06/28/05 Study looks at spud-chemical interaction

Scientists at the University of Idaho College of Agricultural and Life Sciences are launching a study to find out whether-and how-insecticides, fungicides and herbicides interact in Idaho potato fields. Project leader Mike Thornton says there are many new pesticides that are systemic and actually move into the plant. THORNTON "They either result in more plant injury or reduce the effectiveness of one of the products in that mix" At Aberdeen, weed scientist Pamela Hutchinson says one possible interaction is that an herbicide applied after planting may interfere with the crop`s uptake of a long-acting pre-plant insecticide. Not only will Hutchinson and Thornton examine every possible combination of four insecticides and two herbicides in the field, but Hutchinson will also grow potatoes and the related weed hairy nightshade in the greenhouse. She's use radio labeling to trace how much of each compound is taken up by the crop and the weed." THORNTON "These particular trials are occurring both are Parma which is on the west side of the state and has a long growing season and then we're repeating them at Aberdeen which is a shorter growing season. So we'll be able to see if there are any differences due to growing season length." It's a three year study funding by USDA and the Idaho Potato Commission. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott