Thursday, 23 July 2015 12:43

Potato expert praises NZ research

Written by 
Potatoes in flower. Potatoes in flower.

An international potato industry expert has praised New Zealand’s world-leading research during a visit to speak at the Potatoes New Zealand Inc. annual conference.

Professor Gary Secor, of the Plant Pathology Department at North Dakota State University, will be a keynote speaker at the two-day event, which begins in Ashburton today.

“New Zealand has world recognised research, including on powdery scab and psyllids and zebra chip, and a good potato breeding programme that serves the industry well,” says Secor.

“I have read several research publications that have established New Zealand as a leader in potato research.”

Secor’s presentation to the conference will include an ‘all of industry’ session on disease management and a workshop with seed growers on seed development and handling. He is also keen to know more about the farming practices that New Zealand growers use to manage crop diseases.

“Farmers always have good and clever ways of managing disease, so that interests me. I am also interested in potato variety development and would like a better understanding of planting practices in New Zealand.”

Champak Mehta, chief executive of Potatoes NZ Inc., says the organisation is delighted to welcome Secor to the conference.

“Gary is world renowned for his work and we very much look forward to him sharing his knowledge with our delegates and to showing him some of the very good work being done in New Zealand.”

Fellow speakers include Ron Greentree, from New South Wales, Australia’s single biggest wheat farmer. 

For more details about the conference, see www.potatoesnz.co.nz.

More like this

Spud growers seek fair returns

Regulation changes, future proofing the industry and ensuring fair returns are some of the challenges facing potato growers, according to Potatoes New Zealand chief executive Kate Trufitt.

Featured

Fencing excellence celebrated

The Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) celebrated the best of the best at the 2025 Fencing Industry Awards, providing the opportunity to honour both rising talent and industry stalwarts.

National

Machinery & Products

Tech might take time

Agritech Unleashed – a one-day event held recently at Mystery Creek, near Hamilton – focused on technology as an ‘enabler’…

John Deere acquires GUSS Automation

John Deere has announced the full acquisition of GUSS Automation, LLC, a globally recognised leader in supervised high-value crop autonomy,…

Fencing excellence celebrated

The Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) celebrated the best of the best at the 2025 Fencing Industry Awards,…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

A step too far

OPINION: For years, the ironically named Dr Mike Joy has used his position at Victoria University to wage an activist-style…

Save us from SAFE

OPINION: A mate of yours truly has had an absolute gutsful of the activist group SAFE.

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter