Introduction
There is opportunity to expand the fresh, crisp and seed potato industry sectors to meet demand through increased ‘out of season’ or winter production north of Perth in the Mid West of Western Australia between Lancelin and Dongara.
Expansion of winter production will increase the value of the potato industry and increase the period of the year when additional supplies are available. It will also create opportunities for industry to access interstate and export markets counter to the main cropping season in WA.
The focus of production is currently Dandaragan (140km north of Perth and 75km south-east of Jurien Bay) where 160ha were sown by three growers in 2012. Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA) data indicates adequate arable land and water of suitable quality to enable increased production.
DAFWA assessed factors limiting yield by monitoring insects and diseases in crops and providing support for agronomic decisions on three commercial properties in 2011 and 2012.
While improvements in agronomic management were identified, the main limitation was seed quality.
This page looks at best management practices for seed production and pest and disease management.