Hannah Johnson is a PhD student advised by Dr. Mark Pavek. Her research is focused on tuber dormancy and developing management recommendations that mitigate economic loss for growers from dormancy related issues. Hannah’s experience in commercial potato production in New Mexico, Michigan, and Washington motivated her passion for being involved in applied field research that addresses management issues that growers face.
One of the main areas of my research is focused on optimizing grower competitiveness and profitability by improving potato emergence and stand uniformity. Through my PhD research I am working with seed growers to understand how dormancy and emergence differences are related to seed generations and seed production inputs. For notorious non-emerging varieties, I am investigating the use of plant hormones to improve emergence and stand uniformity.
The other aspect of my research is focused on extending the sprout free period of stored potatoes. Extending the stored potato dormancy will minimize storage and marketing risks by inhibiting sprout growth. This research will evaluate the effectiveness of application of Maleic Hydrazide across varieties to minimize marketable yield loss and maximize tuber dormancy and grower return.