Parma Research and Extension Center

Parma Research and Extension Center

The Parma Research and Extension Center conducts research and Extension programs related to production, storage and related problems related to crops produced in southwest Idaho.

The center was established in 1925 at the urging of local farmers and today comprises 200 acres to meet the needs of research and Extension efforts to sustain and improve the productivity of crops grown in southwest Idaho.

At the main station, 120 acres are used for row crop and hop research. Two miles north of the main station are 80 acres of desert land, 30 acres of which are dedicated to tree fruit and small fruit research. The center also has greenhouse space which is utilized year-round and a vegetable and fruit storage facility for post-harvest management research.

The new Idaho Center for Plant and Soil Health at the Parma Research and Extension Center provides an opportunity for increased research to help faculty diagnose and address grower concerns and issues facing the agricultural industry.

Entomology

Current entomological research at the Parma Research and Extension Center includes:

• Integrated management strategies for pests and beneficial insects and mites in specialty crops including hops, mint and alfalfa seed.
• Research on management of pollinators in seed crops including alfalfa seed.
• Identification and management information for insects and mites found in urban and agricultural settings.
• Parma Cocoon Testing Laboratory provides alfalfa seed growers with accurate information on the health of alfalfa leafcutting bees (Megachile rotundata) used to pollinate their crop.
  • Non-profit, Extension-oriented service.
  • Provides statistically accurate estimates of the proportion of live cells, chalkbrood mortality, pollen ball mortality and parasitoids of the leafcutting bee cells.
  • Accepts leafcutting bee cells thought out the year.
  • Analysis time depends on number of samples received (but usually takes one to two weeks).

For more information, please view bee testing brochure (pdf) and/or email Armando Falcon, entomologist, afalconbrindis@uidaho.edu.  

Nematology

Current nematology research at the Parma Research and Extension Center includes:

• Soil and plant analysis for nematodes.
• Development of economical control practices for potato, sugar beet and fruit tree nematodes.
• Nematode and disease diagnostics.

Plant pathology and diagnostics

The plant pathology and diagnostics program investigates plant diseases across a wide range of crops in Idaho. Research focuses on:

• Characterizing and managing plant diseases
• Developing new diagnostic methods for plant pathogens

A plant disease diagnostic lab is also part of the program and offers a wide range of diagnostic services for growers.

For more information contact James Woodhall at 208-722-6701 or jwoodhall@uidaho.edu. 

Plant science

Current plant science research at the Parma Research and Extension Center includes:

• Management practices to increase yield and quality of potatoes and onions in field and storage.
• Evaluation of new potato and onion varieties for agronomic performance and storability.

Potato research focuses on cultural management of new potato cultivars, with emphasis on appearance of specialty cultivars. Onion research focuses on nutrient management, remote sensing of disease and stress, and reducing decay in storage.

Pomology

The Parma Research and Extension Center is home to the University of Idaho Pomology Program. The program is responsible for researching various physiological and environmental problems and challenges facing Idaho and the United States fruit growers.

Southwest Idaho has excellent climate conditions for growing apples, peaches, plums, apricots, cherries and grapes. The warm and long days of spring and summer and cool nights result in excellent fruit color and flavor.

Projects

Introduction of Fuji apple. Extensive ongoing research on the Fuji variety is conducted at Parma. From the first Fuji research orchard that was established at the University of Idaho, growers have found that not only can this crop be grown in Idaho, but the fruit quality is superior to that of other states.

Blossom thinning of apples, plums and peaches. Pomology scientists discovered several chemicals for blossom thinning and fruit growers in Idaho and other states use these chemicals, which are far less expensive than hand thinning.

Cropping systems

Current cropping systems agronomy research at the Parma Research and Extension Center is focused on soil fertility, nutrient management, water use and precision agriculture. Research and Extension activities aim to develop agronomical, economical and environmentally sound methodologies for sustainable cropping systems. 

News and events

Staff

• Mike Kiester, manager, facilities and pomology program, michaelk@uidaho.edu
• Nikki Herd, business specialist III, nherd@uidaho.edu
• Gina Day, administrative specialist III, gday@uidaho.edu
• Kent Wagoner, senior agricultural technician, kwagoner@uidaho.edu
• Todd Young, agricultural assistant, wtyoung@uidaho.edu
• Eric Hughs, agricultural assistant, erichughes@uidaho.edu 

Agronomy

• Francisco Bautista, research aide, fbautista@uidaho.edu 

Entomology

• Armando Falcon, entomologist, afalconbrindis@uidaho.edu
• Maggie Haylett, senior research technician, mhaylett@uidaho.edu 

Nematology

• Flora Garcia, research specialist, fgarcia@uidaho.edu
• J.R. Contreras, nematology assistant, jcontreras@uidaho.edu
• Danny Carmona, research aide, dcarmona@uidaho.edu 

Plant pathology

• James Woodhall, plant pathologist, PI, jwoodhall@uidaho.edu
• Christian Cumagun, post doc plant pathologist, ccumagun@uidaho.edu
• Mack Murdock, field trials manager, mmurdock@uidaho.edu
• Silas Shumate, research specialist, sshumate@uidaho.edu
• Josh Rosnow, postdoctoral research scientist, jrosnow@uidaho.edu
• Ben Wood, plant disease diagnostician, bwood@uidaho.edu 

Pomology

• Billie Campbell, pomology assistant, billie@uidaho.edu
• Art Filice, pomology assistant, afilice@uidaho.edu 

Potato/onion

• Ransey Portenier, research specialist, ranseyp@udaho.edu