The latest edition of the levy-funded magazine for the Australian potato industry, Potatoes Australia, showcases some of the latest in research and development and how growers are becoming involved in industry activities.

Following its successful introduction in 2013, the PREDICTA Pt testing service offered by Primary Industries and Regions SA through its research division, the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), has been expanding, to help minimise the impact of soilborne diseases on Australian potato growing operations. In this edition, SARDI Research Scientist and Project Lead Michael Rettke provides an update on the extension work that is being undertaken in this space.

There’s also the latest update from AUSVEG National TPP Coordinator Alan Nankivell, who explains why explains why potato growers should continue to prepare for a tomato-potato psyllid (TPP) or zebra chip detection, and the steps they can take to improve their knowledge of this pest and the bacterium it can vector.

Some growers are already taking Alan’s advice, with 19 potato industry representatives from Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia embarking on an overseas adventure to New Zealand’s Canterbury region to gain an insight into TPP and how the New Zealand potato industry has managed this pest. They also heard the latest in TPP research, in-field management and supply chain implications.

We also have a mix of the older and newer industry members featured in the April/May edition. WA Potatoes President Vaughan Carter is a third-generation ware potato grower based in Busselton, and he outlined the issues that have faced the Western Australian potato industry in recent times and the opportunities which have resulted from these challenges. Meanwhile, Renee Pye is Marketing and Media Manager at Zerella Fresh in South Australia, and she spoke about her role plus the steps the company is taking to remain sustainable into the future.

As always, there’s plenty more in this edition, so if you’re not already receiving Potatoes Australia, subscribe to receive future editions of the magazine for free by emailing communications@ausveg.com.au.

This post appeared in the AUSVEG Weekly Update published 16 April 2019. Subscribe to the Update using our online form to receive the latest industry news in your inbox every week!