Opportunity for

• Crop protection specialist (agchemical companies and chemical resellers), potato/vegetable processing and agronomy companies interested in licensing a bacterial inoculant.
• Science industry partners interested in partnering for further development of the product.

Opportunity description

Industry Challenge:

Potatoes are the most valuable vegetable crop in Australia grown on c. 29,000 ha of land. The farm-gate value of the national industry is c. $750 million p.a (1.3 million tonnes). Globally potato is the third most important food crop in the world (after rice and wheat) with annual production exceeding 320 million tonnes grown on over 18M ha of land. The potato industry's profitability is driven by yield, quality and increasing sustainability of production systems.

Powdery scab is a root and tuber disease of potato regarded by the Australian industry as their single greatest economic impediment and is globally important wherever potatoes are grown. Powdery scab infection results in both significant yield declines and cosmetic blemishes on the tubers which reduce their market value. A lack of effective control options means growers, the major potato companies, and agrichemical producers are actively seeking new management tools.

Current Opportunity:

The University of Tasmania (UTAS) have developed a novel bacterial based biological product that is applied to potato seed pieces or incorporated in furrows at planting. The bacterium establishes within the potato root zone promoting robust root growth, increasing tuber yields and inhibiting powdery scab disease.

UTAS are seeking interest from commercial entities that are positioned to maximise the in-field application, and therefore commercial potential of their Bacterial Inoculant product.

Opportunity Background:

UTAS researchers have optimised production processes for formulation and have established strong systems for the protection of bacterial titre and viability. The bacteria is deposited with the National Measurement Institute, Australia (NMI) and a patent has been filed.

Other potential applications:

Researchers are currently investigating the application of the bacterial inoculant in crops other than potato.

To find out more about this opportunity go to "Enquire now".