Potato Health: Addressing Diseases, Innovations and Trends

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:

1. 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.
2. Black dot and Verticillium
   Deep dive into this significant disease, including a detailed look at Verticillium and Rhizoctonia.
3. 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.
4. The changing landscape of the Australian potato industry
   Explore current trends, industry shifts, and the impact of global changes on variety and control products.
5. Sprout suppressants 
   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.
6. R&D idea session
   Jason Hingston from Hort Innovation will lead the group in a session to get ideas and input for potential future Hort Innovation funded project. This session will be an open discussion on all topics except for diseases.

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