BASF crop specialists report strong U.S. potato crop amid climate and disease challenges

Potato farmers in the United States are navigating a growing season marked by climatic uncertainty, emerging disease pressures, and evolving crop protection strategies.

BASF crop specialists recently shared their mid-season insights in response to questions posed by Potato News Today, offering a detailed look at the current state of the crop, regional challenges, and innovations shaping U.S. potato production.

Strong Crop Outlook in Key Western States

At the halfway mark of the 2025 growing season, potato fields in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington are showing encouraging signs. According to BASF, crop performance in these leading production states is currently strong, with early projections pointing to a good harvest. Growers in the region have worked diligently to implement proactive crop protection strategies aimed at preserving yield potential and ensuring a solid return on investment (ROI).

“The crop is progressing well both above and below ground,” BASF specialists noted, even as they acknowledged that unpredictable weather patterns have made this season far from typical.

Weather Volatility Hits Idaho’s Southeast

While the general trend is positive, growers in southeastern Idaho have been forced to contend with extreme and erratic weather — from hot spells to unexpected freezing temperatures and high winds. Despite these fluctuations, the resilience of the crop has remained intact, largely thanks to proactive planning and targeted mitigation efforts by farmers.

BASF emphasizes the value of anticipating unseasonal events, noting that even under stress, well-prepared operations can retain strong yield potential.

Disease Management Front and Center

As the season advances past row closure, disease pressure is top of mind for many growers. While the level of concern around early blight and white mold remains within expected ranges, BASF has observed that farmers who experienced heightened disease pressure last year are adjusting fungicide timing to stay ahead.

One key piece of good news: current weather patterns in Idaho have not been conducive to the development of late blight — a welcome relief for growers concerned about the potential for rapid disease flare-ups.

Still, the risks posed by early blight and white mold are significant. These diseases can result in yield losses of up to 20% and 50%, respectively, if not managed proactively. According to BASF, the most effective approach remains preventive applications — especially given the long latency periods that render disease scouting less effective at times.

The company points to Endura® PRO fungicide as a cornerstone of effective disease management this season. The product combines two active ingredients — boscalid (FRAC Group 7) and Revysol® (FRAC Group 3) — to offer robust protection and improved resistance management.

“Endura PRO is designed for sequential applications, typically at row closure and again about two weeks later, for optimal results,” BASF noted.

In-Season Strategies for Yield and Quality Preservation

As summer progresses, maintaining vine health becomes a key priority. BASF recommends the strategic use of plant health fungicides such as Veltyma® and Priaxor®, which help bolster plant vigor during the later stages of the season.

“It’s clear that proactive fungicide applications are delivering a more dependable path to maintaining plant health and yield potential,” BASF reported, adding that many fields currently appear strong and healthy.

Shifts in Grower Behavior and Input Use

This season has also seen a notable shift in product adoption patterns. With Endura PRO now widely available, growers are increasingly incorporating this dual-mode-of-action fungicide into their rotation plans to better manage resistance while enhancing disease control.

While many fungicides for early blight are heavily reliant on FRAC Group 7 actives, BASF notes that the inclusion of Revysol (Group 3) in Endura PRO offers “broad-spectrum efficacy and reduces the risk of resistance development.”

This trend toward integrated and diversified fungicide programs reflects a broader grower emphasis on resilience and ROI optimization.

Field Support and Advisory Services in Action

BASF credits its close relationship with growers and local advisors for the effectiveness of its in-season tools. The company’s technical representatives work directly with farmers and crop advisors to tailor protection strategies that match local disease pressures and weather conditions.

“Our boots-on-the-ground approach allows us to troubleshoot challenges in real time and maximize ROI,” BASF said.

Real-World Results: Endura PRO Gets High Marks

Following 20 on-farm field-scale applications during the 2024 season, BASF conducted a survey to evaluate grower feedback on Endura PRO. The results were striking:

• 95% of respondents rated its performance as “good to very good”
• 93% of agronomists involved indicated they would recommend Endura PRO over competing fungicides

These findings not only reflect confidence in the product, but also underscore the value of BASF’s research and development efforts in supporting grower success.

Looking Toward Harvest: Key Watchouts

As growers enter the back half of the season, BASF urges close monitoring of crop health — particularly with the potential emergence of wildfire smoke.

“If smoke does become an issue, maintaining proper soil moisture is critical,” the company advises. Past seasons have shown that wildfire smoke can exacerbate white mold pressure, especially in the late season.

As always, growers are encouraged to stay in contact with their BASF technical representative to ensure a timely response to any emerging issues.

The Future: Precision, Sustainability, and AI Integration

Looking ahead, BASF anticipates a continued shift toward “more sustainable, high-yielding, and quality-driven” potato production systems. Growers are increasingly interested in precision tools and integrated pest and disease management strategies — particularly those leveraging AI and digital technology.

“Technology is evolving quickly,” BASF specialists noted. “We’re exploring strategic partnerships and innovations that can help farmers optimize input use, improve sustainability, and continue feeding a growing global population.”

Final Words to the Potato Community

In a closing statement, BASF saluted the efforts of U.S. potato farmers: “We know potato farmers wake up each morning ready to do ‘The Biggest Job on Earth.’ You face evolving challenges every day — and BASF is proud to stand beside you, offering the innovations and insights needed to help you succeed.”

Source: BASF
Cover image: Early blight. Credit BASF