PAPAS: Potatoes and Pests — Actionable Science Against Nematodes

PAPAS is on a mission to create better tools and strategies to fight one of the most destructive pests affecting potato crops: plant-parasitic nematodes. Our team of scientists, nematologists, plant pathologists, and researchers collaborate globally to address the industry-wide challenges in fighting potato nematodes. The long-term goal of PAPAS is to develop multiple proven methods to better control plant-parasitic nematodes and reduce their economic damage in potato crops. This project supports ongoing eradication efforts for potato cyst nematode in Idaho and New York while also strengthening global confidence in the U.S. potato industry. The specific objectives of our USDA NIFA-funded project include: Deploying improved diagnostics and predictive models to provide growers with decision support and economic thresholds for potato nematodes. Accelerating development of commercial potato varieties with nematode resistance through traditional breeding methods. Exploring novel nematicide production from compounds of litchi tomato (Solanum sisymbriifolium). Delivering information to the industry for more effective, sustainable nematode management and more productive potato crops.