b'PotatoPOTATO RESEARCHERS ACROSS North America are working every day to learn more about spuds. From agronomic research on cover crops and variable rate seed spacing to learning more about the pests and diseases that can wreak havoc, they strive Researchto find better ways for growers to produce this important crop.At the 104th annual Potato Association of America annual meeting held in Charlottetown, P.E.I. from July 23 to 27, 2023 approximately 320 attendees gathered to learn about the latest Bulletin in North American potato research. Spud Smart attended the conference and while there were many research projects presented, here are a few which caught our interest. Increasing Crop Value with Cover CropsA highlight reel of the latestThrough a 2019 to 2022 study on Prince Edward Island with the potato research projectsLiving Labs Atlantic initiative, researchers were able to show cover presented at the PAA annualcrops can help increase potato yields and crop value in Eastern Canada. The research team of Ryan Barrett and Morgan McNeil meeting.BY: ASHLEY ROBINSON conducted on farm trials in 23 fields over four years.In each field, one or more fall seeded cover crops were planted along with a no cover control strip in the year before potatoes were to be planted. Cover crops included barley, oats, spring wheat, oilseed radish, tillage radish, brown mustard, along with mixtures of these species. Most were established following termination of a forage crop and tillage in August or September. Fields were analyzed for soil chemistry, soil health, soil nitrates at three depths, soil erosion potential, root lesion nematodes, Verticillium, soil compaction and potato yield and quality. A cover crop of daikon radish planted as part of Ryan Barretts research project. PHOTO: RYAN BARRETT22SPUDSMART.COMFall 2023'