Researcher weathering the challenge of extreme heat and hail effects on potato growers

Research from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is looking at how extreme weather can affect potato crops and their quality, and a local scientist is aiming to identify potential problems and make informed decisions to reduce economic loss.

Dr. Jonathan Neilson’s goal is to provide a risk assessment for potato growers on how, heat waves and hailstorms can affect tuber size, shape and processing quality of the potato -, at specific times during the growing season. His research at the Lethbridge Research and Development Centre aims to protect a grower’s yields in an unpredictable climate.