The Idaho Potato Commission board on Dec. 22 voted to help pay for an endowed research position focused on nematology.

The University of Idaho College of Agricultural and Life Sciences plans to base the researcher at its Parma Research and Extension Center, where a nematology lab is among features of a new $12 million building.

UI plans the Saad Hafez Endowed Chair in Nematology. Hafez, a veteran nematologist well known in the Northwest, is based in Parma.

With anticipated retirements of nematology faculty, “there is a clear need to establish a path forward for this area of research at the University of Idaho,” according to a UI information sheet.

At $2 million, the endowment would distribute about $86,000 a year, allowing for a robust research program that enables a high level of service to agriculture, according to the university.

Simplot contribution

The Boise-based J.R. Simplot Co. Foundation pledged $1.5 million, said Michael Parrella, UI agriculture dean. Simplot is a major potato processor.

The endowment — and the new lab — are expected to help reinforce Idaho’s position as a leader in nematology research, attracting regional and national grants and in recruiting for the job, according to UI.

A goal is to recruit a world-class scientist who will provide “solid information about nematodes — which are a critical aspect to this industry and others in the state — and critical information about management for the next 30 years,” Parrella told potato commission board members.

Commissioners voted to contribute $250,000, in five annual payments of $50,000.

“It’s important to so many industries in Idaho” including potatoes and sugar beets, said commission vice chairman Mark Darrington, who made the successful motion.

The university has not specifically approached grain commissions about contributing to the endowment, officials said in response to a question from Darrington. Nematodes have become an increasing concern in grain production, especially in mono-crop areas, he said.

Nematology important

At UI’s Parma center, nematology “is a lab we’ve used extensively,” said Doug Gross, a Wilder-area potato farmer. “It’s really important to our industry.”

Interviews are expected to be conducted in the summer and fall with input from industry, Parrella said. Hiring is expected next winter.

In the new nematology lab, advantages in addition to space and efficiency include a cleanroom environment with ideal air pressure for tissue cultures, Hafez said in an interview.