Experts look at Tas poppy mildew

Tasmania's poppy growing stakeholders are seeking global expertise to help combat a mildew outbreak threatening the state's $90 million industry.

The Tasmanian government on Thursday announced $320,000 for research looking at the biology of downy mildew - a fungus - its transmission and future control strategies.

There are reports farmers have written off entire paddocks of crop due to the mildew during the 2014 season.

The disease stunts growth and emits airborne spores capable of travelling hundreds of kilometres, and fungicides seem ineffective in its control.

An expert from the University of Vienna will meet with growers, processing companies and research staff in the island state next week in a move welcomed by Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture Director, Holger Meinke.

"We have already started collecting samples of the downy mildew from the field and will know in coming months what we are up against," Prof Meinke said.

Researchers will use DNA analysis to determine the exact species and strain that caused the outbreak.