Victorian potato growers explore effective seed and irrigation management in Thorpdale

In August 2025, Victorian potato growers, agronomists, and industry members gathered in Thorpdale for a PotatoLink event focused on seed handling, storage, and irrigation management to improve crop quality and performance.

Participants heard from Nora Olsen, Professor at the University of Idaho, who shared international insights on effective seed and processing potato storage. Her session covered seed bruising management, experiences with zebra chip, and strategies for managing fungicide resistance.

Irrigation planning and soil moisture sensing was presented by Steph Veskoukis, irrigation extension officer at Agriculture Victoria, who highlighted how water management directly influences potato growth and productivity.

PotatoLink representatives Nigel Crump (AuSPICA) and Steph Tabone (AHR) facilitated regional discussions on the future of potato production.

One of the key topics of discussion was methods to prevent bruising, including handling practices, harvest conditions, storage temperatures, and how these vary across potato varieties. Growers also discussed major disease and pest challenges such as black spot, pink rot, potato psyllid, and mop-top, with a focus on how improved handling, storage, irrigation management, and technology adoption can help mitigate these issues. Nutrient management, particularly nitrogen, and the balance between soil moisture and hydrated spuds were also addressed.

The PotatoLink team would like to thank everyone who helped organise these events, the speakers, and the growers and industry members for their attendance and contributions.