During the Australian summer, potatoes are susceptible to various pests and diseases that can thrive in the warm and humid conditions. Get the mini guide in this PotatoLink Magazine article.

In Issue 07 of PotatoLink magazine, Ryan Hall explains that the vast majority of insects are harmless, some are beneficial and a very few are damaging to potato crops. Encouraging beneficial insects into the crop can save time and money, avoid negative side effects, and prevent development of resistance.

Keeping up to date with international pest and disease threats is important. This ongoing project conducted a scan of the most recent research and development on international potato pests, research previously conducted in Australia on these pests and some ‘ready to use’ resources.

Soil insects are difficult to detect and can cause blemishes on potatoes that may reduce quality. This 2005 Hort Innovation report sets out guidelines on monitoring soil insects and potential management strategies that could be implemented.