PAPAS - Potatoes and Pests, Actionable Science Against Nematodes

A new study published in Plant Disease sheds light on the risk posed by the introduction of non-native potato cyst nematodes ( ; Globodera spp.) into U.S. production regions.

The PAPAS project and the University of Idaho PCN research team compared the virulence of Peruvian potato cyst nematodes to U.S. populations on standard differential lines, breeding clones, and commercial varieties.

The findings show Peruvian PCN populations exhibit substantially higher virulence diversity and complexity than U.S. populations — and current resistance sources may be vulnerable.

Read more about the research behind the study now available in Plant Disease, an international journal published by The American Phytopathological Society.

📄 PotatoNematodes.org/what-perus-pcn-populations-reveal-about-protecting-us-potatoes

For most nematode species causing the greatest economic damage to U.S. potato growers, commercially viable resistant varieties simply do not exist. Closing that gap is a key effort of the PAPAS project.

New on the blog:
🥔 Where resistance exists — and where it doesn’t
🔎 The science behind the search
✅ What growers can do now

The PAPAS team is working to provide U.S. potato growers with resistant variety options across market classes. Read how ⤵️
PotatoNematodes.org/closing-the-gap-in-nematode-resistant-potato-varieties

PAPAS researchers will be on the ground for upcoming potato field days, sharing the latest nematode management research with growers, agronomists, and industry partners.

🥔 Hermiston Potato Field Day
Tuesday, June 24, 2026 | 8:00 a.m.
OSU Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center
PAPAS researchers presenting:
Dr. Sagar Sathuvalli — breeding and variety development, genetics and genomics research
Dr. Inga Zasada — nematode management research

🥔 WSU Potato Field Day
Wednesday, June 25, 2026 | 8:30 a.m.
WSU Othello Research Station
PAPAS researchers presenting:
Dr. Max Feldman — breeding research
Dr. Cynthia Gleason — PAPAS project progress

Learn more about both events 👇
potatonematodes.org/papas-heads-to-field-days

Better nematode management doesn't just help farmers: it strengthens the entire potato supply chain.

🌱 Stronger crop protection, reduced input costs, and improved profitability for potato farmers.
🥔 Greater food security through consistent availability of affordable, high-quality potatoes.

Our research focuses on protecting potatoes—and the people who rely on them. Learn more at PotatoNematodes.org.

Organized by PAPAS, , and Nememerge, the Potato Nematode Stakeholder Workshop at the European Society of Nematologists ESN Symposium brought stakeholders from across the industry to collaborate.

Researchers, growers, breeders, and advisors discussed challenges in nematode management and the future impact of new solutions. It was an excellent opportunity to share perspectives and learn new ideas from other regions and sectors.

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this workshop a success.

Through economic modeling, we estimated total production costs and earnings for six states representing more than 70% of total U.S. potato production.

Then, we evaluated the financial impact of three different nematode management methods: chemical application, crop rotation, and nematode-resistant varieties.

Read the full report about the costs of nematodes: PotatoNematodes.org/500-per-acre-the-real-costs-of-potato-nematodes.

$500 Per Acre: The Real Costs of Potato Nematodes in the U.S. - Spudman What growers risk by waiting for an outbreak By Philip Watson, Ph.D., Professor of Agricultural Economics, University of Idaho, PAPAS Project Co-Director (Sponsored) Potato growers rely on solid economic data when making nematode management decisions. As part of the PAPAS project, our researchers st...

Day 2 of the European Society of Nematologists ESN 36th Symposium at our Potato Nematode Stakeholder Workshop with Nememerge and PCN Action Scotland.