Despite a volatile 2025 growing season marked by unpredictable weather and persistent disease threats, U.S. potato growers are maintaining a strong crop outlook, according to crop specialists from BASF. Key producing states—including Idaho, Oregon, and Washington—are reporting solid mid-season development both above and below ground.

The season’s challenges have been considerable. Southeastern Idaho, in particular, has faced extreme heat, unexpected frosts, and high winds. Yet, growers’ proactive strategies and tailored crop protection programs appear to be offsetting much of the pressure. BASF credits this resilience to pre-season planning and increasingly integrated disease management approaches.

As the season progresses, disease pressure remains within typical ranges, though early blight and white mold continue to pose yield risks—potentially reducing output by up to 20% and 50%, respectively, if left unchecked. Fortunately, conditions in Idaho have so far not favored the development of late blight, easing some grower concerns.

Preventative fungicide programs remain central to disease control efforts. BASF’s Endura® PRO, a dual-mode fungicide combining boscalid (FRAC Group 7) and Revysol® (FRAC Group 3), is gaining widespread adoption among U.S. growers. The product is recommended for sequential applications—at row closure and again two weeks later—to ensure consistent protection.

“Grower feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” BASF reports. In a 2024 survey across 20 on-farm trials, 95% of growers rated Endura PRO’s performance as “good to very good,” while 93% of agronomists preferred it over other available options.

Maintaining vine health remains a key priority through the summer. BASF highlights the role of additional fungicide options such as Veltyma® and Priaxor®, which support overall plant vigor and stress tolerance. As resistance management gains prominence, integrated fungicide programs are being adopted more broadly across potato regions.

The company also notes a broader shift in grower behavior: “We’re seeing a strong focus on resilience, ROI, and region-specific strategies,” BASF said, emphasizing the role of local advisors and in-field support teams in fine-tuning protection protocols.

Looking ahead, BASF anticipates increasing uptake of digital technologies and AI to support precision agriculture and sustainability goals. These tools are expected to help optimize input use, improve quality metrics, and further strengthen the sector’s resilience to climate volatility.

Growers are also being urged to remain vigilant in the coming weeks. In the event of wildfire smoke—a recurring concern in the western U.S.—white mold risks may escalate. BASF recommends maintaining appropriate soil moisture levels to mitigate that threat.

In closing, BASF acknowledged the adaptability and dedication of the U.S. potato farming community. “These growers are not just managing challenges—they are helping feed a growing population with greater efficiency and precision than ever before.”