b"happening. The data also provided theThe results of the first year of the study daily average concentration of smokeEven though wereshowed no visual differences for the which was in the 300 micrograms pertrying to prevent heatsmoke exposed plants, and there were no cubic meter range. To mimic the extremesstress, we probablyrecorded differences in total yields. For of the regions smoke density, ThorntonsU.S. number one yields, which is what team set their goal as exposing the potatohad a little bit. And thatgrowers get paid on, there was a decline plants to 500 micrograms of smoke.had to do with the factrecorded. Thornton noted this is a trend The main wildfire smoke comingand they need to repeat the study this to Idaho is from pine forests alongthat as soon as we putyear to see how consistent it is. It was western Oregon and down the Californiathose covers on, werealso noted the size of the smoke exposed coastline. To mimic the smoke exposuretubers was smaller. blend, they mixed woodchips, ground uppreventing naturalEven though we're trying to prevent pine trees, mesquite pellets, and walnutmixing of cool air in theheat stress, we probably had a little bit. chunks together. mornings.And that had to do with the fact that as Plastic enclosures were then put oversoon as we put those covers on, were the spuds starting at 5 a.m. daily withMIKE THORNTON preventing natural mixing of cool air in smoke being pumped in starting at 6the mornings, Thornton said. a.m. At 9 a.m. the enclosures would beThe potatoes from the trial were put in removed so the temperatures wouldnt getstorage and sprout inhibited with plans too hot causing heat stress to the spuds.in place to pull them out in March to test This was done for six weeks straightpores on the leaves start to open about 4their quality and make them into french starting on July 11 until Aug. 19 during thea.m. to start letting in the CO2 used to dofries for further examination. This will 2022 growing season. photosynthesis. So, if we're ever going tobe when sugar levels are tested to see if In our area smoke tends to settle downget those chemicals into the plant, that'sthey were impacted by the smoke. The at night, be closest to the ground when weprobably the time where it's going toexperiment will be repeated during the get the heaviest exposure of leaves. Thestart, Thornton explained. 2023 growing season.SPUDSMART.COM Spring 202327"