Enhancing Potato Disease Management using the Idaho Spore Trapping Network

Monday, July 28, 2025

11:00 AM - 11:15 AM CDT

Location: Hall of Ideas FI

Presenting Author(s)

JR

Josh Rosnow

University of Idaho
Boise, Idaho

Author(s)

BW

Ben Wood

University of Idaho
Parma, Idaho
MK

Madeline Kinnear

University of Idaho
Parma, Idaho
AJ

Avalon Jones

University of Idaho
Parma, Idaho
MM

Mack Murdock

University of Idaho
Parma, Idaho
CC

Christian Cumagun

University of Idaho
Parma, Idaho
SS

Silas Shumate

University of Idaho
Parma, Idaho
JW

James Woodhall

University of Idaho
Parma, Idaho
KD

Kasia M. Duellman, PhD

Associate Professor, Extension Specialist
University of Idaho - Idaho Falls Research & Extension Center
Idaho Falls, Idaho
PW

Phillip S. Wharton, PhD

Associate Professor
University of Idaho
Aberdeen, Idaho

The Idaho Spore Trapping Network was initiated in 2017 and has been collecting daily air samples from June to September throughout the Southern Idaho potato growing region. This spore sampling network has become a cornerstone for early detection and management of airborne potato pathogens. This analysis reviews the qPCR data that has been collected over the years, focusing on detection of Phytophthora infestans (late blight) and Alternaria solani (early blight). Continuous improvements in extraction methods and qPCR analysis, has enabled faster identification of spores and dissemination of detections to local growers on a weekly basis. This network aims to reduce the response time to pathogen outbreaks, as demonstrated during the 2019 Paul late blight outbreak, where localized detection, and fungicide application prevented widespread losses. The use of predictive modeling, combined with spore detection, and weather data, provide a two- to three-week warning for early blight and late blight.