Idaho potato growers are receiving renewed support with the launch of the new University of Idaho Seed Potato Germplasm Laboratory. The $5.6 million lab had its ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday, complete with potato-themed desserts and guided tours.
According to the program's website, the Seed Potato Germplasm Program aims to 'establish, maintain and distribute disease-free germplasm and mini-tubers for domestic and international seed potato growers and researchers'.
The laboratory moved in November into the new facility, where researchers and students could continue advancing their work on various potato health and growing techniques, including virus clean-up, said Jen Root, senior director of development at the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.
The new facility will allow program director Jenny Durrin and her student employees to triple their yearly production as demands for disease-free germplasm and mini-tubers increase.
Source: news.yahoo.com
