DNA soil testing technology to reduce the impact of potato diseases

The work of a multi-year research project, undertaken for the Australian potato industry, will come to fruition this month, with the launch of the project’s cutting-edge DNA soil testing service, which will help the industry to curb the impact of soil-borne diseases.

“The commercial roll-out of this much anticipated service will help growers to reduce the impact of soil-borne diseases - such as Powdery scab, Root knot nematode and Black dot - which up until now, have caused economic losses of up to $50 million dollars annually to the processing potato sector in particular,” said AUSVEG Spokesperson Luke Raggatt.

AUSVEG is Australia’s leading horticulture body representing more than 2,000 potato growers.

“The soil testing service will enable growers to better identify areas in their fields that are at risk of specific diseases, and through this knowledge, make more informed planting and disease management decisions,” said Mr Raggatt.

The DNA soil testing service was developed as part of a collaborative project led by the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), and has included research conducted at the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture and the Victorian Department of Environment and Primary Industries. The tests involve extracting the DNA from soil samples, to assess the risk of disease based on pathogen levels in the sample.

As part of the launch of the service, SARDI will soon be holding a series of training workshops in key potato production regions of South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria, to instruct agronomists and growers on how to deliver the service and interpret the results generated. Attendees will be provided with an accompanying Advisor Manual, which includes key information on the pathogens tested.

“It is very exciting to see this research project reach a stage whereby potato levy payers can begin to implement its outcomes practically to the benefit of their own operations,” said Mr Raggatt.

The Potato Industry Extension Program, managed by AUSVEG, is encouraging industry members to get involved with the soon to be available service, and has worked closely with SARDI to communicate to industry the expected benefits of using the service.

“This is exactly what industry R&D is all about: devising new practices and tools that, once adopted, will help growers to reduce their costs, maximise their yields and ultimately, achieve a more profitable business.”

The project (PT09023) is part of the broader Australian Potato Research Program Phase 2 (APRP2), conducted for the Australian processing potato industry. The program is funded by Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) using the National Processed Potato Levy, voluntary contributions from industry, and matched funds from the Australian Government.

This communication has been funded by HAL using the National Potato Levy and matched funds from the Australian Government.