Improved Seed Management to minimise risk losses due to Pectobacterium species

Research is required to identify the practices that will provide the greatest improvement in potato growers' ability to manage blackleg disease caused by Pectobacterium atrosepticum. The focus of the research will be to: 1. Identify the major routes of initial contamination of high grade seed tubers 2. Establish best practice to achieve a proactive reduction in tuber bacterial levels, e.g. through the use of appropriate ventilation, handling, grading and storage practices/environments, and/or novel control options.