A new research project is investigating targeted soil fumigation technology for several major vegetable industries and is looking for participant potato growers who can receive soil DNA testing as part of the project’s work.

This project is looking to undertake a pathogen survey and a set of field trials in Victoria and Tasmania, conducted in coordination with AUSVEG, AuSPICA and McCain Foods, to demonstrate the potential of advanced soil fumigation technology.

These trials’ main objectives are:

• Demonstrating the ability of soil DNA testing to identify and monitor important soil pathogen populations across a series of applications.
• Assessing the broader impact of targeted soil fumigation on the soil microbial community and using bio-stimulant treatments to remediate this impact.
• Quantifying the benefits of the program in both yield and tuber quality.
• Investigating whether soil microbial community structure alters nutrient input requirements.

The project team is looking for grower participants to take part in the field trials, which will include free soil DNA testing of the production area to provide background data and contextualise the field trial results.

To express your interest in being a part of this research, or if you have any questions about the rest of the project’s activities, get in touch with Peter Brown via e-mail at dirtdoctor@optusnet.com.au.

This post appeared in the AUSVEG Weekly Update published 25 September 2018. Subscribe to the Update using our online form to receive the latest industry news in your inbox every week!