Project PT16002 is a three-year project examining if different field soils affect the development of powdery scab in potato crops across New Zealand. In collaboration with scientists, A S Wilcox and Sons collected soil samples to study links between soil biology and powdery scab, looking to assist growers in selecting those soils as preferable locations…
2019 sees the Potatoes New Zealand Conference and with that the announcement of our two big Chip Group, Industry Awards. PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD The annual popularity contest, where consumers get to vote for their favourite chip shop. JUDGES’ SUPREME AWARD The biennial best chip award, judged by a team of experts and lab-tested for fat…
A list of registered exporters for the 2018-2019 period can be found on the MPI website.
It was widely reported in the media during September that Italian designers Simone Caronni, Paolo Stefano Gentile and Pietro Gaeli have created an ecological packaging for fries made from recycled potato skins (peels), as a sustainable alternative to paper. Called “Peel Saver”, the packaging is essentially made of starch and fibre components that, after maceration…
Acrylamide in refined food is a growing and serious concern among international health authorities. Zeracryl AS in Norway collaborated with the Norwegian fry manufacturer Hoff SA to develop a new solution to reduce the development of unacceptably high acrylamide level in potato fries during processing. The project has also been supported by the Norwegian Research…
By Gemma Carroll It’s been a quieter period for the Chip Group, as Chip Fest has passed and business as usual has taken a back-seat to Biosecurity issues. Online Chip training has continued at it’s usual rate, but we have had no face-to-face, group courses, since mid-September. In last month’s update we highlighted our reigning champion for the People’s Choice Award, Mr Chips Masterton….
By Gemma Carroll Information sourced from Dr Calum Wilson’s article in Potatoes Australia, with his permission. A four year research programme at the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, has resulted in a greater understanding of the Spongospora root disease known commonly as Powdery Scab. Powdery scab is prevalent in New Zealand soil and is known to reduce potato crop yields. The study across the…
Improving soil and water management may assist in lifting potato yields, Plant and Food Research trials show. Growers are achieving yields of about 50 tonnes a hectare in the field, compared with a potential yield of 80 to 90 tonne/ha. A Plant and Food Research project tested three possible reasons for this in terms of soil and water management, according…
By Heather Chalmers for PNZ A test which allows growers to assess soil nitrate levels in the field in a matter of minutes can help to reduce the risk of nitrogen over application and leaching. Plant and Food scientist Matthew Norris said the technology, which has been available overseas for several years, was “rapid, cheap…
A new PCN Fact Sheet entitled “Management of Potato Cyst Nematode in New Zealand Potato Crops” has been published by PotatoesNZ. The fact sheet summarises the characteristics of the species and goes on to describe the certification programme that has been established. This fact-sheet provides guidance on preventing the spread of PCN and ways of…
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