Building a decision aid system for potato crops

Sunday, November 13, 2022

1:42 PM – 1:54 PM PT

Location: Vancouver Convention Centre, Meeting Room 306

Presenting Author(s)

Liesl Oeller

Outreach Coordinator
Washington State University
Pullman, Washington

Co-Author(s)

DC

David Crowder

Associate Professor
Washington State University
Pullman, Washington
CW

Carrie Wohleb

Washington State University
Wapato, Washington
SB

Stefano Borghi

Washington State University
Wenatchee, Washington
MB

Matt Brousil

Washington State University
Pullman, Washington

The Washington State University Decision Aid System (DAS) is developing a novel decision support tool for potato crops in the Columbia River Basin. DAS uses weather data and monitoring networks to model potato pest populations, such as beet leafhopper, Colorado potato beetle, potato psyllid, lygus bug, and green peach aphid. Contour maps show the movement and intensity of pest populations, and model predictions allow growers to make timely management decisions. DAS will also have a crop protection guide available for growers to choose their preferred chemicals and know when to use them. So far, DAS has allowed tree fruit growers to use $60-70 less on pesticides per acre, with a combined savings of $500,000 across WA state per year. We are hoping for similar savings for potato growers and to expand the potato DAS into other regions of the Northwest.