International potato industry expert praises NZ research

22 July 2015

International potato industry expert praises New Zealand research

International potato industry expert Professor Gary Secor has praised New Zealand’s world-leading research, during a visit to speak at the Potatoes New Zealand Inc annual conference.

Professor 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 tomorrow.

“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,” said Professor Secor.

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

Dr 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. Then he’s looking forward to meeting New Zealand scientists and growers.

Professor Secor said 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, said the organisation was delighted to welcome Professor 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 potatoesnz.co.nz.

Ends

Information for editors:

Powdery scab is a disease of potato tubers. The psyllid, a North American insect was first found in New Zealand in 2006. It eats plant leaves such as those of the tomato and potato, reducing yield, and releases a bacteria which can result in a zebra stripe type discoloration in potato tubers.

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