Gregory Porter

Professor of Crop Ecology and ManagementPorter

Degree: Ph. D. 1985, Pennsylvania State University
Phone: 207.581.2943
Email: porter@maine.edu
Location: 415 Deering Hall

Professional Interests: Potato cropping systems, crop physiology, soil fertility management, weed-crop interactions

Teaching: PSE 479 Crop Ecology and Physiology, PSE 509 Experimental Design

Research: I currently lead the University of Maine’s potato breeding and variety development program.  We are breeding and selecting new potato varieties with improved pest resistance and marketability for Eastern potato growers.  Our program has a major emphasis on selecting improved russet and fry processing varieties; however, we are also developing improved chipping, specialty, and fresh market varieties.  Breeding for improved late blight, scab, and disease resistance are top priorities.

My crop management program focuses on developing cropping systems which provide high yields and excellent crop quality, while having positive impacts on soil quality.  My research in this area includes long-term studies on the impacts of organic soil amendments (e.g. composts and manures) and crop rotations (e.g. type of rotations crops and length of rotations) on soils and crop productivity.  These studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of manures, composts, and longer rotation lengths at maintaining and/or improving soil physical properties; however, each management choice involves trade-offs and their benefits vary depending on the climatic conditions.  My research on potassium, nitrogen, phosphorus, and micro-nutrient fertility programs has provided information for growers to more efficiently management their potato crops, while maximizing yields and quality.  For example, new information from my program shows that potassium must be managed carefully to optimize the internal quality of potato tubers for fresh market and processing uses.

Recent Publications:

Wang, Y.; Bethke, P.C.; Bussan, A.J.; Glynn, M.T.; Holm, D.G.; Navarro, F.M.; Novy, R.G.; Palta, J.P.; Pavek, M.J.; Porter, G.A.; Sathuvalli, V.R.; Thompson, A.L.; Voglewede, P.J.; Whitworth, J.L.; Parish, D.I.; Endelman, J.B. 2016.  Acrylamide-forming potential and agronomic properties of elite us potato germplasm from the national fry processing trial.  Crop Sci. 56:30-39.

Haynes, K.G.; Yencho, G.C.; Clough, M.E.; Henninger, M.R.; Qu, X.S.; Christ, B.J.; Peck, M.W.; Porter, G.A.; Hutchinson, C.M.; Gergela, D.M.; Halseth, D.E.; Menasha, S.R.; Sieczka, J.B.  2015.  Am. J. Potato Res. 92:573-581.

Haynes, K.G.; Gergela, D.M.; Qu, X.S.; Peck, M.W.; Yencho, G.C.; Clough, M.E.; Henninger, M.R.; Halseth, D.E.; Porter, G.A.; Ocaya, P.C.; Zotarelli, L.; Menasha, S.R.; Christ, B.J.; Wanner, L.; Hutchinson, C.M.  2014.  Elkton: a new potato variety with resistance to internal heat necrosis and hollow heart and suitable for chipping directly from the field in the southern United States. Am. J. Potato Res. 91:269-276.

Rosen, C.J.; Kelling, K.A.; Stark, J.C.; Porter, G.A.  2014.  Optimizing phosphorus fertilizer management in potato production. Am. J. Potato Res. 91:145-160.

Plant, A.B.; Lambert, D.H.; Porter, G.A.  2013.  Managing white mold of potatoes in a rainfed environment. Am. J. Potato Res. 90:378-385.