Drought conditions worrying Maine potato producers

Ongoing drought conditions have producers in Maine’s $1.3 billion potato industry worried and urging growers to irrigate crops.

About 80% of the state is in some sort of drought condition, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Jake Dyer, agronomist and the director of seed production for the Maine Potato Board, told Maine Public radio that conditions could stunt crop growth. Potato farmers with the means to irrigate crops should do so, he said.

Western regions of the U.S, including Washington and Oregon, and areas in the High Plains region, including Colorado, also face drought conditions.

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s Aug. 21 pest report noted “some much-needed rain” early in the week, “though it was not enough to ease drought conditions across much of the state.”

Aphid activity persists statewide, according to the report, with green peach, potato, English grain and buckthorn aphids most commonly observed. Spray applications continue to be recommended where counts exceed thresholds.

Colorado potato beetle pressure remains steady in the state, while leafhopper and flea beetle activity increased.