As the new director of the University of Idaho's Seed Potato Germplasm Program, Kayla Spawton oversees a modern, new facility and holds a position that is essential to one of the state's largest and most celebrated industries.
Sixty percent of all potatoes consumed in the U.S. and 90% of Idaho potatoes can be traced back to the Moscow laboratory, which produces plantlets and mini-tubers used in the initial phase of seed potato production. Potatoes remain Idaho's largest cash crop, generating $1.3 billion in revenue during 2023, U of I agricultural economists estimated.
"That's why I wanted to get into applied research — to be a part of a team that's making a difference in helping out farmers and getting food to folks," Spawton said.
U of I moved seed potato germplasm production into its current laboratory in the spring of 2022. Spawton assumed the director's position in late February 2024. The program's part-time lab manager, Shannon Kuhl, ran the new facility on an acting basis for the year and half prior to Spawton's hiring. The staff also includes a part-time greenhouse manager and a team of undergraduate workers who help with tissue culturing and greenhouse work.
Read more at potatonewstoday.com