A WA study used DNA-based tools to track powdery scab, black dot, and common scab. The findings highlight both the value and limits of soil testing in managing the impact of disease on tuber quality and yield. Read more in Issue 16 of PotatoLink magazine.

Knowing what disease you are dealing with is the first step to managing it. This fact sheet discusses what the important things are to look for, when the best time for testing is, and where to send it.

Just like us, plants have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to defend themselves against pests and pathogens. One of the most intriguing strategies is 'Induced Systemic Resistance' (ISR). Specific microbes or environmental triggers can activate the plant defences, improving its ability to ward off attack or cope with stress. And we can help that happen. Read the full article in Issue 13 of PotatoLink magazine.

When the potatoes have been harvested, graded and put into storage a great weight has been lifted. The spuds aren’t going to be stuck in the ground due to late season rain. Grubs and bugs aren’t going to start affecting the tubers, and it looks like most of the disease issues have been avoided. They’re safe. Except there is another consideration, and that is storage diseases, discussed in this PotatoLink magazine article.

Blackleg is a bacterial infection of potato tubers and stems. While the disease is not widespread in Australia, new causal organisms have been identified over the past few years, warranting industry awareness.

This webinar on tomato potato psyllid (TPP) and zebra chip was delivered by Dr Melinda Moir, senior laboratory scientist in entomology at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), and John Jackson, director of Potatoes New Zealand.

In this webinar, Dr Len Tesoriero gave an overview of the symptoms and causes, disease occurrence and spread and the biology of the bacterial causal pathogens. Followed by Dr Nigel Crump who discussed management biosecurity and seed certification.

Dr Phillip Wharton from Idaho University delivered this webinar on rot diseases in potatoes including Pink Rot, Leak (Pythium), Dry Rot and Soft Rot. It looked at the biology of the pathogens, symptoms and management options.

Watch this panel discussion and the last soil biology masterclass with potato growers across Australia and see many of your questions answered.

In this second soil biology masterclass, Dr. Calum Wilson explains about the good, the bad and ugly ones in the soil and how they interact, and what you can do to keep them in balance to protect your potato crop.

In this PotatoLink Disease Webinar Series No 1, research scientist, Dr Tonya Wiechel, provided an overview of a 10-year integrated disease management program showcasing the team’s investigations into common scab.

Management of rots, both in the field and postharvest, is an ongoing challenge for potato producers. The issue is usually managed by minimising the time interval between harvesting and processing of potatoes. Read the report by Soil Wealth Integrated Crop Protection for more information.