Research Projects

Proof of concept investigation completed. Main project to commence June 2018.

Proof of concept investigation completed. Main project to commence June 2018.

Contract signed between PNZ and PFR

A newly established network of drainage fluxmeters on arable and vegetable farms provides an opportunity to measure diffuse nutrient losses and collect information about the crop rotation and farm management practices. This detailed, unique dataset will have increasing value for farmers and scientists as data is collected over time.

Project was due to start in January by starting to identify growers for the survey, we have decided to delay this until at least April when growers and researchers are less busy. Therefore, will start contracting growers and organise data collection with them in winter 2018. Growers identified to contact for the survey.

The aim of the trial is to evaluate different formalin concentrations to understand their impacts on yield. Both whole and cut seed is being used to determine the role of cutting of seed also. Four formulin strengths are being investigated with both cut and whole seed. First diease assessment complete.

Mesh trial has been set up on a property near Methven. Desiccation is due to happen in the upcoming weeks. Yield assessments will happen post desiccation. Protocols complete and contract signed with BHU. Trial site identified and mesh trial established.

Project is running smoothly. All PA trials have been set up and the drone is being flown weekly. Desiccation trials are due to be set up in the upcoming weeks. This will look at water rates at desiccation time and also re-greening. We will use the drone to detect areas of re-greening and only target those areas with desiccant, thus reducing chemical application and cost. Milestone 405335-M02 has been met.

This work is being done in collaboration with Plant Health Australia and is examining field soils to determine if they suppress or encourage the quality- and yield-limiting potato diseases caused by Spongospora subterranean. These diseases include tuber powdery scab, root malfunction and root galling. Biological, chemical and physical soil factors are being measured in potato-growing field soils, and potential mechanisms for disease suppression are being assessed. The transferability of specific characteristics tonon-suppressive soils will be evaluated, to determine the potential for manipulating soil factors as a management strategy for Spongospora diseases.

Trapping and Clso testing has commenced. Weekly updates on data on track from PFR.

One approach to help guide nitrogen (N) management decisions is the use of a nitrogen mass balance to determine fertiliser N requirements as a function of crop N demand and soil N supply However, measuring soil N is costly and time consuming, so alternative methods are required. The nitrate quick test has been used successfully both overseas and in New Zealand as a cost effective and sufficiently reliable proxy for soil mineral N supply. This SFF project is in its second year of three and looks at the usefulness of the Quick N test in potatoes and other vegetable crops.

This SFF project aims to quantify the relative effectiveness of the key practices advocated for reducing sediment and phosphorus loss. While a myriad of factors determine the absolute rate of soil erosion, the project’s goals are achievable by focusing on the relative effectiveness of measures e.g. wheel track ripping reduces erosion by 90% over a four month window. Results will provide growers with increased knowledge and confidence when selecting the most appropriate measures for their situation.

The goal of this project is to establish self-sustaining populations of the tomato potato psyllid parasitoid Tamarixia, in New Zealand.Since August, Plant & Food Research have carried out a number of releases at multiple sites in the Hawkes’ Bay and Canterbury. The next steps involve collection of TPP infested material from the release sites, to determine whether Tamarixiahave survived the summer. The outcomes of these surveys will be critical to determining the next steps for the release programme.

Year 3 progress report has been reported through Potato Update Issue 9

This three year Lincoln University PhD project is investigating the ability of different brassica crops to suppress Rhizoctonia solani. The project looks at biofumigation tissue types, flowering times, crop rotations and soil incorporation. This project is due to be completed in June of this year.

This project is seeking a simple method of integrating geospatial soil, plant and crop harvest characteristics in order to analyse profitability, and aid in decision making processes. As well as increasing profits, this will also improve sustainability through the reduction of unnecessary inputs which may enter the environment. This season is the second year of this three year SFF project.

5 sites have been identified for the seed health study in the North Island. All sites have been sampled once so far for disease incidence and severity.

This six year, MBIE funded programme is directed at addressing the Tomato Potato Psyllid (TPP)/CandidatusLiberibacter solanacearum (Lso) pest/disease complex. The project has multiple aims and is still in its early days. Some aims are as follows; 1) development of disruptant/attractant-based tools through understanding psyllid sensory cues; 2) providing better management information through understanding TPP population genetics and Lso association, as well as insecticide resistance status of TPP; 3) making progress toward developing resistant or tolerant potato cultivars; and 4) stakeholder communication to ensure technology transfer and uptake.