Join leading industry experts for a practical, field-based workshop focused on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and an update on the Integrated Disease Management Program for the Australian Potato Industry project.

Designed for growers and agronomists, this workshop combines foundational knowledge with hands-on learning to support informed, in-season decision-making. Participants will gain practical strategies they can apply immediately to improve pest and disease outcomes for the remainder of the season.

Workshop Details

IPM Fundamentals

Dr Paul Horne and Rebecca Addison (IPM Technologies) will cover the fundamentals of IPM in potato crops, including pest monitoring, recognising beneficial insects, and making informed management decisions. A guided field walk will follow, giving participants hands-on experience scouting for pests and beneficials and translating observations into practical, in-season actions.

Integrated Disease Management Project Update

Dr Audrey Leo (Simplot and Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania) and Dr Robert Tegg (Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania) will provide an update on a new national Integrated Disease Management Program focused on limiting inoculum build-up, preventing infection, and identifying new control options. The program aims to improve diagnostics, soil health, and management strategies to reduce the impact of key potato diseases, including powdery scab, common scab, pink rot, and Rhizoctonia.

Workshop Timing

• 10:00 am – Presentations commence (sharp) followed by a practical scouting session and project updates.

• 1:30 pm – Lunch and networking with growers, agronomists, and industry representatives.