FPO 400%

FPO 110%

chapter 4

SEED PRODUCTION
A N D C E R T I F I C AT I O N
Stephen L. Love, Phillip Nolte, Dennis L. Corsini,
James C. Whitmore, Lorie L. Ewing, and Jonathan L. Whitworth

H igh quality seed is essential for the production of a prof-

itable potato crop. Seed production is a specialized segment
of the potato industry and involves complex operations and
conformity with numerous rules and regulations. This chapter
explains the process of producing high quality seed potatoes
and completion of the certification process.

PRODUCING HIGH-QUALITY SEED POTATOES

Recent technological advances in plant propagation have en-

abled commercial potato growers to rapidly increase basic
pathogen-tested seed stocks through the use of tissue culture.
This system helps minimize the transmittal of tuber-borne dis-
eases, particularly potato viruses (PVX and PVY), and leafroll
(PLRV); bacterial ringrot; and the blackleg/bacterial soft rot
complex.
The high cost of greenhouse space and labor-intensive prac-
tices previously limited the amount of basic stock increases. Ad-
vances in micro-propagation techniques now allow commercial

49
 potato growers to produce large numbers of
plants in less space and with fewer employees.
Limited Generation Seed
The limited generation seed potato program
used at the University of Idaho is typical of most
North American programs and is based upon a
7-year generation system. The Pre-Nuclear stage
most commonly involves the growth of green-
house tubers for field planting. Potato producers
can grow these tubers, commonly referred to as
mini-tubers, two ways: (1) tissue culture multi-
plication and (2) “mother plant” multiplication.
1. Tissue culture multiplication, the most com-
mon method, uses plantlets derived from
mother stocks, which are cut and propagated
through multiple cycles under aseptic labora-
tory conditions. New plantlets are created
from cuttings of plantlets from the previous
cycle (Fig. 4.1). After the final cycle of propaga-
tion, growers transplant the plantlets into a
greenhouse for mini-tuber production.
2. “Mother plant” multiplication, a less common
method, uses plants grown in the greenhouse
from pathogen-tested tubers. Small pieces of
S E E D P R O D U C T I O N A N D C E R T I F I C AT I O N
these mother plants, known as “stem cuttings,”
are removed and transplanted into a sterile or
pasteurized potting soil. After the plants be-
come rooted, they are grown in greenhouses
for mini-tuber production (Fig. 4.2). This
50
Figure 4.1. New plantlets come from cuttings of previous
potato plantlet cycles.
method requires less sophisticated equipment,
but it is slower and more labor intensive.
Regardless of the method employed, the
propagation source materials must be tested for
the presence of common pathogens, including
bacterial ring rot; Erwinia spp. (soft rot/black-
leg); potato viruses S, Y, M, and A; potato latent
virus; potato leafroll virus; and potato spindle-
tuber viroid. The occurrence of new pathogen
threats may require additions to this list.
In addition to mini-tubers, transplants from
tissue culture or stem cuttings can be used to
initiate propagation. Greenhouse-grown tubers,
tissue culture plantlets, and rooted stem cut-
tings are all classified in Idaho as Pre-Nuclear
stocks. Growers can plant these stocks directly
in the field for production as “Nuclear” class
seed. Regardless of the method of multiplica-
tion, the first generation in the field is classified
as Nuclear.
Growers use mini-tubers most frequently be-
cause they are easier to handle and have lower sus-
ceptibility to environmental stress. Transplanting
either tissue culture transplants or stem cuttings
directly to the field can minimize the time needed
to obtain field production and marketable in-
crease, but is a high-risk procedure because of po-
tential losses caused by environmental stresses.
One other method of producing Nuclear seed
stocks is listed in certification manuals but is rarely
used—hill selection. This multiplication tech-
nique involves hand harvesting individual hills
from within a seed field. Tubers from each hill are
tested for viruses and, if found to be clean, are con-
sidered to be Nuclear generation seed. From that
point on, hill-selected tubers are handled in the
same limited-generation manner as Nuclear seed
originating from greenhouse-grown stocks.
Completion of the first year of field multipli-
cation provides seed stocks for further increases.
Nuclear seed produced one year is replanted the
next season to produce Generation 1 seed (G1).
In subsequent years, sequential field plantings
are classified as G2, G3, G4, G5, and G6. Growers
can plant seed back and increase quantity for up
to 7 years (Nuclear to G6). Most seed in Idaho is
sold for commercial production as G3 or G4.
 FPO 80%
Figure 4.2. Mini-tuber production occurs in the controlled environment of a greenhouse.
One exception to the limited generation
seed program is written into the rules of certi-
fication. This involves the production of un-
named breeding selections and new varieties.
Breeder seed may be obtained from the breeder
of an advanced selection (unreleased variety)
and multiplied for as many generations as
needed under the “Experimental Class.” Once
the selection is released and named as a new
variety, the Experimental Class seed must be
sold for commercial production within 2 years
and limited-generation seed used for further
propagation.
Sources of Pre-Nuclear Seed Stocks
Pre-Nuclear stocks (plantlets or mini-tubers)
for greenhouse or field planting are available
from several sources. For example, tissue culture
plantlets are available from the University of
Idaho for individuals wishing to produce their
own mini-tubers. Plantlets are also available
through several private labs. The University of
Idaho and other private and public labs also
produce mini-tubers for sale.
Production of Pre-Nuclear Mini-Tubers
Maintain Clean, Disinfected Greenhouses
Before greenhouses can be used for Pre-Nu-
clear seed production, they must be thoroughly
cleaned and disinfected. If pots are used, they
must be washed with detergent and disinfected.
One method of disinfection is to wash the
pots in a concentrated solution of laundry de-
tergent (½ cup in 5 gallons of water), rinse in
clean flowing water, and finally dip briefly into a
2 percent solution of sodium hypochlorite
(Chlorox™ or similar product) or a prescribed
solution of chlorine dioxide (Oxidate™) or qua-
ternary amine (Sanitol™).
If an open bed system is used, growers should
S E E D P R O D U C T I O N A N D C E R T I F I C AT I O N
wash and disinfect the bed. This can be done by
thoroughly steam cleaning the beds until no or-
ganic residue remains, then spraying to complete
wetness with a disinfectant solution, such as
those described for cleaning pots. Only
pathogen-free or pasteurized potting mix should
be used for production of greenhouse mini-
tubers.
The environment in which Pre-Nuclear
mini-tubers is grown must be sanitary, and
growers should have precautions in place to as-
sure the growing conditions are sanitary, in-
cluding:
Maintain an insect-free environment in the
51
greenhouse. Scout regularly for insects, and
use control strategies as needed. A discussion
of methods for controlling insects is included
later in the chapter.
Observe strict sanitation practices at all
times. Restrict entry to authorized personnel
only, and use footbaths (a shallow pan or tray
 TISSUE Nearly all seed potato production in North America begins
with tissue culture-based propagation. This technique was
CULTURE adopted because of the near-perfect isolation it allows. Potato
growers can place plants in sterile culture, test for known
PROPAGATION pathogens, and keep plants free of diseases indefinitely.
Tissue culture is the process of growing plants in an artificial
medium in a closed container. The most common types of me-
dia used to grow potatoes are agar-based. Agar is a powdered
seaweed extract that when put into water and heated, partially
solidifies into a gel-like substance. When combined with appro-
priate amounts of sugars, nutrients, and hormones the agar
provides an ideal growth environment for potato plantlets.
Successfully operating a tissue culture lab requires extensive
knowledge, experience, and equipment. Operators must prepare
culture media accurately and consistently to ensure rapid plant
growth. The media provide a fertile place for growth of most
microorganisms, so completely sterile conditions must be main-
tained. This is accomplished through the use of laminar flow
hoods (provide micro-filtered air) and heat or chemically steril-
ized instruments and surfaces. It may also be necessary, when
establishing a new variety in culture, to use procedures for elim-
inating viruses from the original sprouts or plants.
Propagation of potatoes uses a process of serial cuttings.
One or more pathogen-tested plantlets serve as mother stock
S E E D P R O D U C T I O N A N D C E R T I F I C AT I O N

and are the starting point for multiplication. Plantlets are cut
into five to 10 pieces, each one with at least one node and leaf.
Small buds at the base of the leaf are capable of growing
into a new plantlet and do so in about 3 weeks. At that time the
process is repeated. In 3 months, this cycle can be completed
up to four times, and one plantlet can be multiplied to produce
over 2,500 plantlets.
Because of the rapid nature of tissue culture propagation, one
tissue culture lab can supply a large quantity of initial stocks to
the seed industry. In fact, one well-equipped lab can supply a suf-
ficient number of Pre-Nuclear plantlets to seed growers, who then
continue the increase process in greenhouses and in the field, to
eventually produce tens, if not hundreds of thousands of acres of
commercial potatoes.

52
 Courtesy of Potato Grower Magazine
in which growers add ¼ to ½ inch of a disin-
fectant solution) (Fig. 4.3). Maintain the
footbaths for all visitors who briefly step into
the pan or tray upon entry. An effective alter-
native is inexpensive disposable boots that
may be present at each entry point and rou-
tinely used by anyone entering the facility.
To prepare a disinfectant solution for a
footbath, put ¼ cup of laundry soap and 1
quart Chlorox™ into 5 gallons of water.
Change the solution weekly. FPO 350%
Personnel entering or working in green-
houses should never do so after spending
time in cellars or fields without first changing
clothes, and then washing and disinfecting
exposed skin surfaces.

Inspections and Frequency of Crops

In Idaho, greenhouse mini-tuber crops must
be inspected two times by Idaho Crop Improve-
ment Association (ICIA) personnel. Inspectors
pick leaf samples for detection of viruses and
pathogenic bacteria. See the section later in this Figure 4.3. Sanitation is critical during production of early
chapter, “Certification of Greenhouse Pre-Nu- generation seed. Use of signs supports one important aspect
of sanitation, which is prevention of pathogen movement
clear Stocks.” into greenhouse and storage facilities.
Logistically, growers are able to produce a

greenhouse crop of mini-tubers every 3 to 4
months. However, most greenhouses are typi-
cally used to produce one or two crops per year
because of cost constraints associated with win-
ter production.
Heating, Cooling, and Lighting
Costs of operating a greenhouse increase
during the winter months because of heating
requirements. Greenhouse cooling is necessary
during the summer months, but this is less ex-
pensive. The most common equipment for
cooling uses an intake and exhaust fan system
with evaporative cooling pads. Greenhouse
growers must cover all intake and exhaust open-
ings with an aphid-proof mesh hardware cloth.
Doors must remain closed; a double-door entry
system is recommended to minimize insect
entry.
Supplemental heat is generally needed dur-
ing the early spring, fall, and winter months.
Gas heaters are the most commonly used heat-
ing equipment.
S E E D P R O D U C T I O N A N D C E R T I F I C AT I O N
A supplemental lighting system may be re-
quired for mini-tuber production during both the
winter and summer months. Ultraviolet light defi-
ciencies, common in glass covered greenhouses,
may cause leaf injury or defoliation during periods
of alternating clear and cloudy skies. Use of fluo-
rescent, metal halide, or incandescent lighting that
produces UV rays, will reduce this problem.
After planting, lights should be turned on for a
minimum of 16 hours per day during the early
growth phase, but turned off during maturation.
If producers grow plants during the winter, they
should use high intensity (metal halide) lights
that extend the day length to 14 to 16 hours.
53
Potting Mixes
Many potting mixes are available for use in
mini-tuber production. A standard mix consists
of one part sterile washed sand (heated for 24
hours at 240°F), one part sterile milled peat
moss, one part perlite or vermiculite, and a
 complete fertilizer. Another option is to buy a
premixed, sterilized, commercial potting mix.
Crops grown during the hot summer months
need a higher proportion of peat to increase
water-holding capacity, while crops grown dur-
ing the cooler months need more perlite or sand
to improve aeration. Before planting, it is neces-
sary to moisten the potting mix and fill each pot
or open bed about one-third full with the mix.
Optimum Growing Conditions
Commercially purchased plantlets are pro-
duced under aseptic conditions and are typi-
cally received in petri dishes (Fig. 4.4). During
the transplanting operation, growers must
maintain aseptic conditions. Each person trans-
planting should use disposable gloves, which are
frequently discarded, and/or should wash hands
and transplanting equipment with soap and
water before and after completion of each petri
dish. All plants in any petri dishes that have
been contaminated with fungal or microbial
growth should be discarded.
If possible, transplanting should be done late
in the afternoon or on a cloudy day to reduce
transplant shock. Before planting, it is necessary
S E E D P R O D U C T I O N A N D C E R T I F I C AT I O N
to moisten pots or open beds. If growers use an
overhead mist system, they should start and set it
to run 15 seconds every hour if the weather is
sunny; less often on cloudy days. Adjustments
54
Figure 4.4. Commercially acquired plantlets are typically
grown in petri dishes.
should be made as needed to ensure adequate
moisture for the plants, while at the same time
avoiding problems with damping-off.
A drip irrigation system also works well, es-
pecially during cooler months, because it re-
duces foliar wetting and the potential for foliar
diseases. Labor costs can be reduced by using
time-clocks to automate the watering process.
Greenhouse temperature should be maintained
between 50°F minimum and 80°F maximum to
promote tuberization and tuber growth.
Fertilizers that contain both macro and
micronutrients are needed to maintain good
growth of the transplants. A slow-release fertil-
izer, such as Osmocote™, can be applied at soil
mixing or just after planting, or a readily soluble
fertilizer can be applied through the irrigation
system.
Many types of fertilizer mixes are available
for use in greenhouses. A typical formulation
may be 26-16-8 (N-P-K) (nitrogen + phospho-
rus + potassium) + micros and calcium. The
need for fertilization is minimal until stolon ini-
tiation. Then fertilizer requirements increase
because of demands on the plant associated
with tuber development.
Fertilizer applications should be scheduled
based on petiole nitrate-nitrogen (N) levels.
Normal levels of petiole nitrate-N in the green-
house are lower than what is normal in the field.
Optimal levels are near 12,000 ppm until stolon
formation. During early tuber development, the
petiole nitrate-N levels can be raised to about
18,000 ppm but then should be allowed to drop
slowly until tubers are about 1/2 ounce in size.
At this point, no additional fertilizer should be
applied.
The above described fertilization schedule
aids in vine maturation, skin set, and tuber stor-
age. If early applications of nitrogen are limited,
plant height can be restricted to about 14 inches.
Many pot or bed systems are available to suc-
cessfully produce mini-tubers. Pots of various
sizes have been evaluated for 3 years at the Uni-
versity of Idaho’s Tetonia Research and Exten-
sion Center. Six-inch-diameter pots gave the
optimal number of tubers, while also limiting
tuber size.

Figure 4.5. Eight-inch diameter pots are commonly used to grow two potato plants.
The same results may also be achieved by
using 8- to 10-inch pots with two to three
plantlets per pot (Fig. 4.5). As plantlets grow, ad-
ditional soil in the pot should be added to the
pots. This allows for more subsurface stolon de-
velopment and an increase in tuber numbers. If
larger tubers and higher yield per unit area are
desired, potato producers can grow transplants
in raised beds.
Insect Control
Control of insects, especially aphids, is criti-
cal during the production of Pre-Nuclear seed
in the greenhouse. A preventative insect control
program is recommended. This may involve ap-
plying a systemic insecticide during soil mixing
or just after planting.
In addition to, or in lieu of, using a preplant in-
secticide, control measures may be needed during
the production cycle. Plants should be checked reg-
ularly for insects, with particular emphasis on
aphids. Many foliar insecticides are available for
use in the greenhouse, including Avid®, Dursban®,
Endeavor®, Marathon®, Maverik®. Success®, and
FPO 120%
endosulfan products. Growers are advised to al-
ways read the label for recommended rates and
S E E D P R O D U C T I O N A N D C E R T I F I C AT I O N
proper handling of chemicals.
Harvest and Storage of Pre-Nuclear Tubers
To prepare for harvest, greenhouse-grown
plants are often artificially killed, although some
producers harvest the tubers from under green
vines to speed the process. The timing of the
vine killing procedure is based on tuber size and
is done after two Crop Improvement Associa-
tion inspections. If killed before harvest, grow-
ers should remove the tops and leave the crop in
the pots until the tubers are mature.
Instruments used to remove vines should be
dipped into a disinfecting solution between each
plant or test unit. The harvesting process is sim-
55
plified by dumping pots onto an expanded metal
screen, sifting through the potting soil, and sepa-
rating the tubers (Fig. 4.6). The potting soil
should be discarded and never reused.
Tubers can be stored in any kind of open
mesh bags at 39°F and a relative humidity of 95
percent until the following spring (Fig. 4.7). If
 Figure 4.6. Pre-Nuclear tubers are separated from the pot-
ting soil by sifting contents of a growing pot through a metal
screen.
mini-tubers are green-dug, they should be
cured for 2 weeks at 55° to 60°F before cooling
to the final storage temperature. Seed from a
late fall crop may express dormancy beyond
planting time and may need to be warmed to
55° to 60°F for several weeks before planting.
S E E D P R O D U C T I O N A N D C E R T I F I C AT I O N
PRODUCTION OF NUCLEAR SEED
Production from Mini-Tubers
Mini-tubers are the best source of propaga-
tion material for the production of Nuclear
(first field generation) seed potatoes. Mini-tu-
bers have longer dormancy than field-grown
tubers and will tend to emerge slowly. Mini-
tubers should be planted as early as possible to
take advantage of the full growing season.
Ground prepared for the production of Nuclear
seed must have been in rotation with another
crop for at least 1 year (longer rotations are bet-
ter), wherein volunteers from the last potato
crop have been completely controlled. Fields
56
can be prepared for potatoes in the usual man-
ner.
Fertilizer applications are based upon soil
tests. If growers are to apply additional N during
the growing season, they should reduce preplant
N accordingly. See the fertility recommenda-
tions in Chapter 8, Nutrient Management. A
Figure 4.7. Pre-Nuclear mini-tubers should be stored in
mesh bags in a facility dedicated for this purpose and where
temperature and humidity can be controlled.
systemic insecticide applied at planting is rec-
ommended to provide early control of aphids.
Establish Units of Production
Uniting (establishing discrete, identifiable
groups of plants) is important in Nuclear seed
production. This allows arrangement of the field
to minimize physical contact between plants
during the various field operations. Also, these
discrete units help to isolate disease and to pre-
vent its spread within the field. Growers should
maintain units from Pre-Nuclear production, or
arbitrarily assign units at planting if mini-tubers
are purchased.
The size of the unit will depend on the indi-
vidual grower and the degree of risk the grower
is willing to assume. If disease is detected in any
plant(s) in the unit, the whole unit should be re-
moved. Although uniting may result in more
expense during certification, in cases where dis-
ease is present, a lack of uniting may result in
the loss of an entire crop.
In Nuclear fields planted from mini-tubers
the likelihood of disease is relatively low and
harvesting strategy is an important considera-
tion in planning the size of the unit. Generally,
1- to 4-row units are recommended, with at least
one blank row between units. The length of the
unit down the row depends on the grower’s
preference, but 100 feet is adequate. Picked leaf
samples for PVX testing can be based upon row
and unit numbers down the row.
Adequate walkways must be left for roguing,
certification inspections, and leaf sampling.
Leaving every fifth row blank (four planted
rows, one blank) provides adequate access to
the field and keeps contact to a minimum. The
grower may want to leave more than one blank
row so the unplanted rows can be cultivated
more easily. A solid set irrigation system can be
used to minimize plant contact with irrigation
equipment and personnel.
If dormancy has been properly broken, tubers
planted 4 inches deep will emerge in 3 to 5 weeks,
depending on the size of the mini-tuber. A 12-
inch plant spacing keeps weed growth low and
tuber size moderate. Mini-tuber sizes from ¼ to 1
ounce produce acceptable results (Table 4.1).
table 4.1. Tuber size vs. emergence and yield,
UI’s Tetonia Research and Extension Center.
Tuber size Days to emergence Yield/plant
3/4 to 1 oz 20 days 22.0 oz
1/2 to 3/4 oz 22 days 14.0 oz
1/4 to 1/2 oz 31 days 9.0 oz
less than 1/4 oz 37 days 1.4 oz
Mini-tubers may be planted by hand or with
mechanical planters. In either case, it is critical
to use strict, sanitary practices. Periodic disin-
fecting of equipment is essential. Personnel
handling tubers must wash regularly and wear
clean clothing each day.
Production from Pre-Nuclear Transplants
Producing Nuclear seed directly from Pre-
Nuclear transplants, although risky, can be suc-
cessful if done properly. Plantlet or cuttings
should first be rooted and grown for 3 to 6
weeks in a greenhouse (Figs. 4.8a, b, and c).
Caution: Planting tissue-cultured plantlets or root-
less cuttings directly to the field is not always suc-
cessful. If growers attempt a transplanting operation,
it must be done after frost danger is past. Also, hot,
dry, and windy weather immediately after transplant-
ing will cause high plant mortality.
Pre-Nuclear transplants (greenhouse plants)
must be hardened before planting them in the
field. Plants rooted in a 2 x 2 inch cell pack should
be removed from the cell pack and loaded into a
holding tray, allowed to dry to a slight wilt, and
then watered until completely rehydrated. This
drying and rehydration procedure should be re-
peated for 2 to 3 days before transplanting.
During handling, growers need to take care to
minimize root damage. Handlers should wash
hands between each tray. The plants should be
well hydrated for planting, and while being trans-
planted, plants should not be allowed to desiccate.
The most successful transplanting method
involves 6- to 7-inch tall plants that are planted
about 5 inches deep, leaving just the top leaves
out (Fig. 4.9). If totally buried, the plant will die;
if planted too shallow, it will easily desiccate,
and the wind may break the top.
Irrigation pipes, if properly spaced, can be
left in the field during planting to assist in mak-
ing applications of water immediately after
transplanting each day. This aids in cooling the
soil, firming the soil around the roots, and less-
ening transplant shock. No herbicides or sys-
temic insecticides should be applied during
S E E D P R O D U C T I O N A N D C E R T I F I C AT I O N
planting because transplants are susceptible to
chemical injury. Light, frequent irrigations can
be used to keep the root zone damp and the soil
surface cool until plants become established.
This normally takes 2 weeks. It is important to
use the same unit field arrangement that was
discussed previously for mini-tubers.
Row Covers
Row covers can be used to provide added
protection from both wind and freezing tem-
peratures for transplants (Fig. 4.10). Row covers
are commercially available in many forms and
include both supported and floating types.
Growers may cover one or several rows and an-
57
chor the edges with soil.
Floating row covers are loosely placed over
the plantlets, with only the edges covered to
keep them in place. This type requires little
labor to install. If weeds become a problem
under the covers, growers may need to remove
them later in the season.
 After transplants are established potato pro-
ducers may cultivate the field and create hills. At
this time applications of fertilizer and insecti-
cides can be made using side dressing or chemi-
gation. Hand weeding may be necessary with
FPO 300% transplants because immature plants are sus-
ceptible to herbicide injury. Weed control
should be done with cultivation or light
amounts of herbicides that are safe for post-
emergent use.
Once the plants are completely established,
a and 8 to 10 inches tall (Fig. 4.11), further me-
chanical operations should be avoided to mini-
mize disease spread. The crop should be
managed as any other seed potato crop in terms
of irrigation timing and frequency.

Vine Killing and Maturing

the Nuclear Seed Crop
FPO 305% Vine killing is essential for early generation
seed potato production. Growers who use vine-
killing techniques will reduce late-season virus
spread into seed fields by aphid vectors. Early
vine kill also ensures plenty of opportunity for
tubers to mature (set skin) before harvest (see
b Chapter 2, Potato Growth and Development,
S E E D P R O D U C T I O N A N D C E R T I F I C AT I O N

Growth Stage V).

FPO 320%
c because the use of machines increases the po-
58
Figure 4.8. Steps in transplanting include removing plantlets
from petri dishes (a), planting in individual trays (b), and
transplanting when plant height is 6 to 7 inches (c).
Vines on early generation seed crops are diffi-
cult to kill because of their vigor and lack of nat-
ural senescence. Despite the difficulty, potato
growers must kill Nuclear seed field vines earlier
than surrounding fields so they do not become
an “oasis” for late-season aphid vectors.
Since most vine-killing chemicals act slowly
and vines are vigorous, killing vines usually re-
quires repeated chemical applications or some
type of mechanical vine treatment before the
chemical is applied. Growers need to be cau-
tious in using mechanical treatment, however,
tential for virus movement into the tubers.
A vine-killing product, such as sulfuric acid,
should be selected that kills vines rapidly. If sat-
isfactory vine killing can be achieved with the
application of the vine-killing agent alone, me-
chanical treatments should not be used.
 Because it is physiologically young, Nuclear
Class seed matures much slower after vine
killing than later field generation seed. Tubers
commonly require 20 to 30 days to mature. The
preharvest maturing process is essential to
maintain quality during storage. FPO 100%

Harvesting and Storage

Early generation seed should be harvested
before any danger of frost injury occurs. During
harvest, the units established at planting may or
may not be maintained, depending on the po-
Figure 4.9. Workers prepare fields for planting by creating
tential for problems. Bulk harvesting of Nuclear hills and applying a side dressing of fertilizer and insecticides.
fields is not always the appropriate course of ac-
tion. Often, the best strategy is to harvest in
units that are as small as possible and then bulk
one or more of these units during the next year’s
planting.
The amount of bulking would depend upon
the outcome of winter testing. The process of
uniting ensures that virus or other problems are
restricted to a small, identifiable portion of the FPO 265%
total seed lot. During Nuclear harvest, all tubers
from a block of plants (unit) should be kept to-
gether in sacks or bins (Fig. 4.12). Each of these
units should be given an identification code that

S E E D P R O D U C T I O N A N D C E R T I F I C AT I O N
Figure 4.10. Floating row covers effectively protect potato
is maintained through storage. transplants from wind, frost, and insects.
Nuclear seed should be stored off the cellar
floor in any kind of mesh bags or slatted boxes to
ensure good air-flow. Immediately after harvest,
the storage temperature should be held at 50° to
55°F and 95 percent relative humidity for 2 weeks,
which will promote wound healing. After 2
weeks, the storage temperature should be low- FPO 200%
ered as quickly as possible (without causing con-
densation) to about 38°F and maintained there
until spring. Fluctuations in storage temperature
should be avoided.

Figure 4.11. Further mechanical cultivation is not advised

PRODUCING LATER GENERATIONS after plants have become fully established.
59

The principles of producing later generation seed

are similar to those for producing a Nuclear seed
crop. However, distinct differences result from
the nature of the later generations and the quan-
tity of seed that must be handled.
 Courtesy of Paul C. Peck Photography
FPO 720%
S E E D P R O D U C T I O N A N D C E R T I F I C AT I O N

60

Figure 4.12. Potato growers keep Nuclear tubers from blocks or units of plants in sacks or bins.
 Identifying a source of quality seed for multi-
plication is paramount for success. Planting
seed with disease problems can result in failure
to meet certification with that particular lot and
can also jeopardize an entire seed operation. If
later generation seed is produced from Nuclear
seed grown on the same farm, potential prob-
lems are known and difficulties avoided.
If the seed source is purchased from another
grower, potential problems are unknown. In such
a case, at a minimum the purchaser should care-
fully inspect all certification records. A document
called a plant health certificate (Fig. 4.13) is used by
the certification agencies in the U.S. and Canada
and can be requested from the responsible agency
in the state where the seed was grown. It lists such
information as summer and winter test results,
certification pedigree of the seed, certification lot
numbers, seed class, and farm history.
If possible, the buyer should also inspect the
field and storage facility that was the source of
seed to be purchased. Any disease problems
present in early generations of seed will be mag-
nified in later generations.
Field preparation and agronomic production
practices for later generation seed is similar to
that used for any type of commercial produc-
tion. Information concerning these practices is
found throughout Potato Production Systems.
Note that some practices are specific for seed
production.
G1 to G6 Seed Tuber Crops
As with Nuclear seed, it is wise to place into
units all G1 through G6 seed lots to avoid loss of
large amounts of seed to disease problems. At
planting time, units are separated by one blank
row or by an empty 6-foot border along the row.
Borders also should be used for divisions be-
tween varieties.
Control Disease Spread
Control of disease spread is the most impor-
tant component of potato seed production. Sev-
eral practices help with this process. The first is
cleanliness. All surfaces with which seed pota-
toes come in contact should be cleaned and dis-
infected. At the beginning and end of each
operation all harvesters, truck beds, storages,
cutters, planters, and handling equipment
should be thoroughly cleaned and decontami-
nated. Decontamination can be done with a
steam cleaner and a sterilizing agent.
Handling equipment should be disinfected
between each unit, lot, or variety of seed. The
practice of frequently cleaning equipment will
help control the spread of bacterial and fungal
diseases including ring rot, soft rot, blackleg, dry
rot, late blight, and silver scurf. It may also help
control spread of some virus diseases.
For the most part, control of viruses, includ-
ing leafroll, PVY, PVX, and PVA, involves isola-
tion and control of the vectors that spread these
diseases. Isolation of seed fields from other po-
tatoes using a distance of at least 1/4 mile will
prevent most infections with PVY, PVX, and
PVA. Isolation for control of leafroll may re-
quire distances of more than a mile and even
then may not be completely effective. The use of
a green border, such as spring-planted winter
wheat, has been shown to be effective at slowing
spread of viruses into seed fields.
Proper Use of Insecticides
S E E D P R O D U C T I O N A N D C E R T I F I C AT I O N
The second part of a good virus prevention
program involves effective use of insecticides.
This is especially important for control of the
green peach aphid, the vector for the leafroll
virus, which colonizes potato seed fields.
Use of an effective preventative systemic in-
secticide is the cornerstone of a control program
(see Chapter 12, Insect Pests and Their Manage-
ment). This will minimize early infestations and
provide control well into the season. Once green
peach aphid colonies are detected within a pro-
duction area, supplemental use of systemic in-
secticides with weekly applications of general
foliar insecticides or aphicides is advised.
Intergenerational isolation, both in the field
61
and in storage, is often overlooked as a disease
control strategy but can be as important as insect
control or isolation from neighbors. This seed
production strategy is especially important for
controlling non-persistent viruses, such as PVY
and PVA, and for controlling diseases that spread
in storage, such a silver scurf and blackleg.
S E E D P R O D U C T I O N A N D C E R T I F I C AT I O N

62

Figure 4.13. North American Certified Seed Potato Health Certificate.

UNDERSTANDING A perception exists that early generation seed (e.g., G2) is
better than later generation (e.g., G4) seed by reason of being
THE BENEFITS “younger.” One frequently cited benefit of early generation seed
is higher yield potential.
OF EARLY To test this theory, some carefully controlled trials were con-
ducted at the University of Idaho’s Kimberly Research and Ex-
GENERATION tension Center to determine the impact of generation on yield
potential. Results of one trial did not show a consistent increase
SEED
in yield with early generation seed. In seed lot A, yield and size
tended to increase slightly with earlier generations, while in
seed lot B the opposite occurred, showing that generation is not
necessarily related to productivity. Other trials comparing seed
of different generations have shown similar results.

Effect of seed generation on performance of two seed lots at Kimberly,

Idaho. (Source: Gale Kleinkopf, UI Kimberly R&E Center)

Seed lot Generation Total yield Large U.S. No. 1

(cwt/acre) (cwt/acre)
A 3 471 118
4 470 132
5 466 92

B 3 464 97
4 483 139
5 487 112

So, why then is limited generation seed of value? The pur-

S E E D P R O D U C T I O N A N D C E R T I F I C AT I O N
pose of limited generation seed programs is to limit field expo-
sure to disease, especially viruses. It also helps minimize the
accumulation of pathogens by constantly “flushing out” the
seed with the longest exposure to the environment.
Overall, the quality of seed is markedly better since limited
generation seed programs began. Some diseases, such as bac-
terial ring rot, have almost been eliminated.
However, that does not mean that the generational designa-
tion of any given seed lot has a direct relationship with produc-
tivity. Too many other factors influence seed behavior. Generation
designation is not a good reflection of important factors, such as
general seed crop health or storage conditions. Therefore, it is
important to look at all factors that go into producing good qual-
ity seed when making a seed purchase.
In addition to generation, growers should evaluate certifica-
63
tion records, reputation and history of the seed grower, condition
of seed handling equipment and storage facilities, and the physi-
cal condition of the seed. Even though the limited generation
program has improved the quality of seed, it has not simplified
the selection of seed lots.

FPO 250%
Courtesy of Potato Grower Magazine
Figure 4.14. Roguing crews remove diseased plants from seed
potato fields before inspection for certification.
Courtesy of the Idaho Crop Improvement Association
FPO 303%
S E E D P R O D U C T I O N A N D C E R T I F I C AT I O N
Figure 4.15. A tag attached to a container of seed potatoes
assures the buyer that the contents meet quality standards.
Colors represent different grades.
Unit and Storage Isolation
Production fields of early generation seed
must be physically separated from later genera-
tion seed to prevent back spread of viruses. Nu-
clear seed should be isolated from all other
potato fields by the greatest distance possible (2
or more miles is best). G1 seed fields should be
64
separated from later generation fields. This is es-
pecially critical for controlling the spread of
PVY and PVA in varieties that are susceptible to
those viruses.
Although not feasible in every operation,
where possible, potato growers should store
each generation of seed in a completely separate
facility. Storage of several generations of seed in
any building with a common air system may re-
sult in failure to break the disease cycle and will
result in contamination of early generation seed
with fungal and bacterial pathogens.
Roguing, the term used to describe elimination
of diseased plants in a field, is also an important
disease control strategy, especially with respect to
viruses. If there is a need to hire such services
from outside providers, growers should employ
only experienced roguing crews (Fig. 4.14).
If there is a need to rogue later generation seed,
it should be done at least twice. The first time
should be timed to eliminate diseased plants as
early as disease symptoms are recognized. Fields
should be rogued a second time to eliminate dis-
eased plants missed the first time or that express
symptoms later than the first roguing. Growers
should rogue early generation seed throughout
the season and as often as is economically feasible.
CERTIFICATION OF
SEED POTATOES
The use of appropriate production practices is
only half of the process of growing high-quality
seed potatoes. The second part involves a qual-
ity assurance procedure known as certification.
In Idaho, potato seed certification is the joint re-
sponsibility of the Idaho Crop Improvement
Association (ICIA) and the Federal/State In-
spection Service. This section briefly explains
the certification process. No effort is made to
detail all certification procedures and toler-
ances. This information is available from the
ICIA Rules of Certification.
Definition of Certified Seed
Certification does not constitute a warranty
nor a guarantee that the seed potatoes are dis-
ease free. Rather, certification means that the
seed potatoes have met the standards of a
grower-supported state certification agency.
This means the seed was produced, inspected,
graded, and handled according to the regula-
tions of the agency. Culminating the certifica-
tion process is the attachment of a tag that
assures the buyer that the seed meets published
quality standards (Fig. 4.15).
 Courtesy of Potato Grower Magazine
Application for Certification
Before the crop is planted for seed, certifica-
tion staff review an application, submitted by
the grower, that covers cropping and disease his-
tory. Seed stocks planted by the seed grower
must be approved by the certifying agency. An FPO 350%
application must be made for every lot of seed.
Usually, a lot makes up one generation of a
single variety. Each application must be accom-
panied by a payment of fees, including a mem-
bership fee, an acreage fee, and a variety fee.
Additional fees may be required for laboratory
testing for virus diseases.

Certification of Greenhouse
Pre-Nuclear Stocks
The source of material used for Pre-Nuclear
seed production must be tested before propaga-
tion for common diseases including Erwinia
spp., ring rot, PLRV, PVY, PVX, PVM, PVA,
PVS, potato latent virus, and PSTV. This is usu-
ally done by personnel at the laboratory from
which plantlets are purchased (Fig. 4.16).
Figure 4.16. ELISA testing is used to quantify PVX and to
Responsibility for notification of readiness confirm field detection of other virus diseases.
for inspection of a greenhouse falls to the
grower. In Idaho, ICIA inspectors routinely col-

Courtesy of the Idaho Crop Improvement Association

S E E D P R O D U C T I O N A N D C E R T I F I C AT I O N
lect leaf samples for laboratory testing before
vine killing. Leaf samples from 2 percent of the
plants are required for testing. After harvest, in-
spectors gather a sample of tubers, equivalent to
1 percent of the crop, for winter testing (dis- FPO 290%
cussed below). ICIA inspection standards have a
zero tolerance in Pre-Nuclear stocks for potato
viruses A, X, Y, and LR, for bacterial ring rot,
and for Erwinia carotovora.
In Idaho, ICIA inspectors visit every seed po-
tato farm during the growing season and inspect
each seed field twice for diseases and varietal pu-
rity (Fig. 4.17). ICIA inspectors determine per- Figure 4.17. Inspectors evaluate seed potato fields twice a
season for evidence of disease and varietal mixture.
centages of disease and varietal mixture by
inspecting a specific number of plants for a given
65
acreage and use this information to determine if
the potatoes meet certification tolerances. Potato
fields not meeting these tolerances are rejected
from certification (Table 4.2).
Storage facilities are inspected by the ICIA be-
fore harvest, and the size, location, and cleanliness
of each facility are noted. Movement of seed pota-
 table 4.2. Idaho Crop Improvement Association (ICIA) field inspection tolerances for factors affecting
seed potatoes.

First field inspection

generation
Disease Nuclear a G1a G2 G3 G4 G5 and G6
Well-defined mosaic 0 0 0.1 0.5 0.8 2.0
Leafroll 0 0 0.03 0.05 0.1 0.2
Blacklegb 0 0 0.50 1.0 2.0 —c
Ring rot d 0 0 0 0 0 0
Root-knot 0 0 0 0 0 0
PVX 0 0.5 2.0 — — —
Varietal mix 0 0 0.02 0.1 0.25 0.5

Second field inspection

generation
Disease Nuclear a G1a G2 G3 G4 G5 and G6
Well-defined mosaic 0 0 0.05 0.25 0.5 1.0
Leafroll 0 0 0.02 0.03 0.08 0.2
Blacklegb 0 0.1 0.50 1.0 2.0 —c
Ring rot d 0 0 0 0 0 0
Root-knot 0 0 0 0 0 0
Varietal mix 0 0 0.01 0.05 0.1 0.2

a With the exception of bacterial ring rot and root-knot nematode, 0% means the indicated disease or varietal mixture observed
was required to be rogued in the indicated seed class.
b Tolerances based on visible symptoms.
c Visible blackleg will not be used as a rejection factor in the G5, G6, or certified classes.
S E E D P R O D U C T I O N A N D C E R T I F I C AT I O N

d In the case of bacterial ring rot and root-knot nematode, 0% means none of these diseases are allowed in seed of any class.

toes by the grower from the original storage facil-
ity requires prior approval from the ICIA.
Idaho Certification Standards
for G1 to G6 Seed
During harvest, random samples of seed tu-
bers are collected and submitted to ICIA for win-
ter testing. Each sample consists of 400 tubers,
with the number of samples dependent on the
generation number and field size of the seed lot.
Growers must submit one sample per 10 acres for
G1 seed, one sample per 50 acres for G2 seed, one
sample per 100 acres for G3 seed, and one sample
66
per lot for G4, G5, and G6 seed. Information on
the number of samples required for Nuclear seed
is available from ICIA.
The tuber samples are planted in Oceanside,
Calif., in late November for the winter grow-
out test (Fig. 4.18). Inspectors check for disease
infections that may have occurred since the last
field inspection and other problems, such as
herbicide carryover. Potato leafroll virus and
potato virus Y and A (both listed as “mosaic”)
are viruses that may spread via aphids after the
last field inspection (Fig. 4.19). Tolerances for
the winter inspection are in Table 4.3.
A seed lot that passes all inspections described
earlier is then eligible for shipping point inspec-
tion and tagging as certified seed. The shipping
point inspection is performed by inspectors from
the Federal/State Inspection Service, with the
purpose of verifying that the seed lots meet
table 4.3. Inspection tolerances for post-harvest
winter test of seed destined for recertification.
Leafroll 0.8%
Mosaic 2.0%
Chemical injury 5.0%
 Courtesy of the Idaho Crop Improvement Association
Figure 4.18. Inspectors examine the winter test grow-out plots in California. Similar tests are also done by state and provincial
certification agencies in Hawaii and Florida.

United States standards for grades of seed pota-

Courtesy of the Idaho Crop Improvement Association

toes. The inspector also looks for the presence of
zero-tolerance diseases, such as bacterial ringrot
(Fig. 4.20), corky ringspot, and root-knot nema-
tode. If any of these diseases are found, the seed
lot will be rejected for certification. FPO 300%
In addition, diseases such as common scab,
late blight, Fusarium dry rot, Rhizoctonia canker,

S E E D P R O D U C T I O N A N D C E R T I F I C AT I O N
and soft rot must be below tolerances established
by the ICIA (Table 4.2). Depending on the grade
(blue, green, or yellow tag) (Fig. 4.16), levels of
other defects, such as hollow heart and growth
cracks, may need to be considered. At the same
time, the inspector verifies the seed lot identity, Figure 4.19. Inspectors of the winter grow-out test look for
tags the seed lot, and seals the transport vehicle. signs of viruses, other foliar diseases, and herbicide carryover.

Differences in State Certification Programs Courtesy of the Idaho Crop Improvement Association

Seed purchased from different states and

countries are subject to different certification
rules. This creates situations wherein the genera-
tion designation may not be what the buyer is FPO 300%
used to, nor are allowable disease levels the same.
Designations for the number of generations
67
that seed has been grown in the field are shown
in Table 4.4.

Note: Alaska, Colorado, Maine, New York, Utah, and

Wisconsin do not designate the first harvest year
from field conditions as Nuclear.
Figure 4.20. Federal/state inspectors complete a shipping
point inspection of seed tubers.
 It is advisable to check Table 4.4 when pur-
chasing seed to be sure of obtaining the desired
generation of seed. Generation designations
may change from year to year. For the latest in-
formation growers should consult the current
seed directory from each state or province.
For a seed grower purchasing out-of-state seed,
knowledge of the generation system and the dis-
ease tolerances allowed in the state of origin is es-
pecially important. Seed brought into Idaho is
eligible for recertification only if it meets the stan-
dards established for seed grown in Idaho. Estab-
lishing proof that a lot of seed meets tolerances is
the responsibility of the importing grower.
Growers of high quality seed will always have
a place in the potato industry because demand
for good seed is continual. The process of pro-
ducing and certifying seed potatoes is possibly
the most complex among all certified com-
modities. A thorough understanding of produc-
tion and certification principles can make the
process feasible and profitable.

table 4.4. Limited-generation certified seed potatoes—terms used for seed potatoes from one to eight
generations removed from laboratory-tested stocks.a
generation from tissue culture
State 1b 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Alaska G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6 G7 G8
California N G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 — —
Colorado G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6 — —
Idaho N G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6 —
Maine N1 N2 N3 N4 G1 G2 G3 G4
Michigan N G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 — —
Minnesota N G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 C —
Montana N G1 G2 G3 G4 — — —
Nebraska/Wyoming N G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 — —
S E E D P R O D U C T I O N A N D C E R T I F I C AT I O N

New York N1c N2 G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6

North Dakota N G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 C —
Oregon N G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 — —
Utah N(G1) G2 G3 G4 G5 G6 — —
Washington N G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 — —
Wisconsin E1 E2 G1 G2 G3 G4 C —
Canada PE(G1) E1(G2) E2(G3) E3(G4) E4(G5) F(G6) C(G7) —

Source: Certification Section of the Potato Association of America.

a
This table expresses equivalent terms used by various certification agencies for seed potatoes harvested from a se-
ries of successive field plantings. For specific criteria relating to disease tolerances and other requirements, the
reader is referred to the certification regulations of the state in question.
b
The first field planting uses laboratory-tested stocks, which may be tissue cultured plantlets, greenhouse-produced
mini-tubers, stem cuttings, or line selections. Contact agencies for details as to types of stocks planted in their pro-
grams.
c
If lots originate at Cornell-Uihlein farm, the first three generations are designated with a “U” to denote source.
C = certified; E = elite; F = foundation; N = nuclear; U = Uihlein; PE = pre-elite; G = generation

68
Additional Reading
Bohl W. H., P. Nolte, and M. K. Thornton, 1992. Potato seed management: Seed certification and selection. Idaho Ag Exp. Sta.
Current Information Series No. 974.
Idaho Crop Improvement Association. 1997. Idaho rules of certification, ICIA. Meridian, ID.
Slack, S. A. 1993. Seed certification and seed improvement programs. In: R. C. Rowe (ed.), Potato Health Management pp.
61–65. American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN.
Whitmore, J. C., R. Clarke, and L. Ewing. 1989. Guidelines for Russet Burbank nuclear seed potato production in Idaho, Idaho
Ag Exp. Sta. Bull. No. 700.
Wurr, D. C. E. 1978. ‘Seed’ tuber production and management. In: P. M. Harris (ed.) The Potato Crop. pp, 325–354. Chapman
and Hall, London.

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69