean, MSU Extension Michigan State University Extension conducts multi- location field trials every year to evaluate new potato varieties. For 2018, the Upper Peninsula trial location was at Verbrigghe TJJ Farms in Cornell, Michigan. Thirty- five different va rieties of russet and tablestock varieties were planted and compared to industry standard varieties. In the field trial, every variety was sized according to the tuber type, evaluated for yield and quality, and were rated for vine vigor and maturity. The p otato trial was planted May 31, vine killed Sept. 9 and harvested Oct. 12. Harvest was delayed due to poor field conditions. Weather data received from Michigan State University™s Escanaba E nviroweather station reported a growing season (plating to harvest) rainfall of 9.84 inches, much less than the five -year average rainfall of 18.3 inches. Growing degree- day (GDD) accumulation for base 40 was 2,640 (planting to vine kill). From the 35 diff erent varieties that were tested, the top six will be highlighted. Seven red -skin varieties were planted with AF4831-2R yielding the highest. AF4831- 2R is a uniform, dark red, waxy-skinned variety that yielded 495 cwt/a US#1 with 76 percent A and 20 percen t B size tubers. It should be noted that AF4831-2R also performed well in the 2017 trial. Seven yellow- skin varieties were planted with varieties Laperla and Orlena yielding the highest. Laperla yielded 480 cwt/a US#1 with 67 percent A and 1 percent B size tubers, and Orlena yielded 468 cwt/a US#1 with 83 percent A and 1 percent B size tubers. Both varieties exhibited yellow, waxy, smooth flesh. Although Laperla had a higher yield than Orelena, Laperla had a lower then desired specific gravity (1.056) and high percentage of oversized tubers (28 percent). Three purple novelty type varieties were planted this season, with similar quality ratings but a range in quantity. AF5245-1P yielded 407 cwt/a US#1 with 74 percent A, 4 percent B and 22 percent oversized si ze tubers. MSX324 -1P yielded 399 cwt/a US#1 with 82 percent A, 4 percent B and 14 percent oversized size tubers. The top two russet varieties out of 18 planted were Mountain Gem and A07061-6RUS. Mountain Gem yielded 478 cwt/a US#1 with 49 percent A, 6 perc ent B and 42 percent oversized size tubers. A07061-6RUS yielded 444 cwt/a US#1 with 59 percent A, 15 percent B and 21 percent oversized size tubers. Specific gravity for Mountain Gem was 1.075 and A07061- 6RUS was 1.083. Both varieties had good tuber quality ratings and A07061-6RUS had a late vine maturity rating. Bulk plantings of Mountain Gem will be done in 2019 on cooperating farms across Michigan as the next step in commercializing this variety. Variety trials are used as a stepping -stone for farmers by informing them about variety performance in their local area. They can then use this information in their decision-making process when choosing varieties for larger scale production. By pinpointing successful varieties within a growing region, we can move towards commercial production while maintaining quality and yield. Some of the top varieties noted here will go on to a larger scale planting next growing season. To review variety trial results for this trial and for other locations throughout Michigan, please check out our Potato Outreach Program webpage . For further questions and inquires, email Monica Jean, field crop educator, at atkinmon@anr.msu.edu . Potato (Solanum tuberosum ) ‚Superior™ Potato Early Die ; Verticillium dahliae, Pratylenchus penetrans S. Desotell, J Calogero. N. Stanko, S. Mambetova and N. Rosenzweig Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences East Lansing, MI 48824 Verticillium wilt management for Michigan potato production, 2018 A field trial was established 2 June (42°52'29.2 "N and longitude - 85°15'09.3 "W) at the Clarksville Research Center, Clarksville MI to evaluate selected in-furrow and foliar fungicides, fumigants and nematicides for early die control (Table 1). US#1 ‚Superior™ tubers were mechanically cut into appro ximately 2 oz seed pieces 18 May and allowed to heal before planting. These trials were c onducted using potato cultivar ‚Superior™ due to its susceptibility to Verticillium wilt and its commercial use throughout the state of Michigan and the Midwestern US potato growing region. A randomized complete block design with four replications was used for the experiment, with each plot consisting of four 25- ft-long rows spaced 34 in. apart with seed pieces 10 in. apart in the row. A 5-ft not -planted alley separated the four-row beds. Fertilizer was drilled into plots before planting, formulated according to results of soil tests. Additional nitrogen (final N 28 lb/A) was applied to the growing crop with irrigation 45 DAP (days after planting). Treatment application times included: Pre -planting/pre- plant incorporated (A); Seed treatment (B); In-furrow at planting (C); 2 in e mergence (D); 7 Days after 2 in e mergence (E). In-furrow, at-planting applications of fungicide were delivered with a hand -held R&D spray boom delivering 10 gal/A (50 p.s.i.) and using one XR8002VR nozzle per row . A no n-treated control was compared with 11 different treatment programs to evaluate thei r efficacy in controlling potato early die (PED) based on application time (Table 1). Bravo WS 6SC 1.5 pt/A was applied on a seven- day interval, total of eight applications, for foliar disease control. Weeds were controlled by cultivation and with Dual 8E at 2 pt/A 10 DAP, Basagran at 2 pt/A 20 and 40 DAP and Poast at 1.5 pt/A 58 DAP. Insects were controlled with Admire Pro Systemic Pro 7 oz/A at planting, Sevin 80S at 1.25 lb/A 31 and 55 DAP, Thiodan 3 EC at 2.33 pt/A 65 and 87 DAP and Pounce 3.2EC at 8 oz/A 48 DAP. Soil samples were taken 30 May from each plot prior to applications of treatments. Five samples from each plot row (ten total) were collected with a 25 mm JMC soil corer (Clements Assoc., New ton, IA) to a depth of 100 mm and combined in a one- gallon sample bag for total of ~1000 g soil per sample. Soil samples were sent to the MSU Plant Diagnostic Clinic to determine populations of Verticillium dahliae colony forming units (CFUs) and populations of Pratylenchus penetrans, Root- Lesion Nematode (RLN) in each plot. Similarly, soil was sampled on 1 Aug (60 DAP) and sent to the MSU Plant Diagnostic Clinic to determine populations of RLN in each plot. To determine the colonization of V. dahliae per ml of plant sap, stem sections approximately 15 cm long were cut from 3 plants per plot, with sterile razor blades, from the soil line approximately 60 DAP and DNA was extracted from the plant samples and subjected to quantitative PCR detection targeting V. dahliae . Plant stand was rated 31 (7 Jul), 39 (10 Jul) and 46 (17 Jul) DAP and relative rate of emergence was calculated as the Relative Area Under the Emergence Progress Curve [RAUEPC from 0Œ46 DAP, maximum value = 1.00]. Plots were not inoculated but relied on natural infestation of Verticillium dahliae for disease establishment . Severity of PED was measured using the Horsfall- Barratt rating scale . Severity of PED was rated 76 (17 Aug), 83 (24 Aug), 90 (31 Aug), 97 (7 Sep), 103 (13 Sep) and 111 (21 Sep ) days after planting and t he relative rate of disease progression was calculated as the Relative Area Under the Disease Progress Curve [RAUDPC from 0 Œ111 DAP, maximum value = 1.00]. Plots (1 x 25- ft row) were machine -harvested on 13 Oct (134 DAP) and individual treatments were weighed and graded. Randomly selected samples of 10 tubers per plot were washed and assessed for stem end vascular beading incidence (%). Meteorological Da ta Meteorological variables were measured with a Campbell weather station located at the farm from 1 May to 14 Oct . Average daily air temperature ( ºF) was 68.4, 72.7, 71.1, 64.2 and 56.2 (May, Jun, Jul, Aug , Sep and through 14 Oct respectively) and the number of days with maximum temperature >90º F over the same period was 0 for each month except June with 2 days and July with 5 days . Average daily relative humidity (%) over the same period was 70.6, 66.8, 72.2, 76.9 and 80.9. Average daily soil temperature at 4 in. depth ( oF) over the same period was 69.1, 81.1, 76.9, 72.4 and 60.2 . Average daily soil moisture at 4 in. depth (% of field capacity) over the same period was 0.35, 0.311, 0.328, 0.39 and 0.402. Precipitation (in.) over the same period was 2.05, 1.21, 5.44, 2.6 and 4.61 fl. Plots were irrigated to supplement precipitation to about 0.1 in./A/4-day period with overhead sprinkle irrigation. Results The 2018 growing season provided environmental extremes of excessive moisture in Aug and Oct and moisture stress at other times. However, a period of dry weather in Jul resulted in environmental conditions that were conducive to PED establishment and development. There was no significant difference in final plant stand compared to the non- treated control (Table 1). However, plots treated with Nimitz 7 pt/a (C) had significantly higher final plant stand compared to CruiserMaxx 0.31 oz/CWT (B), Aprovia 0.75 l/a (C). Two treatments including: Emesto silver 0.31 fl oz/cwt (B) + Serenade 1 qt/a (C) + Velum prime 237.5 g ai/ha (C) + Luna tranquility 409 g ai/ha (D), and CruiserMaxx 0.31 oz/CWT (B) + Elatus 7.7 oz/A (D) had significantly lower PED disease severity (111 DAP) compared to the non- treated control and Nimitz 3.5 pt/a (A), ADA 36230 13.4 pt/a (C), and Vydate 310 SL 725 g ai/ha (C) + Vydate 310 SL 362.4 g ai/ha (D) + Vydate 310 SL 362.4 g ai/ha (E) (Table 1). Two treatments including: Emesto silver 0.31 fl oz/cwt (B) + Serenade Soil 1 qt/a (C) + Velum prime 237.5 g ai/ha (C) + Luna tranquility 409 g ai/ha (D), and CruiserMaxx 0.31 oz/CWT (B) + Elatus 7.7 oz/A (D) had significantly lower RAUDPC values compared to the non- treated control . Moreover , there was five treatments that had a significant ly lower RAUDPC value compared to ADA 36230 13.4 pt/a (C) (Table 1). There were numerical differences, but no treatments were significant ly different in total , US#1 and B size yield (CWT) compared to the non -treated control (Table 1). There were three treatments that had significantly higher vascular discoloration compared to the non- treated control (Table 1) . There was no significant difference in Verticillium dahliae mean CFU/g per plot pre-planting and RLN in Roots and Soil (1 Aug) compared to the non-treated control (Table 1). Quantitative PCR targeting V. dahliae DNA at 60 DAP found that Nimitz 3.5 pt/a (A); Nimitz 7 pt/a (A) , Nimitz 3.5 pt/a (C) and Nimitz 7 pt/a (C) had higher levels of target DNA, indicating more PED colonization in the plant. There were three treatments that had signi ficantly lower number of RLN in soil pre -planting ( 30 May) compared to the non- treated (Table 1). These treatments include: Nimitz 7 pt/a (A); Emesto silver 0.31 fl oz/cwt (B) + Serenade 1 qt/a (C ) + Velum prime 237.5 g ai/ha (C) + Luna tranquility 409 g ai/ha (D) , and Emesto silver 0.31 fl oz/cwt (B) + Velum prime 237.5 g ai/ha (C) + Luna tranquility 409 g ai/ha (D). No phytotoxicity was observed from any treatments. Table 1. Effects o f in -furrow, at planting, and foliar treatments on severity of Verticillium wilt and rate of disease progression. Treatment and ratea PED b 10 Aug 69 DAP c PED 17 Aug 76 DAP PED 24 Aug 83 DAP e PED 31 Aug 90 DAP PED 7 Sep 97 DAP PED 14 Sep 104 DAP PED 21 Sep 111 DAP RAUD PCd 0 Œ 111 DAP 1. Non -Treated 2.68 9.37 15.81 abc 26.58 bcd 60.94 abc 87.11 a 95.01 ab 0.418 a-d 2. Nimitz 3.5 pt/a (A) 5.60 9.37 15.49 abc 40.85 ab 64.45 ab 91.80 a 97.15 a 0.477 ab 3. Nimitz 7 pt/a (A) 4.68 3.5 1 13.55 bcd 18.87 cde 32.81 de 56.25 b -e 93.16 ab 0.300 cde 4. Nimitz 3.5 pt/a (C) 4.68 15.23 16.09 abc 37.00 abc 52.35 bcd 69.14 a -d 89.16 abc 0.416 a-d 5. Nimitz 7 pt/a (C) 4.68 17.56 22.47 a b 43.64 ab 58.20 abc 69.15 a -d 93.42 ab 0.448 abc 6. ADA 36230 6.75 (C) 4.68 10.54 34.14 a 40.85 ab 50.00 bcd 71.88 abc 94.28 ab 0.446 abc 7. ADA 36230 13.4 pt/a (C) 5.60 17.58 34.14 a 58.78 a 81.25 a 87.11 a 97.15 a 0.565 a 8. Vydate 310 SL 725 g ai/ha (C) Vydate 310 SL 362.4 g ai/ha (D) Vydate 310 SL 362.4 g ai/ha (E) 2.68 5.27 15.81 abc 34.14 abc 54.68 bcd 81.25 ab 95.97 ab 0.413 bcd 9. Emesto silver 0.31 fl oz/cwt (B) Serenade Soil 1 qt/a (C) Velum prime 237.5 g ai/ha (C) Luna tranquility 409 g ai/ha (D) 1.38 4.10 6.68 cd 15.81 de 23.44 e 45.31 de 79.78 c 0.228 e 10. Emesto silver 0.31 fl oz/cwt (B) Velum prime 237.5 g ai/ha (C) Luna tranquility 409 g ai/ha (D 4.68 11.72 15.81 abc 26.58 bcd 39.06 cde 50.00 cde 91.33 abc 0.321 cde 11. CruiserMaxx 0.31 oz/CWT (B) Elatus 7.7 oz/A (D) 2.22 2.93 5.60 d 11.31 e 19.92 e 42.97 e 82.01 c 0.209 e 12. CruiserMaxx 0.31 oz/CWT (B) Aprovia 0.75 l/a (C) 2.68 5.86 11.95 bcd 11.52 e 22.26 e 60.94 b -e 88.12 bc 0.284 de Pr>F e 0.28 0.16 0.04 <0.01 <0.01 0.0 2 0.02 <0.01 a Application time; A=Pre -planting/pre -plant incorporated; B=Seed treatment; C= In-furrow at planting; D=2fl emergence; E=7 Days after 2fl emergence. b PED=Potato Early Die severity rated on a Horsfall -Barratt scale of 0 (no infection) to 11 (all foliage and stems dead). Ratings were converted to percentages. c DAP = days after planting on 2 June . d RAUDPC=r elative area under the disease progress curve from planting to 111 days after planting. e Means followed by same letter are not significantly different at P = 0.10 (Fish ers LSD). Table 2. Effects of i n-furrow, at planting, and foliar treatments on percent plant emergence, rate of emergence, total and marketable yield in hundr ed-weight per acre, vascular discoloration of tubers, Verticillium dahliae colony forming units (CFU) in soil and amount of V. dahliae DNA in plant tissue. Treatment a, Plant stand b 46 DAP c (%) RAUE PCd 0 Œ 46 DAP Yield (CWT) VD e (%) Average CFU/g of Soil f 30 May TaqMan Assay (Ct -values) g RLN h Total US #1 B Size Soil 30 May i Soil 1 Aug Root 1 Aug 1. Non -Treated 70.5 0.677 329.0 260.8 67.3 33 5.7 29.4 10.6 ab 8.2 1.5 2. Nimitz 3.5 pt/a (A) 76.1 0.721 388.0 312.3 75.1 58 2.3 19.1 4.4 bcd 3.5 0 3. Nimitz 7 pt/a (A) 74.2 0.715 345.0 274.4 67.2 55 5.6 18.6 2.2 d 3.8 1.5 4. Nimitz 3.5 pt/a (C) 77.4 0.736 282.3 218.8 63.3 53 4.5 40.5 10.4 ab 7.3 1 5. Nimitz 7 pt /a (C) 81.5 0.782 304.0 232.8 70.4 53 4.1 19.0 8.5 abc 5.7 0 6. ADA 36230 6.75 (C) 71.9 0.719 361.7 300.4 60.4 58 3.2 23.6 2.3 cd 14.3 0.5 7. ADA 36230 13.4 I/a (C) 77.2 0.747 271.6 205.7 63.4 63 1.4 30.7 2.4 cd 1.8 0 8. Vydate 725 Iai/ha (C) Vydate 362.4 g ai/ha (D) Vydate 362.4 g ai/ha (E) 72.4 0.690 327.1 268.8 58.1 43 7.6 22.1 15.7 a 2.7 0.5 9. Emesto silver 0.31 fl oz/cwt (B) Sere Ie 1 qt/a (C) Velum prime 237.5 g ai/ha (C) Luna tranquility 409 g ai/ha (D) 69.4 0.665 292.6 228.4 63.9 65 3.8 22.9 2.2 a 3.9 0 10. Emesto silver 0.31 fl oz/cwt (B) Velum prime 237.5 g ai/ha (C) Luna tranquility 409 g ai/ha (D 72.3 0.691 295.0 239.7 54.2 38 1.7 34.6 1.6 d 3.3 0.5 11. CruiserMaxx 0.31 oz/CWT (B) Elatus 7.7 oz/A (D) 69.2 0.670 363.0 291.8 69.7 63 5.1 25.9 4.1 bcd 2.7 0 12. CruiserMaxx 0.31 oz/CWT (B) Aprovia 0.75 l/a (C) 64.7 0.621 285.5 218.2 66.9 55 6.1 28.8 2.5 cd 2.3 0 Pr>F i 0.81 0.76 0.33 0.24 0.66 0.31 0.76 NA j 0.0 6 0.60 0.34 a Application time; A=Pre -planting/pre -plant incorporated; B=Seed treatment; C= In-furrow at planting; D=2fl emergence; E=7 Days after 2fl emergence. b Plant stand expressed as a percentage of the target population of 120 plants/100ft. row from a sa mp le of 1 x 25 ft rows per plot. c DAP = days after planting on 2 June. d RAUEPC=r elative area under the emergence prog ress cur ve fr om planting to 46 days after planting. e VD =Vascular discoloration of the stem end; percentage calculated from 10 tubers. f CFU=colony forming units seen on selective Verticillium dahliae media . g Average threshold cycle value of 12 replicates/treatment (within experiment) the higher the Ct value the lower amount of Verticillium dahlia target DNA in the sample . h RLN=root lesion nematode, Pratylenchus penetrans . i Means followed by same letter are not significantly different at P = 0.10 (Fish ers LSD). j NA=not applicable. Potato (Solanum tuberosum ) ‚Snowden™ N. Rosenzweig, K. Steinke, J. Calogero Potato Common Scab ; Streptomyces spp. A. Chomas and S. Mambetova Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824 Crop rotations and organic amendments to redu ce soil -borne disease severity -Entrican , 2018 A field trial was established 10 May (43°21'9.24"N and longitude - 85°10'34.61"W) at the Montcalm Research Center, Entrican MI to crop rotations and organic amendments to reduce soil- borne disease severity (Table 1) . US#1 ‚Snowden ™ tubers were mechanically cut into approximately 2 oz seed pieces 1 May and allowed to heal before planting. These trials were c onducted using potato cultivar ‚Snowden™ due to its susceptibility to common scab and its commercial us e throughout the state of Michigan and the Midwestern US potato growing region. A randomized complete split-block design with four replications (4-row 50 ft plots) was used and treatment plots consist of the following crop rotations: 1) Potato (2018- 21); 2 ) Corn (2018), Potato (2019), Corn (2020) and Potato (2021); 3) Corn (2018-19) and Potato (2020) and Corn (2021); and 4) Corn (2018-2020) and Potato (2021). The split-block included organic and inorganic fertilizer treatments. All crop management (irrigati on, fertilization, insects, weeds, nematodes, and disease control) was per conventional grower practices . Each plot consisting of four 50- ft-long rows spaced 34 in. apart with tubers 10 in. apart in the row. A 20 ft non- planted alley separated plots . Foliar diseases were managed with Koverall at lb/ A (wk. 1 ), Koverall at 2 lb/ A (wks . 2, 6, 8, 9, 10), Manzate Pro Stick at 2 lb/A (wk 3), Echo 720 at 1.5 pt/A (wks. 4, 5), Equus 720 at 24 oz/A (wk. 7). Weeds were controlled by cultivation and with Linex 4L at 24 oz/A + Brawl II at 16 oz/A 15 and 28 days after planting (DAP) , Select Max at 25 oz/A + R.O.C at 1 gal/A 63 DAP, S elect Max at 25 oz/A + R.O.C at 1 gal/ A + Matrix at 1 oz/A 92 DAP and Matrix at 1 oz/A 113 DAP. Insects were controlled with Admire Pro Systemic Pro 7 oz/A at planting , Besiege at 9 oz/A and 56 DAP and Coragen at 6.8 oz/A 84 DAP. Vines were killed with Reglone 2EC on 5 Sep (118 DAP) . Plant stand was rated 38 DAP and percent emergence was calculated. Plots (1 x 50- ft row) were machine -harvested on 9 Oct ( 152 DAP) and individual treatments were weighed and graded. Incidence of common scab was recorded from a sample of 50 tubers/plot and s everity of common scab was measured as surface area affected (1=1 lesion to 1%; 2= 1.1 -10%; 3=10.1- 20%; 4= 20.1- 30%; 5= > 50% surface area). The number in each class is multiplied by the class number and summed. The sum is multiplied by a constant to expre ss as a percentage. Increasing index values indicated the degree of severity. Severity of common scab ( Streptomyces spp.) was rated 152 DAP. Data was analyzed using ANOVA and differences among treatments were determined using mean separation with Fisher™s Protected LSD. Meteorological Data Meteorological variables were measured with a Campbell weather station located at the farm from 1 Jun to the end of Oct . Average daily air temperature (ºF) was 68.3, 72.2, 71.1, 64.2 and 48.6 (Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep and Oct respectively) and the number of days with maximum temperature >90ºF over the same period was 0 for each month except June with 2 days and July with 5 days. Average daily relative humidity (%) over the same period was 70.6, 66.8, 72.2, 76.9 and 76.2. Average daily soil temperature at 4 in. depth ( oF) over the same period was 69.1, 81.1, 76.9, 72,4 and 54.3. Average daily soil moisture at 4 in. depth (% of field capacity) over the same period was 35.0, 31.0, 32.0, 38.0 and 38.0 . Precipitation (in.) over the same period was 2.05, 1.21, 5.4, 2.6 and 5.24fl. Plots were irrigated to supplement precipitation to about 0.1 in./A/4 d period with overhead sprinkle irrigation. Results The 2018 growing season provided environmental extremes of excessive moisture in Aug and Oct and moisture stress at other times . However, a prolonged period of unusually dry weather continuing from early Jul to mid- Aug is typically conducive to scab development particularly during tuber initiation . Treatments were not signi ficantly different in emergence, total , US#1 B- size tubers yield in hundred -weight per acre (CWT) and incidence of common scab. There was a significant difference in severity of common scab between treatments. 119 (DAP) b,c Yield (CWT) d Treatment and rate a Total US #1 B Size Scab Incidence Scab Severity e % Emergence Potatoes, PPPP Inorganic Gypsum 1000 lb/A (A) K2O 0-0-62, 150 lb ai/A (A) 10-34-0, 20 gal/A (B) K2O Liquid 23 gal/A (B) AS 21 -0-0-24, 82 lb ai/A (C) Urea 46 -0- 0, 60 lb ai/A (D) Urea 46 -0-0, 60 lb ai/A (E) 168.3 155.9 12.4 100 81.6 a 86.5 Potatoes, PPPP Organic Herbrucks, 2 ton/A (A) Gypsum 1000 lb/A (A) K2O 0-0-62, 129 lb ai/A (A) 10-34-0, 10 gal/A (B) K2O Liquid 23 gal/A (B) AS 21 -0-0-24, 35 lb ai/A (C) Urea 46 -0- 0, 35 lb ai/A (D) Urea 46 -0-0, 35 lb ai/A (E) 210.9 187.5 23.4 100 72.0 b 85.8 a Application time; A=Pre -planting/pre- plant incorporated; B= In-furrow at planting ; C= 2fl emergence ; D=banded at hilling ; E=7 -10 d ays after hilling . b DAP=days after planting c Means followed by same letter do not significantly differ ( P=0.10, LSD). d Yield in hundred- weight per acre e Severity of common scab was measured as surface area affected (1=1 lesion to 1%; 2= 1.1 -10%; 3=10.1 -20%; 4= 20.1- 30%; 5= > 50% surface area). Entomology Research Report to the Michigan Potato Industry Commission Project Title: Determining insect and disease impacts on potatoes and developing strategies for sustainable management in the face of extreme weather events Principal Investigators: William C. Wetzel, Assistant Professor, MSU Dept. of Entomology, wcwetzel@msu.edu Zsofia Szendrei, Associate Professor, MSU Dept. of Entomology, szendrei@msu.edu Jaime Willbur, Assistant Professor, MSU Dept. of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences Graduate Student Researcher: Joshua Snook, MSU Dept. of Entomology, snookjo2@msu.edu Summary of Problem Models that forecast pressure of insect pests and crop diseases are key tools that support decision making in pest management. These models turn biological knowledge and weather data into predictions that allow growers to anticipate pest pressure and stop pest outbreaks before they begin 1. For example, in Michigan one of the key platforms for forecasting models is Michigan State Univer sity™s EnviroWeather (enviroweather.msu.edu), which has freely available models that forecast pest pressure on potato and other crops. These models are currently not built to account for extreme weather events like droughts and heat waves, which are becomi ng more common and more intense in Michigan and around the world 2,3 . If pest forecast models are not updated to include the biological effects of extreme weather, then they will become inaccurate, making management of insect pests and crop diseases more di fficult and costly. A growing number of studies have examined the effects of extreme temperatures and drought on crops, crop diseases, and insect pests, but such studies have only examined small changes in temperature averages 4. Such studies have overlooked the potentially more important effects of brief but extreme weather events on crops, crop diseases, and insect pests 5. Our research project uses a set of lab and field experiments to reveal how extreme heat events influence the interaction between two k ey pests on potato: Colorado potato beetle ( Leptinotarsa decemlineata ) and the fungal pathogen Alternaria solani , which causes early blight. The product of this research will be the key initial steps towards improved potato pest forecasting models that accurately predict pressure from insect pests and crop pathogens in the face of extreme weather. Research Objectives 1a. Measure effects of heat waves on field colonization by Colorado potato beetle, including potato defoliation and yield 1b. Measure effects of heat waves on field survival and growth of Colorado potato beetle on potato, including potato defoliation and yield 2. Measure effects of heat waves on interactions between early blight, Colorado potato beetle, and potato, including infection, spread, and yield in the field Methods 1a. Measure effects of heat waves on field colonization by Colorado potato beetle, including potato defoliation and yield In April 2018, Atlantic seed potatoes were cut into 2-2.5 ounce seed pieces using a seed cutting machine. These pieces were then kept in a refrigerated at 55 ºF until planting. On April 25 the seed pieces were planted in rows 30 inches wide and spaced 10 inches between plants at the Montcalm Potato Research Farm. This section of field has been in continual potato production for approximately 10 years and has been used for pesticide trials and other Colorado potato beetle related experiments. There were no insect icides used on these plants during the experiment. The field was fertilized and treated with weekly fungicide applications as per industry standard for the course of the experiment. Over the summer from early July to mid -August, three heat waves that l asted four days and four nights were simulated over multiple five -foot sections of single rows of potato plants. The heat waves were simulated using five by five foot pyramidal open top chambers constructed of wood and 6 mil greenhouse plastic (Fig. 1). Th ese chambers were fitted with 300 -watt ceramic heaters that were turned on at dusk and off at dawn to maintain elevated plant canopy temperatures. The electric heaters were powered by two Predator 8500 watt generators. There were a total of 9 blocks down the length of the field. Each block consisted of 24 five by five foot plots, two rows of 12 plots with a buffer row between them. The control and heat treatments alternated down each row. For each heat wave event three blocks were randomly selected. T wo of the three blocks received heat wave treatments via chambers fitted with ceramic heaters, these plots experienced both day and night time heating. The other block had chambers without ceramic heaters, these plots only experienced daytime heating. On e single stem of a plant near the center of each plot was marked with a flagging tape and stem length of this plant was recorded prior to and 1 week after the heat wave. We designated the inner most 30fl section of the row within the plot as our study plants. The total number of stems and total number of plants were recorded for this 30 inch section in every plot. The amount of defoliation for this section was estimated for every plot pre and post heat wave. Colorado potato beetle presence was measured for this section Figure 1. Heat wave cages at the Montcalm potato farm in 2018. by recording the number of egg masses, recently hatched larvae, small larvae, large larvae, and adults both before, at the end of, and one-week post heatwave. Leaf temperatures of the plant canopy within each plot were recorded via a digital infrared thermometer on the third day of the experiment between noon and one pm. The soil surface temperature as well as the soil temperature at four inches below the surface were also recoded at the same time. Night time canopy and soil temperatures were recorded on the morning of the fourth day from 4 am to 6am just prior to sunrise. Pendant hobo data loggers were fitted with solar shields and placed within the canopy of all 3 blocks during heat wave experiments. Each block received at least four data l oggers, two in control and two in the heat-treated plots. Two of the data loggers were capable of recording humidity as well as temperature. These temperature and humidity data were recorded to document the effectiveness of our heat wave treatments. In late August 2018, all potatoes within the innermost 30fl section of each plot were dug up by hand. These were transported back to MSU main campus and stored at 37 ºF. Approximately one month later, the potatoes were assigned a scab rating from 0 -5 (0 = no scab and 5 = > 50% of tuber covered with pitted lesions) and sorted into standard potato size classes (B™s < 1 7/8fl, A™s 1 7/8fl Œ 3 ¼fl, and Oversize > 3 ¼fl) . After sorting, potatoes with deformities , like growth cracks, misshapenness, or scab ratings of 3.5 or higher were picked out. The remaining potatoes were again counted and weighed to estimate the marketable yield of each size class in each plot. The data was then analyzed and processed in R for statistical significance. 1b. Measure effects of heat waves on field survival and growth of Colorado potato beetle on potato, including potato defoliation and yield Atlantic seed potatoes were sourced from Marker ™s Farm (Michigan) and stored at 37 ºF until time of seed cutting. Potatoes were cut into 2-2.5 ounce seed pieces one week prior to planting. After cutting the pieces were stored in a humid dark room at 55 ºF. There were two rounds of planting at the Kellogg Biological Station (KBS), first plant ing occurred on May 25, 2018 and second planting occurred on June 8, 2018. Seed pieces were planted 10 inches apart in rows spaced 30 inches apart. Planting dates alternated in every row across the field. Each plot had both age classes of plants. Heat wave treatments were conducted in the same manner as the above experiment but there were two rows of plants within each chamber. Five Colorado potato beetle larvae were placed on the plants and were left to feed on the plants for two weeks. During this time the larvae were exposed to heat waves for 4 days and 4 nights using the cages and infrared heaters. After two weeks the larvae were removed from the plants, survival, larval stage and larval weight were recorded along with potato yield. 2. Measure effects of heat waves on interactions between early blight, Colorado potato beetle, and potato, including infection, spread, and yield in the field We were able to infect plants in the field with early bight and have conducted a preliminary experiment that allowed us to learn to do the artificial infections, handle plants so that control and infected plants can be grown in the same experiments and we also learned to evaluate disease symptoms. We will continue to work on experiments incorporating early blight into our work on heat waves. Results and Discussion We have successfully completed the field component of our proposed project. We are currently analyzing all collected data; we have several important preliminary results to report. Our warming treatments increased temperatures on potato plants by 10- 15ºF during the day and 10ºF during the night. The magnitude and 24-h extent of our warming treatments represents an important advance over most previous warming studies. Previous climate variability studies ha ve tended to warm plants only during the day, which is not an accurate representation of warming, and have warmed to lower maximum temperatures , accounting only for increases in average temperatures and not representing extreme events. These methods allowe d us to gain novel insights into how extreme heat events will influence potato production and pest control, and we look forward to continuing to use these methods on potato in the field for future field seasons. Our data indicate that heat waves, brief extreme high temperature events, reduce potato yield and lead to larger Colorado potato beetle larvae, but those Colorado potato beetle larvae have lower survival. References 1. Prasad, Y. G. & Prabhakar, M. in Integrated Pest Management: Principles and Practice (eds. Abrol, D. P. & Shankar, U.) 41Œ57 (CAB International, 2012). 2. Easterling, D. R. et al. Climate Extremes: Observations, Modeling, and Impacts. Science. 289, 2068Œ2074 (2000). 3. Meehl, G. A. & Tebaldi, C. More Intense, More Frequent, and Longer Lasting Heat Waves in the 21st Century. Science. 305, 994Œ997 (2004). 4. Bale, J. S. et al. Herbivory in global climate change research: direct effects of rising temperature on insect herbivores. Glob. Chang. Biol. 8, 1Œ16 (2002). 5. Colinet, H., Sinclair, B. J., Vernon, P. & Renault, D. Insects in Fluctuating Thermal Environments. Annu. Rev. Entomol. 60, 123Œ140 (2015). In 2018, the Vegetable Entomology Program conducted an insecticide tria l that included already registered products as well as new products such as Sivanto HL (see figure above). The experiment was set up at the Montcalm Potato Research farm with four replications in 20 foot long plots, 3 rows wide. The insecticide application s were either made at planting (in furrow ) or were foliar applications or a combination of the two applications types. Applications were made with a hand held CO 2 sprayer at 30psi, 30 gallons/A, using a single flat fan nozzle directed at a row of potatoes. Potatoes were planted in April 2018 and the first foliar applications were made at 50% Colorado potato beetle egg hatch. Subsequent foliar applications were made at 1 large larva per plant threshold. Five plants per plot were visually checked for all Colo rado potato beetles and leafhoppers weekly until potatoes started declining at the end of the growing season. We found that Treatments 4-7 in the table above had significantly lower Colorado potato beetle pressure than the untreated control, but the treatments containing Sivanto did not differ statistically from the untreated control. Leafhoppers occurred at very low numbers in our trial in 2018, therefore statistical analysis was not possible. Evaluation of foliar fungicides to manage late blight of potato in Michigan , 2018 . Jaime Willbur and Chris Bloomingdale Dept. Plant, Soil and Microbial Science, Michigan State University A fungicide efficacy trail was established at the Michigan State University Plant Pathology Farm in Lansing, MI. The objective of this trial was to compare the levels of late blight control provided by commercially available fungicides. To achieve this objective, a randomized complete block design was used, which was replicated four times. Potato seed was cut from US#1 ‚Snowden™ tubers into 2 oz pieces, and allowed to suberize f or 5 d before planting . To mitigate risk of late blight to commercial crops , planting was delayed until 6 Jun , to offset trial maturity for intended inoculation . Furrows were mechanically opened, so that seed could be hand planted. Plot dim ensions were 4 rows wide, on 36 -in. row spacing, and 20 ft long with 10 -in. seed spacing. Two spreader rows of the highly susceptible variety ‚Atlantic™ were planted as borders along the trial. After planting, furro ws were mechanically closed. Standard grower practices were followed to manage the trial and non -target pests. First fungicide applications occurred on 24 Jul, and were repeated weekly until 13 Sep. A CO 2 powered backpack sprayer, equipped with two TJ 8004XR flat fan nozzles and operating at a boom pressure of 24 psi , was used to apply fungicides at 15 gal/A. Inoculatio ns were postponed until 15 Aug, pending an earlier in -state detection . At sunset on 15 Aug, liquid P. infestans inoculum (3.6x10 3 spores/mL) was applied using the previously mentioned spray equipment. Disease progression was recorded daily for the first 2 weeks after inoculation, then recorded weekly . In- field sprinklers were run late morning and late afternoon daily to extend per iods of leaf wetness. The trial was not irrigated for 24 hr after applying treatments . Vines were removed by hand 9 Oct, and the center two rows of each plot harvested 12 Oct. Potatoe s were washed and the marketable yield (cwt/A) determined. A general linear mixed model Disease incidence was not significantly different among treatments in either the lower or upper canopy ( P>0.05). Additionally, no differences were detected in disease severity of the lower or upper canopy ( P>0.05). Disease incidence was overall low in the trial. The greatest mean disease incidence was 3.8% in the upper canopy and 0.5% in the lower canopy, both of these values were from the non -treated control. The mean severity was <1% in both upper and lower canopy. Marketable yield (cwt/A) did not differ among treatments. The range of mean yield was 267.0 -385.1 cwt/A, with the lowest mean recorded in the non -treated control. Despite i rrigation, the overall hot and dry Aug inhibited disease establishment. Initial disease ratings showed relatively high disease establishment, however , disease levels stalled and fluctuated with the hot, dry bouts. The overall low disease pressure made assessing the efficacy of the tested fungicides difficult. No significant differences were detected, but this is believed to be due to the unfavorable environmental conditions for the pathogen. No. Treatment and Rate /A Upper Canopy DI (%) z, y Upper Canopy DS (%) x Lower Canopy DI (%) Lower Canopy DS (%) Marketable Yield (cwt/A) 1 Non -treated Control 3.8 0.05 0.5 0.02 267.0 2 Manzate Max 1.6 qt 0.0 0.00 0.1 0.01 385.1 3 Bravo Weather Stik 1.5 pt 0.0 0.00 0.0 0.00 364.3 4 Oranil 6L 1.5 pt 0.3 0.00 0.0 0.00 348.0 z Disease incidence (DI) reported as a visual estimate of the percent p lants in the plot exhibiting signs/symptoms. y no letter, then the effect is not significant . x Disease severity (DS) report ed as a visual estimate of the percent leaf area of infected plants showing signs/symptoms. Evaluation of table potato variety and fungicides to manage late blight of potato, 2018 . Jaime Willbur and Chris Bloomingdale Dept. Plant, Soil and Microbial Science, Michigan State University Plots were established at the Michigan State University Plant Pathology Farm in Lansing, MI. A split plot design, replicated four times, was used to investigate the effects of potato variety and foliar fungicide on managing late blight. Three Russet varieties were used in this study: Burbank, Norkotah, and Payette. Potato seed was cut from US#1 tubers into 2 oz pieces, and allowed to suberize for 5 d before planting. To mitigate risk of late blight to commercial crops, planting was delayed until 6 Jun, to offset trial maturity for intended inoculation. Furrows were mechanically opened, so that seed could be hand planted . Plot dimensions were 12 ft (four rows on 36 -in. row spacing) by 20 ft, and planted with 16-in seed spacing. Two spreader rows of the highly susceptible variety ‚Atlantic™ were planted as borders along the trial. After planting, furrows were mechanically closed. Standard grower practices were followed to manage the trial and non -target pests. The trial was split by variety, with each variety h aving plots with a non-treated or a Bravo Weather Stik treatment . First fungicide applications occurred on 24 Jul, and were repeated weekly until 13 Sep. A CO 2 powered backpack sprayer, equipped with two TJ 8004XR flat fan nozzles and operating at a boom pressure of 24 psi, was used to apply fungicides at 15 gal/A. Inoculations were postponed until 15 Aug, pending an earlier in -state detection. At sunset on 15 Aug, liquid P. infestans inoculum (3.6x10 3 spores/mL) was applied using the previously mentioned spray equipment. Disease progression was recorded daily for the first two weeks after inoculation, then recorded weekly. In- field sprinklers were run late morning and late afternoon daily to extend per iods of leaf wetness. The trial was not irrigated for 24 hr after applying treatments. Vines were removed by hand 9 Oct, and the center 2 rows of each plot harvested 12 Oct. Potatoes were washed and the marketable yield (cwt/A) determined. A general linear mixed model procedure was used to conduct the ANOVA ( ) and mean separations . Plots were also monitored using hand -held (LC -RP Pro , Spectra Vista Corporation) leaf -clip reflectance probes with spectroradiometers and aerial hyperspectral cameras (Hyspex, NEO) mounted on a Cessna 180 aircraft. Spectral data collected by collaborators at the University of Wisconsin -Madison (Gevens, Townsend, and Gold) . Hand -held reflectance data was collected daily from 15 Aug to 24 Aug. Visual late blight data was also recorded daily for this duration. Aerial data was collected on approximately 13 Aug, 18 Aug , 22 Aug , 30 Aug, and 12 Sep. Multispectral data was also collected through the Basso Lab using unmanned aerial vehicle with an onboard software development kit (SDK ; Matrice, DJI Development). Drone flights were conducted on approximately 25 Jul, 17 Aug, and 12 Sep. There was not a significant fungicide x variety treatment interaction ( P>0.05) for any of the parameters analyzed, so fungicide treatments and variety were analyzed separately. No differences between non -treated and treated plants were detected in the lower or upper canopy ( P>0.05), though treated plots had numerically lower index values than non -treated plots. The same can be said for the mean marketable yield of treatments. Variety used had no effect on disease ( P>0.05), however there was a yield effect (P<0.01 ). Payette yielded the highest , with a mean value at least 80 CWT higher than Burbank or Norkotah. Spectral data will be analyzed by UW -Madison collaborators, and results will be provided to MSU when available. Samples of preliminary flight images are included. Despite regular irrigation before and after inoculation, the overall hot and dry Aug inhibite d disease establishment. Disease ratings post inoculation showed relatively high late blight establishment, but disease levels declined with the hot, dry bouts. These overall unfavorable disease conditions limited the ability to assess interaction s between these varieties and fungicide applications . Table 1. Treatment and Rate/A Upper Canopy D X (%) z, y Lower Canopy DX (%) Marketable Yield (cwt/A) Non -treated Control 0.009 0.02 257.96 Bravo Weather Stik 1.5 pt 0.006 0.00 268.91 z Disease Index (DX) was calculated by multiplying the disease incidence (0 -100%) by the severity (0 -100), then dividing by 100 . y Column values followed by the same letter are not significantly different based on Fisher™s Protected ot significant. Table 2. Russet Variety Upper Canopy D X (%) z, y Lower Canopy DX (%) Marketable Yield (cwt/A) Burbank 0.00 0.02 191.4 c Norkotah 0.01 0.00 259.2 b Payette 0.01 0.02 339.7 a z Disease Index (DX) was calculated by multiplying the disease incidence (0 -100%) by the severity (0 -100), then dividing by 100 . y Column values followed by the same letter are not significantly different based on Fisher™s Protected Figure 1. Preliminary images from aerial flights, differentially colored for contrast, data not analyzed . Remote sensing to quantify spatial variability of crop nitrogen (N) status and optimize N fertilizer in potato fields (Second year Œ continuation grant) Michigan Potato Industry Commission Report Bruno Basso, PhD. University Foundation Professor Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences Michigan State University Rationale Potatoes are a high value crop that is imperative Michigan™s agriculture economy. At the end of the day, yields are a vital measure of productivity and it i s a factor that cannot be ignored. Improvements in areas such as fertility, irrigation, and pest/disease pressure can be mitigated through the use of remote sensing. Imagery collected remotely provide the necessary i nformation to describe field -scale variability of plant growth during the growing season (Maestrini and Basso, 2018). Multiple layers of geospatial data are available to Michigan farmers that provide empirical clues regarding each year™s harvest. The integ ration of these data is imperative in discerning the field™s response to a dynamic system that includes differing trends in weather, variation in soil properties, and management changes . Objectives The overarching goal of this proposal is to evaluate how patterns of inherent spatial variability affect N uptake, N use efficiency ( NUE), and potato yield in fields with potato rotations . These patterns were captured throughout the growing season with remotely sensed imagery from planes and unmanned aerial vehicles ( UAVs) that included a multitude of sensors. Specific research objectives include: 1) To monitor in- season crop N status using remotely sensed imagery 2) To examine the relationships between plant chlorophyll content, spectral reflectance, N status, and crop yield at the field scale Methodology Field Description s Two fields near Six Lakes, MI were selected for study in cooperation with Main Farms. The field fiC9fl is located in Montcalm County. The field is irrigated with two pivots and contains three dominant soil types for the 78.6 acre field. Tekenink-Elmdale loamy sands on 2- 6% slopes are found in 62.2% of the field. McBride and Isabella sandy loams on 2-6% slopes (13.5%) and 6- 10% slopes (11.7%) cover the remain der of the field. The field fiC10fl is immediately south of C9. It contains two pivots and two dominant soil types: McBride and Isabella sandy loams on 2- 6% slopes (83.3%) and 6 -10% slopes (11.5%) for a total of 62.2 acres. Yield data for both fields provided from a combine yield monitor was available for 2016 (wheat), 2017 (corn), and 2018 (corn) (Table 1). A wet spring in early 2018 delayed planting at several farms in the Montcalm area , and b oth fields were the among the last potato fields to be planted by the cooperator in 2018. Yield Stability Zones Yield monitor data collected from previous grain harvests provided necessary information for the fields to be classified by varying levels of productivity. These yield stability zones (YSZ s) were created from a statistical analysis of diffe ring trends within the field. YSZs were created for both C9 and C10 (Figure 1). Classifications for YSZ s included high yielding and stable (HS), medium yielding and stable (MS), low yielding and stable (LS), and unstable (UN). Nitrogen Management Applications of N occurred four times throughout the growing season: pre -plant (urea), planting (liquid), hilling (liquid), and post- hill ( both) (Table 2). The entire field was treated with uniform N (conventional), except for two (tactical) strips across the field. Tactical high was treated with an additional 25 lb N/ac at hilling and tactical low was treated with 25 lb N/ac less at hilling. The tactical treatments allow us to examine the sensitivity of the remotely sensed imagery with attention to the gradient of three levels of N applications. Remote Sensing Imagery Remotely sensed imagery was collected with a UAV and airborne service throughout the growing season. UAV images were captured with multiple sensors, including visible, infrared, and thermal wavelength s. These images were processed in a stitching software to create georeferenced orthomosaic reflectance panels that were used to calculate vegetation indices, including normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), normalized difference red edge (NDRE), weighed difference vegetation index (WDVI), and ground cover (GC) (Table 3 ). UAV flights were made five times during the season. The first flight occurred before potatoe s were planted (5/8). The remaining flights were made at multiple times throughout the season (Table 4). Field Sampling Soil and plant samples were collected during the growing season. Hand digs taken immediately before machine harvest were collected from 3 replicates of 7 feet at 20 different points throughout the field. These points were chosen based on different criteria: YSZ, tactical/conventional treatment, and imagery inconsistency. Tubers were graded into four categories: No. 1s, No. 2s, pickouts, and throw-aways. Before 2018, potato yields were estimated using two separate methods: 1) short sections of rows were dug up by hand and weighed; 2) trucks leaving the field were weighed and averaged for the area that was harvested. Both methods fail to ca pture a proper spatial resolution similar to the yield monitor found on most combine harvesters. For this year, a yield map was also created from a machine harvester after harvest was completed on 10/24/2018. Results For fields in potato production, cente r pivots are essential to providing enough rainfall for adequate potato growth. Y SZs tend to follow similar patterns found with irrigated fields, while the spatial variability of yield in rainfed fields is more prevalent . HS zones dominate areas of the field where water is rarely limited (Figure 1). Further outside of the reach of the irrigator , water is unable to fully supply high growth of the plot and these zones are classified as MS. Finally, the headlands of the fields w here compaction is more prevalent from implements turning around are classified as LS. Remote Sensing Remotely sensed imagery from the growing season captured similar trends of spatial variability in th e WDVI , which allows for an accurate representation of the potato health before canopy closure. These images from the UAV show variability related to the spatial variation in the field (lower elevation ) and slight ly lower values in the tactical low treatment (Figure s 2 & 3). The variability of the index was higher at each yield stability zone than each N treatment , confirming the importance of the YSZ classifications. On July 17 th, there was a clear difference in index values at each of the three YSZs (Figure 4). The index reached complete saturation by August 3rd, emphasizing the importance in capturing these images before the plant canopy reaches peak greenness. Yield and Nitrogen Use Efficiency Hand digs and data interpolated from the harvester yield monitor contributed to an in-depth understanding of how potatoes use N across a diverse landscape. The a reas within the reach of the irrigator fall into mostly HS and MS. Parts of the field near the border are found to be mostly LS and UN based on the YSZ analysis of grain yields. A yield map was created using harvest data collected by the harvester (Figure 5). At field C9, the highest yields in the field fell directly in line with the tactical high strip which received an additional 25 lb N/ac at hilling on July 3 rd. The tactical low strip at the lower portion of the field also exhibited some of the lowest yields relative to the remaining portions of the field. Similarly, at field C10, the tactical high strip showed some of the higher yields relative to the rest of the field. The additional N applied in the tactical high strip correspond with increased yields, as seen in these maps . The NUE maps (Figure 6) reflect a similar pattern of spatial trends shown in the yield maps due to uniform concentrations of measured N across the fields. The yield maps from the harvester data are extremely valuable as they show large ranges of yield, varying from less than 200 to 550 cwt/ac, that are attributed to the inherent spatial variability of the fields rather than the tactical strips of varied N applications. Conclusions The yield data from a year of potatoes in a traditional rotation for a potato grower has been missing data in the past. New technology attached to the harvester now mimics the established yield monitors found in grain harvesters that have become extremely important. Fertility in potato production is also difficult due to the nature of their coarse textured soils and the inability to maintain high productivity without considerabl e amounts of supplemental N. Matching the plant demand with adequate supply is still a challenge ; however, this study has shown that remote sensing can detect those subtle differences by using a gradient of multiple N scenarios. Table 1. Fields of study in 2018. Field Name Yrs. of Yield Data Cropping History Field size (ac) C9 3 wheat -corn -corn -potato 78.58 C10 3 wheat -corn -corn -potato 62.18 Table 2. N Management at both fields in 2018. Treatment Pre -Plant May 2 (lb N/ac) Planting May 30 & June 2 (lb N/ac) Hilling July 3 (lb N/ac) Post -Hilling July 30 (lb N/ac) Total N (lb N/ac) Tactical Œ High (25 lb ) 46 59 95.4 33 233.4 Conventional 46 59 70.1 33 208.1 Tactical Œ Low (25 lb ) 46 59 44.7 33 182.7 Table 3. Remote sensing vegetation indices used in 2018. Index Equation Description Reference NDVI = + Estimates LAI, biomass accumulation, vegetation presence Millard et al. 1990 NDRE = + Proxy for N concentration Sharma et al. 2017 WDVI = Removes soil reflectance before plant canopy appears Clevers, 1989 GC =196.6 <0.29 =8.05+228.5 0.29 Estimates ground cover amount Bouman et al. 1992 Table 4. UAV flight dates. Field Flight Date C9 & C10 5/08/2018 7/02/2018 7/17/2018 8/03/2018 9/05/2018 Figure 1 . Yield stability maps for both fields of study in 2018. Figure 2 . WDVI for C9 from July through September for 2018. Figure 3 . WDVI values at 3 dates for 3 yield stability zones (HS, MS, LS) and 3 N treatments (tactical high, conventional, and tactical low). Figure 4 . WDVI at 3 dates for 3 yield stability zones (HS, MS, LS) and 3 N treatments ( tactical high, conventional, and tactical low). Figure 5 . Yield map created from harvester data for fields C9 and C10. Figure 6 . Nitrogen use efficiency maps for fields C9 and C10. n.s . CAN COMPOSTS HELP MANAGE ROOT OT-TTTTTTTT-TTTTTTTTTTTTTLESION OMPOSTS HELP MNEMATODES MANP MSSIN NAGE ROOOTTMANN NPOTATOES? Emilie Cole and Marisol QuintanillaMichigan State University INTRODUCTION OBJECTIVESI. Determine which compost/manure provides optimal control of root lesion nematodes II. Establish which compost/manure has the most efficacy at low rates III. Determine if composts/manures are effective in a field setting Dairy Doo w/ SpeltMEET THE COMPOSTSComposted Diary Manure Dairy DooChicken ManurePoultry CompostLayer Ash Blend ControlComposted Diary Manure w/ Spelt Hulls Pure Chicken Manure Composted Chicken Manure Composted Chicken & Dairy Manure w/ Wood Ash Play SandWorm Red Wriggler Worm CastingsRoot Lesion nematodes (P. penetrans ) feed on potato roots (fig. 1) increasing Verticillium wilt infection thus leading to Potato Early Die Complex which can severely impact yields. Traditional control tactics are predominately chemical including fumigants and nematicides. Although some are effective, these products do little to promote soil health. Literature has suggested that utilizing manure-based compost can reduce nematode populations, but results have been mixed. Compost is inherently quite variable leading our project to collaborate with a local compost producer with consistent products to determine their efficacy against root lesion nematodes in potatoes. I. WHICH COMPOST IS MOST EFFECTIVE? III. ARE COMPOSTS EFFECTIVE IN A FIELD SETTING? II. WHICH RATE IS BEST? Layer AshChicken Manure Dairy Doo w/ Spelt WormPoultry Compost Dairy DooControl Average P. penetrans Recovered per Arena (±SEM) 1 DAT 2 DAT 5 DAT 7 DAT Methods-The 7 products listed above were tested. -40 cc of each product were placed into 20 centrifuge tubes and inoculated with 200 root lesion nematodes (fig. 1a) -After 1, 2, 5 and 7 days 5 tubes from each treatment were placed in a modified Baermannpan (fig. 1b) to determine survival (fig. 2) Results-Both the Layer Ash and Chicken Manure Treatments recovered ZERO root lesion nematodes -As time within the compost/manure progressed each treatment recovered fewer nematodes compared to control Figure 2. Average number of recovered nematodes per centrifuge tube separated by days after treatment (DAT). Treatments were analyzed by DAT . Treatments marked with different letters are significantly different ( =.05; Tukey HSD) MethodsResults-Chicken Manure, Layer Ash Blend and Dairy Doo were tested at rates of 100, 75, 50, 30, 15 and 5% compost on a vol/volratio with sand. 100% sand served as a control -The same methods from the previous experiment were used except arenas were left for 7 days. SUMMARY ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS -Dairy Doo was variable in control suggesting it would be a poor nematicidalagent (Fig. 3a) -Chicken manure had best results above 50% manure with moderate control below 50% manure (Fig. 3b) -Layer Ash provided optimal control even at 5% compost making it a promising candidate for a nematicidalagent (Fig. 3c) We would like to thank Elisabeth Darl ing, Lauren Rodriguez, Brian Levene, Kristin Poley, and the Potato Outrea ch Program for all assistance along the way as well as Morgan Composti ng, the Michigan Potato Industry Commission and Project GREEEN for funding. 01234 567ControlDairy DooHigh Dairy DooLow Layer Ash High Layer Ash High Chicken Manure High Chicken Manure Low Average Root Lesion Nematodes Per 100cc Soil (±SEM) n.s.Methods-Russet Norkotahpotatoes were planted at the Montcalm Research Center in early June. -Dairy Doo, Layer Ash and Poultry Manure were tested at 1.25 tons per acre and 5 tons per acre against a non-treated control. -Composts were spread one day prior to planting -Soil was collected mid-August and nematode populations were determined -Yields were determined by harvesting 23™ from each plot. 050100 150 200 250 ControlDairy Doo High Diary Doo Low Layer Ash High Layer Ash Low Chicken Manure High Chicken Manure Low Average Total Yield in CTW/AC (±SEM) n.s.Results-Plots treated with chicken manure at a low rate had fewer nematodes numerically, but overall field numbers were quite low and no statistical significances were found. -Layer Ash applied at a high rate and chicken manure applied a low rate provided the highest yields, but no statistical significances were found. I.In a lab setting the Layer Ash Blend and chicken manure show promise in having nematicidalproperties II.The Layer Ash Blend reduced nematode populations at a rate of 5% compost III. In the field, no significant differences were found but chicken manure at a low rate had the lowest nematode populations while Layer Ash at a high rate and chicken manure at a low rate had the highest yields. Overall, compost has promising nematicidaleffects but more field work needs to be done to determine efficacy in field situations. QUESTIONS/COMMENTS? Email me at coleemi1@msu.eduFig 4. Average number of root lesion nematodes recovered from 100 cc of soil; n.s. indicates no significance (Tukey HSD; = .05) Figure 3. Boxplot representing the number of nematodes recovere d from (a) Dairy Doo, (b) Chicken Manure (c) Layer Ash Blend at various rates of 0, 5, 15, 30, 50, 75 and 100% compost. Fig 5. Average potato yield per plot in century weight per acre (CTW/AC); n.sindicates no significance (Tukey HSD; = .05) Wilting, stunting, chlorosis and yield loss up to 50%! Figure 1. Root lesion nematodes (not to scale) feed on potato roots COMPARING CHEMICAL OPTIONS TO CONTROL ROOT OT-TTTT-TTTTTTTLESION MPARING CHEMIC NEMATODES CAL OPTIONS TO CONTROL ROO OTTESLELMICS SAND VERTICILLIUM WILT IN POTATO Emilie Cole and Marisol QuintanillaMichigan State University INTRODUCTION NEMATODE POPULATIONS Control Control Cruiser Maxx Nimitz High Nimitz Low EmSeVe EmSeVeMo EmSeVeLu Salibro Low + Vydate Salibro Low + 2Vydate Salibro High + Vydate Salibro High + 2 Vydate Velum/Movento Mocap Vydate Average P. penetrans/ 1g Root (±SEM) When present together in a potato field, root lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus penetrans) and the fungal pathogen Verticillium dahliae create what is known as Potato Early Die Complex. This complex causes potatoes to senesce prematurely ultimately reducing yields by up to 50%1.Historically management has included soil fumigants however regulations on these products are pushing growers to opt for alternatives such as nematicides. In this trial we tested twelve products with two controls to determine if they reduce Potato Early Die Complex incidence. TREATMENTS TSControlTREATM ENNTConConononononoConoConoCConCCnntrotrotrotrotrotrotrotrotrotrootrottrotrooollllllllloooolControl with Cruiser MaxxEmestoSilver, Serenade, Velum, Movento (EmSeVeMo) SalibroHigh + 1 Vydateapp. SalibroHigh + 2 Vydateapp. SalibroLow + 2 Vydate app. Velum + Movento ControlSalibroLow + 1 Vydateapp. EmestoSilver, Serenade, Velum, Luna Tranquility (EmSeVeLu) Nimitz High(7oz/ ac)Nimitz Low (5oz/ ac)VydateMocap tzzz mitwwwac)/aaLow owwwwwwowwwwwwwwwww datep. Vel VVumMoveMETHODS EmestoSilver, Serenade, Velum (EmSeVe )TS ENNTrollllh serNNNimNimNimNimNimNiNNNitz HH(7oz/ aabroo+ 1 eapp .SalibroLow + 2 Vydateapp. Field Set-up Nematode Populations Verticillium Populations Yield Figure 2.. Average root lesion nematodes per gram of root ±SEM. Treatments makredwith different letters are significantly different (Tukey HSD, = .05) VERTICILLIUM POPULATIONS YIELDSUMMARY & FUTURE DIRECTIONS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We would like to thank Elisabeth Darling, Brian Levene, Kristin Poley, Lauren Rodriguez, and the Potato Outreach Program for technical assistance as well as Project GREEEN and the Michigan Potato Industry Commission for funding this project. -Both high rates of Salibro and the Low rate with two applications of Vydatehad significantly fewer root lesion nematodes per gram of root compared to the Control with Cruiser Maxx. -Vydate,EmestoSilverwith Serenade and Velum also exhibitedlowpopulations ofP. penetrans . Vydate Control Cruiser Maxx EmSeVe EmSeVeLu EmSeVeMo Mocap Nimitz High Nimitz Low Salibro High+ 2Vydate Salibro Low +2Vydate Salibro High +Vydate Salibro Low +Vydate Velum +Movento Control 050100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 Control Control Cruiser Maxx EmSeVe EmSeVeLu EmSeVeMo Mocap Nimitz High Nimitz Low Salibro High + 2Vydate Salibro High + Vydate Salibro Low + 2Vydate Salibro Low +Vydate Velum + Movento Vydate Average Yield in CTW/AC (±SEM) -No significant differences were found amongst treatments. -Yields were highest within plots treated with Vydate,Nimitz Low (5 oz./ac), and the untreated control. Figure 4. Average yield in Century weight per Acre (CTW/Ac); n.s. Indicates no significance (=.05, Tukey HSD) -14 treatments (listed below) were tested in a complete randomized block design with four replications . -Each plot (12™ x 15™) was planted with 4 rows of Russet Norkotahpotatoes in early May -In early August, 10 stems were collectedfromeach plot, plated on Bacto-Agar and left for two weeks. After this time, the number of infected stems was recorded. -In late July, 1 gram of roots was collected from each plot (Fig 1). They were then washed and shaken in 1% bleach solution to extract the nematodes which were subsequently counted. -1,15 foot row was harvested from each plot. Potatoeswerethenweighed in KG and convertedtoaper-acre scale in Century Weight per acre. Figure 3. Averagenumberofstemsinfectedwith Verticlliumdahliae per treatment; n.s. indicates no significance (=.05, Tukey HSD). -No significant differences were found and all treatments had over60% ofstemscollectedinfectedwithVerticillium dahliae. -Plotstreatedwith Salibroat a high rate with one application of Vydate had the lowest rate of infection, numerically. -Salibrotreated plots had the fewest nematodes per gram of root. -Salibroatahigh rate withoneapplicationofVydatehadthe lowestrateof Verticillium infection. -OverallyieldswerehighestamongstNimitzLow(5oz/ac) and Vydatetreated plots but there were no significant differences between treatments. -Overall, Salibrolooks promising in controlling Potato Early Die Complex but more work needs to be done to solidify results. Figure 1. Brian Leveneand Lauren Rodriguez collecting roots for nematode sampling. QUESTIONS/COMMENTS? Email me at coleemi1@msu.eduFigure 5. Potatoes on conveyor of harvester. 2017 -2018 MICHIGAN POTATO DEMONSTRATION STORAGE ANNUAL REPORT MICHIGAN POTATO INDUSTRY COMMISSION Chris Long, Coordinator, Trina Zavislan, and John Calogero Introduction and Acknowledgements Round white potato production for chip processing continues to lead the potato market in Michigan. Michigan growers continually look for promising new round white varieties that meet necessary production and processing criteria. There are many variety trials underway in Michigan that are evaluating chipping varieties for yield, solids, disease resistance, desired tuber size profile and chipping quality with the hope of exhibiting the positive attributes of these lines to growers and processors. Extended sto rage chip quality and storability are of extreme importance in round white potato production. Therefore, any new chip processing varieties with commercialization potential will have storage profiles developed. Examining new varieties for long -term storage and processing quality keeps the Michigan chip industry at the leading edge of the snack food industry. The information in this report can position the industry to make informed decisions about the value of adopting these varieties into commercial producti on. The Michigan Potato Industry Commission (MPIC) Potato Demonstration Storage Facility currently consists of two structures. The first building, the Dr. B. F. (Burt) Cargill Building, constructed in 1999, allows the Michigan potato industry to generate storage and chip quality data on newly identified chip processing clones. This information helps to establish the commercial potential of new varieties. This demonstration storage facility utilizes six, 550 cwt. bulk bins (bins 1-6) that have independent ventilation systems. The Ben Kudwa Building, built in 2008, has three independently ventilated, 600 cwt. bulk bins. The first of these bulk bins, bin 7, was converted to box bin storage that holds 36, 10 cwt. box bins to provide storage profiles on early generation potato varieties. The box bin is an entry point into storage profiling that allows the industry to learn about a varieties™ physical and chemical storability before advancing to the bulk bin level. A variety is evaluated for 4- 6 years before ent ering box bin testing. In the variety development process, little information has been collected about a varieties™ physical storability or chemical storage profile prior to being included in the box bin trial. A storage profile consists of bi -weekly sampl ing of potatoes to obtain: sucrose and glucose levels, chip color and defect values. In addition, we evaluate each variety for weight loss or shrinkage and pressure bruise. With this information, we can create the storage profile of a variety, providing th e industry with a clearer picture of where a line can or cannot be utilized in the snack food industry. The Michigan potato industry hopes to use these storage profiles to improve in areas such as long-term storage quality, deliverability of product and, ultimately, sustained market share. The two remaining 600 cwt. bulk bins in the second structure are used to evaluate the post -harvest physiology of potatoes. The facility can be used to evaluate stor age pathology or sprout inhibitor products. The Michig an industry recognizes the importance of controlling disease and sprout developmen t in storage and is committed to doing research in these areas. This sixteenth annual Demonstration Storage Report contains the results of the storage work conducted in th e facility during the 2017-2018 storage season. Section I, fi2017- 2018 New Chip Processing Variety Box Bin Reportfl, contains the results and highlights from our 10 cwt. box bin study. Section II, fi2017-2018 Bulk Bin (500 cwt. bin) Reportfl, shows bulk bin results, including information from commercial processors regarding these new varieties. The storage facility, and the work done within it, is directed by the MPIC Storage and Handling Committee and Michigan State University (MSU) faculty. The funding and financial suppo rt for this facility , and the research conducted within it, is largely derived from the MPIC. The committee occasionally receives support for a given project from private and/or public interests. We wish to acknowledge all the support and investment we receive to operate and conduct storage research. First, we express our gratitude for the partnership we enjoy between the MPIC and Michigan State University. Thank you to the MPIC Storage & Handling Committee for their investment of time, guiding the decisions and direction of the facility. Steve and John Crooks, Crooks Farms, Inc.; Brian Sackett, Sackett Potatoes; Tim, Todd and Chase Young, Sandyland Farms , and Karl Ritchie and Brice Stine of Walther Farms for provided the material to fill the bulk bins this year; and without their willingness to be involved, we could not have accomplished our objectives. Equal in importance are the processors who invested in this research. They are Mitch Keeney, Jim Fitzgerald and Jack Corriere of U TZ Quality Foods, Inc., Hanover, PA; Jim Allen of Shearer™s Foods, Inc., Brewster, OH; Gene Herr and Elis Cole of Herr Foods, and Al Lee and Phil Gusmano of Better Made Snack Foods, Detroit, MI. It has been a great pleasure to work with all of you. Special thanks to Butch Riley (Gun Valley Ag. & Industrial Services, Inc.) for his annual investment in the sprout treatment of the storage facility. We would also like to acknowledge a long list of additional contributors who invested much time to help foster a quality storage program: Dr. Dave Douches and the MSU Potato Breeding and Genetics Program, Todd Forbush (Techmark, Inc), Larry Jensen (Chief Wabasis Potato Growers), Mathew Klein (Farm Manager, MSU Montcalm Research Center), and Tim and Matt Wilkes (Potat o Services of Michigan). All played a role in making this facility useful to the Michigan potato industry. Overview of the 2017 Production Season The overall 6 -month average maximum and minimum temperatures during the 2017 growing season in central Michigan were simi lar to the 15 -year average of 73 oF and 50 oF respectively (Table 1). Temperatures were slightly cooler than average in August and warmer than average in September . Extreme heat events were lower than average in 2017 (Table 2), with 14 hou rs over 3 days exceeding 90 oF during the entire summer. High nighttime temperatures (over 70 oF) were also lower than average with 80 hours over 18 days. Rainfall for A pri l through September was 15.87 inches, 0.77 inches below the 15-year average (Table 3 ). April and June had above average precipitation, while May and July to September had below average precipitation. Table 1. The 15- year summary of average maximum and minimum temperatures ( F) during the growing season at the Montcalm Research Center. * Table 2 . Six -year heat stress summary (from May 1 st Œ Sept. 30 th)* HoursDaysHoursDays 2012701514330 201314 314028 201400 5815 2015316622 201610 314731 201714 38018 Average19 410624 Year Temperatures > 90 oF Night (10pm-8am) Temperatures > 70 oF Year Max. Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. 20035633644477528158825872487249 20046237674674547957765378497349 20056236654182608258815877517551 20066236614678548361805868487251 20075333734782548156805876507450 20086137674077568058805473507349 20095634674576547553765674497149 20106438704977578362826169507453 20115334684877568562795870487251 20125834734884539062825574467750 20135133734877558158805478487349 20145533684578577754795672477249 20155834714876548056775777547351 20165332704578538259856078547451 20176139674478558158775477507450 15-Year Average5835684678558158805774497350 6-Month Average April May June July August September Table 3 . The 15-year summary of precipitation (inches per month) recorded during the growing season at the Montcalm Research Center. * Year April MayJuneJulyAugust September Total 20030.703.441.852.602.602.0613.25 20041.798.183.131.721.990.3217.13 20050.691.393.573.651.853.9015.05 20062.734.452.185.552.253.1520.31 20072.641.601.582.432.341.1811.77 20081.591.692.953.073.035.0317.36 20093.942.152.432.074.741.4916.82 20101.593.683.212.142.631.8815.13 20113.423.082.381.632.571.8414.92 20122.350.980.993.633.310.7612.02 20137.984.522.261.354.061.3321.50 20144.245.513.253.711.782.3520.84 20153.712.964.791.722.423.919.50 20162.252.771.333.425.353.0518.17 20174.451.986.370.921.360.715.87 15-Year Average 2.943.232.82 2.642.822.2016.64 *Weather data collected at the MSU, Montcalm Research Center, Entrican, MI. I. 2017 -2018 New Chip Processing Variety Box Bin Report (Chris Long, Trina Zavislan, John Calogero, an d Brian Sackett) Introduction This project evaluated new chip processing varieties from national and private breeding progr ams for processing quality after storage conditions. We evaluated a variety™s response to pile temperature, as reflected in sucrose and glucose levels, as well as weight loss and pressure bruise susceptibility. Bin 7 contained 36, 10 cwt. boxes. We organized the 36 boxes in to six stacks of six . The box design allows air to travel in from a header , or plenum wall , through the fork lift hol es of each box and up through the potatoes within it. The air continues to flow up through the next box until it reaches the top and is drawn off the top of the chamber. The air is then reconditioned and forced back through the header wall plenums and up through the boxes again. Each box contains a sample door facing the center aisle from wh ich we sampled tubers for bi-weekly quality evaluations. Procedure In 2017, we evaluated and compared 32 new varieties to the check varieties Snowden and Lamo ka. Once the varieties were chosen, 1 cwt. of each variety was planted in a single 34 -inch wide row, on May 8 th at the MSU, Montcalm Research Center, Entrican, MI. We planted the varieties at a 10fl in -row seed spacing. All varieties received fertilizer in the rates of: 273 lb. N/A, 99 lb P 2O5/A and 261 lb K 2O/A. The varieties were vine killed after 129 days and allowed to set skins for 20 days before harvest on October 3 rd, 2017; which was 149 days after planting. We did not account for variety maturity in harvest timing due to storage and handling restrictions. We placed approximately 10 cwt. of each variety in a box bin and stacked the boxes in bin 7. The average storage temperature for all the box bins (box b in 7) was 54.0ºF for the 2017-2018 season. At harvest, we collected nine, 20 lb. samples from each variety for weight loss and pressure bruise evaluation. We describe the varieties, their pedigree and scab ratings in Table 4. We also recorded yield, size d istribution, chip quality, and specific gravity at harvest (Table 5). We graded the varieties to remove all fiBfl size tubers and pick -outs, ensuring the tubers began storage in good physical condition. The storage season began October 2, 2017, and ended June 11, 2018. Bin 7 was gassed with CIPC on November 1, 2017. We began variety evaluations on October 23, 2017, followed by a bi-weekly sampling schedule until early June. We randomly selected forty tubers from each box every two weeks and sent them to Techmark, Inc. for sucrose, glucose, chip color and defect evaluation. We also evaluated pressure bruising by placing nine pressure sample bags for each variety in one of the bulk bins at the storage facility. We placed three bags at each of 3™, 8™ and 14™ from the pile floor. When that bin was unloaded, we weighed the sample bags and calculated percent weight loss. We evaluated a 25 -tuber sample from each of the nine bags for the presence or absence of pressure bruise. We recorded the number of tubers and severity of bruise. All pressure bruises were evaluated for discoloration. This report is not an archive of all the data that we generated for the box bin trial, but rather a summary of the data from the most promising lines. The purpose of this report is to present a summary of information from the best performing lines from thi s trial that will be moved along the commercialization process. If more detailed information is desired, please contact Chris Long at Michigan State University in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences for assistance at (517) 355 -0277 or longch@msu.edu . Additional data is available on the program website, https://www. canr.msu.edu/potatooutreach. Table 4. 2017 -18 MPIC Demonstration Box Bin Variety Descriptions Entry Pedigree 2017 Scab Rating* Characteristics Lamoka (NY139) NY120 X NY115 0.0 High yield, mid - late season maturity, medium specific gravity, oval to oblong tuber type, low internal defects, long term chip quality Manistee (MSL292 -A) Snowden X MSH098-2 1.0 Average yield, scab resistance similar to Snowden, medium specific gravity, long storage potential, uniform, flat round tuber type, heavy netted skin Snowden (W855) B5141-6 X Wischip 0.0 High yield, late maturity, mid -season storage, reconditions well in storage, medium to high specific gravity AF4648-2 NY132 X Liberator 0.5 High yield potential, common scab resistant, high specific gravity, low internal defects Hodag Pike X Dakota Pearl 0.3 Above average yield and specific gravity, pointed tubers present in pickouts Madison SunRain 0.0 Very high specific gravity, early season maturity MSR127-2 MSJ167- 1 X MSG227-2 0.1 Scab resistant, high specific gravity, good chip quality from storage, above average yield potential, medium- late maturity . In the 2017 SNAC trial MSV030-4 Beacon Chipper X MSG227-2 0.0 Above average yield and specific gravity, slight pink eyes, flattened round tuber type MSV358-3 MSP239 -1 X OP 0.0 Scab resistant with high specific gravity, has chip storage potential from 50F, in Fast Trac program MSW075-2 MSK061- 4 X Nicolet 0.0 Very low yield, good internal quality, high percentage B -sized tubers MSW485-2 MSQ070-1 X MSR156-7 0.0 Scab resistant with moderate late -blight resistance, high specific gravity and attractive tuber shape, in Fast Track program MSX111-3 Dakota Crisp X MSN191-2Y 0.5 High yield, high percentage US#1 tubers, slightly susceptible to internal brown spot MSX540-4 Saginaw Chipper X Lamoka 0.0 Medium/high yield potential, common scab, late blight and PVY resistant, high specific gravity, currently in Fast Track program MSZ022 -7 Kalkaska X Tundra 0.5 Average yield, below average specific gravity, full season maturity MSZ052 -11 Pike X MSR127-2 0.0 Sheep nose and deep apical eyes observed in 2017, below average common scab score MSZ219 -1 Saginaw Chipper X MSR127-2 0.0 Average yield, good off the farm chip score, good internal quality MSZ219 -13 Saginaw Chipper X MSR127-2 0.0 Second highest yielding variety in 2017, very large tubers size with 56% over 3.25 inches, some skinning MSZ219 -14 Saginaw Chipper X MSR127-2 0.0 Average yield, susceptible to vascular discoloration, mid -season maturity MSZ219 -46 Saginaw Chipper X MSR127-2 0.5 Below average yield, higher percentage oversized tubers, good out of the field chip color MSZ242 -13 MSR168- 8Y X MSU383-A 0.0 Highest specific gravity in 2017 trials, excellent internal quality, higher percentage B sized tubers MSZ242 -9 MSR168- 8Y X MSU383-A 0.0 Below average yield, vigorous vines, good fresh chip color, hi gher specific gravity ND7519-1 ND3828-15 X W1353 0.0 High specific gravity, medium to high yield potential, medium vine maturity, round smooth skinned tubers ND7799C-1 Dakota Pearl X Dakota Diamond 0.5 Average yield, very low specific gravity, susceptible to vascular discoloration Niagara (NY152) B38 -14 X Marcy 0.0 High yield potential, medium specific gravity, moderate resistance to common scab, medium- late maturity . Fast Track program graduate NY162 NYE106 -2 X NYE48 -2 1.0 High percent US #1 tubers, good internal quality, susceptible to common scab TX09396-1W Atlantic X Lamoka 0.0 Average yield, many oversized tubers, misshapen and knobs in pickouts W9968-5 Fasan X Nicolet 0.0 High yield, pear shaped tubers, oval to oblong tuber type with heavy russetting *Scab rating based on 0- 5 scale; 0 = most resistant and 5 = most susceptible. Common scab data and qualitative descriptions provided by Potato Outreach Program (P.O.P.), MSU Potato Breeding and Genetics Program and other potato breeding programs. Results: 2017 -2018 Chip Processing Box Bin Highlights MSV030 -4 This Michigan State University variety has been evaluated in the Box Bin trial for three years. At harvest, the specific gravity was 1.096, above the trial average of 1.088. The US#1 yield was 379 cwt/A, average for the trial (Table 5). MSV030- 4 was chem ically mature at harvest, with the sucrose rating decreasing from 0.550 to 0.548 between the two pre-harvest panels on August 16 th and August 30 th. This variety exhibited mid- season maturity and scab resistance. It had excellent out of the field chip quality, with a 1.0 chip score. At the first sample date on 10/2/17 the sucrose (X10) increased to 1.587, but decreased at each sample until April. Glucose concentrations were somewhat variable, with 0.003% at the first sample, which fluctuated between October and December before remaining at 0.002 for most of January to April. Between April and the end of storage in early June both glucose and sucrose concentrations increased. The box bin had a target temperature of 54 ºF, and the bin was cooled to the target by early November. It stayed between 53.6ºF and 54ºF though April, before increasing slightly to 54.6ºF just prior to bin unloading. There was no undesirable color reported, excluding 3.6 percent in February. Internal color was also good, with a high of 15.6 % in early January. In all but the first and last sample, total defects were less than 20%. MSV030 -4 has continued potential for commercialization in Michigan due to chip quality in long term storage, higher specific gravity, and good internal quality. Thi s variety will be in the 2018 National SNAC variety trial. Figure 1. MSV030- 4 chip samples at the last acceptable processing date, 5/7/18 (left) and at last sample date, 6/4/18 (right) . MSX540 -4 This Michigan State University variety was named and released as Mackinaw in 2018. It has above average specific gravity, good chip color, and is tolerant to common scab, PVY, and late blight. In 2017 it had a slightly below average US #1 yield of 352 cwt/A compared to the trial average of 383 cwt/A. This variety does tend to have a smaller tuber size profile with more B sized tubers. It had excellent internal quality and mid -season maturity in 2017. MSX540-4 was physiologically and chemically mature at har vest as both the % glucose and sucrose decreased between the first and second pre -harvest sample. During initial bin cooling between loading and mid- October the sucrose concentration (X10) initially rose but then decreased at each sample through March. Glu cose concentrations were more stable over the season, with slight fluctuations between 0.001 and 0.003 during storage, but the final glucose concentration at bin unloading was 0.002. Bin cooling for this and all other varieties is described in the MSV030 -4 variety description, as all box bin are stored together. Chip quality was excellent during storage, with only one incidence of undesirable color, 2.9% in April. Internal color was also good, with thee storage samples displaying less than 10% internal color in February, April, and June. Total defects were similarly low, at or below 16%. Towards the end of storage chip quality remained good, with slightly increasing sucrose but no undesirable color and 11% total defects on June 4 th. This variety will be in t he 2018 National SNAC trial and will be evaluated in a bulk bin in 2018 due to its long term storage potential. Figure 2. Mackinaw/MSX540-4 chip quality on last acceptable sample date, 5/21/18 (left) and last storage sample, 6/4/18 (right) . MSZ21 9- 13 This Michigan State University variety had the highest US#1 and total yield in the 2017 box bin trial. The US#1 yield was 672 cwt/A and total yield was 706 cwt/A, compared to the trial average of 383 cwt/A and 440 cwt/A, respectively. MSV030-4 had slightly more oversize potatoes than average, and a specific gravity below the trial average at 1.084. It had excellent internal quality, a good off the farm chip score, and mid- season maturity in 2017. It was chemically mature at harvest, with both glucose and sucrose concentrations decreasing between the first and second pre -harvest panel. The sucrose concentration (X10) decreased from 0.514 at the first sample through mid-January. It then generally increased, most notably in April, reaching the highest concentration of 1.056 (X10) at the final sample. Glucose concentrations were more consistent, measuring between 0.001 and 0.003 in all but the last sample prior to bin unloading, when the concentration rose to 0.009. There were only three samples with undesi rable color, all later in the storage season in late March, late May, and early June. There were four samples with internal color, all under 5%. At the last sample on June 4 th, all chips were acceptable in terms of color and quality. This variety will be further evaluated in a box bin in 2018. Figure 3. MSZ219 -13 chip quality on last acceptable sample date, 5/7/18 (left) and last storage sample, 6/4/18 (right) . MSZ219 -14 This variety is the sibling of the MSU selection MSZ219-13. In 2017 it had a lower than average yield, 319 cwt/A US#1 tubers, less than the trial average of 383 cwt/A US#1 tubers. It had a specific gravity of 1.085, slightly lower than the trial average of 1.088. Off the farm chip color was slightly darker than average, and was scored at 1.5 compared to the 1.0 average for the trial. 30% vascular discoloration and 10% brown center were observed in 2017, along with a vigorous vine and mid-season maturity. While the glucose and sucrose levels decreased between the first and second pr e-harvest panel, this variety may have been slightly immature due to a sucrose concentration of 1.004 (X10) recorded on August 30 th. This variety also went into storage at a temperature of 70 ºF, although th e temperature was cooled to 59.8 ºF by the second s ample date. Sucrose concentra tions remained high, above 0.372 (X10) in all samples . Glucose concentrations were higher, both between 0.003 and 0.004 from October to December, and January to early February. Most samples had some internal color, with a high of 33% in early November. Total chip defects were initially high, but decreased between December and February. They rose again in March, ending with 22.2% defects in the last sample. Bruise defects, combined with darker chip color, resulted in marginal ch ip samples. The last sample occurred on April 9 th. It will be evaluated again in the 2018 box bin trial. Figure 4. MSZ219 -14 chip quality on last acceptable sample date, 3/5/18 (left) and last storage sample, 4/9/18 (right). MSZ242 -9 This Michigan State variety had a slightly lower than average US#1 yield of 351 cwt/A, and a smaller size profile with 19% B -sized tubers. It had a high specific gravity of 1.094, 20% internal brown spot, and 10% vascular discoloration. While glucose concentrations dec reased between the first and second pre-harvest panel, sucrose concentrations increased slightly, indicating chemical immaturity. After harvest, sucrose concentrations remained high, above 0.43 (X10) until January. Levels decreased through April, but rose again in the two months before bin unloading, with the last sucrose concentration at 1.086 (X10). Glucose concentration was more stable, fluctuating between 0.001 and 0.003 from bin loading until May. It rose to 0.007 in the last sample before bin unloadin g. Chip color was good during storage, with only three samples containing undesirable color, all below 8%. About half of the samples had internal color, between 2.6 and 11.7%, with a general increase later in the spring. Total defects were relatively consi stent, with all but the last three samples with less than 12% defects. Some bruising damage was reported in later chip samples. This variety will be further evaluated in the 2018 box bin trial. Figure 5. MSZ242 -9 chip quality on last acceptable samp le date, 4/9/18 (left) and last storage sample, 6/4/18 (right). Snowden This variety was included as a commercial standard for the 2017-2018 Box Bin Trial. The yield was above average at 436 cwt /A US#1 with an above a verage specific gravity of 1.093. It had 50% vascular discoloration, much higher than the trial average of 11%, but no other internal defects (Table 2) . Consistent glucose and sucrose concentrations in the pre- harvest panel indicate slight chemical immaturity at harvest. On October 2, 2017, this variety w as unloaded into storage and analyzed for sucr ose and glucose concentrations. Sucrose concentrations followed a U -shaped trend in storage, decreasing from bin loading to a low of 0.262 (X10) in late January. Concentrations then increased u ntil the last sample date of May 21 st, with a concentration of 1.576 (X10). Glucose concentrations fluctuated between 0.001 and 0.003, until they began increasing in the last three storage samples, ending at 0.012. Chip color was good, only one sample had 5.8% undesirable color, and internal color was typically low, excluding 32% internal color in late April. Total defects were also acceptable over the storage season, generally under 20%. Figure 6. Snowden chip quality on last acceptable sample date, 3/19/18 (left) and last storage sample 5/21/18 (right). II. 2017 - 2018 Bulk Bin (500 cwt. Bin) Report (Chris Long, Trina Zavislan, John Calogero, and Brian Sackett) Overview and Objectives The goals of the MPIC Storage and Handling Committee for the 2017-2018 bulk bin storage season were: 1. To further refine optimal storage profiles for Hodag and MSX540- 4 (Mackinaw), and 2. To study the effects of two different temperatures on MSR127-2, MSW485-2, and NY152 (Niagara). Procedure Each bin was filled under contract with potato producers in the state of Michigan. The MPIC paid field contract price for the potatoes to be delivered to the demonstration storage. Pressure bruise samples were collected for each bulk bin and designated bul k bins were filled. The varieties and their storage management strategies were established by the MPIC Storage and Handling Committee. For each bulk bin filled, a corresponding box bin containing 10 cwt. was filled and placed into bin 7. Bin 7 was held at 54ºF, which in most cases is warmer than the corresponding bulk bin of the same variety. This allowed the committee to see if the warmer storage temperature in the box bin would reduce storage life and provided information as to how the bulk bin tubers might physiologically age. Bulk bins 2 and 3 were gassed with CIPC on November 1 st, and the remaining bins were gassed on December 4 th. Bulk bin assignments are below: 1: Hodag (Sandyland Farms) 2 and 3: MSR127-2 (Sackett Potatoes) 4 and 5: Huron Chipper/MSW485-2 (Sandyland) 6: Mackinaw/MSX540-4 (Crooks Farms) 7: Box Bins 8 and 9: Niagara/NY152(Crooks Farms) We began sugar monitoring the day tubers were loaded into storage and sampled tubers on a two -week schedule thereafter. Forty tubers were removed from the sample door in each bin every two weeks and sent to Techmark, Inc. for sucrose, glucose, chip color and defect evaluation. The sample door is located in the center back side of each storage bin and allows us to take samples from the pile three fee t above the bottom of the pile. Pressure bruise evaluation began by collecting nine, 20 to 25 lb. tuber samples as each bin was being filled. Three samples were placed at each of three different levels within the bulk bin pile at 3, 8, and 14 feet from the storage floor. We evaluated the pressure bruise samples 3 to 5 da ys after the bin was unloaded. We randomly selected a set of 25 tubers from each bag and visually inspected for pressure bruising. By removing the tuber skin with a knife, we evaluated the discoloration for each flat spot. A visual rating established presence or absence of fles h color (blackening of flesh). We calculated p ercent weight loss in e ach tuber sample as it was removed from the storage. Hodag Storage Trial (Bin 1 ) Hodag, a promising variety from the University of Wisconsin, has commercialization potential in Michigan due to excellent chip quality, resistance to common scab, and long- term storage potential. The purpose of this bulk bin experiment was to evaluate gluc ose and sucrose reaction during pile cooling to 48ºF. Cooling from initial pulp temperature to suberization temperature (54ºF to 56ºF) was achieved by direct cooling, and the bun was further cooled to 50ºF at a rate of either 0.4ºF per day or 0.6ºF per day . After reaching 50ºF, later cooling occurred at a rate of 0.2ºF per day until the temperature reached 48ºF. This strategy and cooling rate is used in all bulk bins, which are cooled from field temperature to suberization temperature, to 50 ºF, to the targe t storage temperature. We filled Bin 1 with Hodag on October 18 th. The seed was planted in Howard City , MI on May 2 6th and vine killed on September 12 th (109 DAP, GDD 40 2840). This planting was harvested on October 17 th, 144 days after planting. The pulp temperature for tubers a t the time of bin loading was 53.4 ºF, with 85 percent bruise free tubers . Bin 1 was gassed with CIP C on December 4 th. It was unloaded on Jun 11 th and shipped to Better Made Snack Foods, Detroit, MI. Results Bulk Bin 1, Hodag ( GDD40 2840, 48 ºF) Chip quality out of the field was acceptable with 28.7 % total defects reported on the first sample date, October 23 rd. Defects are reported by Techmark, Inc, and are determined using slices cut from stem to bud end. On this date, sucrose and glucose concentrations were 0.529 percent (X10) and 0.002 percent respectivel y with a pulp temperature of 56.6ºF. The tuber quality at bin loading was good with 85% bruise -free. Hodag was physiologically and chemically immature at bin loading as indicated by an increase in glucose concentration between two preharvest panels, as well as an increase in sucrose between loading and early January to 0.593 percent (X10). During this tim e period, glucose levels also increased , rising to a high of 0.005 percent in early January . After January , sucrose levels fluctuated through late April, reaching a low of 0.361 (X10) in late May. Once the bin reached the target temperature of 48ºF in late December , gluc ose decreased gradually to 0.003 percent in February , and stayed at this percentage until late May when glucose rose to 0.002 and remained at this concentration through bin unloading. During storage, internal color was excellent with a high of 7 .1 percent undesirable color reported in early December . With the exception of 1.4 percent undesirable color reported in January, there was no undesirable color present during the storage season. Total defects were low overall, with three reports of no defects and the rest between 1.4 and 21.6 percent. The samples with the highest total defects were taken immediately after storage and in late March. Figure 7. Bulk bin 1 out of the field chip sample on 10/23/17 and final chip sample on 6/11/18. On June 11 th the Bin was unloaded (Figure 8 ) and the potatoes were processed by Better Made Snack Foods in Michigan on June 12 th. Upon arrival, the processor noted 4.43 % brown chips and 3.55 % internal defects for a total of 7.98% defects. This load was accepted as total defects were below 17%. Specific gravity was 1.086. The Agtron machine was not working during processing so chip color was evaluated visually using the SFA scale, and received a score of 1.5. The Potato Outreach Program was able to visit Bet ter Made Snack Food and observe the chipping process (Figure 9 ). Samples from this load were bagged and taken to Michigan State University for further visual evaluation. Using unbroken chips, POP staff sorted the chips into acceptable, sugar defects, internal defects, and external defects. A breakdown of 86% acceptable, 4% sugar defects, 4% external defects, and 6% interna l defects was reported (Figure 10 ). Hodag continues to be a promising variety with commercialization potential in Michigan. It will be further evaluated in the 2018 to 2019 storage season in a bulk bin. Figure 8. Hodag potatoes at bin unloading on 6/11/18. Figure 9. Hodag potatoes at Better Made Snack Foods before and after chipping on 6/12/18 Figure 10. Hodag potatoes visually sorted by defect type. Acceptable Sugar defects Internal defects External defects Table 6. 2017 -2018 PRESSURE BRUISE DATA Bulk Bin #1 Hodag (Howard City , MI) Location 1 Average Weight Loss (%) Average Number of External Pressure Bruises Per Tuber 2 Average % of Total Tuber Number 0 1 2 3+ Without Bruise Bruised (No Color) Bruised with Color 3 14' 4.90 22.00 2.33 0.67 0.00 88.0 10.7 1.3 8' 5.25 15.00 7.67 2.33 0.00 54.0 60.0 6.0 3' - 8.67 9.33 6.00 1.00 34.7 54.7 10.7 OVERALL AVERAGES 5.08 58.9 41.8 6.0 1 Feet above the bin floor. 2 A Sample of 25 tubers randomly selected. Each tuber was first evaluated for the number of visual pressure bruises 0, 1, 2, 3+. 3 A cut slice was removed just below the skin of each bruised area. If any flesh was darkened, it was scored as a tuber "with color". Loaded 10/18/17 Pulp Temp. (at Filling) 53.4ºF Unloaded 6/11/18 Target Storage Temp. 48.0ºF End Temp. 50.8ºF MSR127 -2 Storage Trial (Bins 2 and 3) This Michigan State University v ariety had commercialization potential in Michigan due to high yield potential, a higher percentage of US #1 tubers, common scab tolerance, above average specific gravity, and good chip color. These two bulk bins were filled with potatoes grown by Sacke tt Potatoes in Mecosta, MI. The potatoes in both bins were planted on May 17 th and vines were killed on September 21 st (127 DAP, GDD 40 3266). Harvest occurred on October 9 th, 146 days after planting. At har vest the pulp temperature was 55 ºF for Bin 2 tubers and 57º F for Bin 3 tubers. The tubers incurred mechanical damage prior to storage with 33% and 42% bruise free tubers, respectively. The potatoes were physiologically and chemically mature at harvest, with consistent glucose and decreasing sucrose concentrations between the two pre -harvest panel samples. The bins were loaded on October 9 th and treated with CIPC on November 1 st. These bins were designed to study chip quality and potato storability under two different shorter- term storage protocols. Tuber breakdown necessitated earlier shipping, so temperature effect on chip quality was not fully studied with this variety. Results Bulk Bin 2, MSR127 -2 (GDD 40 3266, 55 ºF) The potatoes in this bulk bin were held between 55 ºF and 56 ºF while fresh air was forced through the pile through December. Chip quality remained marginal during early storage as sucrose concentrations remained above 0.500 for all but two sample dates and as glucose concentration (X10) rose from 0.003 to 0.009 in November before gradually decreasing. Internal color and total defects were consistently high, with the lowest total defect level of 20% recorded in February just before bin unloading. During this time the tubers began physiologically breaking down, causing free moisture in the plenum to become unmanageable. The chip quality and high stem end defects made the potatoes unacceptable for dehydration processing, and the tubers were unloaded and spread. Therefore, no processor data is available for Bin 2. Figure 10. Bulk bin 2 out of the field chip sample on 10/9/17 and last chip sample on 2/5/18. Bulk Bin 3, MSR127 -2 (GDD 40 3266, 55 ºF) This bulk bin was initially cooled and held between 55 ºF and 56 ºF while fresh air was forced through the pile through December. Chip color and defects remained marginal, so further cooling was not attempted. The sucrose concentration gradually decrased during storage, reaching a low of 0.473 (X10) in late January, but then rose to 1.051 in March, shortly before bin unloading. Glucose concentrations initially increased in storage to a high of 0.010 in late November, but gradually decreased until the last sample date in mach, when it rose to 0.011. These higher levels of glucose and sucrose caused correspondingly marginal chip quality, with moderate to severe stem end defect observed at sampling. The severity of stem end defect prevented processing, and the bin was unloaded with the tuber s spread in late March. Thi s bulk bin study concluded the research on MSR127-2, and the variety is no longer evaluated by Michigan State University. Figure 11. Bulk bin 3 out of the field chip sample on 10/9/17 and last chip sample on 3/19/18. Figure 12. Unloading bulk bin 2 on 2/16/18 (left) and bulk bin 3 on 3/22/18 (right). Table 7. 2017 -2018 PRESSURE BRUISE DATA Bulk Bin #2 and #3 MSR127 -2 (Mecosta , MI) Location 1 Average Weight Loss (%) Average Number of External Pressure Bruises Per Tuber 2 Average % of Total Tuber Number 0 1 2 3+ Without Bruise Bruised (No Color) Bruised with Color 3 14' Bin 2 11.66 13.50 7.50 4.00 0.00 54.0 42.0 4.0 8' Bin 2* 3' Bin 2 12.30 9.33 9.00 2.33 4.33 37.3 32.0 30.7 OVERALL AVERAGES 11.98 45.7 37.0 17.4 14™ Bin 3 11.05 8.50 9.50 5.50 1.50 22.7 76.0 1.3 8™ Bin 3 12.94 8.50 11.00 4.00 1.50 22.7 74.7 2.7 3™ Bin 3 16.51 2.33 8.00 9.67 5.33 9.3 62.7 28.0 OVERALL AVERAGES 13.50 18.2 71.1 10.7 1 Feet above the bin floor. 2 A Sample of 25 tubers randomly selected. Each tuber was first evaluated for the number of visual pressure bruises 0, 1, 2, 3+. 3 A cut slice was removed just below the skin of each bruised area. If any flesh was darkened, it was scored as a tuber "wit h color". Loaded 10/9/17 (both) Pulp Temp. (at Filling) 55.0ºF (2) 57.0ºF (3) Unloaded 2/16/18 (2) 3/19/18 (3) Target Storage Temp. N/A End Temp. 56.4ºF (2) 55.0ºF (3) *Samples discarded due to rot MSW485 -2/ Huron Chipper Storage Trial ( Bins 4 and 5) This Michigan State University variety was named and released as Huron Chipper. In 2017 it had many promising characteristics, including high yield across national trials, above average specific gravity, and resistance to Late Blight and common sca b. These two bulk bins were filled using potatoes grown at Sandyland Farms, Howard City, MI. The potatoes were planted on May 26 th, and vines were killed on September 12 th (110 DAP, 2840 GDD). Harvest occurred on October 17 th, 145 days after planting. At h arvest the pulp temperature was 52.3 ºF for Bin 4 and 48.0ºF for Bin 5. The tubers were in good condition at harvest, with 95% and 73% bruise free, respectively. At harvest, the tubers were chemically immature, with glucose and sucrose concentrations increa sing between pre -harvest panel samples. The bins were loaded on October 18 th and treated with CIPC on December 14 th. These bins were designed to establish storage protocols and target temperatures based on sucrose and glucose responses to lower temperatures. Results Bulk Bin 4, MSW485 -2/Huron Chipper (GDD 40 2840, 50 ºF) The temperature in Bulk Bin 4 was gradually cooled from 56.8ºF to 54º F in December with fresh air forced through the pile. Temperature strategy is this. The bin reached a final temperature of 49.8 ºF on May 14 th. Sucrose concentration decreased in storage from the relatively high concentrations during the pre-harvest panel. The first sample on October 23rd had a sucrose concentration of 0.460 (X10), which decreased further for each sample until February. Between February and shipping in May, sucrose increased to reach a high of 1.105 (X10) at the last sample date. Glucose con centrations follow a similar pattern, initially decreasing to a low of 0.002 in February, and gradually increasing to 0.011 in the sample prior to bin unloading. There was no undesirable chip color observed until the very end of storage. Internal color was also good until it increased sharply between March and unloading, ending with 61.5% internal color. Total defects were initially high for the first three sample dates, but were below 20% between January and April. Figure 13. Bulk bin 4 first chip sample on 10/23/17, and last chip sample on 5/14/18. On May 14, the bin was unloaded and the potatoes were shipped to Herr Foods, Inc., Pennsylvania for processing on May 15 th. The specific gravity at processing was 1.089, and Frito -Lay solids were 18.36. This bin processed marginally, with many sugar defects noted. POP staff used unbroken chips from this load to separate defects by type: sugar, internal, and external (Figure 14). 71% of chips were acceptable, 8% had browning due to high sugars, 7% external defects, and 14% internal defects, of which 7% were stem-end defect. Figure 14. Bulk Bin 4 chips visually sorted by defect type. Bulk Bin 5, MSW485 -2/ Huron Chipper ( GDD 40 2840, 48ºF) Bulk bin 5 had a slightly lower initial pulp temperature of 48ºF compared to bin 4, and also had a higher percentage of bruised tubers. Both glucose and sucrose concentrations formed a U-shaped curve over the storage season, with higher initial values decreasing to the lowest point in late January and early February, followed by a gradual increase until bin unloading. The initial sucrose concentration of 0.540 (X10) decreased to 0.273 (X10) in late January, and then gradually increased at each sample date, ending at 1.060 (X10) at bin unloading. The initial glucose concentration of 0.003 rose to 0.006 in late November, but reached a low of 0.001 in early February. Concentrations then increased at each sample date until May 14 th with a conc entration of 0.027. There were only two samples with undesirable color, 1.5% in late October and 6.3% at bin unloading. Total defects and internal color were generally acceptable, and were excellent between January and April, not exceeding 15%. Both values rose from mid -April to bin unloading, ending with 53.5% internal color and 64.5% total defects. Bulk bin 5 was processed at the same time as Bin 4 by Herr foods, and processed similarly. POP staff used unbroken chips from this load to separate defects by type: sugar, internal, and external (Figure 15 ). 70% of chips were acceptable, 14% had browning due to high sugars, 4% external defects, and 11% internal defects, of which 4% were stem -end defect. Based on glucose and sucrose concentrations in conjunction with chip quality, these bins may have processed more satisfactorily in April with much lower sugar defects. Both chip images from the March 19 th sample display good chip color and quality, indicating that Huron Chipper may have potential for intermediate, not long term storage. Figure 15. Bulk Bin 4 chips visually sorted by defect type. Figure 16 . MSW485 -2/Huron Chipper bin 4 (left) and 5 (right) chip quality on 3/19/18. Table 8. 2017 -2018 PRESSURE BRUISE DATA Bulk Bin #4 and #5 MSW485 -2/Huron Chipper (Howard City, MI) Location 1 Average Weight Loss (%) Average Number of External Pressure Bruises Per Tuber 2 Average % of Total Tuber Number 0 1 2 3+ Without Bruise Bruised (No Color) Bruised with Color 3 14' Bin 4 5.01 20.33 4.67 0.00 0.00 81.6 18.7 0.0 8' Bin 4 5.57 18.33 6.33 0.33 0.00 73.3 26.7 0.0 3' Bin 4 6.23 11.33 7.67 4.00 2.00 45.3 46.7 8.0 OVERALL AVERAGES 5.60 66.7 30.7 2.7 14™ Bin 5 3.90 19.33 5.00 0.67 0.00 77.3 22.7 0.0 8™ Bin 5 8.29 12.33 9.33 2.33 0.00 49.3 50.7 0.0 3™ Bin 5 6.31 15.00 8.67 1.33 0.00 60.0 36.0 4.0 OVERALL AVERAGES 6.16 62.2 36.4 1.3 1Feet above the bin floor. 2A Sample of 25 tubers randomly selected. Each tuber was first evaluated for the number of visual pressure bruises 0, 1, 2, 3+. 3A cut slice was removed just below the skin of each bruised area. If any flesh was darkened, it was scored as a tuber "with color". Loaded 10/18/17 Pulp Temp. (at Filling) 52.3ºF (4) 48.0ºF (5) Unloaded 5/14/18 (4) 5/14/18 (5) Target Storage Temp. 44.0ºF (4) 46.0ºF (5) End Temp. 49.8ºF (4) 47.8ºF (5) MSX540 -4/Mackinaw Storage Trial (Bin 6) MSX540- 4 was recently named Mackinaw Chipper and commercially released by Michigan State University. It has several beneficial characteristics, including above average yield in Michigan trials, above average specific gravity, good raw internal quality, and resistance or tolerance to common scab, PVY, and late blight. It also has a low incidence of stem end defect. The purpose of this bin study was to refine the storage profile, and lower the bin temperature while still achieving acceptable glucose and sucrose concentrations, thereby maintaining chip quality. Tubers for bin 6 were harvested from Crooks Farms, Stanton, MI on October 12 th with a pulp temperature of 62.7ºF. Only 39% of tubers were bruise free. Bin 6 was gassed with CIPC on December 4 th, and was unloaded on May 30 th and shipped to Utz Quality Foods, Pennsylvania for processing on May 31 st. Results Bulk Bin 6, MSX540 -4/Mackinaw (GDD 40 2953, 46ºF) This variety was planted on May 24 th and vines were killed on September 15 th (114 DAP, GDD40 2953). Potatoes were harvested on October 21 st, 150 days after planting. Chip quality out of the field was good with 13.4 % total defects reported on the first sample date, October 23 rd. The bin was cooled to 48ºF at a rate of 0.2ºF per day until December, after which it was further cooled to the target temperature of 46ºF. MSX540-4 was slightly physiologically and chemically immature at bin loading as indicated by an increase in glucose concentration between two preharvest panels, as well as an increase in sucrose between loading and early January when sucrose remained above 1.000 (X10). During this same time period, glucose levels fluctuated between 0.002 and 0.004, but did not increase comparably to sucrose. Despite high sucrose levels, percent undesirabl e color and internal color were very low, with internal color only increasing in late April. While total defects were initially high through December, reaching 46.7%, chip quality was generally good with 25% or fewer total defects between February and earl y May. Figure 17. Bulk bin 6 initial chip sample on 10/23/17 and final chip sample on 5/30/18. While the initial storage plan called for a June shipp ing date, the bin was unloaded o n May 30th, and potatoes were sent to Utz Quality Foods, Pennsylvan ia (Figure 18 ). The specific gravity was 1.089 at processing with Frito Lay solids at 17.92. At processing, Utz noted 2% internal defects and 8% external defects (Figure 19). Stem end defects were noted by both Techmark Inc. during storage sampling and by Utz during processing. This was likely due to free sugars and tuber physiological age. This variety continues to demonstrate good chip quality in Michigan an d will be further evaluated in bulk bins in the 2018-2019 storage season. Figure 18. Bulk bin 6 unloading on 5/30/18. Figure 19. Chip samples after processing at Utz Quality Foods, 5/31/18. Table 6. 2017 -2018 PRESSURE BRUISE DATA Bulk Bin #6 MSX540 -4/Mackinaw ( Stanton , MI) Location 1 Average Weight Loss (%) Average Number of External Pressure Bruises Per Tuber 2 Average % of Total Tuber Number 0 1 2 3+ Without Bruise Bruised (No Color) Bruised with Color 3 14' 5.24 12.33 10.67 1.67 0.33 49.3 42.7 8.0 8' 5.63 11.67 7.00 6.00 0.33 46.7 38.7 14.7 3' 5.61 12.67 6.33 4.00 2.00 50.7 40.0 9.3 OVERALL AVERAGES 5.49 48.9 40.4 10.7 1 Feet above the bin floor. 2 A Sample of 25 tubers randomly selected. Each tuber was first evaluated for the number of visual pressure bruises 0, 1, 2, 3+. 3 A cut slice was removed just below the skin of each bruised area. If any flesh was darkened, it was scored as a tuber "with color". Loaded 10/21/17 Pulp Temp. (at Filling) 62.7ºF Unloaded 5/30/18 Target Storage Temp. 46.0ºF End Temp. 60.0ºF NY152 Storage Trial (Bins 8 and 9) NY152, a Cornell University variety, was recently named and released as Niagara. This variety has above average yield, average specific gravity, lower stem end defect incidence, some common scab tolerance, and a smaller, uniform round tuber size profile. This variety was planted on May 24 th and vines were killed on September 15 th (114 DAP, GDD 40 2953). Potatoes were harvested on October 21 st, 150 days after planting in Stanton, MI. At bin loading, bin 8 had a pulp temperature of 61.8 ºF and bin 9 had a pulp temperature of 59.4ºF. Both bins were gassed with CIPC on December 4 th. The potatoes displayed characteristics of physiological and chemical maturity at harvest and had a specific gravity of 1.069 on August 30 th, the sec ond pre -harvest panel sample. Sucrose and glucose concentrations decreased between the first and second pre -harvest sample. Both bins were unloaded in early June and processed by Utz Quality Foods, Pennsylvania. These bulk bins were used to further refine acceptable temperatures NY152/Niagara tolerates in storage. Bin 8 had a target temperature of 48 F while the temperature in Bin 9 was decreased to 46 F for most of January to April. Results Bulk Bin 8, NY152/ Niagara , (GDD 40 2953, 48ºF) Bulk bin 8 had high initial sucrose, with levels fluctuating between 0.815 and 1.086 (X10) between late October and January. After this time, concentrations decreased to a low of 0.447 (X10) in late May, followed by a slight increase shortly before bin unloading. Glucose levels were more consistent, with concentrations between 0.001 and 0.004 for the duration of storage. Undesirable color was very low with a high of 4.1% in late March. All other samples had no undesirable color. Internal color was also low, with eight samples at 0% undesirable color and the remaining values below 12%. Similarly, total defects were typically low, with most samples having less than 20% total defects. The storage season began with a temperature of 61.4 ºF that was dropped to 50.2 by mid-November. After this, the temperature was lowered more gradually to the target temperature of 48.0 ºF, and slightly raised a month prior to bin unloading. Figure 20. Bulk bin 8 out of the field chip sample on 10/23/17, and last chip sample on 6/18/18. Bulk bin 8 was unloaded and processed by Utz Quality Foods, Pennsylvania, on June 11 th (Figure 2 1). The specific gravity at processing was 1.090 and Frito Lay solids were 17.22. Bulk bin 8 had 1% internal defects and 7% external defects. Niagara is susceptible to common scab, and a close- up image of scab lesions was taken at Utz (Figure 22 ). Figure 21. Unloading bins 8 and 9 on 6/11/18, prior to shipping to Utz Quality Foods. Figure 22. Chip internal quality and scab lesions in bin 8. Bulk Bin #9, NY152/ Niagara, (GDD 40 2953, 46 ºF) Bulk bin 9 had a lower target temperature than Bin 8, and was stored at 46ºF from January through late April. Storage temperature was increased to 47.4 ºF prior to bin unloading. Compared to Bin 8, Bin 9 had l ower initial sucrose levels, which remained lower for the first four storage samples. However, the sucrose concentrations then failed to decrease as quickly or by as much as they did in Bin 8, staying approximately 0.100 (X10) higher than the levels in Bin 8 at comparable dates. However, both bins had approximately the same sucrose concentration at bin unloading, 0.596 (X10) in Bin 9 and 0.576 (X10) in Bin 8. Glucose c oncentrations followed a similar trend to Bin 8, fluctuating between 0.001 and 0.003 during storage. Percent undesirable color was similar in both bins, but Bin 9 had a slightly higher percentage of undesirable color compared to Bin 8. This in turn led to similar, but higher levels of total defects in Bin 9, reaching a high of 26.6% total defects in late April. Figure 22. Bulk bin 9 out of the field chip sample on 10/23/17, and last chip sample on 6/11/18. Bulk bin 9 was unloaded and processed by Utz Quality Foods, Pennsylvania, on June 11 th (Figure 21). The specific gravity at processing was 1.091 and Frito Lay solids were 17.08. Internal quality was good, with 2% internal defects and 4% external defects. Some chip blistering was observed, and tubers had common scab (Figures 23 and 24). Figure 23. Internal chip quality and chip blistering observed in bin 9. Figure 24. Close up image of scab lesions in bin 9. Table 9 . 2017 -2018 PRESSURE BRUISE DATA Bulk Bin #8 and #9 NY152/ Niagara (Stanton , MI) Location 1 Average Weight Loss (%) Average Number of External Pressure Bruises Per Tuber 2 Average % of Total Tuber Number 0 1 2 3+ Without Bruise Bruised (No Color) Bruised with Color 3 14' Bin 8 0.18 12.33 11.67 1.33 0.00 49.3 52.0 0.0 8' Bin 8 1.60 13.67 6.33 1.33 0.00 54.7 45.3 0.0 3' Bin 8 4.28 11.00 8.67 5.33 0.33 44.0 54.7 1.3 OVERALL AVERAGES 2.02 49.3 50.7 0.4 14™ Bin 9 1.46 10.00 10.00 3.00 2.00 40.0 60.0 0.0 8™ Bin 9 2.29 5.67 12.67 5.33 1.67 22.7 77.3 1.3 3™ Bin 9 2.09 5.33 9.33 7.33 3.00 21.3 76.0 2.7 OVERALL AVERAGES 1.95 28.0 71.1 1.3 1 Feet above the bin floor. 2 A Sample of 25 tubers randomly selected. Each tuber was first evaluated for the number of visual pressure bruises 0, 1, 2, 3+. 3 A cut slice was removed just below the skin of each bruised area. If any flesh was darkened, it was scored as a tuber "wit h color". Loaded 10/19 /16 Pulp Temp. (at Filling) 60.0ºF Unloaded 6/5 /17 Target Storage Temp. 48.0ºF (8) 46.0º F (9 ) End Temp. 52.0ºF Potato Response to Phosphorus Application s Kurt Steinke and Andrew Chomas, Michigan State University See soil.msu.edu for more information Location : Montcalm Research Farm Tillage : Conv ., 34-in. row Planting Date : May 7, 201 8 Trt™s : See below Soil Type : Loamy sand ; 1.3 OM; 6.0 pH; 157 ppm P; 96 ppm K ; CEC: 4.6 Emerge: June 4 Hill: June 20 Variety : Snowden Replicated : 4 replications a 10). Summary : Trial quality was good . All treatments received 22 6 N and 300 K 2O with all P2O5 applications banded 2x2 at planting. Potassium was applied as 75 units in-furrow and 225 units pre -plant incorporated. Nitrogen a pplications were split into 3 application timings including emergence, hilling, and post- hilling. In the current study, 80 lbs P2O5/A resulted in the grea test total yield and A size yield with no benefit at rates greater than 80 lbs P2O5/A. Regression analyses indicated optimal P 2O5 application rates of 45-60 lbs./A for both total and A size yields. Phosphorus application rates less than 80 lbs/A significantly increased the number of B size tubers compared to greater P 2O5 application rates but no significant effects on the number of A size tuber s or total tuber s set were observed. Greater rates of N application at plant due to increased rates of P 2O5 increased overall calcium and manganese petiole concentrations at 30 DAE but were not impacted thereafter. Increased rates of P 2O5 at-planting did significantly increase petiole P at 30 DAE but results w ere not significantly different at 45 DAE and later. Please visit soil.msu.edu for further details and other field crop res earch results. P Trt. (Total lb. P2O5/A) Pet. P 30 DAE % Pet. P 45 DAE % Tuber Count B™s (count/plot) Yield A™s (cwt/A) Total Yield (cwt/A) Sp. Gravity 0 Œ Check 0.50 0.43 31 291 328 1.076 40 0.47 0.42 29 359 392 1.079 80 0.48 0.44 25 406 435 1.081 120 0.53 0.40 21 343 372 1.078 160 0.63 0.45 17 360 390 1.077 200 0.63 0.45 22 368 391 1.079 LSD (0. 10)a 0.05 NS 8.3 NS NS NS Starter Potassium Effects on Potato Yield and Specific Gravity Kurt Steinke and Andrew Chomas, Michigan State University See soil.msu.edu for more information Location : Montcalm Research Farm Tillage : Conv ., 34-in. row Planting Date : May 7 , 201 8 Trt™s : See below Soil Type : Loamy sand ; 1.3 OM; 6.0 pH; 157 ppm P; 96 ppm K ; CEC: 4.6 Emerge: June 4 Hill: June 20 Variety : Snowden Replicated : 4 replications a 10). Summary : As potato production further expands into leased , marginally productive soils, questions pertaining to the rate and effectiveness of potassium on both yield and quality continue to arise. Trial quality for this study was good . All treatments received 22 6 N, 120 P2O5, and 300 K2O. N itrogen a pplications were split into 3 application timings including emergence, hilling, and post- hilling. In the current study, at least 75 units K 2O in -furrow appeared to stabilize petiole K at both 30 and 45 DAE. Hilling applications of K 2O did not appear to benefit overall total yield or A size yield. Cation nutrient levels decreased with greater rates of K 2O applied in- furrow indicating some degree of cation antagonism. No effects of K 2O were observed on overall tuber set. Please visit soil.msu.edu for further details and other field crop research results. K Rate (lb. K2O/A) Timing Pet. K 30 DAE % Pet. K 45 DAE % Yield A™s (cwt/A) Total Yield (cwt/A) Sp. Gravity 0 Œ Check ---- 5.7 5.6 306 332 1.086 225 75 PPI In-furrow 7.1 7.9 354 380 1.081 150 150 PPI In-furrow 7.6 7.5 352 379 1.080 300 PPI 6.9 6.3 359 383 1.082 105 75 120 PPI In-furrow Hill 7.0 7.3 356 381 1.083 165 75 60 PPI In-furrow Hill 7.1 7.0 312 349 1.083 187 113 PPI In-furrow 8.0 6.4 325 378 1.085 LSD (0. 10)a ---- 1.0 0.9 NS NS 0.003