This project sought to find a solution to the continuing problem of seed tuber loss for Australian potatoes growers. In the field, the disease usually manifests itself after summer planting through liquefaction of tuber tissue or black legging of the emerging stems resulting in poor establishment and a consequent reduction of the crop’s yield potential. Previous investigations have suggested that supplementary applications of calcium to the crop may prevent tuber losses or delay the loss of the tuber long enough to allow the crop establish. This study set out to test this proposition and to observe grower practices which may influence rot development. It found that infection history was the most crucial indicator of a tuber’s predisposition to rot. More experimental work needs to be undertaken to confirm the potential of selective tuber retention to not only increase the disease potential of a harvested crop but to decrease it as well.