seeds than tissue culture plantlets, we expect that the seed industry will be able to quickly ramp up production of diploid hybrids in response to grower demands. POTENTIAL CHALLENGES First of all, most traits of interest to AC Chaleur Adirondack Red All Blue Andover Atlantic B2727-2 Belmonda Bora Valley Brodie (NY140) Caribou Russet Dark Red Norland Elba Envol French Fingerling Genesse German Butterball Huron Chipper Innovator Katahdin Kennebec Kueka Gold Lamoka Lehigh Natascha Norwis (Crystal Strain) Ontario Peter Wilcox Pike Prada Purple Majesty Reba Red LaSoda Red Maria Red Pontiac Red Thumb Fingerling Russet Burbank (ID Strain) Satina Sebec Shepody Snowden Strawberry Paw Superior Toscana Waneta Yukon Gem Yukon Gold you are controlled by many genes that act together. We can't simply plug in a gene for high yield or good storage quality. However, we are making this transition at a time when both DNA sequencing and computer processing technologies are advancing at unprecedented speeds. We can most effectively make use of these technologies in diploid potatoes. This will allow us to find combinations of genes responsible for complex traits such as yield. A second challenge is simply one of competing resources. Potato breeders are among the hardest-working and most resourceful people you will meet. They have to be in order to create successful new varieties despite nearly impossible odds. How can they add diploid breeding to their already full plates? We need to find ways to support diploid breeding without pulling resources away from current breeding programs. Finally, the true seed approach is an exciting new road to travel, but we have much to learn before it can be fully implemented. We need to learn how to produce large numbers of seeds cheaply, and then how to get them to germinate quickly and uniformly. This will require many science experiments, which we love to do. We will also take advantage of seed technology knowledge from other crops. We look forward to making new connections with scientists outside the potato world who routinely use seeds for the propagation of new varieties. This is truly an exciting time for the potato industry. Paul Bethke is a molecular biologist and Shelley Jansky a research geneticist for the USDA's Agricultural Research Service. Both are University of WisconsinMadison Department professors. Maximizing Potato Yield Starts at Planting We can give you the harvest details with a yield monitor RiteDepth - Automatic Depth Controller Sonar Sensor Technology For More Uniform Planting Depth * Uniform seeding depth is important to achieve uniform emergence which will in turn help with timing and efficacy of spray & fertilizer applications. * Sonar sensors improve uniformity while reducing the need for frequent adjustments. * Sonar sensors are small, out of the way, allowing a clear view of the planter and cause no obstruction to stubble and trash from previous crops. As a leader in precision agriculture systems we offer unique solutions specifically designed with the root and vegetable producer in mind. of Horticulture For more information visit greentronics.com or contact us at 519-669-4698 26 Spudman.comhttp://www.greentronics.com http://www.Spudman.com