Project Number: 5341-22000-002-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Dec 09, 2005
End Date: Aug 31, 2010

Objective:
Enhance productivity, profitability, and environmental quality of Alaska's farming industry and natural resource areas by reducing threats posed by invasive insect pests, weeds and pathogens through research and technology transfer resulting in the introduction of new and innovative Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. Develop IPM applications suitable to northern latitudes that support viable crop and nursery production systems and the sustainability of natural resource areas. There is a need for increased research to evaluate potatoes grown in northern climates, particularly in developing virus-free potato germplasm. Virus-free potatoes will allow potato producers in Alaska and other northern states to increase export trade with Pacific Rim countries. An environmentally sound and safe method to reduce loss due to viral disease infection is needed. To remain competitive in Alaska varieties must be virus resistant.

Approach:
Develop IPM systems incorporating biologically based control, host resistance, cultural control, resistance management and application technology for the control and suppression of major insect, pathogen, and weed pests affecting field, vegetable and horticultural crops, as well as rangeland ecosystems in the Delta Junction region and other areas of Alaska. Formerly 5341-22000-001-00D (11/05). Conduct replicated laboratory and field trials that are designed to introduce and evaluate potato germplasm for resistance to viral diseases and adaptability to Alaska. Knowledge acquired from these evaluations will set the foundation for a molecular marker assisted breeding program which will generate new virus resistant and/or free potato germplasm. Study the role of weeds in development of viral diseases in potato fields. 5341-21220-001-00D combined into this project. (3/06)