The diseases caused by Spongospora subterranea (tuber powdery scab and root hyperplasia) can cause significant yield and quality loss. Not all soils are equally susceptible to this disease. This 2020 report determined factors that resulted in Spongospora suppressive soils in New Zealand.

This Hort Innovation report goes into a needs analysis of the potato industry. It highlights that there is a need for strong extension and communication programs. It also develops a strategy and implementation plan that could be used to meet those needs.

This Hort Innovation report covers the current state of knowledge of soil health, with the use of over 220 references from both Australian and international sources. This report also covers various workshops media articles, videos and a factsheet associated with soil health in potato production.

This Monitoring Psyllids and Psyllid Predators in Australian Potato Crops report by Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) and Hort Innovation covers the different psyllid populations found and the levels of psyllid predators present.

Powdery Scab, caused by Spongospora subterranea, is a costly blemish disease. This 2018 report delves into novel detection and mitigation strategies. Both greenhouse and field trials were undertaken. This report has provided a great source of knowledge for the ongoing battle with Spongospora.

This 2018 report looks at the available literature and information regarding species present in Australia. It also investigates the accessibility of accurate diagnostic tests.

This Hort Innovation report covers the efforts made to maintain a large bank of different potato varieties, and what they are good for. Specific focus was made on viral resistance, disease resistance, specific gravity and various cooking factors. Potatoes from Europe to America are included in this potato bank.

A three-year project in Tasmania was conducted on the potential benefits of using degradable polyethylene films in potato crops. This 2013 report found there was limited benefit to nitrogen fertiliser savings and yield but instead may allow for early harvest and some water saving.

This Hort Innovation report explores the genetics behind breeding new varieties of potatoes. The report looks into developing genetic analysis tools to improve cultivar selection and development. With a focus on improving resistance to potato cyst nematodes and potato virus Y this 2012 paper provides great insight into how new cultivars are chosen.

During the 1990s the SA processing potato industry expanded rapidly, developing a range of crop monitoring and management tools. This 2006 Hort Innovation report refines and brings these together, with specific information on plant nutrition, pest and disease management and irrigation.

This 2005 Hort Innovation study involved a survey of packers, supply chain monitoring and storage trials. Storage and transport temperatures ranged from 4C to ambient, with washed potatoes more likely to be cooled that brushed or dirty potatoes.

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.

This 2003 report proposes guidelines on site-specific nitrogen management using ‘real-time’ monitoring tools. By looking at plant, stem and tuber numbers, yield, tuber size and quality and previous paddock history the impact of nitrogen on a seed crop was determined.

This 2003 report found the most common cause of decay was identified as bacterial soft rot (Erwinia carotivora). Calcium fertiliser levels and tuber calcium content was explored in this report alongside the importance of sourcing clean certified seed.

This 2003 paper by SA Research &Development Institute delves into the postharvest washing of potatoes to find where bacterial soft rot originates and where it develops. The report suggests some ways in which soft rot causing bacteria can be controlled in this process.

Read this 2002 report on herbicide use. The three year Australian study covers herbicide breakdown, residual herbicide effects on future crops and much more.