Published Articles – Strike Fumigants

Before You Plant: Key Potato Seed Decisions That Shape the Season

Posted on May 26, 2026May 22, 2026 by Chad Hutchinson

Potato seed decisions often happen fast. Planting windows tighten, field conditions shift, and growers may have limited options available. But even under pressure, these early decisions can have a major impact on crop establishment and season-long performance. I recently joined Don Northcott for a Spud Smart panel discussion on potato seed quality. The conversation focused […]

From South Africa to Canada: Four Lessons on Soil Fumigation

Posted on October 30, 2025October 28, 2025 by Chad Hutchinson

In my latest article for Spud Smart, I take a closer look at what I learned working with a frustrated potato grower in coastal South Africa—and how those same lessons apply to farms in Canada. By adjusting how Chloropicrin (known as Strike in Canada) was applied, we turned a struggling field into a success story. […]

Chad Hutchinson is the Global Director of Potato Research and Market Support for the TriCal Group. He received his degree in Plant Physiology/Horticulture from Purdue University in 1997. Chad was on the faculty of the University of Florida and the state potato specialist for ten years. He has worked with potato producers around the world on topics ranging from variety selection, crop nutrition, soil health, and soil disease suppression helping potato farmers be successful. He is recognized by his peers for his knowledge of crop production and soil fumigation practices and their influence on potato crop yield and quality. Chad is a regular invited speaker globally on topics related to soil fumigation, soil health, and potato crop production.