Contributions from agricultural industry supporters have helped University of Idaho researchers amass an extensive network of spore samplers, which should eventually give growers of several commodities early warning when airborne pathogens arrive.
As recently as February, University of Idaho plant pathologist James Woodhall had only four spore samplers at his disposal to lay the groundwork for a network that capture windborne fungi spores, threatening crops such as potatoes, onions, grain, sugarbeets and beans.
Three of the initial samplers were purchased by the university, with a fourth purchased using a USDA grant awarded to the local onion industry.
Woodhall said he’s since received roughly $112,000 in industry contributions to expand the network to 17 samplers, with more funds remaining to assist with program costs. The additional samplers should arrive by the end of the growing season for use in 2018.
“I’ve never known anything like it,” Woodhall said. “For them to put their hands in their pockets and buy equipment directly, it definitely shows the strength of our industry’s support.”
Contributors included J.R. Simplot, Co., McCain Foods, the Rupert-based fresh potato shed Mart Produce, the Northwest Potato Research Consortium, Idaho Grower Shippers Association, Idaho’s potato, wheat, bean and barley commissions and the Snake River Sugarbeet Research and Seed Alliance.
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