Nebraska State Potato Seed Report 2023

Acres entered for seed certification in Nebraska for the 2023 crop totaled 8,026.44. This was a 5.6% increase over the 2022 crop (7,577.63 acres).

Weather conditions were much wetter and cooler in spring than is typical, and remained wetter for much of the growing season, although it did get hotter and drier later in the summer. Some growers also dealt with hail damage early in the growing season. As a result, crops were slightly delayed, but yields were average.

The five most common varieties grown were:

1. Frito Lay varieties, 3,831.06 acres
2. Russet Norkotah, 1,074.22 acres
3. Umatilla Russet, 582.14 acres
4. Lamoka, 334.4 acres
5. Dakota Russet, 328.02 acres

No PVY was detected in any lots, either in the field or with lab testing. Nebraska is still seeing issues arising from herbicide damage. In most cases, this is due to drift from neighboring farms. Inspectors monitor throughout the growing season, and these lots will be closely monitored in the postharvest test as well.

Samples from lots began arriving at the PCAN office on Sept. 15 for the postharvest test. These samples are being incubated in a warm, humid environment until they are sent to the winter grow-out in Waialua, Hawaii. Planting will occur in early November and readings/virus testing in December.

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— Jenn Dillinger, administrations manager, Potato Certification of Nebraska