This study was undertaken to determine the incidence of Verticillium and Pratylenchus in potato crops in Australia; to quantify the levels of the pathogens in potato soil and plants; to develop rapid techniques to predict the occurrence of disease; and to evaluate methods of control. Overall, this project has shown that potato early dying is an unrecognised disease widespread in Australia and that the problem could be significantly depressing yields by up to 30% in some areas. Further studies are required to develop resistant cultivars and to evaluate chemical, biological and cultural methods for control.