Minnesota state seed report 2024

Certified seed potato growers in Minnesota applied to certify 7,061 acres for the 2024 crop year, an increase from 6,827 acres in the 2023 crop year. In total, 5,253 acres were certified when subtracting 326 acres withdrawn from flooding, eight experimental acres and 1,474 acres rejected for severe mosaic, varietal mix, vine killed prior to third inspection and not meeting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 mild winter turned into a cool, damp spring that lingered, causing a delay in planting. Most growers finished planting by early to mid-June.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) inspectors were busy, with three inspections conducted on all certified seed potato lots. The beginning of the growing season was cool and wet, but July brought warm conditions. As the growing season continued, some parts of the state witnessed record rainfall and flooding. The heat returned for August and September, delaying harvest some days.

Overall, growers reported the harvest produced average to below- average yields statewide, with good quality. The MDA Potato Inspection Unit uses a generation system and remains vigilant in detecting potato viruses and other diseases. 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 a postharvest winter test in Oahu, Hawaii. 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. Once complete, the results will be communicated to the growers and industry.

— Eric Byre, plant protection program supervisor, Minnesota Department of Agriculture