Nigel Crump (AuSPICA and PotatoLink) will be joined by four international potato specialists to present on potato diseases and disease management for maximising inputs and yield to potato growers, advisors and industry members in Victoria (Thorpdale and surrounding Gippsland districts).
Come and hear from visiting USA speakers on the following topics:
Herbicide damage – what is it costing?
How to ID Late blight – and the opportunity to save costs
Timing for target spot treatment – too early or too late application
Fungicide resistance – an emerging issue
Blackleg - addressing the new species that is causing disease
In addition to the USA speakers:
Tolsma Australia will be presenting on cool stores and positive ventilation drying walls.
Following the talks, join PotatoLink for a trip to the new Lamb Weston potato cool stores.
Date: Monday 5 February 2024
Time: 12:30pm - 3:30pm, including a light lunch.
Venue: Thorpdale Bowling Club (Council Road, Thorpdale, VIC, 3835)
Contact: Nigel Crump, nigel.crump@auspica.org.au.
Meet the visiting USA speakers:
Dr Andy Robinson
Associate Professor and Extension Potato Agronomist at North Dakota State University
Dr Robinson works with potato growers on the agronomics of potato production, cultural management of potato, herbicide use and misuse in potatoes, and variety development.
Dr Mike Thornton
Professor of plant science, University of Idaho
Dr Thornton is a professor of plant science working on potatoes and onions for the University of Idaho.
His research program focuses on agronomic management practices with an emphasis on evaluation of new varieties, management of in-season pest problems, and reduction of bruising and other factors that reduce quality and storability.
Dr Jeff Miller
Principal field investigator and owner at Miller Research
Dr Miller previously worked as a potato pathologist at the University of Minnesota and the University of Idaho.
He conducts research on pest management in potatoes focusing on fungal diseases including Rhizoctonia canker and scurf, early blight and brown spot, late blight, powdery scab, white mould, Fusarium dry rot, pink rot, black dot, Verticillium wilt, and silver scurf.
Dr Bradley Geary
Professor of plant health at Brigham Young University
Prior to BYU (where Dr Geary has held the position for 20 years), he worked as an assistant professor of potato production at the University of Idaho. Current research interests are potato diseases associated with the soil, soil health, and biological control. Specific areas of research has been on silver scurf, black dot, soil microbiome, and use of Streptomyces as a biological control.
Dr Nigel Crump
Dr Nigel Crump is a potato pathologist with over 20 years’ experience working in the Australian potato industry. Nigel is the General Manager for the Australian Seed Potato Industry Certification Authority (AuSPICA) and PotatoLink’s regional representative for eastern Victoria.