Vegetable growers and their advisers have identified soil borne diseases as one of their main challenges for soil management and crop protection. Soil borne diseases cost Australia’s $4 billion vegetable industry an estimated $120 million each year.
Generally, soil borne disease management has become more challenging due to fewer crop protection options, more intensive production systems and consumers demanding perfect-looking produce, while at the same time wanting growers to minimise the use of pesticides. Growers and advisers also said that they are interested in integrated control methods and looking after soil health.
The article summarises a the crop and disease requiring the greatest focus by the project.
