Extension activities for the Australian potato industry – Literature review and survey
Project PT16000 was commissioned by Hort Innovation to complete a literature search and identify information and research on potato seed handling and quality.
A literature review was completed, looking at latest trends and research in seed quality. A report on the findings of the literature report was submitted to Hort Innovation. This report identified many key elements discussed in a wide range of papers, guidelines and research from researchers, industry leaders and particularly university research and extension groups across Europe, North America and South America.
The Australian potato industry is geographically diverse, supplying fresh market and processing potatoes, and the potato industry supply chain is long (5 to 6 years). A survey was completed across the Australian potato supply chain to investigate opportunities to drive sustainable, economic industry improvement.
Seed quality and handling is business-critical for the chain success, and relationships, grower economical sustainability and communication were pivotal to support consumer safety and deliver no-surprise quality with on-time supply. Certification, management of quality and physical seed management (including cold storage) were found to be well-controlled compared to research data.