Potatoes New Zealand is currently investing in the following projects.  For further information please contact Potatoes New Zealand.

Sustainable Tomato / Potato Psyllid Management

Project brief: The tomato / potato psyllid (TPP), which vectors a plant disease causing bacterium is the most significant pest incursion the vegetable industry has faced.  Crops identified as hosts for TPP include potatoes, tomatoes, capsicums, tamarillos and sweetpotato.  A pan industry project team of growers and service industry representatives will direct researchers in the development of sustainable management systems for TPP.  Project outputs include resources containing up-to- date information about the insect pest and associated bacterium, laboratory and field evaluation of control options (including conventional and soft insecticides and biological control agents) and a system for evaluating disease status of planting material.  This is a three year MAF SFF project.

 

Holding it together: soils for sustainable vegetable production

Project brief: New Zealand's vegetable industry relies heavily on the surface 15 cm of soil. However, there are increasing concerns about the environmental and economic sustainability of current production practices which can expose this soil surface to damage from rainfall, irrigation and wind. Surface runoff carries eroded sediment, nutrients and chemical residues either into low-lying parts of the field (causing localized flooding and yield reductions by up to 60%) or into drainage ditches and streams (increasing the costs of maintaining drainage schemes and reducing water quality). Redistributing sediment that is captured in silt traps and settling ponds is an energy intensive and costly practice, particularly in carbon-conscious markets. Similarly, wind erosion reduces air quality, removes productive top soil (approximately $1,000 of nutrients/ha/year) and causes physical damage to crops (e.g. reducing onion yields by 50% and grower profit by $7,000/ha).

Opportunity: Regional councils need management solutions to help minimise environmental effects, and growers need options to reduce on-farm economic losses beyond the scope of current practices. This project aims to identify and implement improved best management practices (BMPs) for sustainable soil surfaces that address the challenges of key regions (Horowhenua, Manawatu, Hawke's Bay and Waikato) and land uses (intensive vegetable, cropping).

This project will (1) develop improved BMPs by drawing on new innovative techniques as well as the best of established practices that have been adapted to address these challenges and then (2) use this information to adapt and enhance existing previous grower guides for sustainable land management (e.g. The Franklin Sustainability Project (FSP)). These enhanced guides can be used in the regions for which they were originally designed as well as other cropping systems and regions to extend their value. An important function of this project will be to establish strong ongoing links between growers and regional councils to promote win-win situations for both parties; this type of proactive interaction is vital as 2nd generation land use plans are developed. It is envisaged that these BMPs could become part of New Zealand Good Agricultural Practice (NZGAP), an accreditation system designed to provide assurances to consumers. NZGAP is currently exploring options to respond to concerns about the environmental cost of crop production and outcomes from this project could fill this gap.

Click here for information on research being done on the impact of different crop cover, or click here for information on work being done on managing soil compaction.  A recent article from The Grower on reducing surface ponding can be downloaded by clicking here. 

 

A deep understanding of the vadose zone

Background: The vadose zone consists of the vast, unseen volume of material that lies between the root and groundwater zones. It is biologically active and spatially variable, and heavily relied upon to naturally attenuate leached nutrients from intensive agricultural practices. However, we know very little about how this unseen zone functions or what we can do to maximise its mitigative capacity.  Our recent research shows that nitrogen transformations occur in the vadose zone and in some cases these can significantly reduce the amount of nitrate entering groundwater. However, we have also shown that some nitrate moves extremely rapidly to groundwater in a very small volume of water.

The problem: Regional Councils are increasingly relying on the data generated by land use models to set rules in plans so it is vitally important that these models are underpinned by robust science to accurately reflect what is occurring.  Inevitably this will have economic impacts if farming practices have to change to conform to new policies.

Outcome from research: More accurate land use models that will increase the credibility of predictions of nutrient losses to groundwater. Growers are able to demonstrate to consumers that products are produced in sustainable manner.

What we will do:
i) estimate transport of key nutrients in the vadose zone, and
ii) understand the processes that regulate nitrogen transformation processes using a combination of field and laboratory experiments,
iii) provide mechanistic information to modellers to enable existing land use models to improve their predictions of groundwater contamination, and
iv) communicate the value of these models to land managers and ensure they are applied to enhance resource management decision making.

This outcome will be based on: (i) incorporation of this new understanding into land use models, (ii) resource managers using models, and (iii) farmers adapting management practices to reduce their impact on groundwater and increase the profitability of their operations.

This project is a Foundation for Research Science and Technology three year program.

 

Potatoes New Zealand invests in scientists of tomorrow

Jieun Jung - molecular and genetic regulation of potato tuber expansion

Jieun Jung ("JJ") was awarded a three year PhD scholarship from the Potato Product Group which in combination with a Massey University scholarship will allow her to complete doctorate studies aimed at increasing understanding of the molecular and genetic regulation of potato tuber expansion. The rate of tuber expansion affects the size of individual tubers, final crop yield, and tuber quality – key quality parameters particularly for process growers. By improving understanding of this complex process it may be possible to identify markers for use by potato breeders and possibly manipulate production protocols to achieve desired yield and quality parameters.

In April 2009, Jieun was involved in a traffic accident on her way to work which she unfortunately did not survive. This was a tragic blow not only to her family but to the lab group and numerous colleagues and friends. Jieun was an extremely enthusiastic and hard-working student who had made outstanding progress in her research so far. Her sunny disposition and lively personality will be greatly missed by all.

 

Luc Tran - Life cycle of the tomato / potato psyllid

Luc will be supervised by Sue Worner (Lincoln University) and Dr David Teulon (Plant and Food Research).  Luc's PhD will investigate in the field and laboratory the life cycle of the tomato / potato psyllid including any potential influence of Liberibacter with a specific focus on determining development thresholds.  This information will support optimisation of the timing of monitoring and implementation of management programs.  It will also identify potential natural enemies already present in New Zealand and evaluate their efficacy.

This project is jointly funded by Fresh Vegetable Product Group, Fresh Tomato Product Group and Potatoes New Zealand.

 

Mark Paget – Strategies for elevating the speed of cultivar production from the potato breeding program

Mark grew up in the South West of England where his family grew mainly carrots, parsnips and brassicas along with a few acres of potatoes to sell at the farm gate. After leaving school Mark's OE bought him to Southland where he worked on Mount Linton station, near Ohai.  Mark returned to the UK and obtained a degree in Agricultural Botany at the University of Reading, followed by a Masters in Genetics at the University of Edinburgh.  Mark later came back to New Zealand with his family to work in the Waikato working in livestock improvement.  Mark is excited about the opportunity to return to plant genetics - "To work in plant breeding was always an aim when I went to study at Reading. It's taken me a while but these opportunities do not come along very often".

Potatoes New Zealand's investment in Mark is seen as an opportunity to assist Plant and Food Research in succession planning, with Mark being groomed as a future potato breeder.  Mark will be supervised by Mr Russell Genet, Prof Tony Conner and Dr Jeanne Jacobs through Lincoln University.  The objective of Mark's project is to develop a selection model for production and quality traits using both molecular and conventional phenotypic screening technologies focusing on late blight resistance; cold-induced sweetening resistance and novel colour characteristics. 

 

Subha Das – Improved understanding of viruses affecting virulence of Rhizoctonia solani on potatoes in New Zealand

Subha completed his B.Sc in Microbiology (Honours) in 2003 and M.Sc in Genetics in 2005 from University of Calcutta, India. During his short research career, Subha worked on various fields of science, in particular molecular plant virology and already has a number of publications to his name.  Subha will be based at Lincoln University and is supervised by Dr. Andrew Pitman, Professor Richard Falloon and Professor Alison Stewart.

Subha is working on the ability of Rhizoctonia solani to cause black scurf and stem canker on potato, and in particular the impact that viruses have on the ability of this fungal pathogen to cause disease. Viruses associated with other fungi have been shown to suppress infection of host plants by the fungus. They have also been shown to increase the ability of fungi to cause disease. Therefore, knowledge of the viruses associated with virulent and hypovirulent (less infectious strains of Rhizoctonia will provide a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in development of blackscurf. This may led to potential sources of biocontrol for Rhizoctonia infection on potatoes.

 

Population genetics and phylogeny of powdery scab PhD Project

Powdery scab of potato, caused by Spongospora subterranean f. sp. Subterranean (Sss), is an economically important disease which occurs in many of the potato producing areas of the world.  No single effective control method is available for the disease mainly because of the longevity of the resting spores.  The best approach to powdery scab control is an integrated disease management with host resistance as an important component.  To select for the most durable resistance, breeders need information about the genetic diversity of the target organism but little is known about the genetic variation of Sss or the role of sexual recombination in its life cycle.

Furthermore, to predict the potential for a pathogen to evolve and to develop management strategies we need to answer questions like 'where do plant pathogens originate and how do they evolve?  What processes define their evolutionary past and possible evolutionary future?'  In this project new genetic markers will be developed, those currently available optimised and applied to Sss populations for all continents.  Outcomes will include knowledge of genetic diversity, structure and relationship of the different Sss populations.  This information will expand basic biological and plant pathological knowledge.  Furthermore, information on variability and evolution of the pathogen will provide an important basis for developing effective powdery scab management, using disease resistance and/or environment manipulation strategies.

This PhD has not yet been awarded. The student would be based in Switzerland and the level of funding committed is $5000 p/a for three years.

 

Evaluation of the 'Potato Calculator' in the Waikato.

The 'Potato Calculator' is a tool designed to optimise inputs such as nitrogen fertiliser and water to achieve desired yields (a Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Sustainable Farming Fund (MAF SFF) project in year 2 of 3). Development of the calculator has also been funded by Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd. To read about some of the insights the Potato Calculator has given growers please click here.

 

Nitrogen Management for Environmental Accountability.

User testing and validation of the advanced nitrogen budgeting tool is now complete and it will form part of the 2009 OVERSEER® model release (due to occur before the end of March).  The original project plan included the development of a paper based basic tool but the Project Team decided at their last meeting to not pursue this option.  Firstly, the advanced tool has been able to be delivered via the easy to use and well supported OVERSEER® model.  Secondly, Regional Councils appear to have little interest in regulating industries with minimal Nitrogen fertilizer use (the likely users of the basic tool).  Due to the complexities of rotations in vegetable operations use of the basic tool would not have been a practical option. 

Initial planning of a training program is underway.  Specialist staff from Massey and Lincoln will design a course and develop resources appropriate for the target audience.  Day 1 will cover the theory of nutrients and nutrient cycles, nutrient demands of target crops and an overview of the OVERSEER® nutrient budget model.  Day 2 will involve participants doing case studies for their crops of interest, followed by an assessment.  Initial delivery will be done later in the year by staff from Massey and Lincoln in the following regions identified by the Project team: Pukekohe/Hamilton, Hawkes Bay, Tauranga, Ohakune, Horowhenua, Nelson/Blenheim, Christchurch and Cromwell.  It is proposed that invitations will be extended to key growers and consultants in the regions and the courses will also be widely advertised in the Grower magazine.  Product Groups may want to nominate individuals that they want invitations issued to.  The considerable value of this tool has already been demonstrated via interactions with Regional Councils.  Chris Keenan has a tentative agreement that use of the tool (as prescribed for under New Zealand GAP) in the Horizons District will allow horticultural activities to have permitted activity status.  The tool is also allowing us to discuss with Horizons the practicality of some of the Nitrogen leaching targets in the One Plan. 

This is a four year MAF SFF project.

 

Pest and Disease Handbook.

A field handbook has recently been developed to aid growers in identifying pests and diseases in order to make correct management decisions - to order a copy of this for $25 + GST, please click here to download an order form.

Regional Trials.

Potatoes New Zealand has a long history of undertaking 'regional trials' which evaluate new cultivars being developed by Plant & Food Research as well as other varieties submitted by importers.

 

Vital Vegetables®.

A trans-Tasman collaboration to produce the complete vegetable: fresh, flavoursome and functional. The project is a joint research collaboration between Plant & Food Research and the Department of Primary Industries Victoria. The project is funded by both the Australian and New Zealand vegetable industries and government agencies.

 

A desktop study of control options for volunteer potatoes.

The objective is to review current strategies (both nationally and internationally), collate them in a grower friendly form and identify potential future options.

 

Violet Root Rot.

Subject to funding confirmation by MAF SFF a project to investigate fumigation options for Violet Root Rot (a project being led by the Fresh Vegetable Product Group).