Soilborne diseases (SBD), caused by several pathogens, are causing significant losses in New Zealand Buttercup squash production. Growers have individually studied the issue in isolation and implemented their own control measures with little or varied success. There is a requirement to develop an agroecological “whole of farm” approach to manage SBD in squash and other crops grown in rotation.

This project will provide strategies to help growers minimise yield and financial losses caused by SBD. This will be achieved by collating overseas and New Zealand literature and practical knowledge into an agroecological approach, Best Management Practice (BMP) guide to managing SBD. New biological controls will be trialled and incorporated into model farm systems to demonstrate best practice and emerging technology to growers.

Learn more about this project here:

• June 2023: New project focuses on diseases causing huge losses in export crop
• January 2024: Trials and research underway into soilborne diseases
• April 2024: Squash findings relevant to other cucurbit growers
• August 2024: Squash project trials ‘A Lighter Touch’ approach
• Buttercup Squash Grower Survey 2024
• November 2024: Growers show appetite for agroecological crop protection

Watch a video case study of this project below.