PotatoLink R&D Forum - 2025
The PotatoLink R&D forum brought together growers, agronomists, researchers, and industry partners from across the potato supply chain for a focused discussion on the latest research, development, and innovation. The R&D forum was held in Brisbane on the 4th of June and showcased Australian potato levy-funded R&D and other projects. It highlighted practical outcomes and insights that support real-world adoption on-farm.
Designed to deliver value to both fresh and processing sectors, the presentations explored current and emerging innovations with the potential to improve productivity, pest and disease management and sustainability across the industry.
Below are the presentations; recordings will be made available shortly.
The PotatoLink team would like to thank AUSVEG for their coordination and footage.
PotatoLink Update
Peter O'Brien, the National Coordinator of the PotatoLink project provided an update on the project and introduced the forum.
Peter O’Brien, National Project Coordinator, PotatoLink
Peter brings a strong mix of practical farming experience and industry leadership to his role as national co-ordinator of the PotatoLink project. Trained as a horticulturist, he has grown potatoes, beans and asparagus in NSW and worked as an extension specialist with NSW DPI.
He later led potato sourcing and agronomy teams across Australia, New Zealand and Asia-Pacific for PepsiCo. Peter remains committed to helping the Australian potato industry access and apply the latest research and innovation.
An Integrated Disease Management Program for the Australian Potato Industry
This session provided information on a new integrated disease management program focused on limiting inoculum build-up, preventing infection and disease development, and identifying new control options. This national project will improve diagnostics, soil health, and management strategies to reduce the impact of major potato diseases, including powdery scab, common scab, pink rot, and Rhizoctonia.
Additional resources:
Dr Audrey Leo, Agriculture Research Scientist, Simplot
Dr Audrey Leo leads key research projects at Simplot Australia focused on innovation and practical solutions in potato production. With a background in plant pathology, she works closely with growers and research partners to improve crop health and productivity. Audrey is currently co-leading a national integrated disease management project and has been nominated for the 2025 Bayer Researcher of the Year.
Tomato Potato Pysllid Update
Get the latest on Tomato Potato Psyllid (TPP) in potatoes, including how to identify the pest, recognise key signs and symptoms, and how to implement effective biosecurity measures. This session will support growers and advisors in staying alert and prepared to manage potential incursions.
Shakira Johnson, Biosecurity Coordinator, AUSVEG
Shakira Johnson coordinates the AUSVEG-PHA Farm Biosecurity Program, engaging with industry, research and government to enhance awareness, preparedness and resilience and minimise the impact of pests and pathogens not currently present or recently arrived in Australia. Shakira has a background in molecular plant pathology, data-driven decision-making to support area freedom claims and strategic coordination of cross-industry collaborative projects, research extension, and science communication.
An integrated disease management program for the Australian Potato Industry
This project is developing integrated, biology-based solutions to reduce economic losses from potato diseases. It focuses on validating DNA-based tools to detect pathogens and soil health indicators, improving the efficacy of biological products, and harnessing soil–plant–microbiome interactions. The program also includes strong industry engagement and training to support adoption and build capacity across the sector.
Additional resources:
Distinguished Professor Brajesh Singh, Western Sydney University
Distinguished Professor Brajesh Singh, Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University is a globally recognised soil ecologist whose research links soil biodiversity with ecosystem health, agricultural productivity, and climate resilience. He works with international bodies including the UN FAO and European Commission to support Sustainable Development Goals and chairs the FAO’s International Network on Soil Biodiversity. A Fellow of several scientific academies, he has published over 330 papers with more than 50,000 citations and is a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher and Arrell Global Food Innovation award winner.
Targeted Pest Monitoring – Passive Traps in Potato Crops and PVY
Explore the potential of passive traps to improve early pest detection and monitoring of aphids, thrips and tomato potato psyllid, used to support integrated pest management in potato systems. Nigel discussed how insect trap monitoring works and how this approach contributes to reduced chemical use and higher yield protection.
Additional resources:
Nigel’s second presentation covered the effective suppression of Potato Virus Y through ongoing surveillance in seed potato certification.
Dr Nigel Crump, General Manager, AuSPICA
Dr Nigel Crump is a potato pathologist with over 20 years’ experience in the Australian industry. He is the General Manager of AuSPICA, overseeing seed potato certification across SA, Victoria, and northern NSW. Nigel holds several leadership roles, including Deputy Chair of the UN seed potato group and Director of the World Potato Congress. He has contributed to international projects and serves as the PotatoLink regional representative for eastern Victoria.
Tech Tools for Monitoring and Yield Mapping
Explore the cutting-edge technologies advancing potato farming. HarvestEye 2.0 offers real-time insights into crop size, count, and yield by integrating seamlessly with harvesting equipment, enabling growers to make informed decisions during harvest. TuberScan employs advanced remote sensing, including ground-penetrating radar and drones, to monitor underground potato growth throughout the season, providing detailed data on crop health and development. Discover how these innovations can optimise yield, improve quality, and enhance efficiency in potato production.
Abraham Montano, Seed Potatoes, Elders
Abe Montano is the Seed Potato Sales Manager at Elders and a key advocate for ag-tech in the potato industry. He has led the rollout of HarvestEye™, a real-time yield mapping system, and regularly shares his insights at industry events. With a strong background in seed sales, Abe champions technologies that boost grower productivity and innovation.