Shakira Johnson (AUSVEG) breaks down key biosecurity risks for potato growers—starting with infected seed—and offers practical steps to keep pests, diseases, and weeds off your farm. From certified seed to clean water and machinery, this article outlines what to check, record, and monitor to protect your crop and soil.

As biosecurity risks continue to grow, protecting your farm starts with the fundamentals. This article from Issue 16 of PotatoLink magazine explores practical steps growers can take to reduce the risk of pests and diseases entering via people, vehicles, and equipment to ensure a resilient and productive future for the Australian potato industry.

By focusing on these biosecurity fundamental practices discussed in Issue 15 of PotatoLink magazine, you can minimise the risk of devastating outbreaks and ensure a sustainable future for potato production.

Three new species of Lyriomyza leafminer flies are now present in Australia including, American Serpentine Leafminer (ASLM (Liriomyza trifolii)), Serpentine Leafminer (SLM (Liriomyza huidobrensis)), and Vegetable Leafminer (VLM (Liriomyza sativae)). Read more in this PotatoLink magazine article by Shakira Johnson, AUSVEG.

This fact sheet from the Department of Agriculture and Food WA covers why It is important to be vigilant for signs of the pest and report suspect tomato potato psyllids.