Colorado state seed report 2024

This growing season had a mix of a cool spring, a warm July and a very rainy August. Fortunately, the rainfall turned into sunny days in time for harvest. Certified seed growers began killing vines in late July and continued through early to mid-August, limiting potential spread of virus by late-season aphid flights.

Harvest season has been fairly warm and dry, with only a few days delayed by rain. As of Oct. 18, all certified seed potato acreage has been harvested in Colorado. Overall, crop yields have been slightly above average.

This year, we will be taking a closer look at using direct tuber testing to supplement our postharvest test. We used this test on the dormant variety Canela Russet in 2023 with promising results.

The majority of our postharvest test will take place on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, again this year. A postharvest test is required on all certified seed in Colorado, whether it is sold commercially or for recertification.

In 2024, Colorado certified seed potato acreage for sale and grower plant-back was up from 7,836 acres in 2023 to 8,119 acres. The 2024 accepted certified acreage after summer field inspections was 7,679 acres. Rejections were primarily the result of PVY/mosaic and blackleg. Total potato acreage (both certified and commercial) in the San Luis Valley was 50,188, down from 52,278 acres in 2023.

Of note, Reveille Russet continues to gain popularity in Colorado seed production. Over 120 different potato varieties were entered into Colorado’s certified seed program this year. We certify a range of potato varieties, including multiple varieties of russets, reds, yellows, chippers, fingerlings and specialties.

All seed imported into Colorado is required to undergo a postharvest test, and a PVYN tolerance of 1.0% is in place for all incoming seed. Also, there is a late blight quarantine in effect for all seed coming into the

San Luis Valley. Any seed shipped into the valley requires a late blight test conducted by a qualified lab prior to shipment.

— Andrew Houser, manager, Colorado Potato Certification Service