News and events
NSW vegetable innovation day
Join VegNET NSW (Local Land Services) for a field day which will showcase the newest varieties of sweet corn and zucchinis at the Greater Sydney Demonstration Farm (also a demo site for the Soil Wealth ICP project).
Learn how to implement integrated pest and disease management (IPDM) practices on your farm, and dive into soil health and sustainable practices.
Event highlights:
Explore new varieties of sweet corn and zucchini tailored for improved yield and disease resistance
Discover alternative biological and chemical control options for fall armyworm and other pests and diseases
Learn about innovative soil management practices and the benefits of incorporating green waste amendments
See the latest advancements in irrigation management and water use efficiency
Learn about the alternatives to polyethylene plastic mulches, including biodegradable plastic mulches.
RSVP by Tuesday 10 December.
For more information see the event flyer or contact:
Matthew Plunkett, Senior Land Services Officer: matthew.plunkett@lls.nsw.gov.au or 0428 978 390
Sylvia Jelinek, VegNET Regional Development Officer: sylvia.jelinek@lls.nsw.gov.au or 0427 086 724
This project is funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government.
Marketing webinar: Marketing outputs and results, and data from the Nielsen Mushrooms deep dive
Date: Tuesday 10 December 2024
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 pm AEDT
Location: Delivered online via Zoom
Registration: Opening soon
Speaker
Monique Emmi is a passionate foodie, marketing specialist and judge for the Royal Agricultural Society.
With a Bachelor of Creative Arts & Business from Macquarie University, and a raft of experience in hospitality industry, Monique has worked across both consumer and foodservice marketing programs throughout her career.
She is dedicated to working with primary and artisan producers to build long-term growth plans and activate creative and effective campaigns.
Monique was the Marketing Manager for the Mushroom industry from 2015 to 2018 and returned to the industry last year to assist them with a new marketing strategy based on current research and data.
She says her favourite way to eat mushrooms is in a traditional Spaghetti boscaiola.
Optimising Nitrogen Use Webinar: Sustainable Vegetable Systems Tool from Aotearoa NZ
Date: Wednesday 27 November 2024
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 pm AEDT
Location: Delivered online via Zoom
Registration: Click here
About the webinar:
Join Soil Wealth ICP for an insightful webinar on the Sustainable Vegetable Systems (SVS) project, which is focused on understanding and quantifying the dynamics of nitrogen (N) in vegetable production within Aotearoa‒New Zealand. This project aims to equip growers with the SVS Tool to support grower decision making and the information they need to determine the optimal nitrogen fertiliser rate for their crops — balancing maximum yield with improved environmental outcomes.
Topics:
SVS introduction: An overview of the SVS project, its purpose, and the key drivers behind the push for more sustainable nitrogen use in vegetable systems.
How the model was built: Learn about the principles and data behind the development of the SVS Tool, and how it supports improved decision-making for growers.
Using SVS and Grower Adoption: How to use the SVS tool, with a focus on grower adoption and how the tool can be integrated into everyday farming practices to optimise nitrogen use.
SVS relevance to SWICP & Australian growers: An update on how SWICP is working with the SVS model to develop it for the Australian vegetable industry, using demonstration site examples.
Q&A
While the SVS Tool was originally developed in Aotearoa‒New Zealand, the SWICP project has been working to adapt the model for the Australian vegetable industry. Whether you’re a vegetable grower in New Zealand or Australia, this webinar offers an opportunity to learn directly from the experts who developed and manage the SVS Tool. You’ll gain practical insights on how the tool could be used in the future to optimise nitrogen management on your farm.
Read more here or create free SVS account here.
The presenters:
Dr Bruce Searle, Crop Systems Scientist and Modeler, Plant & Food Research NZ
Dr Bruce Searle is a crop systems scientist and modeler at Plant & Food Research. He has worked on a wide range of cropping systems, with emphasis on sustainable production and nutrient management, as well as engagement with industry and technology transfer. He currently leads programmes of work on sustainable use of nutrients, developing novel tools and approaches to reduce losses and improve climate change resilience. He also leads research on the implications of plant and spatial variability on profitable ecosystem function.
Andrew Barber, Managing Director, Agrilink NZ
Andrew Barber is the owner of Agrilink NZ, an agricultural engineering consultancy, specialising in resource use efficiency right across the primary sector. Andrew is the Programme Manager for the vegetable industry’s project Sustainable Vegetable Systems (SVS). SVS is focused on delivering a management support tool to help growers implement good nitrogen management practices.
Avocado Irrigation Fundamentals Workshop
Avocado Irrigation Fundamentals Workshop
South Queensland
Date: Wednesday 23 October 2024 8am
Workshop venue and farm walk: 71 Mount Binga Rd, Mount Binga QLD
Target audience: New and intermediate level avocado irrigators and orchard managers
Group size: 25-35 people
Avocado Irrigation Workshop Agenda
8:00am Registration
8:30am Workshop start and introductions; set goals for the day
8:45am Group discussion: irrigation as a management tool
9:00am Framework for irrigation: soil moisture, water balance and tree measurements
9:30am Crop water use: turning water into dollars; Crop cycles and critical irrigation periods; Fertigation and nutrient loss
10:00am Morning tea
10:15am Soil water storage; Factors effecting soil moisture storage; Soil texture; Soil structure; Rooting depth; Learning tools in your orchard
11:00am Water balance models: where do they fit?
11:30am Irrigation to manage disease
12:00pm Lunch
1:00pm Field walk: spade to satellites; Talking to the tree; Soil moisture challenge; Soil moisture sensors; Irrigation system maintenance
3:00pm Finish
AMGA Mushroom Growers Conference
Registrations are still open for the Australian and New Zealand Mushroom Growers Conference.
This year marks the 45th AMGA Conference, and the AMGA are excited to announce their partnership with the New Zealand Commercial Mushroom Growers Federation and Meadow Mushrooms, to host the event in Auckland, New Zealand.
AHR’s Umberto Calvo will be presenting on the Mushroom Research Unit and the MushroomLink team will be on hand with resources from the communication project.
More information here
The Safe Mushroom standard - basic food safety for non-certified farms
MushroomLink webinar
Date: Wednesday 25 September 2024
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Location: Delivered online via zoom
Registration: Click here to register
In this webinar, Jenny and Melissa will deliver a step by step guide to the Safe Mushroom standard.
More information about the speakers available here
PotatoLink - Clear the Confusion: Identifying Potato Diseases (online training)
Date: Thursday, 19 September
Time: 10:00 am - 11:30am AEST
Location: Online via. Zoom
Registration: Click here to register. Registrations are essential for Zoom details.
About the Session
Correctly identifying and managing diseases is crucial for maintaining healthy crops and maximising yield. This online training session with Dr Kasia Duellman from the University of Idaho and local plant pathologist, Dr Len Tesoriero will equip potato growers and agronomists with the knowledge and skills to accurately identify various potato diseases, distinguish between them, and understand diseases complexes, to help make informed decisions about their management and control.
Session Details
Confusing disease names
Clarify the differences between similar sounding diseases for example, Early blight, Target spot, vs. Late blight, Silver scurf vs. Black scurf
Properly categorise disease names to avoid confusion and to help diagnose correctly for management effectiveness
2. Distinguish between diseases
Learn to differentiate between various diseases and their symptoms, and how they overlap or differ, to implement effective management practices. Some of the diseases covered include:
Common scab vs. Powdery scab,
Target spot vs. Brown spot,
blemish diseases: Black dot vs. Silver scurf and more.
3. Understanding disease complexes
Explore scenarios where multiple pathogens are involved, such as: Black dot, Verticillium, Lesion Nematode, Rhizoctonia, and Alternaria and the impact of these complexes on crop health
Recognise the primary causes of these diseases and the role of environmental triggers in disease development
This online training session is interactive, participation and questions are encouraged. It is for potato growers and agronomists, who wishes to deepen their understanding of disease identification and clarify confusing names and symptoms.
Meet the Presenters
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Associate Professor & Extension Specialist — Seed Potato, University of Idado
Kasia Duellman earned her PHD in Plant Pathology from North Dakota State University, her MS in Plant Pathology from University of Minnesota, and her BS in biology from Arizona State University. Since 2016, Kasia has filled the role of Extension Seed Potato Specialist at the University of Idaho. This current appointment includes both research and extension responsibilities, and her focus is management of tuber-borne potato diseases. Her experience with potatoes began in the 1990s, with peripheral roles throughout her career. For over a decade, she served as the plant diagnostician at North Dakota State University before accepting her current role. While there, she spearheaded the adoption of the more sensitive qPCR assay among seed certification agencies to test for the zero-tolerance pathogen that causes bacterial ring rot.
Kasia's research focuses on evaluating strategies for Potato virus Y management for the seed potato grower as well as monitoring resistance to fludioxonil in populations of Fusarium sambucinum and managing tuber- and soil-borne pathogens using seed and in-furrow fungicide applications.
Her extension responsibilities span all aspects of seed potato production. Her office and laboratory are based at the University of Idaho - Idaho Falls Research & Extension Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho (a short drive from Yellowstone National Park), and her field trials are conducted at the Aberdeen Research & Extension Center in Bingham County, Idaho.
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After a career as a Plant Pathologist with the NSW Department of Primary Industries Len retired in 2018 and established the consulting firm, Crop Doc Consulting Pty Ltd. He also maintains a role with NSW DPIRD as a Visiting Scientist contributing to disease surveillance and mentoring younger plant pathologists. Over the past 6 years he has assisted with research on diseases of vegetables, nursery plants, almonds, pistachios and olives.
His current focus for the vegetable industries has been to assist with projects investigating causes and management of internal rot of capsicums and wilt diseases of melons as well as with grower engagement activities through the PotatoLink and Soil Wealth ICP projects.
Navigating food safety certification challenges
MushroomLink webinar
Date: Wednesday 11 September 2024
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Location: Delivered online via zoom
Registration: Click here to register
Join the MushroomLink team for the first webinar of Food Safety Month, part of the Hort Innovation funded, AMGA managed project, MU20000 – Extension and Adoption of Food Safety, Quality and Risk Management.
This webinar looks at the challenges of Food Safety Certification and how to navigate them.
More information about the speakers available here
Potato Health: Addressing Diseases, Innovations and Trends (Murray Bridge, SA workshop)
Date: Friday, 6 September
Time: 10:00 am - 12:30 pm (followed by refreshments)
Location: Bridgeport Hotel
2 Bridge St, Murray Bridge, SA
Registration: Click here to register
(Please register as numbers are required for catering)
We are touring Australia’s potato growing regions with international potato pathologist, Dr Phillip Wharton (University of Idaho). Join us for an in-person interactive workshop, where you'll hear about breakthrough technology being developed to reduce diseases in storage, gain knowledge and practical skills of common diseases and explore trends and global changes in control products.
Topics:
The potential of 2E-Hexenal
Learn about the recent large-scale storage trials on the groundbreaking potential of 2E-hexenal in potato storage, and how this plant-derived volatile compound, known for its potent antifungal properties, offers a promising alternative to conventional fungicides.Black dot and Verticillium
Deep dive into this significant disease, including a detailed look at Verticillium and Rhizoctonia.Blackleg and soft rot pathogens
Remains a critical issue in the field, with significant implications for storage stability. Understand the threats posed by Pectobacterium and explore management and control options to protect crops.The changing landscape of the Australian potato industry
Explore current trends, industry shifts, and the impact of global changes on variety and control products.CIPC and 1,4SIGHT® Maleic Hydrazide (MH)
Hear about the use of CIPC and 1,4SIGHT® MH, with a particular focus on the significance of 1,4SIGHT® MH considering the upcoming changes with CIPC. We will explore lessons learned from Europe and the US and discuss 1,4SIGHT® research and key findings.
The workshop will end with refreshments and the opportunity to talk with experts and fellow growers.
For more information, please contact: Peter Philp | 0419 654 245 | peterp@potatolink.com.au
Meet the host:
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Peter Philp has worked in horticultural nutrition, crop protection, variety development and potato seed management for more than 30 years. Peter previously held the role of Agronomy Manager with PepsiCo Australia and New Zealand, managing sustainable supply to factories in SA and WA. The role also managed the potato seed pipeline, variety assessment and variety qualification with links to global support.
In 2015 Peter established Philp Horticultural Services, which specialises in crop nutrition, variety development and potato seed dormancy. His projects have included market development, nutrition and variety management in fresh market, processing and seed potatoes across Australia, New Zealand and overseas. The projects deliver innovative crop system development, sustainable quality and improved efficiency in potato yield and profitability.
Peter will be the regional representative for PotatoLink in South Australia as well as the key contact for the processing (crisps) sector.
Meet the speaker:
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Dr. Phillip Wharton is currently Associate Professor of potato pathology at the University of Idaho (USA). The University of Idaho is a key hub in US potato research with Idaho producing in 2016, 6.3 million tonnes ($USD 968 million), making up approximately 30% of US’s potato crop.
In addition to Dr. Wharton’s extensive research experience at Purdue University (USA) and Michigan State University (USA), since 2004 Dr. Wharton has focused his efforts on diseases of potatoes including Rhizoctonia, Fusarium dry rot, late blight and other diseases of potatoes. He has also worked on international potato projects including helping Idaho potato growers increase their exports to Asia (Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia etc.) and developing late blight resistant potatoes in Indonesia and Bangladesh.
Dr. Wharton’s areas of specialisation include plant pathology, disease forecasting, fungicide resistance, plant disease resistance and the biology of host-pathogens interactions of fungal diseases on potatoes.
Potato Health: Addressing Diseases, Innovations and Trends (Mt Gambier, SA workshop)
Date: Tuesday, 3rd September
Time: 10:00 am - 12:30 pm (followed by refreshments)
Location: The Mount Gambier Golf Club
Attamurra Rd, Mount Gambier, SA
Registration: Click here to register
(Please register as numbers are required for catering)
We are touring Australia’s potato growing regions with international potato pathologist, Dr Phillip Wharton (University of Idaho). Join us for an in-person interactive workshop, where you'll hear about breakthrough technology being developed to reduce diseases in storage, gain knowledge and practical skills of common diseases and explore trends and global changes in control products.
Topics:
The potential of 2E-Hexenal
Learn about the recent large-scale storage trials on the groundbreaking potential of 2E-hexenal in potato storage, and how this plant-derived volatile compound, known for its potent antifungal properties, offers a promising alternative to conventional fungicides.Black dot and Verticillium
Deep dive into this significant disease, including a detailed look at Verticillium and Rhizoctonia.Blackleg and soft rot pathogens
Remains a critical issue in the field, with significant implications for storage stability. Understand the threats posed by Pectobacterium and explore management and control options to protect crops.The changing landscape of the Australian potato industry
Explore current trends, industry shifts, and the impact of global changes on variety and control products.CIPC and 1,4SIGHT® Maleic Hydrazide (MH)
Hear about the use of CIPC and 1,4SIGHT® MH, with a particular focus on the significance of 1,4SIGHT® MH considering the upcoming changes with CIPC. We will explore lessons learned from Europe and the US and discuss 1,4SIGHT® research and key findings.
The workshop will end with refreshments and the opportunity to talk with experts and fellow growers.
For more information, please contact: Peter Philp | 0419 654 245 | peterp@potatolink.com.au
Meet the host:
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Peter Philp has worked in horticultural nutrition, crop protection, variety development and potato seed management for more than 30 years. Peter previously held the role of Agronomy Manager with PepsiCo Australia and New Zealand, managing sustainable supply to factories in SA and WA. The role also managed the potato seed pipeline, variety assessment and variety qualification with links to global support.
In 2015 Peter established Philp Horticultural Services, which specialises in crop nutrition, variety development and potato seed dormancy. His projects have included market development, nutrition and variety management in fresh market, processing and seed potatoes across Australia, New Zealand and overseas. The projects deliver innovative crop system development, sustainable quality and improved efficiency in potato yield and profitability.
Peter will be the regional representative for PotatoLink in South Australia as well as the key contact for the processing (crisps) sector.
Meet the speaker:
-
Dr. Phillip Wharton is currently Associate Professor of potato pathology at the University of Idaho (USA). The University of Idaho is a key hub in US potato research with Idaho producing in 2016, 6.3 million tonnes ($USD 968 million), making up approximately 30% of US’s potato crop.
In addition to Dr. Wharton’s extensive research experience at Purdue University (USA) and Michigan State University (USA), since 2004 Dr. Wharton has focused his efforts on diseases of potatoes including Rhizoctonia, Fusarium dry rot, late blight and other diseases of potatoes. He has also worked on international potato projects including helping Idaho potato growers increase their exports to Asia (Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia etc.) and developing late blight resistant potatoes in Indonesia and Bangladesh.
Dr. Wharton’s areas of specialisation include plant pathology, disease forecasting, fungicide resistance, plant disease resistance and the biology of host-pathogens interactions of fungal diseases on potatoes.
Potato & Vegetable Protection: Managing Serpentine Leaf Miner, Biosecurity & Disease Challenges (Qld workshop)
Date: Friday 30 August 2024
Time: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm (including lunch)
Location: Gatton Research Station
107 John Howie Memorial Drive, Gatton, Qld
Registration: Click here to register
[Please register as numbers are required for catering]
Join American plant pathologist, Dr Amy Charkowski (Colorado State University), Praise Taddle (QDAF), Shakira Johnson (AUSVEG), and Guy Davidson (Onside) for an interactive workshop. You'll gain knowledge and practical skills to enhance your pest and disease management and biosecurity strategies.
Topics:
Enhancing biosecurity with practical tools
Presented by Shakira Johnson (AUSVEG) and Guy Davidson (Onside)
Hear about the latest research on high-priority plant pests and biosecurity risk pathways. Explore practical tools for creating a basic biosecurity plan, including a new app designed to enhance biosecurity measures by capturing traceability data, assessing risks, and supporting other farm management practices such as paddock mappingBiological control options of Serpentine leaf miner
Presented by Praise Taddle (QDAF)
Discover effective biological control options for Serpentine leaf miner, including beneficial species that help manage this pest. Learn field techniques for monitoring beneficial populations, processing samples, and strategies for attracting and ensuring the survival of beneficial insects.Managing potato diseases
Presented by Dr Amy Charkowski (Colorado State University)
Gain insights from U.S. practices. Explore management strategies for controlling Blackleg and soft rots, Rhizoctonia, Early blight and Late blight and understand the impacts of weather on these diseases.
This workshop is open to vegetable and potato growers and agronomists for all sessions, however the disease session will focus on potato diseases. It will include lunch and conclude with drinks and the opportunity to talk with experts and fellow growers.
For more information, please contact: Naomi Diplock | 0403 740 123 | naomi.diplock@potatolink.com.au.
Meet the hosts:
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Dr Naomi Diplock is a plant pathologist with 15 years research and university teaching experience. She enjoys working in diverse environments, from the cattle stations of the north Queensland outback, to farms in Bhutan and the vegetable production areas of the Lockyer Valley. These reflect Dr Diplock’s extremely varied research career, with projects on biological control of woody weeds, spider behavior, oyster mushroom production and vegetable pathology.
Naomi is based near Nambour, and coordinates PotatoLink activities in both southern and northern growing areas of Queensland.
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Shakira coordinates the AUSVEG-PHA Farm Biosecurity Program, engaging with industry, research and government to enhance awareness, preparedness and resilience and minimise the impact of pests and pathogens not currently present or recently arrived in Australia. Shakira has a background in molecular plant pathology, data-driven decision-making to support area freedom claims and strategic coordination of cross-industry collaborative projects, research extension, and science communication.
Meet the speakers:
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Professor of Plant Pathology and the Research Associate Dean, Colorado State University
From 2001-2016, she served as a faculty member in the Plant Pathology Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and as the administrative director of the Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program. She earned her B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Ph.D. from Cornell University.
Charkowski’s research is mainly on plant pathogens that affect seed potato production or trade, including potato viruses, Spongospora subterranea, and soft rot bacterial pathogens of potato. She teaches graduate and undergraduate classes in IPM and plant pathology. She served as department head of Agricultural Biology from 2016-2023 and during this time the department doubled its research expenditures, and developed an undergraduate major in Agricultural Biology, a minor in Agricultural Data Science, and an online Masters in Pest Management.
Read about her research here.
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Bio coming soon
PotatoLink Effective Potato Management: Seed Handling, Storage, and Disease Control (Tas workshop)
Date: Friday 23 August 2024
Time: 12:00 - 3:30 pm
(The workshop will begin with lunch. After, there will be drinks and the opportunity to continue talking with fellow growers and presenters)
Location: Ulverstone Surf Lifesaving Club
Registration: Click here to register
[Please register as numbers are required for catering]
We are touring Australia’s potato growing regions with American potato pathologists Dr Amy Charkowski (Colorado State University) and Dr Phillip Wharton (University of Idaho). Join us for an in-person workshop tailored for seed and commercial potato growers and agronomists seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in storage best practices and disease management strategies.
Topics:
Seed Handling and Storage: Learn best practices and effective management tips to minimise postharvest diseases, ensuring your potato crop stays healthy.
Pink Rot Identification and Prevention: Gain insights into identifying pink rot and effective prevention methods during storage.
Managing Blackleg and Soft Rots: Understand the threats posed by Pectobacterium and Dickeya pathogens, and explore management and control options to protect your crops from these diseases.
Controlling Powdery Scab: Discover management strategies to mitigate the impact of powdery scab on potato tubers, focusing on integrated approaches for sustainable disease control.
Don’t miss this opportunity to network with fellow growers, exchange insights, and refine your practices to achieve optimal potato quality and yield. This workshop aims to be hands-on, provide practical guidance and expert advice to support your success in the field.
For more information, please contact: Tim Walker | 0439 333 811 | tim.walker@potatolink.com.au.
Meet the Host:
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Tim Walker is a busy man with three passions in life – family, agronomy and farming … in that order. After 20 years’ experience in the field, Tim set up Walker Ag Consultancy where he works closely with land managers on tasks from pre-paddock selection through to harvest. To complement his role as a trusted advisor, he often tries out new practices and products on his own farm to support his recommendations. Tim and his family are growing potatoes, poppies, pyrethrum and grain, and rearing livestock.
Tim was awarded the Rising Star mantle at the 2012 AUSVEG National Convention and was the Regional Winner in the 2020 Syngenta Australia Growth Awards Productivity category.
Tim represents the PotatoLink project in Tasmania, and with his solid understanding of the topics of interest to Tasmanian potato growers, he delivers valuable support and events for the growers in the region.
Meet the Speakers:
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Professor of Plant Pathology and the Research Associate Dean, Colorado State University
From 2001-2016, she served as a faculty member in the Plant Pathology Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and as the administrative director of the Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program. She earned her B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Ph.D. from Cornell University.
Charkowski’s research is mainly on plant pathogens that affect seed potato production or trade, including potato viruses, Spongospora subterranea, and soft rot bacterial pathogens of potato. She teaches graduate and undergraduate classes in IPM and plant pathology. She served as department head of Agricultural Biology from 2016-2023 and during this time the department doubled its research expenditures, and developed an undergraduate major in Agricultural Biology, a minor in Agricultural Data Science, and an online Masters in Pest Management.
Read about her research here.
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Dr. Phillip Wharton is currently Associate Professor of potato pathology at the University of Idaho (USA). The University of Idaho is a key hub in US potato research with Idaho producing in 2016, 6.3 million tonnes ($USD 968 million), making up approximately 30% of US’s potato crop.
In addition to Dr. Wharton’s extensive research experience at Purdue University (USA) and Michigan State University (USA), since 2004 Dr. Wharton has focused his efforts on diseases of potatoes including Rhizoctonia, Fusarium dry rot, late blight and other diseases of potatoes. He has also worked on international potato projects including helping Idaho potato growers increase their exports to Asia (Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia etc.) and developing late blight resistant potatoes in Indonesia and Bangladesh.
Dr. Wharton’s areas of specialisation include plant pathology, disease forecasting, fungicide resistance, plant disease resistance and the biology of host-pathogens interactions of fungal diseases on potatoes.
PotatoLink Optimising Potato Health: Disease and Nutrition Management (Vic workshop)
Date: Wednesday 21 August 2024
Time: 2:00 - 6:00 pm
Location: Bungaree Public Recreation Reserve, Bungaree-Wallace Rd, Bungaree VIC 3352
Registration: Click here to register
[Please register as numbers are required for catering]
We are touring Australia’s potato growing regions with American potato pathologists Dr Amy Charkowski (Colorado State University) and Dr Phillip Wharton (University of Idaho). This Ballarat event will also be joined by local, Phil Hoult.
Join us for an interactive and practical workshop designed to equip potato growers with essential knowledge and practical skills to enhance crop health and productivity.
Topics:
Potato diseases
Presented by Dr Amy Charkowksi (USA) and Dr Phillip Wharton (USA)Delve into common potato diseases such as managing blackleg, soft rot, powdery scab, early and late blight. Learn about effective pathogen identification, environmental influences, and sustainable control options without over-reliance on chemical solutions.
Seed handling and storage
Presented by Dr Phillip Wharton (USA)Explore best practices in seed handling and storage to minimise postharvest diseases.
Nutrition in potatoes
Presented by Phill HoultDive into soil nutrition essentials including soil testing, nutrient management, and the role of macronutrients and micronutrients in optimising plant health and resilience to pests and diseases.
PotatoLink demonstration findings
Presented by Stuart Grigg
Don’t miss out on insights from the PotatoLink demonstration sites showcasing mycorrhizal fungi benefits and nutrient efficiency.Panel session
Chaired by Stuart GriggJoin experts for a discussion on current challenges and future trends. This will be an open, engaging and informative session, as we tease out some of the finer details and challenges of potato production in an effort to link science and real life potato cropping (presenters and local growers join to discuss our regions challenges and provide local answers).
Come prepared with your production questions.
This workshop is aimed to be practical and to provide you with valuable takeaways to assist your potato farming practices.
Following the event there will be drinks and catering, and an opportunity to continue talking with fellow growers and presenters. The AuSPICA AGM will be occuring at the same venue starting at 6:30 pm.
For more information, please contact: Stuart Grigg | 0400 860 763 | stuart.grigg@potatolink.com.au
Meet the host:
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Stuart Grigg, of Stuart Grigg Ag-Hort Consulting, is deeply rooted in vegetable farming, with nearly 20 years of experience across Australia (primarily Victoria) and New Zealand. Originally focused on lettuce, brassicas, and babyleaf, he has expanded into carrots, parsnips, and potatoes.
Passionate about precision agriculture, sustainability, and soil health, Stuart blends theoretical expertise from research projects with practical insights from managing major vegetable production businesses. His latest venture includes a 148-acre property in Bolwarrah, west of Ballarat, where he collaborates with potato grower Neville Quinlan. They cultivate potatoes on new soil alongside broccoli in partnership with Fresh Select. Stuart leads trials with local Atlantic crops and oversees Victorian PotatoLink initiatives.
Meet the speakers:
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Professor of Plant Pathology and the Research Associate Dean, Colorado State University
From 2001-2016, she served as a faculty member in the Plant Pathology Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and as the administrative director of the Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program. She earned her B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Ph.D. from Cornell University.
Charkowski’s research is mainly on plant pathogens that affect seed potato production or trade, including potato viruses, Spongospora subterranea, and soft rot bacterial pathogens of potato. She teaches graduate and undergraduate classes in IPM and plant pathology. She served as department head of Agricultural Biology from 2016-2023 and during this time the department doubled its research expenditures, and developed an undergraduate major in Agricultural Biology, a minor in Agricultural Data Science, and an online Masters in Pest Management.
Read about her research here.
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Dr. Phillip Wharton is currently Associate Professor of potato pathology at the University of Idaho (USA). The University of Idaho is a key hub in US potato research with Idaho producing in 2016, 6.3 million tonnes ($USD 968 million), making up approximately 30% of US’s potato crop.
In addition to Dr. Wharton’s extensive research experience at Purdue University (USA) and Michigan State University (USA), since 2004 Dr. Wharton has focused his efforts on diseases of potatoes including Rhizoctonia, Fusarium dry rot, late blight and other diseases of potatoes. He has also worked on international potato projects including helping Idaho potato growers increase their exports to Asia (Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia etc.) and developing late blight resistant potatoes in Indonesia and Bangladesh.
Dr. Wharton’s areas of specialisation include plant pathology, disease forecasting, fungicide resistance, plant disease resistance and the biology of host-pathogens interactions of fungal diseases on potatoes.
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Bio coming soon
PotatoLink Growing Healthy Spuds: Cultural Strategies for Disease-Free Seed Potatoes (Online)
Date: Thursday, 15th August 2024
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am AEST
Location: Online via. Zoom
Registration: Click here to register, Registrants will receive the recording
About the Webinar
Join us for an insightful webinar where we delve into the crucial aspects of cultural management to prevent seed potato crops from diseases. Gain a comprehensive overview and essential fundamentals from international industry expert plant pathologist, Dr. Amy Charkowski of Colorado State University, and local industry seed potato production expert, Frank Mulcahy.
There will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions and have discussions. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your knowledge and optimise your potato production practices.
Meet the Presenters
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Professor of Plant Pathology and the Research Associate Dean, Colorado State University
From 2001-2016, she served as a faculty member in the Plant Pathology Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and as the administrative director of the Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program. She earned her B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Ph.D. from Cornell University.
Charkowski’s research is mainly on plant pathogens that affect seed potato production or trade, including potato viruses, Spongospora subterranea, and soft rot bacterial pathogens of potato. She teaches graduate and undergraduate classes in IPM and plant pathology. She served as department head of Agricultural Biology from 2016-2023 and during this time the department doubled its research expenditures, and developed an undergraduate major in Agricultural Biology, a minor in Agricultural Data Science, and an online Masters in Pest Management.
Read about her research here.
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Manager, Spud Doctor
Born into a fine wool farming family in Tasmania, Frank began his horticultural career as an extension officer at the Forthside Vegetable Research Station. This was followed by six years managing seed potato certification in Tasmania before moving on to working with Simplot seed potato producers. During this time, adjustments to planting and harvesting dates resulted in seed with enhanced vigour, and significant recovery of seed previously rejected due to common scab.
Frank then joined Australian biotechnology company Technico to assist with the global rollout of TECHNITUBER™ derived tubers in locations compromised by low vigour seed. He is a recognised expert in this field, having helped develop accreditation guidelines for tissue culture laboratories.
After re-joining Simplot, where he spent a further 12 years, he is now an independent adviser based in Tasmania. Frank has extensive experience in in seed potato certification and seed production.
His goal is to continue to support the development of systems and management strategies that keep Australia's potato and vegetable farmers and industry participants competitive and respected.
Sydney Markets: Vegetable pest and disease identification and support morning!
Are ongoing wet conditions causing pest, disease and weed issues that are impacting your product quality and business profit?
A team, including well-known plant pathologist, Dr Len Tesoriero, will be walking through D Shed to catch-up with vegetable and herb growers in person to discuss their situation.
Dr Len Tesoriero - plant pathologist
On Monday 29 July between 6:00am and 9:30am, bring affected samples so the team can ID the issue and provide some advice. As well …
If needed, your plant samples will be sent to the NSW DPI laboratory free-of-charge and a follow-up with you will occur once the results are in
The team will discuss ways to improve your farm biosecurity to stop these issues at the gate
The team will have helpful resources for you.
For further information:
Marguerite White - Project Coordinator for AUSVEG
P: 0447 500 415 | E: mwhite@icdprojectservices.com.au
Bud Shaheen - Agronomist, Ace Ohlsson, Sydney Markets
P: 0438 528 225 | E: bud.shaheen@aceohlsson.com.au
The Building Biosecurity Capacity and Resilience within the NSW Vegetable Industry project is funded by the Australian and NSW Government’s Storm and Flood Industry Recovery Program with support from AUSVEG. This initiative is also supported by Ace Ohlsson Pty ltd.
Pasture Dieback Trials - Gaeta
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.
Pasture Dieback Trials - Jambin
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.
Getting Hands-on with Sensors: A Practical Workshop for Growers
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.
Soil Wealth ICP panel at Annual Vegetable Industry Seminar
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
Langhorne Creek SA field walk
A Winter Triticale and common vetch cover crop being terminated at the Langhorne Creek property
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.
9th May update: Sentek Probe added to the site to check what’s happening under the crop. Note green line to the left showing the aged seed section while the young seed just starting to break through
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.
PotatoLink R&D forum 2023
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
PotatoLink Webinar: Mobile drip irrigation technology
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.
Soil Biology Master Class - Gatton, Qld
Interested in getting your soil biology working for you to improve nutrient availability, soil structure and disease suppression?
Join this two-day Master Class highlighting the importance of soil biology in producing consistently high-yielding vegetable crops using fewer inputs.
Participants will hear from leading scientists and growers on the new developments in soil biology and their application.
Working together, participants will then apply this to vegetable and potato growing soils.
This 2-day master class:
Is aimed at vegetable growers, potato growers and agronomists
Is limited to 30 selected participants, based on the relevance of the topic to them
Includes lunch on both days
Dates: Thursday 18 & Friday 19 May 2023
Times: Thursday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, group dinner to follow and
Friday 8:30 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Gatton Qld, Address to be provided to approved registrants
Registration: Click here to register (Due to limited spacing registrants will be approved based on the relevance of the topic to them)
Pasture Dieback Trial site visit Gaeta
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
Guest speakers
Gordon Rogers - Managing Director of Applied Horticultural Research
Naomi Diplock - Lead Researcher for AHR pasture dieback trials
Caroline Hauxwell - Associate professor at QUT
Stuart Buck - Principal Agronomist (Sown Pastures), DAF
Marie Vitelli - AgForce Senior Policy Officer
PotatoLink - VegNET event: Oxalis paddock walk Tasmania
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
Pasture Dieback Trial site visit Theodore
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
Guest speakers
Gordon Rogers - Managing Director of Applied Horticultural Research
Naomi Diplock - Lead Researcher for AHR pasture dieback trials
Caroline Hauxwell - Associate professor at QUT
Stuart Buck - Principal Agronomist (Sown Pastures), DAF
Marie Vitelli - AgForce Senior Policy Officer
Webinar: Legumes in rotation with potatoes- an alternative nitrogen source
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.
Webinar: Food safety certification FAQs with Clare Hamilton-Bate
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.
In-person event: Potato Industry R&D Planning Workshop
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.
PotatoLink R&D Forum - AuSPICA Conference
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
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