Dr Nigel Crump (AuSPICA and PotatoLink) will be joined by four international potato experts who will be sharing insights into potato diseases and disease management for maximising inputs and yield to potato growers, advisors and industry members in Thorpdale, Victoria. Join us for this free event (including a light lunch)!

Come and hear from visiting USA speakers on the following topics:

Herbicide damage - what is it costing?
How to ID Late blight - and the opportunity to save costs
Timing for Target spot treatment - too early or too late application
Fungicide resistance - an emerging issue
Blackleg - addresses the new species that causes disease

In addition to the USA speakers:

Tolsma Australia will be presenting on cool stores and positive ventilation drying walls
Following the talks, join PotatoLink for a trip to the new Lamb Weston potato cool stores

Contact: Nigel Crump, 0408 592 051, nigel.crump@auspica.org.au.

Meet the visiting speakers from USA:

Dr Andy Robinson
Associate Professor Andy Robinson is a an Associate Professor and Extension Potato Agronomist at North Dakota State University and University of Minnesota. He works with potato growers on the agronomics of potato production, cultural management of potato, herbicide use and misuse in potatoes, and variety development.

Dr Mike Thornton
Dr Thornton is a professor of plant science working on potatoes and onions for the University of Idaho. His research program focuses on agronomic management practices with an emphasis on evaluation of new varieties, management of in-season pest problems, and reduction of bruising and other factors that reduce quality and storability.

Dr Jeff Miller
Dr Miller is the principal field investigator and owner at Miller Research. He has previously worked as the potato pathologist at the University of Minnesota and the University of Idaho. He conducts research on pest management in potatoes focusing on fungal diseases including Rhizoctonia canker and scurf, early blight and brown spot, late blight, powdery scab, white mould, Fusarium dry rot, pink rot, black dot, Verticillium wilt, and silver scurf.

Dr Bradley Geary
Dr Geary is a professor of plant health at Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, where he has held that position for the past 20 years. Prior to BYU, he worked as an assistant professor of potato production at the University of Idaho. Current research interests are potato diseases associated with the soil, soil health, and biological control. Specific areas of research has been on silver scurf, black dot, soil microbiome, and use of Streptomyces as a biological control.