POTATO DISEASES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20503, 22 August 1936, Page 15

POTATO DISEASES

PERTVRBED VICTORIAN GROWERS RESEARCH ASKED FOR About eight years ago an embargo on the importation of New Zealand potatoes into Australia was enforced. The cause of the embargo was the alleged existence of powdery (or corky) scab in our potatoes. The embargo resulted in a very profitable outlet for Victorian potatoes on the Sydney market. Now on account of disease in their potatoes Victorian growers are in trouble and unless something is done they will not be able to compete with growers of other States. A deputations of growers waited on the Minister of Agriculture (Mr Hogan) when it was stated that in 10 years consumption of potatoes in Victoria had decreased by one-third.

The case presented to the Minister by the deputation was as follows:

“We feel that the time has arrived when we should ask the Government for a plant pathologist to investigate the diseases to which potatoes are susceptible,” said Mr W. Chapman, of Gordon. “The industry has been the Cinderella of all primary industries, and no one is carrying out research into the diseases affecting our crops.” In the last three weeks Queensland had rejected Victorian potatoes because of infection with rhizoctonia disease. This year 45,000 acres was planted with potatoes for an average yield estimated at from two and a half to three tons an acre. In other years the area planted had reached 70.000 acres. *

The Department of Agriculture conducted a system of inspection the cost of which was met by the growers who paid at the rate of 6d a ton, Mr Chapman added. As the consumer was benefiting by this they asked that the industry should be relieved of 50 per cent, of the fees. This money could be used for publicity to increase consumption in Victoria. In the last 10 years the average consumption of potatoes in Victoria had decreased by one-third. If this continued the industry would be reduced to a serious plight. Publicity was also needed to counteract the activities of growers in other States who were using propaganda to displace hundreds of tons a week of Victorian potatoes. The industry could not meet publicity and competition without some funds. The vice-president of the association (Mr H. M. White) said that one district suffered recently from a disease which had alarmed many potatogrowers, and to the present no information had been received whether growers there should plant again this year. In his district—Romsey—there was a disease known as the “Romsey pimple,” which has caused a serious setback for many years. Although potatoes affected by it were not damaged, their market value was reduced.

“We have been the scapegoat of the country,” said Mr P. Dehnert, of Beech Forest. “We have been branded with corky scab, and we want a pathologist to investigate whether the disease is the disease it is supposed to be.” It was contended that the disease had been there for many years but had never spread much, said Mr Dehnert. Even at present Queensland growers were trying to obtain seed from the district. Queensland did not complain about corky scab, but rejected potatoes affected by rhizoctonia. Growers at Beech Forest also wanted to plant potatoes on clean land. General other members also spoke. Mr Hogan expressed agreement with members of the deputation that even if the farmer adopted crop rotation and planted crops on new ground diseases of potatoes would still occur. As a result of a decision of the High Court, he said, Victoria could not keep out Tasmanian potatoes entirely. Only potatoes actually found to be affected could be rejected. The Tasmanian districts in which corky scab existed were known to the department, and if potatoes from these areas were brought to Melbourne each individual tuber was examined. This was very costly, and so no potatoes were sent from districts in which corky scab was present. The same treatment was given to potatoes from the Beech Forest area. He could assure them that the industry would receive more consideration than in the past. Inspection fees on potatoes and onions amounted last year to £3,934. “It is necessary for the Government to do something to prevent these diseases in addition to condemning infected tubers,” said Mr Hogan. “I will submit your request to the Cabinet and I will impress on members the strength of your representation concerning the importance of the industry. The industry has been obviously neglected, and your request has my whole-hearted approval.”