This investment focuses on a range of economically important diseases including powdery scab, common scab, pink rot, blackleg, Rhizoctonia, verticillium wilt and black dot. The aims are to develop new approaches to reduce disease impacts by reducing inoculum build-up, inhibiting infection and disease development, and preserving the effectiveness of the available chemistries.

The investment will be underpinned by three related research pillars:

• Disease diagnostics
• Soil health
• Disease management.

Combined, these research pillars will inform the development of innovative resources and tools which will be delivered and assisted through a fourth pillar dedicated towards coordination and communication.

This project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the research and development levies listed below and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

• Potato – Fresh Fund
• Potato – Processing Fund