Develop potato varieties that are resistant to the pale cyst nematode, a pest that severely threatens U.S. Potato production and is difficult and costly to eradicate

The Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service awarded a Cooperative Agreement totaling $683,369 to the Regents of the University of Idaho on August 1, 2026, to develop potato varieties resistant to the pale cyst nematode, a pest that severely threatens U.S. potato production and is difficult and costly to eradicate. The award funds research to study litchi tomato's natural immunity and identify genes that can be transferred to or mimicked in potatoes, supporting long-term, sustainable pale cyst nematode control and strengthening eradication and de-regulation efforts in Idaho. Work is performed in Idaho with a period of performance through July 31, 2027. No U.S. potato varieties currently possess resistance to this pest, making this genetic transfer research directly responsive to production vulnerability in the region.

Because no U.S. Varieties are currently resistant, this agreement will study litchi tomato's natural immunity to identify genes that can be transferred to or mimicked in potatoes. These efforts aim to support longterm, sustainable pale cyst nematode control and strengthen the ongoing eradication and DE-regulation efforts in idaho.