Heavy weeds on tap for Idaho potato growers, says expert

It was a very wet spring around the U.S., including in Idaho. The higher-than-usual precipitation could likely have potato growers in for a weedy summer.

University of Idaho Extension weed scientist Pamela Hutchinson told the Idaho State Journal that all the rain has driven water-soluble herbicides deep into the soil, where they could be out of reach for weed roots. Non-water-soluble herbicides, such as Sonalan, weren’t pushed as deep, but they aren’t as effective against nightshade as Matrix and metribuzin.

Areas of eastern Idaho, such as Idaho Falls, received more than 8 inches of rain since the start of April, more than double the average. Western Idaho, near Boise, has received more than 6 inches.

Hutchinson also said the cool, rainy weather has also stunted plant growth in Idaho this spring, leaving farmers hopeful for a sunny summer and delayed frost this fall.

Be sure to check out the Idaho State Journal’s full story for more on the situation.

MORE FROM HUTCHINSON: Controlling weeds from planting to row closure