Date: 21 March 2024

Time: 2:00pm – 5:00pm

Location: Roffeys Rd,
Gaeta QLD 4671, Australia*

*Meet 500m from the start of the road

Registration: Click here to register

Pasture dieback is causing major feed losses in Australia. Because of this there is an urgent need to develop strategies to provide feed for stock while a solution for the disease is being developed. While longer term solutions are ultimately needed, short term management strategies that can reduce the impact of the disease need to be developed and communicated.

You are invited to visit a trial site, to view and discuss the results of pasture dieback trials. 

Topics will include:

• Management of pasture dieback - best bets

• Walkthrough of trials - results 3 years after establishment

• Peoples experience with dieback

• Role of mealybug in dieback and their biology

• How to look for and monitor for mealy bug

Beverages will be provided.

Meet the guest speakers:

• Gordon Rogers, Managing Director, Applied Horticultural Research (AHR)

• Naomi Diplock, Lead Researcher for pasture dieback trials, Applied Horticultural Research (AHR)

• Caroline Hauxwell, Associate Professor at Queensland University of Technology (QUT)

For further details please contact Naomi Diplock, Applied Horticultural Research on naomi.diplock@ahr.com.au or 0403 740 123. 

Date: 20 March 2024

Time: 1:30pm – 5:00pm

Location: ‘Mt Eugene’
1339 Fiveways Mount Eugene Rd,
Jambin QLD 4702*

*Meet at 1339 Fiveways Mt Eugene Rd and we will carpool to the trial site. Leaving at 1:30pm sharp.

Registration: Click here to register

Pasture dieback is causing major feed losses in Australia. Because of this there is an urgent need to develop strategies to provide feed for stock while a solution for the disease is being developed. While longer term solutions are ultimately needed, short term management strategies that can reduce the impact of the disease need to be developed and communicated.

You are invited to visit a trial site, to view and discuss the results of pasture dieback trials. 

Topics will include:

• Management of pasture dieback - best bets

• Walkthrough of trials - results 3 years after establishment

• Peoples experience with dieback

• Role of mealybug in dieback and their biology

• How to look for and monitor for mealy bug

Beverages will be provided.

Meet the guest speakers:

• Gordon Rogers, Managing Director, Applied Horticultural Research (AHR)

• Naomi Diplock, Lead Researcher for pasture dieback trials, Applied Horticultural Research (AHR)

• Caroline Hauxwell, Associate Professor at Queensland University of Technology (QUT)

For further details please contact Naomi Diplock, Applied Horticultural Research on naomi.diplock@ahr.com.au or 0403 740 123. 

Hort Connections Adelaide 2023 Event

Location: Skyway Room 2 - Adelaide Convention Centre

Date: Tuesday 6 June 2023

Time: 12:00pm - 1:30pm (Adelaide Time)

The workshop will provide an overview of the digital remote monitoring project and introduce the pilot smart vegetable, avocado, banana farms, and smart production nursery.

You will learn about various technologies that can be deployed to improve the productivity and environmental performance of horticultural production systems.

Some of the technologies covered will be: soil moisture sensors, dendrometers, sap flow meters, weather stations and various options to measure nitrate.

During the workshop, you will get hands-on experience working through real-world scenarios, including combining data from multiple sources to enhance decision making and automated Freshcare environmental reporting.

The workshop will conclude with an open Q&A forum and discussion.

Click here to register!

Date: 5 Jun 2023

Time: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Location: Adelaide Convention Centre, Riverbank Rooms 6-7

Registration: Click here to register

Hear from Soil Wealth ICP panellists at the Annual Vegetable Industry Seminar (AVIS) ahead of Hort Connections 2023.

AVIS is a Hort Innovation Vegetable Levy Funded R&D Seminar held each year to showcase emerging products and innovations in horticulture, as well as focusing on key areas for business and personal development of vegetable industry members.

Looking forward, looking back: Lessons learnt and what's ahead for Soil Wealth ICP Phase 3

Hear how Australian vegetable growers have worked with the Soil Wealth ICP project to improve their productivity, profitability and sustainability as they share the key lessons learnt from field trials to boost soil and plant health.

Soil health underpins sustainable farming systems and the production of healthy crops. Improving soil management practices assists vegetable growers to have a more productive and resilient natural resource base in the long-term. Crop health is driven by improved soil health and crop protection measures.

The panel will also delve further into the new focus topics that the project will explore over the next five years and discuss potential opportunities and challenges for growers in the future.

Session participants can expect an engaging panel discussion, practical insights and relevant R&D information, expertly facilitated by the Soil Wealth ICP team over 30-45 minutes. The panel session will be held from 12:10pm-12:40pm.

Panellists

• Anthony De Ieso – Director & General Manager, Thorndon Park Produce

• Peter Wadewitz – Founder & Managing Director, Peats Soil & Garden Supplies

• Additional speakers to be confirmed

Date: Monday 5 June 2023

Time: 11:00 am - 3:30 pm ACST (arrive back in Adelaide 3:30 pm)

• 11:00 am - bus Leaves convention centre

• 12:30 pm - field walk starts

• 2:00 pm - field walk concludes (1st Bus Leaves for Adelaide and Hort Connections ETA 3:30 pm)

• 2:30 pm - arrival at Langhorne Creek Football, Sports & Social Club for BBQ and general discussion

• 4:00 pm - 2nd Bus Leaves for Adelaide

• Approximately 5:30 pm - arrive back in adelaide

Location: Langhorne Creek SA, address to be provided to registrants. A bus will be provided to those attending the PotatoLink R&D forum earlier in the day, click here to view the R&D forum event page.

Registration: Click here to register,

You do not need a Hort Connections ticket to attend this event

Background: Management of potato seed supply and seed age is critical to deliver the best yield and quality. Often young seed is turned around from the previous summer crop to fit the planting and contracted harvest windows. Managing old seed and young seed and driving seed efficiency is critical for sustainability and offsetting rising seed cost. This trial examines how growers can minimise risks and maximise profits through management of their seed age and supply.

Trial: A PepsiCo trial comparing FL 1867 aged and young seed with treatments of in-furrow nutrition of Calcium, Phosphorous, Zinc and Potassium with growth regulators like Cytokinin and Auxin. The nutrition and growth regulators aim to help stimulate seed performance, reduce apical dominance in young seed and accelerate crop establishment. The old seed early nutrition is aimed at accelerated canopy development, stem strength and supporting the filling of tubers as early as possible in the crop life cycle.

Site information: Langhorne Creek in South Australia is situated on a fertile plain next to the banks of Lake Alexandrina (570 sq km), a large fresh water outfall from the Murray River. The region has a climate conducive for year-round potato growth through a combination of a rain-shadow created by the Adelaide Hills and temperature amelioration from Lake Alexandrina. This mitigates the challenges of supply, particularly during Spring. To meet the processors supply window, potatoes are Autumn planted for Winter and Spring harvest.

PotatoLink R&D forum: There will be a PotatoLink R&D forum from 8:30 am to 11:00 am. A bus from the Adelaide Convention Centre to Langhorne Creek. The bus will return attendees to the Adelaide Convention Centre by 3:00 pm, in time for the Hort Connections welcome reception at 4:30 pm. Click here to learn more about the R&D forum and register.

Registration to Hort Connections is not required to attend this event.

Date: Monday 5 June 2023

Time: 8:30 - 11:00 am ACST

Location: Riverbank Room 1 - Adelaide Convention Centre (ACC)

Registration: Click here to register.

An annual event to provide insights into the latest potato research and innovation for Australian potato levy payers. Presentations will focus on current and future innovations with potential to bring management benefits to Australia fresh and process potato growers. The event agenda is currently being prepared, it will be available shortly.

There is an affiliated field walk to Langhorne creek to view in-furrow treatments of aged and young seed, click here to learn more.

Speakers:

• Nigel Crump (AuSPICA) on Viruses

• Tetaan Henning (Eco Water Management) on mobile drip irrigation

• Henry Hyde (AHR) on smart farming

• Calum Wilson (UTAS/TIA) on powdery Scab

• Tim Neale (DATA Farming) on remote sensing and yield mapping

• David Oddie (Precision Agriculture) on soil nutrient variability mapping and application

Date: Thursday 25 May 2023

Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am AEST

Location: Online via Zoom

Registration: Click here to register.

Join the PotatoLink team as we speak with Tetaan Henning (Eco Water Management) and Mark Heap (Simplot) on mobile drip irrigation systems.

The speakers will discuss what is available, how it works, what situations it works best in and trials at Simplot.

All those who register will receive a recording of the webinar.

You are invited to a trial site visit, to view and discuss the results of pasture dieback trials at Gaeta

Topics will include:

• Management of pasture dieback- best bets

• Walkthrough of trials - results 2 years after establishment

• Peoples experience with dieback

• Role of mealybug in dieback and their biology

• How to look for and monitor for mealybug

For further details please contact Naomi Diplock

naomi.diplock@ahr.com.au

ph.0403740123

Click here to register

Guest speakers

Date: Thursday 30 March

Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Location: Tasmania, the address will be provided to registrants closer to the date.

Registration: Click here to register

Worldwide there are 570 species of oxalis and approximately 30 species in Australia. Similar to some clover species oxalis can be initially overlooked. however, if left unmanaged the weed can become a serious issue for potato growers.

Oxalis spreads via seed or bulb depending on the species. Pictured below is a blub oxalis. These bulbs are easily spread during cultivation and harvest for potato crops.

This paddock walk will discuss the potential severity of the weed, some basic identification tips (oxalis vs clover and others) and gather some information on what has worked and what hasn't.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Click here to view the Soil Wealth Integrated Crop Protection factsheet on oxalis

You are invited to a trial site visit, to view and discuss the results of pasture dieback trials at Theodore

Topics will include:

• Management of pasture dieback- best bets

• Walkthrough of trials - results 2 years after establishment

• Peoples experience with dieback

• Role of mealybug in dieback and their biology

• How to look for and monitor for mealybug

For further details please contact Naomi Diplock

naomi.diplock@ahr.com.au

ph.0403740123

Click here to register

Guest speakers

Date: Wednesday 29 March 2023

Time: 12 - 1 pm AEDT

Location: Delivered online via Zoom

Registration: Click here to register

Join PotatoLink for a webinar on how legumes can be used successfully in rotation with potato crops.

Dr Kelvin Montagu and Peter O’Brien will discuss the principles of using legumes as an alternative nitrogen source, the importance of legume inoculants and considerations for best results in potatoes.

Confused about food safety certification? Bombarded with requirements that are not relevant to mushrooms?

Worried about the auditor coming?

Food safety expert Clare Hamilton-Bate will launch our 2023 webinar series to answer all your FAQs and bust some common myths. There will also be an opportunity to ask Clare
questions at the end of the webinar.

Register: Click here to register for this online webinar

To accompany the R&D forum and the AuSPICA conference, growers and other industry members are invited to participate in a workshop to identify and prioritise areas for future research in the Australian potato industry. Pests and diseases will be a focus topic at the event.

The workshop will provide industry members with the opportunity to raise any challenges and ideas that can be addressed through research. This will ensure the Australian potato industry remains proactive, innovative, sustainable, and profitable.

The feedback collected during this workshop will be considered by Hort Innovation for future investments.

Date: Friday 7 October 2022 (TBC)

Time: TBC

Location: Mercure Ballarat Hotel and Convention Centre – 613 Main Road Ballarat, VIC (TBC)

Register: Click here to register for the workshop.

The AuSPICA conference is to be held in Ballarat, VIC in early October. The event provides delegates with the opportunity to explore new technologies, learn of the latest happenings in the Australian potato industry and share knowledge and experiences with fellow industry members.

For more information about the conference click here and to register click here.

In conjunction with the conference, the PotatoLink team are coordinating a Research and Development forum to give industry members the opportunity to stay up to date with the latest research occurring in the potato industry.

A series of speakers will present their work, including project members of the fresh and processing potato levy funded projects.

Date: Thursday 6 October

Time: TBA

Location: 613 Main Road, Ballarat. Mercure Ballarat - Hotel and Convention Centre

Registrations are open for an interactive workshop and field walk in Manjimup, Western Australia. The focus of the event will be on cover cropping in rotation with potatoes, delivered by Dr Kelvin Montagu.

Save the date, more details to be provided.

Date: 27 September 2022

Time: TBC

Location: Manjimup, WA. Details to be provided to registrants.

Registration: Registrations are essential. Click here to register for the event.

Click here to view the recording

Date Wednesday 21 September

Time 12-1 pm (AEST)

Location Delivered via Zoom

Registration Click here to register

This webinar on tomato potato psyllid (TPP) and zebra chip will be delivered by

• Dr Melinda Moir, senior laboratory scientist in entomology at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), and

• John Jackson, director of Potatoes New Zealand

Dr Moir will provide an overview of the Australian national tomato potato psyllid and zebra chip surveillance project (MT18008), with an update on the survey and testing currently underway, including the most recent findings. She will also share some imagery of TPP at various stages in its life cycle.

John will provide an overview of the situation of TPP in New Zealand including his involvement in the Canterbury Potato Liberibacter Initiative, and how the New Zealand potato industry has managed TPP through the adoption of an Integrated Pest Management approach.

Join the PotatoLink team for an in person event in Murray Bridge SA.

• PotatoLink’s National Coordinator Peter O’Brien and regional representative Peter Philp will deliver an update on the PotatoLink project.

• Dr Denise Manker leading R&D Expert Fellow at Bayer Crop Science will present on building soil microflora.

• Dr Nigel Crump from AuSPICA will provide an update on Australia’s potato industry biosecurity, highlighting the importance of protecting the industry and potential biosecurity threats.

• Michael Rettke from SARDI will provide an overview of the PREDICTA Pt DNA testing service for soil and tubers.

• Ben Jones from Intertek will share information on their technology testing services on Potato Cyst Nematode and Blackleg.

• Bob Peake from Stoller will present on soil health, nutrition and plant physiology.

This is a great opportunity for attendees to engage with the speakers and to provide input on topics of greatest interest for future PotatoLink activities.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Date: Thursday 8th September

Time: 2:30 -5:00 pm (ACST)

Location: Bridgeport Hotel, 2 Bridge Street, Murray Bridge SA

Contact: Peter Philp peter.philp@potatolink.com.au

Registration: Growers and all industry members are welcome. Registrations are essential, click here to register.

Click here to view the recording

Date: Tuesday 30th August

Time: 12-1 PM (AEST)

Location: Delivered via Zoom.

Registration: Click here to register

Join the PotatoLink team in the next disease series webinar. Len Tesoriero, Crop Doc Consulting, will give an overview of the disease, weather conditions that drive disease pressure and alternative hosts. Nigel Crump, AuSPICA and PotatoLink, will talk about blackleg management, biosecurity and seed certification.

About the presenters:

Len Tesoriero is a Senior Plant Pathologist with over 30 years experience in diagnosing plant health problems and conducting disease management research in Australia and South-East Asia. He has specialist skills with IPM in a range of crops including potatoes. A significant part of several research projects that he has completed were to evaluate efficacy of chemical, cultural and biological controls for diseases. Besides publishing research in scientific journals Len has co-authored several field guides and books on plant disease recognition and management. Len completed the PT18000: Review of bacterial blackleg diseases and R&D gaps with a focus on the potato industry project. Read the final report here.

Nigel Crump is a potato pathologist with 19 years experience working in the Australian potato industry. Nigel is the General Manager for the Australian Seed Potato Industry Certification Authority (AuSPICA), an industry-based organisation that operates the seed potato certification Scheme in South Australia, Victoria and northern New South Wales. Nigel has many years of experience working with the seed industry to manage and control blackleg. To read more about Nigel view his PotatoLink profile here.

The Soil Wealth ICP team will deliver an in-person event on how vegetable growers can incorporate integrated pest management (IPM) in protected cropping environments.

Time: 10:00am-12:30pm AEST

Location: Family Fresh Farms, Peats Ridge, NSW

Registration: Limited spots are available, so registrations are essential.

Click here to register for the event.

Details: Family Fresh Farms grower Wade Mann will guide participants on a walk in the glasshouse, showcasing how their IPM practices in their Qukes® (baby cucumbers) encompass a whole system approach of plant health, climate control, hygiene, biosecurity etc.

Participants will then observe various hands-on demonstrations to learn of the key tools, principles and activities that can be applied to ensure IPM practices are effective in various protected cropping environments. A light barbeque lunch will be provided.

The event presents an opportunity for participants to connect with IPM experts, where growers and agronomists can learn how to incorporate IPM into regular farming operations and ways to improve IPM practice.

Contact Details

Stephanie Tabone: 0434 514 846

Email: stephanie.tabone@ahr.com.au

Date: Monday, 1 August 2022

Time: 4:30 – 6:30 pm AEST

Location: Atherton International Club, 60 Kennedy Hwy, Atherton QLD 4883

Contact: Naomi Diplock, naomi.diplock@potatolink.com.au

Registration: Growers and all industry members welcome. Registrations are essential - click here to register.

National Coordinator, Peter O’Brien, and regional representative, Dr Naomi Diplock, will provide an update on the project.

Dr Kelvin Montagu will then present on how cover crops can be used to create a favourable soil environment in preparation for potatoes that can ultimately increase gross margins by reducing input costs and improving yield and quality.

Dr Kelvin Montagu will deliver an interactive online training event on cover cropping.

Date: Wednesday 22 June

Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm AEST

Register HERE. [Note: As the session will be interactive and grower focused, there will be limited positions available. Please register your interest and we will confirm your position in the session closer to the time.]

Details: Cover crops are being rediscovered as important tools for improving soil structure and health, controlling soilborne disease and weeds, reducing erosion and nutrient loss, and adding nitrogen.

This workshop is suitable for growers looking to incorporate cover crops in their rotations with potatoes - no matter their background or level of adoption.

Kelvin will discuss new science, machinery, and management practices to make cover crops work on today’s farms. Case studies will be shared where growers, who have successfully integrated cover crops, outline the learnings and on-farm benefits they have obtained. 

Given the session will be interactive, there will be limited positions available so those who wish to attend should register their interest. Prior to the workshop, growers are encouraged to consider the following questions, which will be worked through during the session:

•         What do you want your cover crop to deliver?

•         What window (timing, water) do you have?

•         How are you going to get back to your cash crop?

•         What equipment do you have for soil prep, sowing and termination and incorporation?

•         What’s your level of commitment?

Join the PotatoLink team for an in-person event at Hort Connections:

Date: Wednesday 8 June 2022

Time: 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Place: Meeting room number to be advised.

Register HERE

Details: The team will provide an update on the PotatoLink project and will host several speakers to deliver content on disease, soil health and an update on other potato industry projects.

Lockyer Valley Growers will be hosting a barbeque, open to Lockyer Valley Growers members and vegetable levy payers.

PotatoLink and the Soil Wealth ICP teams have arranged for Kelvin Montagu from Applied Horticultural Research to present on cover cropping and strip tillage.

Kelvin will explore how cover crops and strip tillage can be utilised to build resilience of soil to weather events and to alleviate the pressure of rising input costs like fertiliser and fuel.

Lockyer valley growers have also arranged for other speakers to present on topics including:

• Flood recovery and update

• What is new in super – Anna Geddes, Australian Retirement Trust

• Biological Services – Jake Byrne

Date: Wednesday 25th May 2022
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Gatton Shire Hall, Gatton QLD
Contact: ido@lockyervalleygrowers.com.au, 0456 956 340

Click here to view the full event flyer

Click here to view the recording!

Date: Thursday, 19 May 2022

Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm AEST

Speakers: Associate professor Julie Pasche from North Dakota State University and plant pathologist Dr Len Tesoriero from the NSW Department of Primary Industries will present on Black dot.

Our speakers will delve into the distinctive characteristics of the disease, conditions that encourage disease pressure, and integrated management options for an Australian context. 

 Register HERE

Click here to view the recording!

Date: Thursday, 21 April 2022

Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Register HERE

This webinar, presented by Dr Jenny Ekman from Applied Horticultural Research, and the WA Potato Growers Association’s Simon Moltoni and Georgia Thomas, will provide valuable insight into bruising of potatoes during and after harvest.

They will explore how bruises develop, why they are a problem, and identification of potential damage points using an impact recorder, like the SmartSpud. 

Date: Thursday, 21 April 2022

Time: 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Location: Agronico, 4 Cockers Creek Road, Spreyton, TAS

Register HERE

Details:

Join Agronico and the PotatoLink team in Spreyton for an educational workshop on seed handling and storage.

The team will talk through their seed arrival process and share the optimal conditions and processes to maintain the quality of seed potatoes through handling and storage. 

Contact: Frank Mulcahy 0459 700 876

Register HERE

Details: 

Join us for a field walk at Kapai Park, the property of John Cresswell in Branxholm, TAS.

-          Damien Odgers from Bayer CropScience will provide insight and experience on Serenade Soil Activ, a new biological soil ameliorant from Bayer based on the unique Bacillus amyloliquefaciens QST 713 strain which is being trialled in potatoes & other crops.

-          Tasmanian potato farmer John Cresswell will also share his experience with cropping rotations and their influence on potato pathogens in the soil, assessed through PREDICTA Pt DNA analyses. 

For further details, contact Frank 0459 700 876.

Click here to view the recording!

Date: Thursday 31 March 2022

Time: 12 - 1 PM AEDT

Description:

The PotatoLink team of the Australian Potato Industry Extension Project invite you to join the upcoming webinar on Seed Potatoes – Seed Storage and Physiological Age.

 Dr Jenny Ekman from Applied Horticultural Research, Maarten van Delden from Tolsma Australia and Dr Nigel Crump from the Australian Seed Potato Industry Certification Authority (AuSPICA) will talk about the importance of correct seed potato storage, optimal storage processes and conditions and management of physiological age. They will also share a grower case study demonstrating enhanced crop performance through improvements in seed storage.

Click here to register for the event.

 Presenters: Dr Jenny Ekman, Maarten van Delden and Dr Nigel Crump