Minnesota State Potato Seed Report 2023

Certified seed potato growers in Minnesota applied to certify 6,826.91 acres for the 2023 crop year, a decrease from 8,846.23 acres in the 2022 crop year. In total, 5,793.27 acres were certified when subtracting 6.98 experimental acres, and 1,026.66 acres rejected for severe mosaic, varietal mix, vine killed prior to third inspection, and not meeting eligibility. Russet Burbank remained the variety with the most acres planted.

The long winter quickly dissipated into an abnormally warm May and most certified seed potato growers began planting, finishing in mid- to late June. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) inspectors were busy, with three inspections conducted on all certified seed potato lots.

The summer provided good growing conditions despite below average rainfall, but in September the growers received much-needed rain, helping the harvest conditions. The heat conditions during this period affected some quality and yields and delayed harvest some days. Overall, growers reported the harvest produced average to above-average yields statewide with good quality.

The MDA Potato Inspection Unit uses a generation system and remains vigilant in detecting potato virus and other disease. The Certified Seed Potato Program continues to honor the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service memorandum of understanding for Necrotic Virus Management Plan.

MDA will be conducting the postharvest winter test on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii again this year. Samples were collected in October at the office in East Grand Forks. The samples will be planted and each lot observed visually for stand, vigor and potato virus. All positive potato virus visual observations are confirmed with a laboratory test.

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— Eric Byre, plant protection program supervisor