Ag site for potato seed experiments in limbo over nematodes

POWELL BUTTE, Ore. – The future of an agricultural research farm in Powell Butte is in limbo as state officials decide what to do with the land.

The Bend Bulletin reported the 80-acre site was primarily used by Oregon State University to experiment with potato seeds.

But it was shut down in 2010 after a nematode – a roundworm that could threaten potato crops – was discovered.

The site was a major part of the Tri-State Potato Breeding Program, which includes University of Idaho and Washington State University. If funded, potential treatments would include fumigating the ground with a proven pesticide, applying mustard meal that kills the nematode or planting nematode-resistant potatoes.