The Australian potato industry, a vital contributor to the nation's economy, faces ongoing challenges from soil-borne diseases that significantly impact yield, increase management costs, and reduce profitability.
To mark the International Day of the Potato, the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) has announced a new $4.2 million research initiative to develop a national disease management program. Funded by Hort Innovation, the five-year project is a collaboration between TIA, the South Australian Research and Development Institute, and food processor Simplot.
"Soil-borne diseases are a major production constraint to the Australian potato industry," said Professor Calum Wilson, who will lead the project. "These diseases raise crop management costs, reduce yield, and ultimately impact grower profitability."
The research will target common soil-borne pathogens such as powdery scab, pink rot, blackleg, common scab, black dot, verticillium, and Rhizoctonia. The project aims to develop improved diagnostic tools and testing methods, preventative strategies, and knowledge to enhance soil health and disease resistance.
"We're developing a program focused on better diagnostics, including new tools to detect and identify diseases early," Wilson added. "Our goal is to provide growers with new disease management solutions and build capacity through research and innovation."
International Day of the Potato, an initiative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, highlights the global importance of potatoes. This year's theme, "Shaping history, feeding the future," recognizes the crop's role as the world's third most important food staple after rice and wheat, with global production exceeding 320 million tons annually.
Australia produces nearly 1.5 million tons of potatoes each year, with Tasmania alone contributing $370 million in farm gate value.
"Plant diseases cost millions of dollars annually by reducing productivity and limiting both domestic and international trade," said Professor Wilson. "Addressing these threats is a top research priority for our industry."
For more information:
University of Tasmania
Tel: +61 3 6226 6200
Email: [email protected]
www.utas.edu.au