Western Australian seed potato growers to reap benefits from research event in the field

Western Australian seed potato growers will today participate in a Field Walk event at the Vasse Research Station, located in the south west agricultural region of WA, to hear about current research into potato pests, diseases and viruses, and to take a tour of the facility’s research paddocks.

AUSVEG’s Potato Industry Extension Program will take part in the event, which is being hosted by the Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA), AGWEST Plant Laboratories, WA Seed Potato Producers (WASPP) and several other industry stakeholders.

“This event will provide potato seed growers with a terrific opportunity to hear about important research into pests, viruses and diseases affecting the industry, in a practical setting. AUSVEG is pleased to be joining the event to meet with WA growers and to inform them about activities within the Potato Industry Extension Program,” said AUSVEG Manager – Special Projects, Mr Luke Raggatt. AUSVEG is the National Peak Industry Body representing Australia’s 2,000 potato growers.

Researchers from DAFWA will present on a range of plant health issues affecting seed potatoes and growers will learn how to identify certain viruses and diseases using the demonstration plots at the Vasse Research Station. The event will also involve an inspection of a seed potato grower’s property located in the area. “These kinds of events are extremely valuable for conveying practical information to growers which they can then take back and apply in their own growing operations,” said Mr Raggatt.

Mr Raggatt will discuss activities undertaken during the first year of the Potato Industry Extension Program and will highlight key messages that stemmed from the World Potato Congress - held earlier this year in Edinburgh, United Kingdom - including consumer and marketing insights, and future opportunities for the potato industry.

South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) researcher, Mr Michael Rettke, will also participate in the event, to present on valuable research which has developed a DNA testing service for soil borne pathogens, allowing soils to be analysed for pathogen levels and susceptibility and then be given a risk rating. The research will also develop a manual for potato growers that will become an essential part of their toolkit.

“This is cutting edge research that will have clear benefits for Australian potato growers in the years ahead, by helping them reduce their input costs, enhance yields and produce better crops. I am very pleased that Mr Rettke could join AUSVEG in the event to present on this work,” said Mr Raggatt. “This event today will provide Western Australian growers with important information that will facilitate better decision making when planting and help growers manage plant pests and diseases. I look forward to meeting with growers in WA to discuss the benefits of industry Research and Development (R&D),” said Mr Raggatt.

The Potato Industry Extension Program, managed by AUSVEG, was developed to raise awareness of R&D activities funded by HAL using the National Potato Levy and matched funds from the Australian Government. The program aims to communicate R&D in a clear and intelligible manner, and provide growers and processors with information that can be used on a practical level.

Source: AUSVEG