Purchasing Nuclear Seed
The Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program (WSPCP) offers thoroughly tested, virus-free nuclear mini-tubers and seed pieces for purchase. We have over 150 different varieties in our tissue culture, or pre-nuclear collection. These tissue culture plantlets are the source for our nuclear production, with approximately 50 varieties planted yearly. This list continues to grow!
Our nuclear production setup includes approximately 15,000 sqft of greenhouse space devoted to hydroponic production via Nutrient Film Technique (NFT). We also have a 5,000 sqft greenhouse devoted to a non-peat based potted production system. The NFT systems are on a two production cycles per year schedule, while potted production is only done once a year. Both growing options are maintained due to varied variety growing preferences and the need to grow select varieties in one system versus the other.
Some of our popular russet varieties in nuclear greenhouse production include Silverton (SLV), Plover Russet (PRS), and Russet Norkotah (RNK). Atlantic (ATL), Lamoka (LMK), and Snowden (SNO) are our top producing chipping varieties and Dark Red Norland (DRN) is the leading red variety. A comprehensive list of varieties and breeding lines available for nuclear production can be found on our website or by clicking HERE. Our nuclear material is offered at a competitive price. If you have any minituber pricing inquiries, please reach out prior to placing your order.
Ordering and Cancellation Policy
Order Request Timeline & Guarantees
Early generation nuclear material (minitubers and seed pieces) orders need to be placed a year and half in advance to ensure fulfillment. WSPCP requests that nuclear material orders be placed by November 15th EACH CALENDAR YEAR to acquire material two spring seasons out. For example, a buyer placing a minituber order on October 1, 2024, would receive their requested minitubers in spring 2026. WSPCP does not transfer nuclear material orders year-to-year.
WSPCP will attempt to accommodate all order requests regardless of submission date, however nuclear material orders submitted after November 15th EACH CALENDAR YEAR are not guaranteed for two spring seasons out. Late orders will be evaluated by WSPCP, and the buyer will be contacted as to what varieties are available. For example, a buyer placing an minituber order on or after December 1, 2024, may receive all or part of their requested minitubers in spring 2026 depending on production yields.
WSPCP strives to ensure all nuclear seed orders are filled. In the unlikely event a order cannot be filled, the buyer will not be charged for unfulfilled nuclear material. For example, if a order is placed for 2,000 minitubers of a variety but WSPCP only supplies 1,000 minitubers then the buyer will be charged for those 1,000 minitubers.
Nuclear seed is sold ‘as is’ because seed potatoes are perishable and are readily subject to damage or contamination from various causes. WSPCP is not liable for any latent or undetected diseases, pests, or other conditions such as defects or disorders. WSPCP closely monitors the harvest and storage processes to ensure there is no varietal mixture. Should a varietal mixture occur, WSPCP is not liable but will work closely with the buyer to evaluate the cause of mixture. Upon receiving a nuclear seed order, the buyer has 72 hours to notify WSPCP of any issues pertaining to quality.
Processing Fee
A processing fee of $100.00 will be added to each order submitted. A single order may include more than one variety.
Shipping Fee
Shipping costs will be an additional fee. Shipping costs vary based on shipping location and urgency. Shipping estimates can be provided upon request, however actual shipping costs will be determined upon creation of the shipping label and billed appropriately. WSPCP utilizes UPS for all their shipping needs and the cost is very competitive. We do accept UPS or FedEx prepaided labels or shipping numbers. Shipping numbers can be provided on the order form and prepaid labels can be arranged with WSPCP staff. If preferred, nuclear material can also be picked up at the UW Starks Seed Farm at an agreed upon date and time.
Cancellation Policy
Nuclear material order cancellations made:
- On or before November 15th in the calendar year the order is placed will receive a 100% refund.
- From November 1st to December 31st in the calendar year the order is placed will receive a 75% refund.
- From January 1st to February 28th in the new calendar year following when the order was placed will receive a 25% refund.
- After February 28th in the new calendar year following when the order was placed will not receive a refund.
There are no exceptions to the cancellation policy.
Surplus Notifications
Prior to the spring season, WSPCP will post a list of uncontracted nuclear material available for purchase. Please reach out to WSPCP staff if you have any interest in acquiring these. Surplus orders will be filled as they are received. Buyers may not reserve surplus material prior to distribution of spring surplus lists.
Minituber Ordering
WSPCP welcomes nuclear material order inquires at any time. Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your needs. WSPCP staff is happy to work with you to develop a timeline that fits your needs.
If you are interested in purchasing nuclear generation minitubers or seed pieces of varieties already in our collection, please fill out the online “Nuclear Material Order Form” below. We will be in touch in 1-3 business days to discuss the availability of minitubers and production timeline.
If you would like us to produce minitubers or tubers of a variety not currently available through our lab, please fill out the ‘New Variety Order Form’ below and we will be in touch in 1-3 business days to discuss options.