Psyllid
Potatoes New Zealand workshops
Fighting psyllid and protecting our multi-million dollar industry is Potatoes New Zealand's number one priority.
To answer that threat, we have invested heavily in funding research, running workshops and distributing resources to help growers monitor and control the pest. We have established a psyllid working group within Potatoes New Zealand to develop strategies to respond to psyllid, and have appointed Dr Stephen Ogden as a specialised coordinator to direct the group's activities. The psyllid working group leads the industry's response to psyllid, monitors developments both on the ground and from our research partners, and assesses the impact that psyllid is having on the industry. It also communicates research findings and other information to our growers, and looks to overseas potato industries for information and opportunities to collaborate on combating psyllid.
Potatoes New Zealand is also part of a cross-industry team that is supported by the MAF Sustainable Farming Fund, grower levies, and Plant & Food Research internal funding. In a three-year project, this team is directing researchers in the development of management systems for the psyllid. Through this project we are also supporting the national monitoring of psyllid numbers in key regions. The team will produce resources with up-to-date information about the issue, as well as laboratory and field evaluations of control options, and systems for determining if planting material is diseased.
To find out more about our programme of workshops contact Ron Gall.
