This project began in late 2017 to help bolster efforts to monitor and contain tomato potato psyllid and the damage it causes. It is tasked with improving diagnostic capabilities related to Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CLso) – the bacterium that can be carried by the psyllid and that is associated with ‘zebra chip’ disease in potatoes. The psyllid infects tubers with disease, and the disease can be transferred by potato tubers. The project will improve the ability to confidently detect CLso in surveillance and certification activities in an accurate, cost-effective and automated, large-scale manner.

This project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the research and development levies listed below and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

• Potato – Processing Fund
• Potato – Fresh Fund