The University of Idaho will convene growers, researchers and industry representatives in Pocatello on January 21–22 for the 58th annual Idaho Potato Conference, an event where water management and soilborne diseases are set to dominate discussions. The two-day programme will take place at Idaho State University’s Pond Student Union Building, running from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the first day and 8 a.m. to noon on the second.

Organisers expect strong attendance at the accompanying trade show, which will host more than 70 exhibitors. The conference will also feature presentations on current research and updates from the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC), Potatoes USA and the National Potato Council.

Advance registration is priced at USD 40 per person until midnight on January 14, increasing to USD 50 thereafter, with onsite registration available. Delegates will receive a potato bar lunch on January 21, fried snacks contributed by processors throughout the event and access to a hospitality room sponsored by the IPC.

“It’s a great meeting for the potato industry to get together with researchers and Extension specialists,” said James Woodhall, associate professor and Extension specialist of plant pathology, who chairs the organising committee.

Expanded Technical Agenda

According to organisers, this year’s programme will offer more hours of content than in previous editions, reflecting heightened interest in water-related risks. Research from two recently appointed faculty members — Emily Bedwell, associate professor and Extension irrigation specialist, and Meetpal Kukal, assistant professor of hydrologic science and water management — will be highlighted, alongside a panel session titled “Water on the Line”.

Soilborne diseases, described as an escalating concern for the sector, will receive significant attention through a dedicated mini-symposium lasting roughly 250 minutes. The sessions will explore disease biology and control strategies, how varietal selection influences susceptibility to verticillium wilt, and current understanding of the disease complex known as early die. A panel will address powdery scab and potato mop-top virus — both listed among the top research priorities by the IPC and the Northwest Potato Research Consortium and for which no reliably effective management tools currently exist.

A separate session will examine the use of biological control products in disease management. Additional presentations will cover potato agronomy, delivered by Mike Thornton, emeritus professor of plant sciences.

Content on wireworms, aphids, soil types, varieties, nutrient management, drought management and soilborne diseases will also be delivered in Spanish.

External Speakers And Regulatory Context

The programme includes several invited experts from across the United States. Ben Ingalls, from Industrial Ventilation in Nampa, will discuss how storage practices may be affected by the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act, legislation that expands the Environmental Protection Agency’s authority regarding hydrofluorocarbons.

Guest speakers include University of Wisconsin entomologist Russell Groves on aphid pressures, Washington State University specialist Mark Pavek on varieties and agronomy, and Oregon State University Extension soil fertility specialist Amber Moore on soil-condition impacts on yield, quality and fertility.

An industry advisory committee supports the University of Idaho’s Extension staff in shaping the programme. “This year we’ll have more panel discussions, more opportunities for engagement and new topics we haven’t had before,” said Kasia Duellman, assistant professor and Extension seed potato pathologist.