Scientists in Australia have developed a way to test soil for disease agents before potato crops are planted.
According to ABC report, the scientists by using a DNA technology can quickly identify a range of problems that could threaten the quality of the vegetable.
Kathy Ophel Keller from South Australian Research and Development Institute said the method will now be taken to paddocks with a hope of a test being commercially available within a few years.
“Soil-borne pathogens of potatoes are a major problem for the industry,” Keller said.
“The losses just in Australia are about USD 80 million a year, so it’s an industry that can really use this technology ... to help them manage the risk from these diseases”, she added.
