Wisconsin state seed report

Wisconsin seed potato growers entered 9,688 acres for certification during the 2024 growing season, a decrease of 60 acres from 2023 but still the second-largest acreage entered in several years.

Wisconsin seed growers remain focused on growing the chipping varieties Atlantic, Lamoka, Snowden and proprietary. There was an increase in acreage of Lamoka and proprietary varieties, while approximately 10% less acres were planted of Atlantic and Snowden.

Silverton remains a strong fresh-market russet; however, Caribou continues to gain interest in the state with an additional 192 acres planted this past season. Chipping variety Manistee’s acreage also increased by 11%.

Due to wet spring conditions, most seed lots were planted mid-May to late June, a longer planting season than traditionally observed. As the growing season progressed, drier conditions resulted in the need for irrigation throughout the latter part of the season. Vine-killing dates were slightly early compared to previous years.

Harvest season started in early September but was slow due to unseasonably warm temperatures.

The latter part of the harvest season was favorable as the season wrapped up on schedule. Inspectors observed excellent tuber quality and size across most seed potato lots and growers experienced higher-than-average yields.

There were 16 seed lots downgraded from foundation to certified during field inspections and two seed lots were rejected. No late blight was observed during field inspections.

Seed potato lots will be shipped to Hawaii for the upcoming postharvest test. A combination of visual inspections and ELISA testing will be used to certify postharvest seed potato lots. Staff will also continue researching and validating direct tuber testing methods.

— Brooke Babler, associate research program director of Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program