The 1999-2000 asparagus season was a tumultous one for Queensland producers. Three foliar diseases became established in crops during the year and became a focus of concern to the growers. Aparagus rust and Phomopsis stem blight are now endemic in southern Queensland production areas, while anthracnose currently remains restricted to the north of the state. All are potentially serious diseases. This study tour was undertaken to the 10th International Asparagus Symposium, Japan, in August/September 2001 to gather disease management information and establish a useful network of contacts.