AUSTRALIAN
S U M M E R 2 019
B E RRY
EDITION 1
JOURNAL
B E R R I E S AU S T R A L I A
ST R AW B E R RY Y I E L D S
C O F FS R E G I O N
WHO' S DOREEN?
Meet the new team
Climate change impact
New fertiliser guidelines
Mites beware
4
32
59
76
AUSTRALIAN
S U M M E R 2 019
B E RRY
EDITION 1
JOURNAL
X Y L E L L A FAS T I D I O SA
S N AC K T I M E
24
69
I N D U S T R Y
S T R A W B E R R I E S
B L U E B E R R I E S
R U B U S
Meet the new Berries Australia team
Vale Mirko Milinkovic
31
Optimising pollination in protected cropping environments
‘Doreen’ to lend a helping hand in blackberry crops
The impact of climate change on yields
55
04 Costa sees a berry bright future in China
11 Learning from the past to safeguard the future
13
32
Blueberry rust management in cool climates
Growing blackberries to reduce risk of Red Drupelet Reversion
Breeding Program Update
56
78
New fertiliser guidelines for blueberries
Latest news from the Raspberry & Blackberry Marketing
37 Understanding Red Leaf
Managing Queensland Fruit Fly
15 Biosecurity News: Spotted Winged Drosophila
20 Queensland berry growers learn from desert experts
40
59
Charcoal Rot – A Disease of Strawberry & Blueberry
A guide to managing spraying in Blueberries
C O N T R I B U TO R S Rachel Mackenzie Peter McPherson Simon Dornauf
80
43
60
The Strawesome Strawberry Support
Growing demand for blueberries: Marketing Update
69
47
Clean Coastal Catchments: Project Update
26 E D I TO R Jane Richter
76
Get to know your industry representatives
84 — 85 What to do in a crisis
Outside Back Cover
73 Jonathan Shaw Richard McGruddy Melina Simpson Francesca Noakes Jessica Lye Angela Atkinson Bronwyn Ford
Craig Elliott Aileen Reid Christopher Menzel Jodi Neal Joanna Kristoffersen Michelle Paynter David Oag
Sean Dignum Michele Buntain Dr Sophie Parks Rosalie Daniel Claire McCrory Clare Hamilton-Bate Olivia Grey
DESIGN Kern & Kraft Design | www.kernandkraftdesign.com.au A DV E R T I S I N G For all Advertising & Partnership Enquiries Jen Rowling | 0448 322 389 | jenrowling@berries.net.au All advertising and advertorial material is subject to review and approval prior to publication.
DISCLAIMER: Whilst every care has been taken in the preparation of this journal, the information contained is necessarily of a general nature and should not be relied upon as a substitute for specific advice. The advice and opinions in the articles published in Australian Berry Journal are essentially those of contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Berries Australia, the Editor or Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited (Hort Innovation). The advice is at the reader’s own risk, and no responsibility is accepted for the accuracy of the material presented. Inclusion of an advertisement in this publication does not necessarily imply endorsement of the product, company or service by Berries Australia, the Editor or Hort Innovation. Hort Innovation makes no representations and expressly disclaims all warranties (to the extent permitted by law) about the accuracy, completeness, or currency of information in Australian Berry Journal. Reliance on any information provided by Hort Innovation is entirely at your own risk. Hort Innovation is not responsible for, and will not be liable for, any loss, damage, claim, expense, cost (including legal costs) or other liability arising in any way, including from any Hort Innovation or other person’s negligence or otherwise from your use or non-use of Australian Berry Journal or from reliance on information contained in the material or that Hort Innovation provides to you by any other means. Copyright © Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited 2019 Copyright subsists in Australian Berry Journal. Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited (Hort Innovation) owns the copyright, other than as permitted under the Copyright ACT 1968 (Cth). Australian Berry Journal (in part or as a whole) cannot be reproduced, published, communicated or adapted without the prior written consent of Hort Innovation. Any request or enquiry to use the Australian Berry Journal should be addressed to: Communications Manager, Hort Innovation, Level 7 | 141 Walker Street, North Sydney 2060, Australia | E: communications@horticulture.com.au | P: 02 8295 2300
Wherever you see this logo, the initiative is part of the Hort Innovation Blueberry, Strawberry and Raspberry and Blackberry Fund. Like this publication itself, it has been funded by Hort Innovation using the Blueberry, Strawberry and Raspberry and Blackberry R&D levy and contributions from the Australian Government. Some projects also involve funding from additional sources.
I N D U S T R Y
Executive Director's Report Rachel Mackenzie | 0408 796 199 | rachelmackenzie@berries.net.au
Welcome to the first edition of the Australian Berry Journal. The journal is part of the new whole of berries Communications and Industry Development project funded by Hort Innovation using the Strawberry fund, the Raspberry and Blackberry fund, the Blueberry fund and contributions from the Australian Government. In terms of advocacy, I represent the industry on the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Horticulture Reference group, the ATO Black Economy Taskforce, the Hort Innovation Industry Trade Advisory Panel and the NFF Hort Council as well as fulfilling a number of roles with Plant Health Australia (PHA). By participating in these committees, I can ensure that the position of berries can be communicated to government and also ensure that you are provided with the most up-to-date information about what is happening. It is always a challenge to ensure that we are representing the views of growers, so I need you all to let me, the IDOs or a committee member know if something arises that you are concerned about.
In this issue you will be introduced to the new team (SEE PAGE 4) and how the project will be structured. I for one am really pleased with the diversity of skills and experience that we can bring to industry. Please do not hesitate to contact your new IDO and have a chat about what you would like to see from the project. Berries Australia is now a year old and I think the whole industry needs to be commended for embracing this new approach. I would particularly like to thank all members of the association committees for their hard work and determination to make this happen. Berries Australia has three areas of focus – secretariat support for PIBs, advocacy and delivery of projects. I will outline our progress against each of these.
Hort Innovation is currently reviewing how it engages with industry and we have an opportunity to shape the new approach for berries. The current SIAP model will be overhauled and there will be more capacity for peak industry bodies to engage with Hort Innovation. I intend to visit key growing regions in the new year to get a sense of what industry would prefer.
Firstly, in terms of providing the secretariat function I am pleased to note that we have successfully organised and hosted committee meetings and AGMs for all PIBS and we are up to date with all our legal compliance and financial obligations. Whilst this is not terribly exciting, it is really important for industry organisations to be on top of their governance so they can spend time delivering to members.
S U M M E R 2 019
AUSTRALIAN
B E RRY 2
JOURNAL
EDITION 1
Costa Berries — Maurizio Rocchetti, Costa Group
I am encouraged by the new vision at Hort Innovation and I hope the new facilitative approach means growers feel more connected to how their levy is spent. In addition to the changes at Hort Innovation, the government is reviewing the whole Research and Development Corporation (RDC) system and how levies are managed. I will provide more information in the e-newsletter.
Strawberry Grower, WA — Neil Handasyde, Handasyde Berries Strawberry/Rubus Growers, QLD/TAS — Gavin Scurr, Pinata Farms Agronomist/Consultant, all berries — Stuart Doyle, AgVista
In other policy news, the government is proposing to expand the use of property identification codes (PICs) to include the major plant production sectors and put forward a series of principles. I prepared a submission based on feedback from growers and discussions with other industry organisations which will be available on our new website. The key points are:
Southern Operations Manager, VIC/TAS — Daniel Young, Driscolls National Harvest Manager — Marius Boarta, Sunny Ridge Farms Berries Australia has oversight of two projects funded through the Australian government rural leadership program – one through RABA and one through SAI. We had excellent feedback from the growers who attended the recent Running Brilliant Meeting training course at the Gold Coast so will extend that opportunity to as many growers as possible. This event was funded from these two projects. We have an extension on both projects until 1 March 2020.
Berries Australia supports PICs at a conceptual level because of the benefits for biosecurity, food safety and provenance, but the policy intent needs to be better articulated. Without a clear understanding of the objectives and a cost-benefit analysis, we cannot support the principles in their current form. After working in horticulture for 13 years I understand that anything that increases the cost of production or your administrative burden has to be very strongly justified.
The limited remaining strawberry funds will be used to run another session of the Running Brilliant Meetings training program early in 2020 for Victorian and Tasmanian growers.
In terms of projects, a successful project initiation meeting for the IDO and communications project was held in Melbourne on the 6th and 7th of November. All sub-contracts have been signed and we are in the process of sub-contracting the Western Australian berry IDO role to the WA Produce Commission as the WA government is providing additional funds to bring it up to a full-time position.
The remaining funds for the other project will be used to finalise the Berries Australia strategic plan and fund three Berries Australia Directors to attend an Australian Institute of Company Directors one-day course in their home state, and to put on a one day workshop in WA on how to run brilliant meetings for all growers who wish to attend.
The project reference group (PRG) has been finalised and was developed after consultation with Hort Innovation with the requirement that we had a relatively even balance across states and commodities. The purpose of the PRG is to provide guidance in relation to the communication of existing R&D and the activities of the IDOs. It does not influence the direction of R&D. It comprises the following:
The Strawberry recovery project is progressing according to the project plan. The key recent output was the crisis management workshop at the Gold Coast. 95% of survey respondents stated that as a result of attending the workshop, they felt they had an increased knowledge and level of confidence to deal with a crisis situation within their business. A letter has been sent to Minster McKenzie to inform her of progress. Please turn to PAGE 13 for more information.
Executive Director — Rachel Mackenzie, Berries Australia
May I take this opportunity to wish you all a happy and safe festive season, with a plentiful harvest and lots of time spent with those that matter most.
R&D Manager — Bianca Cairns, Hort Innovation Relationship Manager — Brad Mills, Hort Innovation
3
I N D U S T R Y
Meet your new support team MT18020: Facilitating the development of the Australian Berry Industries
In a first for Australian horticulture, we are pleased to welcome you to a combined berry industry development and communication project funded by your levy and with contributions from the Australian Government. by an effective and modern communications program.
The Australian berry industry comprises three distinct sectors - strawberries, Rubus and blueberries - that have traditionally operated separately from each other in terms of research, development and extension. This separation just doesn’t reflect today’s industry as many growers grow more than one type of berry; many of the biosecurity and chemical access issues are similar and they occupy the same niche within the retail sector - the so-called ‘berry basket’. Also, a number of joint berry R&D programs currently being funded by Hort Innovation, or proposed for future investment, logically benefit from a shared extension platform.
Under this approach, all berry growers in Australia will have a local berry Industry Development Officer (IDO) while separate specialisations are incorporated into the project to support the range of extension and communication needs of the different industries within berries. The project will leverage off the existing strong relationships the individual IDOs have within the regions but place their activities within an overarching framework linked to the main communication platforms including a quarterly journal, monthly e-newsletters and an effective website which will become a hub for the project resources.
So, it makes economic sense to join forces, but will it deliver more for levy payers? The answer to that question is a resounding yes. The focus of this project is to communicate best practice to all berry growers and improve their knowledge and skills to enable them to adopt R&D outcomes. A ‘whole of berries’ approach will improve efficiencies and allow for coordinated extension of the many cross-berry R&D projects as well as a platform for commodity specific project extension.
It is important to note that all berry growers should have more and better extension than in previous projects due to the backroom efficiencies of a joint approach. Whilst the project will contribute to the realisation of all of the objectives within the relevant Strategic Investment Plans, it most directly relates to:
There will be more resources on the ground in the growing regions than ever before; there will be more valuable learning opportunities facilitated through workshops, field days and farm tours; and there will be regular communication of everything that is important for you to grow your business whether you are a family farm or part of a global corporation.
• Strawberry SIP: Greater skills, capacity and knowledge in the industry. • R aspberry and Blackberry SIP: By 2021, at least 90 per cent of growers and other firms involved in raspberry and blackberry value chains will be directly engaged with and value national industry services.
Berries Australia was chosen as the delivery partner for this project and we will deliver a nationally coordinated, locally implemented industry development program building in specialist skills and knowledge underpinned
S U M M E R 2 019
AUSTRALIAN
• Blueberry: By 2022, there will be strong engagement and communication with blueberry growers and industry stakeholders.
B E RRY 4
JOURNAL
EDITION 1
in November 2018 in recognition of the commonalities between the four major berry industries.
Despite significant cross-over, it should also be recognised that each industry is quite different in structure. The strawberry industry is characterised by a large number of traditional family farms who have operated over a number of generations whereas both the Rubus and blueberry industries are relatively ‘new’ and dominated by some key corporate grower structures. These differences will be acknowledged and managed within the extension and communications program so all growers in all sectors have the opportunity to benefit from the investment of growers’ levy into research and development.
Enhancing the adoption of innovation and technology across the whole berry industry requires a flexible yet robust communications and extension approach which can adapt to meet the needs of the different growing communities while at the same time is grounded in best practice extension methodology and technical competence. The two main components of this program will be a communications program, and an extension program supported by a network of industry development officers. Bringing these two components under the management of Berries Australia will provide for consistent oversight, strong industry linkages and clear messaging through all communication pathways. It will also enable better information sharing across industries and peer-to-peer learning opportunities.
With many of the priority issues common between industries, the benefits of looking at a collaborative berry communications and extension program are significant and able to realise efficiencies in expenditure and capitalise on the range of available expertise. Berries Australia was established as a joint venture between Strawberries Australia Inc., Raspberries and Blackberries Australia Inc. and the Australian Blueberry Growers’ Association Inc.
CLAIRE MCCRORY
DR ANGELA ATKINSON
( B AS E D J U ST O U TS I D E H O B A R T I N TAS M A N I A )
( B AS E D E AST M E L B O U R N E )
A Victorian by birth, Claire moved to Tasmania in 2007 as a result of a scholarship from the University of Tasmania and she still calls the island home. Claire joined Fruit Growers Tasmania in July this year and is also completing her PhD all about extending the shelf life of sweet cherries. If that doesn’t keep Claire busy enough, she also has a young son called Roland who is a 3-year-old bundle of energy!
Angela was born in Melbourne and has spent much of her life around the Victorian capital city except for two interesting escapades; firstly, her father took the whole family on a change-of-life journey to the Darling Downs in Queensland to be cattle farmers for five years when she was a small child, and secondly, Angela spent a few years as a ‘trailing spouse’ following her husband’s career which took them to Singapore and Hong Kong. Angela has incredible experience both as an academic in her own right with a PhD from the University of Melbourne in plant molecular biology completed in 1992, and as a research scientist both at La Trobe University and Monash University. She fitted in three children as well during this time so Angela is someone who can juggle very diverse agendas and be successful. Angela was teaching Horticulture at TAFE in Melbourne when someone suggested she apply for the Strawberry Industry Development role in Victoria. Despite her lengthy career, this was actually Angela’s first job interview ever and, luckily for us, she got the job three years ago as she will be a pivotal part of the project across the next 3 years.
As well as her new role in the project as our Raspberry & Blackberry Industry Development Officer for Tasmania, Claire will also provide support to other members of the Berries Australia team given she has some great experience in Biosecurity, Export & Post Harvest management. Claire will also provide support to other berry growers in Tasmania, not just those who grow Rubus. You’d never guess from her photo, but until relatively recently Claire’s daily drive was actually a Ducati 848 motorbike! “I’m really looking forward to meeting the huge breadth of growers across Tasmania and being part of a team that includes so many highly skilled and energetic people. I feel like this project is really going to make a great difference in the next three years and it’s exciting to be a part of it”
“I’m looking forward to all working together as a team and it’s exciting to be working across all three berry categories given how many common issues the crops share – it just makes sense and will help limited resources to stretch much further”
0434 974 653 | claire@fruitgrowerstas.org.au
0408 416 538 | ido@vicstrawberry.com.au
5
MELINDA SIMPSON
BRON FORD
( B AS E D I N A L STO N V I L L E I N N SW )
( B AS E D W E ST O F B R I S B A N E )
In 1848, Pearson Simpson rowed up the Richmond river at Ballina in search of cedar wood. He ventured up a small stream that he subsequently named Duck Creek and became the first white settler at Uralba. Seven generations on and Melinda - a direct descendant of Pearson Simpson – is living and working where her ancestors have been for 170 years! The family have farmed bananas in Uralba for generations and are still actively growing, ripening and selling bananas today.
Although she has lived in Queensland since the late 90’s, Bron is firmly a blues supporter having been born in the small town of Dorrigo inland from Coffs Harbour. She spent much of her younger years in the Gosford area just north of Sydney. A cadetship with the NSW Department of Water Resources supported her through her Bachelor of Management degree in Land Resources from the University of Sydney. A role in Tamworth came next before she slipped north of the border to Goondiwindi where she met her husband Matt and completed a Masters in Sustainable Agriculture.
Melinda went away to Brisbane for university, spending time at both Queensland University of Technology as an undergrad and the University of Queensland where she completed a Masters of Agricultural Science majoring in Horticulture. She returned to Alstonville (formerly named Duck Creek Mountain by Pearson) and joined the Department of Primary Industries where she is now the Industry Development Officer for Blueberries with a tremendous passion for horticulture.
Bron has collected a broad range of experience in her career to date, working in areas as diverse as the dairy industry, managing a large community grants program and coordinating catchment management activities in the Border Rivers region. Her last five years have been spent as a Senior Agribusiness Development Officer for the Queensland Department of Agriculture where she has championed a range of projects including export exploration for the Queensland Strawberry industry.
In fact, she loves it so much that her main hobby outside of her day job is actually as a grower herself. Melinda took a cutting from a family members’ red flesh dragon fruit a few years back and from that tiny start she has propagated an orchard of 72 dragon fruit plants.
She currently lives in Pine Mountain near Ipswich. On the rare occasion when she gets time to relax, Bron loves to play the piano and, in fact the whole family sometimes joins in for a good old-fashioned singalong.
“The team structure of this new project is going to provide a great mechanism for me to offer support to more blueberry growers outside of the Coffs Harbour area as we will have highly skilled team members on the ground across the country – it’s going to be brilliant to be able to help more people grow better blueberries”
“Bringing all the berry categories together is exciting, and will be challenging to ensure that every grower and crop receives their fair share of focus”
0447 081 765 | melinda.simpson@dpi.nsw.gov.au
0438 752 177 | office@qldstrawberries.com.au
Recruitment is currently underway for the IDO for Western Australia and they will be profiled once the position has been filled. In the meantime, we would like to acknowledge the enormous contribution of Aileen Reed to the WA industry. Aileen will be mentoring our new IDO and making sure her years of industry knowledge are not lost.
RACHEL MACKENZIE
JEN ROWLING
VIC SZABO
JANE RICHTER
E X E C U T I V E D I R E C TO R
P R O J E C T M A N AG E R
P R O J E C T C O O R D I N ATO R
C O M M U N I C AT I O N M A N AG E R
0408 796 199
0448 322 389
0490 092 273
07 5438 7662
rachelmackenzie@berries.net.au
jenrowling@berries.net.au
vicszabo@berries.net.au
berrycomms@berries.net.au
S U M M E R 2 019
AUSTRALIAN
B E RRY 6
JOURNAL
EDITION 1
I N D U S T R Y
Chairman’s Report Peter McPherson | 0418 666 651 | peter.mcpherson@costagroup.com.au
Berries Australia has now been operating for about a year and I think it is fair to say it has achieved initial success in bringing together the four key berry industry categories into a cohesive and focused cohort. In order to properly address these issues and deliver meaningful change and progress, we need to fund Berries Australia through collective project and loan funds from the PIB’s; this is critical and in our first year with the communications and Industry Development Officer projects having been at the forefront of this. We are also in discussion with Hort innovation as to future funding opportunities.Other important projects include the awarding of the Strawberry Recovery Project by the Australian Government, which not only highlights government’s recognition of Berries Australia as a peak representative industry body, but also the fact that we are seen as a reputable and respected industry entity.
It’s worth reflecting on the core objectives and purpose of Berries Australia, which incorporated three key elements identified as being important for achieving success. The first was advocacy, through establishing a consolidated voice and a single dialogue with key stakeholders, in particular government. This was also intended to provide more effective and streamlined communication. The second key element was the provision of services, with the establishment of a common committee secretariat providing services to member peak industry bodies for governance and general operations. The final key element was to create leverage and scale with respect to projects and securing funding for those projects. The role of Berries Australia is intended to be a project and services vehicle focusing on those projects that are for the overall benefit of its members.
To summarise, the three key achievements over the last year have included the successful establishment of Berries Australia, including recognition and positive engagement with major bodies, the procurement of funding for various projects and the continued building of staff capacity and logistical capability to deliver meaningful outcomes for the industry.
I want to emphasise that the work of Berries Australia is in no way intended to discount the fact that each industry will continue to evolve at its own pace and deal with its own unique issues, however the collective issues we can address through Berries Australia are fairly critical to the future of the berry industry and also ensuring it maintains and builds upon its current status as the fastest growing fresh produce category. The common issues include, but are not limited to, opening up export market access, biosecurity, product safety and traceability, crisis management, environmental management, workforce supply and compliance with relevant workplace and immigration laws and effective communication.
Finally, I want to conclude by acknowledging the efforts of Rachel Mackenzie and the great work that she has put into establishing Berries Australia as a forceful and respected advocate for the berry industry. Thank you.
7
I N D U S T R Y
SAI Chairman's Report Simon Dornauf | 0408 681 206 | simon@hillwoodberries.com.au The Strawberries Australia AGM was also held in October on the Gold Coast in which the board voted for their office bearers for the coming 12 months. I was honoured to be re-elected as Chair, Adrian Schultz remains as Treasurer, new Victorian member Miffy Gilbert takes up the newly formed position of Secretary and Jamie Michaels was voted Vice Chairman, replacing the outgoing Brian Taylor who has decided to step down from SAI. Brian must be thanked wholeheartedly for the tireless effort he has devoted to Strawberries Australia. I can honestly say that without Brian’s efforts as the stand-in Secretary during the 3 years before SAI joined Berries Australia, I don’t believe we would have a Strawberries Australia today. He will leave a long-lasting legacy for his efforts. I would also like to welcome our two new board members; Miffy Gilbert and Daniel Rolek, both from Victoria. They replace Tony Molluso and Luci Corallo who have both stepped down from SAI. As well, I would like to thank all of the 2019 committee members who gave up their time to try and re-build Strawberries Australia. I think we are making good progress.
It is with great pleasure that I am writing my first Chairman’s column for the newly formed Australian Berry Journal encompassing all 4 of the major berry categories in Australia. This has been achieved through the collaborative approach of all Australian berry growers and I am proud to say that after a solid 12 months of establishing Berries Australia, we can now see outcomes from the work that Rachel and her team having been doing behind the scenes. One of Rachel’s first tasks was to submit a tender for Hort Innovation’s Berry Communications Project. The Berries Australia submission was successful and as a result the Berry industry now has 5 IDO’s located around the major growing regions each with an individual category focus delivering on communication and workshop facilitation as part of the project. This is a huge win for Berries Australia as well as Strawberries Australia (SAI), as we gain so much from working together rather than each category trying to manage their own project. I am certain that the strawberry industry will gain more from this across berries project than we were able to achieve as the strawberry industry alone and I for one am excited to have a berry IDO in my own state for the first time.
Finally, as a result of the Federal Government grant to the Strawberry Industry, we now have an Industry Recovery and Resilience Officer in Jen Rowling so watch this space to see some of the results from the work that Jen has been putting together. I wish every grower a fruitful and successful season for 2020.
In October, Berries Australia held a Reputation Protection and Crisis Management Workshop on the Gold Coast funded through the Australian government’s strawberry recovery project to assist us to reset in the wake of last season’s strawberry tampering incident. This was a wonderfully run event and involved growers from the other berry categories as well. Whilst the media has attempted to blow up this issue again, as a whole all growers present felt that the industry, police and the supermarkets are all working very well together to help prevent such reports from getting out of hand.
S U M M E R 2 019
AUSTRALIAN
B E RRY 8
JOURNAL
EDITION 1
I N D U S T R Y
RABA President's Report Richard McGruddy | 0408 763 804 | richard@redhillberries.com.au On the marketing front, the latest Nielsen data shows that we are achieving significant growth in the number of households that are buying blackberries and raspberries. The measure is referred to technically as ‘Household Penetration’ but in simple terms, its just a figure representing the percentage of all Australian households that have bought at least one punnet of blackberries or raspberries within a given time period. So, in the year to the start of September 2019, blackberries had been bought at least once by 20.6% of households, a significant growth from 12.4% in the previous year. And raspberries have shown almost as strong a leap, at 40.3% in the latest year vs 34.2% in the prior year. See PAGE 80 for the latest marketing news.
Well another year has rolled around as RABA President and I am proud to say that the committee has appointed me for another year. I am also pleased to welcome our new Vice President Roberto Barajas. Roberto has been described as someone who ‘proves that with motivation, planning and hard work any challenge can be overcome’ and we welcome that kind of energy on the RABA committee. Simon Dornauf remains on the RABA committee but has stepped back from the Vice President role to focus on his very busy Chairmanship of Strawberries Australia. I would also like to welcome Ryan Brightwell from Nerrigundah Berries in the Yarra Valley on to the committee – it is very important that we get renewal across the committees and it is great to see a younger grower step up to the plate.
It was great to meet many of you at the crisis management workshop and I got a lot out of the Running Brilliant Meetings training program. As a grower who has stepped up into a committee role it was fantastic to have this opportunity for professional development and I enjoyed myself a lot more than I expected. Berries Australia will be running two more training sessions early in the new year – one in the Yarra Valley and one in WA, so stay tuned for sign up details.
I am personally very excited about the new IDO and communications project as we now have our very own Rubus focused IDO – Claire McCrory. Claire is based in Tasmania, but a key part of her role is working with the other IDOs to ensure an increased focus on Rubus issues nationally. Please contact me, Rachel or Claire directly if you have any R&D issues you would like to see a focus on.
I would like to thank the RABA committee and the BA team for their support and wish you all a happy festive season and prosperous new year ahead.
At our recent AGM the committee undertook to work more closely with Plant Health Australia (PHA) to meet our commitments under the Emergency Plant and Pest Response Deed (EPPRD). We are also looking at opportunities to directly fund some biosecurity activities through PHA. A key focus of RABA in 2020 is to ensure growers are getting maximum value from their levies. Obviously, the communications and IDO project is an important part of this, but we will also be looking to get more out of the marketing spend as well as drive more targeted research.
9
I N D U S T R Y
ABGA President's Report Jonathan Shaw | 0418 758 268 | president@abga.com.au The development of the Australian blueberry industry over the last forty years, as highlighted in the last two journals, has been characterised by a strong theme of collaboration – joint investment for joint benefit. This concept is being severely tested under the current conditions where a small number of growing businesses are shouldering the financial burden of funding the future of the industry through the voluntary levy system.
I write this President’s report at a time of increasing financial pressure on growers and the industry. Yet at the same time, the quality of our berries, the range of varieties and the supply window continues to improve. The task for growers and the Association, now more than ever, is to work together to increase consumer demand to maintain acceptable margins for growers.As growers have known for many years, the nature of our industry has been rapidly changing as we transform from predominantly smaller growers to a position where the majority of production comes from several large organisations.
To make the levy more affordable for all and to encourage full participation from every grower, the committee has decided to reduce the voluntary levy from 10c/kg to 5c/kg. The immediate consequence is that we may not have a marketing program at all from July 2020 unless more growers contribute.
Last year, frosts limited supply. This year has seen perfect growing conditions in northern NSW and the perfect storm of superb quality berries in plentiful supply arrived. For the October quarter, volume was up by a staggering 28% on the same quarter in 2018, but total retail value was only up by 8% indicating retail price was depressed slightly by the supply increase.
As previously reported, we now have a Collective Industry Fund in place which matches the voluntary levy for R&D with Government funds. Our budget priorities will be market access and R&D, with our first investment being this IDO and communication project.
Other indicators are extremely positive – with an additional 3% of households now buying blueberries and buying both more often and more quantity each time.
Lets remember that we still have 40% of Australian households that are yet to become blueberry lovers so stay focused on growing great quality blueberries and the demand will continue to grow, albeit at a slower rate with no active marketing campaign in 2020-2021.
As a result, we now face the unprecedented position for blueberries, but which is common in other commodities - supply exceeds demand in the peak production period and many growers choose not to pick fruit because cost exceeds farm gate return. Unfortunately, this appears to be the new normal.
Have a happy and productive summer.
Your committee continues to pursue overseas markets as a key focus of our activities and our expenditure from the voluntary levy. Market access is a long game, and whilst Blueberries are second on the list for priority, the Australian Government relationship with China remains challenging. To manage expectations though, grapes took fifteen years to obtain access to China.
S U M M E R 2 019
AUSTRALIAN
B E RRY 10
JOURNAL
EDITION 1
I N D U S T R Y
Costa sees a berry bright future in China Jane Richter
By 2010, the emerging urban-affluent class in China was starting to make headlines. A report by McKinsey published in the late noughties highlighted the ballooning spending power matched by the voracious spending appetite of this group of Chinese who were already controlling 10% of the urban disposable income despite making up just 1% of the population. Many large companies were already exploring operations in China and Australian food business Costa was no exception. Starting in 2010 and taking nearly five years to complete, Costa and its 30% joint venture partner Driscoll’s undertook a series of detailed studies to identify the best sites, the best varieties and the practical considerations involved in setting up a fully-fledged berry growing, packing and marketing business on Chinese soil. In China’s far south-west corner, Yunnan province was identified as the best location with several important factors coinciding: • Suitable land and water were available • Labour was available • T he climate conditions in the southern part of the province were favourable and suited the cropping window • A griculture is very important to Yunnan which then delivers supportive National and Regional policies
YUNNAN PROVINCE
• The area has plenty of room for future development Across two main growing locations – Honghe and Xishuangbanna prefectures – five sites have now been established with a sixth in the planning. As of November, 2019, the farms had total plantings of 174 hectares (CHART 1) providing harvest windows spanning much of the year (CHART 2). The 2020 planting program will see a further 62 hectares of blueberries planted which will complete Costa’s original five-year plan.
Honghe Xishuangbanna
11
I N D U S T R Y
COSTA CHINA OPERATIONS BL ACKBERRIES
8
RASPBERRIES
22
BLUEBERRIES
144
CHART 1. Total hectares planted by crop at Nov 2019
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
CHART 2. Harvesting windows by crop
Costa’s China operations are overseen by the General Manager of Costa International Peter McPherson with Lew Dagger performing the on-the-ground role of General Manager, China. In a recent interview with the Australian Financial Review Weekend, Lew highlighted that the secret to success as a foreign business operating in China is to ensure that you give something back.
The journey has been far from straightforward as would be expected when setting up a major agribusiness anywhere in the world, but there have been a set of drivers which have worked together to promote success. • C osta committed to establish a significant footprint using its world leading genetics in order to supply the Chinese domestic consumer with high quality premium berries grown right on their doorstep • T he venture started from the beginning with world best practice growing technology and agronomic practices, with all plantings in substrate
Fundamentally, you have to be a good citizen and respect the local communities... The key things are to do what you say you are going to do and show very clearly what benefit you can bring, whether that is technical or environmental. You have to remember that you are a guest in this country.
• T he Costa China team committed to working cooperatively and harmoniously with stakeholders from government and officials all the way through to their new neighbours in the local villages • R ecognising and committing to the key Chinese government agricultural policies, specifically with regard to rural economic development, positive environmental impacts and contribution to the wider social good • I ntroducing sustainable commercial farming practices whilst ensuring a safe and healthy work environment for employees • R especting and complying with all local labour laws and customs with a key focus on fair remuneration • B uilding a career pathway for local workers with a strong focus on the young people of the area
And with Yunnan being one of the poorest provinces in China, regular local employment with a fair wage will make a large difference in the lives of the communities surrounding the four farms.
Once the fruit is harvested, the packing and distribution is all handled by joint venture partner Driscoll’s using existing local cold chain infrastructure with plans to significantly upgrade capacity in the next two years. The fruit is sold under the Driscoll’s brand in the major east coast cities like Shanghai and Beijing.
S U M M E R 2 019
AUSTRALIAN
B E RRY 12
JOURNAL
EDITION 1
I N D U S T R Y
Prevention is better than cure Sean Dignum, SDA Strategic & Clare Hamilton-Bate
In early October this year, over 50 berry growers, industry stakeholders and supply chain participants gathered at Tweed Heads to examine the issue of reputation protection in the berry industry. This was set against a backdrop of the 2018 needle tampering in fresh strawberries, subsequent copy-cat incidents and the ripple of impacts that have been felt both domestically and internationally. • I t’s essential to maintain stakeholder trust by actively managing the risks and being prepared for media or government scrutiny in the event of incident, issue or lobbying by specific interest groups.
The day was facilitated by Sean Dignum (SDA Strategic), Clare Hamilton-Bate and Andrea Currie (Coles Supermarkets) and supported the theme that reputation is the core of ongoing success and damage can be hard to recover from; prevention is so much better than cure!
• I t’s essential to showcase growers’ commitment and track record for growing and delivering healthy fresh produce to the tables of Australian families
The major topics covered were: • F ood defence – managing threats and identifying vulnerabilities • T he growing relevance of food defence in averting crisis
We want to see our produce arrive on customers tables in the same condition it left our farms.
• Principles of reputation protection for horticulture • A retailer’s perspective of managing a fresh produce incident • Responding to an issue and managing a crisis • Simple approaches to media management
• T hat domestic messaging also resonates globally when we remind overseas markets that we have an established record of quality and wholesomeness of Australian fresh produce - grown in a clean environment by careful farmers.
In fresh produce, there have been a set of challenges that build a framework around which reputation must be actively managed, namely; • B ecause of the complex ‘farm to fork’ supply chain, logistics and regulatory environment, growers face many reputation risks arising from the sharing of responsibilities and ownership of the product.
Horticulture needs to take a 21st century approach to reputation management and go beyond the traditional focus on known risks like a food safety recall or workplace accident, and be across the emerging issues like agri-terrorism, food tampering as social rebellion, deliberate food fraud and even the flexing public opinions on the notion of social licence to farm.
• I ssues related to food safety or quality, sustainability of supply, employment practices, environmental or social impacts can quickly morph into scandals with disastrous effect.
13
Along with the types of threat, consideration was given to the types of perpetrator and their motivations. Simple, practical mechanisms were explained to participants that facilitate the development of a food defence plan for an individual business. The relationship of proactive threat and vulnerability management with effective planning to manage a crisis was reiterated throughout the workshop.
Horticulture has been buffered by conventional and time-honoured practices of being ‘on the land’, close to nature and small-scale farming. That is changing rapidly and dramatically, with increasing scale and sophistication of farming operations making horticulture a bigger target. Now is the time for horticulture to proactively adopt new ways of thinking – and acting - about product and market protection – collaboratively engaging all stakeholders including government and retailers. This means getting well ahead of traceability, early identification of issues and containment strategies.
In a post-workshop survey of participants, 95% of respondents stated that as a result of attending the workshop, they felt they had an increased knowledge and level of confidence to deal with a crisis situation within their business.
This means engaging pre-emptively with government and media and leading the narrative. And a key part of that narrative is labelling the issue correctly; contamination and sabotage are not the same.
What’s next? • A Fact Sheet with more tips about identifying and managing a crisis within your business will be developed and shared
Differentiation between contamination that occurred on-farm vs. mishandling in the supply chain vs. deliberate consumer tampering is critical.
• T argeted workshops for development of food defence plans for individual business will be delivered
The workshop highlighted simple terms that can be used by a business to identify issues:
• D evelopment of template documents for individual businesses to be disseminated through industry
Threat - deliberate act by someone to cause harm or for financial gain (something that can cause loss or harm which arises from the ill-intent of people)
• O ngoing communication regarding the principles of crisis management • A strategy to support the dissemination of key messages
Vulnerability - how exposed the business is to the threat having an impact on the consumer Food fraud – the deliberate adulteration or misrepresentation of food, food ingredients or raw materials for financial gain
As this work is being funded through a grant from the Department of Agriculture, Minister McKenzie has been provided with a project update and a full copy of the report from this workshop.
Food sabotage – the deliberate destruction, damage or disruption of food products or processes with the intention of causing reputational damage or financial loss Food terrorism – “an act or threat of deliberate contamination of food for human consumption with biological, chemical and physical agents or radio nuclear materials for the purpose of causing injury or death to civilian populations and/or disrupting social, economic or political stability”
S U M M E R 2 019
AUSTRALIAN
B E RRY 14
JOURNAL
EDITION 1
I N D U S T R Y
Managing Queensland Fruit Fly in Berries Melinda Simpson, Berry Industry Development Officer, NSW Department of Primary Industries
Pest Identification
Management
Adult Queensland fruit flies (QFF) are about 6–8 mm long and are coloured reddish brown with yellow markings (Figure 1). They are most active in warm, humid conditions and after rain. QFF lay eggs in maturing and ripe fruit on trees and sometimes in fallen fruit. The female fruit fly must feed on a source of protein before her eggs will mature.
A single control method by itself is not sufficient to eradicate QFF from an area; the best results are gained from a combination of methods. Monitoring using fruit fly traps, ideally placed at 1.5m high in a warm but shady area of foliage of the plant to monitor QFF population trends. In male para pheromone traps replace wicks generally every three months, replenish wet traps according to rate of dehydration, however, ensure you always check the label. Commence monitoring in spring and continue throughout the year. Monitoring over time will give good information on how the fly behaves, where to focus efforts and to access the impact of your management strategies. The natural habitat of fruit flies is the forest. Flies tend to feed and rest in trees, preferring those near moist areas such as creek lines or dam edges. Trees are also where they go to mate. The best place for traps is therefore in tree lines around the edges of the crop and also at the entrance of tunnels.
Figure 1. Photo Credit: NSW DPI
Extra traps can be placed around areas where infestation may come from, such as neighbouring orchards, town areas with backyard fruit trees, or creek lines. Areas with abandoned or unmanaged fruit crops are a particular risk, so well worth monitoring. A grid of 200m or 400m is recommended.
Damage The maggots (larvae) hatch inside the fruit, then their feeding and the associated decay destroys the fruit (Figures 2 and 3).
Field hygiene is essential as fallen and rotting fruit are a source of fruit fly infestations. Remove infested or potentially infested fruit from the field and practice good packing shed hygiene with thorough inspection to remove any infested fruit and dispose or treat (fermentation, freeze, heat etc.) fruit appropriately. Male Annihilation Technology (MAT) This is an ‘attract and kill’ strategy for male flies. The aim is to reduce male populations to low levels over large areas like towns, clusters or properties or large isolated production systems to reduce the mating opportunities for females.
Figure 2 and 3. Photo Credit: John Golding NSW DPI
15
The technique involves distributing cups or blocks (Figure 4) which contain the male fly attractant cue-lure and an insecticide. Place the lures throughout the crop and in alternate hosts (i.e. fruiting or non-fruiting windbreaks) at a density of about 16-20 per hectare. Place these lures every 20 metres around the perimeter of the property early in the season (late winter) to reduce the number of male flies entering.
Figure 4. Photo Credit: Bugs for Bugs
Place into your production area three times per year.
Examples of commercial Male Annihilation products include:
Mat Product
Product Company
Includes Pheromone and Insecticide
Comments
Qfly wick MAT cup
Bugs for Bugs
Pheromone and Maldison
Pheromone lures with insecticide that attract and kill MALE Qfly
Eco-lure male fruit fly wick and cup
Organic Crop Protectants
Pheromone and Maldison
Pheromone lures with insecticide that attract and kill MALE Qfly
Amulet Cue-lure
Nufarm
Pheromone and Fipronil
Pheromone lures with insecticide that attract and kill MALE Qfly
Amulet® Cue lure
BASF
Pheromone and Fipronil
Pheromone lures with insecticide that attract and kill MALE Qfly
Searles fruit fly trap and wick
Searles
Pheromone and Maldison
Pheromone lures with insecticide that attract and kill MALE Qfly
SPLAT (Cue-Lure) male QFF bait
Organic Crop Protectants
Only Pheromone no insecticide
Can be applied manually or mechanically via OCP’s SPLATAGATOR. Need to add insecticide.
VA-VA-Voom QFF male trap
Gepro
Only Pheromone no insecticide
Wet trap’ pheromone only, attract and drown MALE
Fly ByeTM fruit fly lure
Nutri-Tech Solutions
Only Pheromone no insecticide
Wet trap’ pheromone only, attract and drown MALE
Wild May fruit fly attractant
Wild May Essential Oils Pty Ltd
Only Pheromone no insecticide
Wet trap’ pheromone only, attract and drown MALE
Avoid spraying fruit to eliminate concerns about residue and fruit damage. Repeat applications every 7 days, re-applying sooner if rain washes off the mixture. Adding a thickener helps to preserve bait in the environment.
Both male and female Qfly need protein to sexually mature and for daily nourishment, therefore Protein bait spraying is an effective control method that consists of a protein source (e.g. yeast autosylate PER13785) to attract QFFs and an insecticide (Maldison, Trichlorfon).
Applying the bait onto a cloth/or carpet fixed to the trellis posts can help the protein to last longer. This is also a solution for providing somewhere to apply bait to in the situation where a crop couldn’t tolerate bait applied directly to it i.e. strawberries.
Begin applications as soon as fruit fly traps indicate fruit flies present and fruit is at a susceptible stage, if fruit fly is known to be a problem bait then early i.e. 6-8 weeks prior to harvest.
S U M M E R 2 019
AUSTRALIAN
B E RRY 16
JOURNAL
EDITION 1
Examples of commercial protein products include:
Product
Manufacturer
Formulation
Protein Content
Fruit Fly LureTM
Bugs for Bugs
Thick liquid
420g/L
Natflav 500
AgNova
Thick liquid
420g/L
Cerabait
Barmac
Liquid
360g/L
Hym-lure
Biotrap
Liquid
425g/L
N.B always check labels as concentrations and rates can change. Female biased traps are also available and aim to attract and kill a large percentage of the fly population. They are based on food, fruit volatiles or fruit mimics as currently there are no pheromone-based lures for female fruit flies. Always check for other insect bi catch with these traps and verify trap finds, i.e. no point applying a corrective action if they are not catching QFF. Examples of commercially available female biased traps include: 1. Food based attractant traps together (ceratrap and Biotrap), they are female biased but can catch males
Product
Manufacturer
Mode of Action
Comments
Cera trap
Amgrow
Food based, containing a liquid protein mixture with a mild ammonia smell
No insecticide is needed as flies simply drown. The liquid needs to be kept well topped up, so units need to be serviced regularly in hot weather
Biotrap fruit fly attractant gel and trap
Biotrap
Food based, containing a protein based gel
It is combined with a DDVP cube which kills flies entering the trap. Sticky insert available. A non-insecticide option is available – a sticky insert for inside the trap
2. Oviposition trap or an egg laying trap, they are known to have a higher percentage of their catch as pregnant females
Product
Manufacturer
Mode of Action
Comments
Fruition trap
Agnova
Flies attracted by visual and olfactory cues become stuck on the sphere
Attracts mature egg laying female fruit flies to an exposed sticky surface
Cover sprays may be required when pest pressure is especially high. An unintended consequence of cover sprays may include reducing the number of beneficial insects. Always ensure you apply sprays only according to the label instructions and your spray equipment is properly calibrated. Chemical treatment options for Queensland Fruit Fly in berries
Treatment
Berry Category Allowed
Insecticide WHP Group (days)
Effect on beneficials
Remarks
Spinetoram PER87408
Blackberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, Strawberries
5
1
Medium
Can be used in all states except VIC. Do not use more than four applications each season
Trichlorfon PER12486
Blackberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, Strawberries
1B
2
Medium
On label for blueberries in NSW. Permit only for ACT, NSW, NT, QLD, SA and WA
Dimethoate
Blueberries
1B
1
High
On label for use in NSW & WA only. Permit for QLD PER88174
Note: always check APVMA for up to date information on registered products and permits. Always check labels for rates and withholding periods.
17
I N D U S T R Y
Plant health focus for 2020 Protecting plants, protecting life | planthealthyear.org.au Farmers and landholders are on the frontline, playing an important role in detecting and reporting new incursions, protecting plants and their livelihoods.Being proactive about plant pests and diseases makes good business sense: the risks shouldn’t be ignored, but rather included as a core part of every business that relies on having healthy plants.
The UN-declared International Year of Plant Health in 2020 is a great opportunity to show how much Australians value plants, and how we can best protect them from pests and diseases. Whether it be plants grown as crops, in plantation forests, in backyard gardens or in the natural environment, plants are vital for life. They are essential to our economy, the environment, our health and wellbeing.
Australia is celebrating the International Year of Plant Health by highlighting the importance of our plants and inviting everyone to be involved in protecting them. Plant Health Australia encourages industries to get involved in the International Year of Plant Health celebrations in Australia.
Protecting plant health by using biosecurity measures before, after and at the border, and by managing pests and diseases, adds huge value to plant industries. Keeping Australia’s plants pest free maintains trade opportunities in lucrative overseas markets, sustains premium prices for plant products, improves crop yields and saves on the cost of using pest control measures.
S U M M E R 2 019
AUSTRALIAN
B E RRY 18
JOURNAL
EDITION 1
I N D U S T R Y
Spotted Wing Drosophila: where will this world citizen make its next travel destination? Francesca Noakes and Jessica Lye, cesar Project update for ‘Improving the biosecurity preparedness of Australian horticulture for the exotic Spotted Wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii)’ MT17005
The spotted wing drosophila (SWD) is a global pest of soft fruit industries and the subject of a current Hort Innovation funded biosecurity project led by Plant Health Australia, in collaboration with cesar and Plant and Food Research NZ. The SWD is not found in Australia, but recent incursions in the United States and Europe have raised concerns about the production impact if this fly were to breach Australian borders. Establish initial parameters for growth
Late last year the project team ran information sessions in soft fruit growing regions around Australia. Since then we have been further developing our understanding of the SWD and the risks posed to Australian growers by this pest. Part of this research includes developing models that predict the rate of spread and likely regions for establishment in Australia. Using these models, we are able to identify probable entry points into Australia for the fly and the potential impacts for our soft-fruit industries if establishment were to occur. The information generated from the models can then be used by government and industry groups to direct surveillance activities aimed at early detection of the pest. So, while building accurate prediction models is a complex business, understanding how these models work and what they are saying is important if we are to be best placed to respond to exotic threats.
In building a model of SWD establishment we first start with what we know about the pest biology and the response of SWD population growth in different climates. By determining climatic growth parameters, we are able to map SWD establishment potential according to global climate data. Taking a look at the map in Figure 1 on PAGE 22, we see that based on a purely climatic perspective, temperate regions offer the most attractive conditions for population growth of SWD. Note: while the climatic growth rate provides an indication of optimal conditions for population expansion (10°C – 25°C), this doesn’t mean the SWD can’t survive short-term fluctuations below or above these temperatures. Overseas studies have shown that the SWD can be found to survive in locations where temperatures go up to 43°C or below zero.
On the following page, we have broken down this model-building process and will show you how we develop accurate predictions for exotic pest incursions. As you can see from our recipe for cooking up a SWD establishment model, there are a few steps. Let’s look at this process in some more detail.
S U M M E R 2 019
AUSTRALIAN
B E RRY 20
JOURNAL
EDITION 1
Add additional elements to the model Okay, so we have climatic growth parameters, which is exciting, but don’t get too giddy just yet. While this gives us a basic model for predicting habitable regions for SWD populations, to really understand how well this fly would likely spread across Australia’s production zones we need to dig a little deeper. We know from the scientific literature on pest population movements, that there is more to geographic species expansions than just climate. Developing a more nuanced and realistic model means incorporating landscape level variables such as seasonality, human population density (nearby cities, towns or roads that would enable the fly to hitch a lift), host density (delicious fruits to snack on), and dispersal methods. Unfortunately for containment strategies, this little fly likes to hop rides in fruits carried by helpful humans and in cargo (particularly on trucks, planes and ships). As a result, cities and large regional centres can often act as entry and dispersal points in the spread of the SWD. This means that our model needs to account for short-range dispersal (all that wing flapping) and long-range dispersal (hitching a ride).
Test the model So now we have our model with all the nitty gritty details included (phew!). But does it stack up? To test the strength of our predictions, we validate the model against data for known dispersal patterns across affected regions in Europe and the United States. By mapping our spread predictions against documented population movements over time, preliminary testing of our establishment model has indicated an accuracy rate of 75-85% - we think that’s pretty darn good!
We also need to account for something called the ‘Allee Effect’. This stipulates the minimum number of individual flies that need to be present in a specific location for establishment to occur. This might sound complicated, but it basically boils down to a numbers game – individual survival and reproduction depends on the presence of others of the same species.
21
FIGURE 1 Mean growth rate potential for SWD based on climate Source: James Maino, cesar
Make predications Having validated our model, the next step is to apply this to the Australian context. To make predictions about what production regions would be hardest hit by this species we simulate entry of the fly into Australia at different locations. The prediction map in Figure 2 assumes an incursion in Cairns and spread over ten years. Under this scenario we see that establishment would be most likely along the east and south-east coast of Australia where appropriate climatic conditions combine with large amounts of human movement and susceptible crops. Figure 2. Predicted establishment using expected dispersal pathways for a Cairns incursion scenario. Source: James Maino, cesar
We have also used the model to test what would happen if other cities are the entry point (Brisbane, Adelaide, Darwin, Bundaberg and Melbourne). Despite slight variability, establishment was similar across the different entry points modelled, although Cairns was the only entry point that predicted a resultant establishment threat in Western Australia.
The predicted impact on host crop groups Now we can make predictions on the establishment potential of SWD in Australia, we also want to know what this means for Australian growers. Who’s at risk? And, if SWD were to establish, how big an impact can we expect?
Note: While host densities were considered when building our models, our ability to account for their impact on likely establishment patterns was limited by data availability. For instance, the wild blackberry is a noxious weed throughout Australia and potential host for the SWD. However, due to lack of available data we were unable to include the impact of this host on establishment.
S U M M E R 2 019
AUSTRALIAN
To understand what industries are most susceptible to SWD, we again look to international research. The empirical data indicates a level of variability in production losses depending on region, variety, and management practices.
B E RRY 22
JOURNAL
EDITION 1
So, is there any hope?
While losses in the US and Europe as high as 80% have been reported among Rubus, strawberry and cherry crops, production losses of 20-40% on affected farms are more common. The average production loss for affected raspberry crops tended to be highest (35% loss), however this was also subject to significant variability. The research also shows that the most affected industries (based on the number of documented incidents) are blueberries, followed by raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, table grapes and sweet cherries.
SWD is yet to reach Australian shores and our geographic isolation and border control efforts provide protection. However, given the fast spreading and invasive nature of this pest, developing targeted biosecurity measures and proactively developing a contingency plan is crucial. Industry awareness and onfarm monitoring in susceptible crops will support early detection. A detection made soon after the pest has arrived will give biosecurity authorities a better chance of eradicating the pest. As eradication will be difficult once establishment has occurred, early detection of the pest will be important for actioning effective management strategies.
Mapping the overseas production impacts against our establishment model and affected commodity distributions, the results indicate an economic risk to most major soft fruit growing regions if SWD establishment were to occur in Australia. The modelling also indicated that attempts at eradication after establishment at a suitable location would likely have low rates of success due to rapid population growth and movement.
What next? Best methods of monitoring, a further look into SWD biology, and best management techniques will be the focus of our next project update and cesar is currently developing guidance material for growers with advice on identification and crop monitoring techniques. So keep an eye on this space as well as your crops! If you are looking for more information on the morphology and life cycle of the spotted wing drosophila, have a read of our last project update on the cesar website: http://bit.ly/SWD-SUM-19.
Importantly, to best protect Australia from this pest it will require a whole industry approach. So if you see anything unusual call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on
*Infographic displays the number of SWD reports per crop identified during review of the literature. Data source: James Maino et al, 2019. [unpublished] Data sourced from European and United States primary reports.
1800 084 881
Plant Health Australia, cesar, and Plant & Food Research NZ, with support from Hort NZ, are working together on a spotted wing drosophila (SWD) research and extension initiative. This is a collaborative project between Australia and New Zealand, and the aim is to increase how prepared horticultural industries are to detect, respond to, and manage this fly if it were found in either country. This project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the raspberry and blackberry research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.
23
I N D U S T R Y
Improving our preparedness for Xylella fastidiosa Angela Atkinson, Industry Development Officer, Strawberries
Xylella fastidiosa is an invasive bacterial plant pathogen that causes significant environmental and economic impacts. It is No. 1 on Australia’s Top 40 list of exotic and unwanted plant pests and has the potential to kill more than 350 commercial, ornamental and native plant species. Depending on the host plant species, the disease is known by a range of common names, including leaf scorch in a number of species (almond, blueberry, coffee, elm, oak, oleander, maple, mulberry and plane trees), Pierce’s disease in grapevines and variegated chlorosis in citrus, amongst others.
Xylella is now found across much of southern Europe from Italy to Portugal as well as in North and South America, Taiwan and parts of the Middle East. In Italy, Xylella is killing groves of olive trees over 1000 years old, and causing significant economic losses in many crops, such as fruit and nut trees (including blueberry), vegetable crops and some field crops around the world.
The bacteria infect the xylem vessels of host plants, reducing the uptake of water and nutrients and leading to reduced plant or fruit growth, leaf scorch and plant death in many cases. Xylella can be spread by sap sucking insects, such as leaf hoppers and spittle bugs. Once established, there is no evidence that it can be successfully eradicated.
As the diseases caused by the plant bacteria Xylella continue to plague horticultural sectors overseas, work is underway in Australia to prepare for what many fear could be its inevitable arrival in this country. Hort Innovation and Wine Australia are jointly funding a project to improve the preparedness of the Australian horticultural sector for the threat posed by Xylella (MT17006). Part of this strategy has been the appointment of a Xylella coordinator, Craig Elliott, earlier this year, under the Plant Biosecurity Research Initiative. His previous roles have included Operations Director for Biosecurity Tasmania and Incident Controller for the National Biosecurity Response Team, ensuring he is well placed to understand the risks and challenges faced by industry from this threat. "In taking on this role my first thought was what day one of a response would look like and the questions we'd have," Mr Elliott said. "In simple terms, we need to know how we can detect it, contain it and eradicate it as quickly, effectively and cost efficiently as possible”.
Leaf scorch on blueberry
S U M M E R 2 019
AUSTRALIAN
B E RRY 24
JOURNAL
EDITION 1
If you don't keep this front of mind and emphasise it to everyone involved in your property, you're putting the future of your business at risk."
Since commencing, Mr Elliott has criss-crossed the country speaking with representatives of the sectors at risk from Xylella and government biosecurity managers to raise awareness of the issue and identify how to address existing gaps. "There is a good reason why this is Australia's number one plant biosecurity threat. For winemakers and grape growers alone, the potential impact has been estimated at between $2 billion and just under $8 billion dollars in production losses and management costs over a fifty-year period. Add in the costs to other sectors and you begin to understand the potential impact on our horticultural sectors and individual growers," Mr Elliott said. However, it is not all ‘doom and gloom’. Through this new project, good relationships are being built with industries overseas that are managing this disease. Mr Elliott is encouraged by how the viticulture industry in California is managing Xylella, focussing on restricting the spread of their key insect vector, the Glassy Winged Sharp Shooter, while searching for resistant or tolerant varieties to sustain the industry into the future. The key is prevention, and growers are encouraged to review their biosecurity measures across their business and supply chain with a particular emphasis on:
Infected blueberry plants with yellow stems & ‘skeletal’ appearance Hort Innovation is also funding work to update Australia’s diagnostic protocols for Xylella, including trialling field diagnostics kits that may enable identification of potential Xylella infections earlier and reduce the workload on laboratories during an outbreak. Other international research includes the potential use of multispectral images that may enable detection of Xylella before visual symptoms become apparent, and a cross-sectoral research project is under development to better understand the insect vectors present in Australia."
• O nly sourcing plant and other material from reliable nurseries who demonstrate good biosecurity hygiene practices, • R estricting access to their property and having a quarantined area that only 'clean' staff, contractors and equipment can enter, • M onitoring for signs of pests and disease to detect incursions early, • H aving a plan to respond to a pest or disease outbreak to contain the problem as quickly as possible, and
“There is significant investment by a number of sectors overseas, in infected areas, to identify ways to minimise transmission and develop more resilient plant species. We are tapping into that work to learn from their experiences and effort,” Mr Elliott said.
• T alking to their neighbours and government staff to share information and having a network ready to support each other. "If you aren't in front of these types of risks then you are setting yourself up to fail", Mr Elliott said. "Growers need to make sure that they are focused on their own border at the farm gate as an extra layer of protection. Having a biosecurity plan to manage access and suppliers backed up by all staff being trained in what to look for, plus a plan of how you'd respond to an incursion, has to be a core part of your business.
The National Xylella Preparedness Program is jointly funded by Hort Innovation and Wine Australia.
25
I N D U S T R Y
Queensland berry producers learn from desert experts Bron Ford, Qld Berry Industry Development Officer, Queensland Strawberry Growers Association (QSGA) This project was funded by the Council for Australian-Arab Relations (CAAR) and delivered by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries with support from the Granite Belt Growers Association and the Lockyer Valley Growers Inc. The group discovered how innovative techniques and technology can enable horticultural productivity in extreme environments and produce high quality fresh produce that meets the demands of consumers. Key challenges addressed by local farming systems included poor water quality due to salinity, climatic extremes including temperatures exceeding 50°C for weeks on end and limited or no rainfall for more than eight months of the year. “We are experiencing one of the worst droughts in history in our region, so the trip was a fantastic opportunity to learn from those that farm successfully with these conditions all of the time” said Thomas Rizzato – blueberry producer from the Granite Belt. “It has shown us that nothing is impossible and that despite the climate forecasts the problems we face shouldn’t be impossible to overcome”.
Tim Sweet from Sweet's Strawberry Runners (L) with Thomas Rizzato from Corefresh Produce (R) conducting a berry analysis at Union Coop Hypermarket
The group visited commercial fruit and vegetable businesses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The delegation also visited the Al Aweer Fruit and Vegetable Markets, an importers facility and numerous retail outlets to gain insight into the key international competitors and retail price points for fresh produce in the region. Tim Sweet from Sweet’s Strawberry Runners said “it was incredible to see revolutionary technology in action at the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture. Everyone on the delegation picked up at least one idea that they will now try and apply to their own business operations”. Overall, 100% of participants indicated that they would probably take action as a result of this in-market learning activity.
A delegation of horticultural producers including berry growers from Queensland’s Granite Belt have recently returned from a study tour of the Unites Arab Emirates (UAE). The practical “classroom“, focussed on learning about farming techniques in a harsh and arid environment. Despite wide open desert plains, the UAE region produces significant amounts of local fresh produce including high-quality tomatoes, capsicums, leafy vegetables such as lettuce and berries. The tour of the UAE including Dubai and Abu Dhabi was coordinated as part of the project requirements for the project “Collaborating to learn from the arid environments.” The tour group included Peter Burnell (Spring Creek Seedlings and strawberry plug producer), Tim Sweet (Sweet’s Strawberry Runners), Thomas Rizzato (Corefresh produce which incorporates blueberry production) and Bron Ford (Qld Berries Industry Development Officer). A further five horticulturalists and industry representatives were also part of the delegation.
S U M M E R 2 019
AUSTRALIAN
For further information contact: Bron Ford, Queensland Berry Industry Development Officer 0438 752 177 | office@qldstrawberries.com.au Clinton McGrath, Qld Department of Agriculture and Fisheries on 13 25 23 | Clinton.McGrath@daf.qld.gov.au
B E RRY 26
JOURNAL
EDITION 1
I N D U S T R Y
WA Food and Beverage Packaging Forum Highlights Aileen Reid, Strawberry Industry Development Officer, Strawberry Growers Association of WA
A full day of presentations accompanied by trade exhibits was held on 26 October. Three excellent speakers gave engaging presentations on many aspects of packaging. Why do we need packaging?
What is important to consumers when purchasing grocery products?
1. To prevent the product from contamination (food safety) 2. To protect the product from physical damage 3. To optimise shelf life and flavour 4. To provide a vehicle for branding and other necessary information such as required information such as use by dates and nutritional information i.e. communication 5. To act as a carrier of the product and enable its transportation. 6. To enable value adding such as freezing 7. Convenience
• Just over half of consumers want Australian made • Just under 10% want recyclable packaging • Fourteen percent want sustainable sourcing and • Ethical supply is considered by only 4%
Sustainability & recycling in packaging The Australian government established Australia’s 2025 National Packaging Targets in 2018 to create a new sustainable pathway for the way we manage packaging in Australia. The four targets, to be achieved by 2025, are: • 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging
What are the trends for 2020?
• 70% of plastic packaging being recycled or composted
Minimalism consumers appreciate simplicity and economy.
• 0% of average recycled content included in packaging • T he phase out of problematic and unnecessary single-use plastics packaging.
Big bold typography to accommodate consumers shrinking attention spans. A recent 2019 trend report by Crowdspring found people make a subconscious decision about buying products within the first one and a half minutes. Eighty-five percent of people make that judgment based on packaging colour.
APCO – the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation is the agency charged with making this happen (www.packagingcovenant.org.au). These targets were referred to as aspirational targets! Realistically, recycling is an expensive process and is very difficult to make it profitable in Australia. However, as other countries are increasing refusing to accept waste from Australia we have to persevere.
Transparency and clean labels being open and honest about what the products contain. More than 50% of consumers will scan a package with their smartphone to see what it contains. The rise of the SmartLabel™ to connect consumers to a landing page where they can see how “clean” their choice may be.
S U M M E R 2 019
AUSTRALIAN
B E RRY 28
JOURNAL
EDITION 1
Last year’s World Economic Forum saw over 250 companies pledge to use 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packing by 2025. Sustainability is becoming more and more important. Recycling should be considered the last line of defence. The first consideration should be reducing the need for that product or packaging in the first place. The carbon footprint of packaging as a proportion of the whole item has been evaluated. Surprisingly for many food categories it is quite low – for meat and dairy 1% and 2%. Beverages and fruit have the highest at 33% with vegetables and fish somewhere in between.
From L - R. John Day, Shopability, Patricia Elphinstone, DPIRD, Amelia De Groot, DPIRD, Ralph Moyle, AIP, Nikki Poulish, DPIRD Photo Credit: DPIRD
Each year Packaging Innovation and Design Awards (PIDA) are presented for the best sustainable packaging ideas http://aipack.com.au/education/pida.
Packaging design Aside from the aspects of sustainability, packaging needs to consider accessibility, we have an ageing population and arthritic hands and failing eyesight all need to be factored into design.
The colour, size, shape and weight of materials also affect their ability to be recycled. The infrared beams used to help sort materials cannot “see” black so black meat trays cannot be sorted from the waste stream. Some dyes and adhesives used for labels make plastics not recyclable.
Think about the vulnerabilities of your product – is it physical damage, is it heat, oxygen or light? That will help guide you in choice of material and design.
Paper has limitations on the number of times it can be recycled – each time it is recycled the fibres become shorter until they are of little value.
A great deal of technology exists around packaging – modified atmospheres, high pressure processing, aseptic packaging (eg Tetrapacks), vacuum packs. All aimed at improving shelf life and quality.
Out of the seven types of plastic used in packaging only two are recyclable – PET and HDPE but plastics also have limits as their long chain molecules break down with repeated recycling. They can be mixed with fresh plastic but eventually they are repurposed into other plastic items such as picnic chairs and tables, bollards and speed humps.
Tamper proof packaging has been used in some lines e.g. pharmaceuticals for many years but is expanding into other categories. Other packaging includes defect detection. For example, a tag changes colour if temperature tolerances have been exceeded.
Glass has no such limitations, in fact it takes 20% less energy to re-use glass than to melt silica to produce new glass however the different types of glass do need to be separated (such as window glass, bottles, coloured glass, laboratory grade glass and so on). In Western Australia glass may be recycled as road base.
Digital printing is making it easier to customise packaging and add personalisation to products.
If you are interested in learning more about packaging in the fresh food industry, the Australian Fresh Produce Alliance have published an excellent report which can be downloaded from their website, along with a series of other useful resources
Soft plastics may be recycled through recycle as long as there is no contamination from meat proteins. Pizza boxes are a problem due to the cheese and oil they absorb.
freshproduce.org.au/resources
It is interesting to note that in Australia compostable packaging is not recyclable, in fact it is a contaminant in recycling waste streams.
The material in this document is extracted from presentations by John Day (Shopability) and Ralph Moyle from the Australian Institute of Packaging, at the 2019 WA Food and Beverage Packaging Forum. This event was organised by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s Food Industry Innovation program in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology, the Australian Institute of Packaging and Buy West Eat Best. For further information contact the Food Industry Innovation team at FoodIndustryInnovation@dpird.wa.gov.au
29
S T R A W B E R R I E S
Facilitating the development of the Australian strawberry industry — key learnings Angela Atkinson, Industry Development Officer, Strawberries
The strawberry industry strategic investment plan (2012-2017) identified industry adoption of research and development outcomes as a critical issue, in part due to a lack of effective communication. The identification of R&D needs within the strategic plan provided justification for a nationally focused industry development program, based on grower’s needs and preferences. Projects BS15003 and BS15004 provided regional delivery of on-the-ground activities including workshops, farm walks, field days, study tours, case studies, grower groups and industry analysis, in addition to development of resources and contributions to the newsletters and website.
In 2016, an industry development and communication program was introduced, with a national focus geared towards building a profitable and sustainable Australian strawberry industry. The program consisted of three projects: • F acilitating the development of the Australian strawberry industry – national oversight and communications (BS15002) – delivered by RM Consulting Group
The use of the various communication channels through these projects resulted in a broad and extensive reach to growers and stakeholders across the Australian strawberry industry. The hard copy Simply Red newsletter was particularly well received by growers, and the industry newsletters and updates provided a regular update to growers and stakeholders on the outcomes of the industry R&D levy at work.
• F acilitating the development of the Australian strawberry industry – sub-tropical regional delivery (BS15003) – delivered by Queensland Strawberry Industry Promotions Council • F acilitating the development of the Australian strawberry industry – temperate regional delivery (BS15004) – delivered by Victorian Strawberry Industry Development Committee
Resources produced through these projects included a Good Practice Guide, an Integrated Pest Management App, Australian Strawberry Breeding Program varietal summary cards, shed posters, chemical registrations and minor use permits for pest and disease problems in strawberry production, videos, fact sheets and case studies. All resources will be available through the new berry industry website that is in development as part of the new project www.berries.net.au
BS15002 provided oversight of the three projects, and produced and maintained key industry communication channels, including the website for industry news and R&D communications (strawberryinnovation.com), the quarterly Simply Red newsletter and a monthly e-newsletter, The Punnet.
S U M M E R 2 019
AUSTRALIAN
B E RRY 30
JOURNAL
EDITION 1
Vale Mirko Milinković
An important outcome of the coordinated delivery of these projects has been the building of strong partnerships and networks, both between the different states and growing regions; and between growers, researchers, industry associates and other stakeholders. This has contributed to a more cohesive and connected national strawberry industry.
13.5.1966 — 20.11.2019 Frank Greenhalgh, Scott Mattner and Peter Merriman
With the formation of Berries Australia, there was support for a whole of berry industry development program, delivering activities and communications targeted to both individual berry commodities and the berry sector as a whole. Subsequently, the new project, MT18020 – Facilitating the development of the Australian berry industries, will build on the lessons from the strawberry innovation program and include the blueberry and Rubus sectors as well.
It is with sad hearts that we report the passing of the much-loved Mirko Milinković, and acknowledge his significant contributions to the Australian strawberry industry and science.
STRAWBERRY INNOVATION
Mirko was appointed as Manager of the Victorian Strawberry Industry Certification Authority (VSICA) in 2013. He used his innovative skills and background in plant physiology and pathology to introduce new technologies and practices into the Victorian Strawberry Runner Certification Scheme. These included improved methods for maintaining pathogen-tested strawberry varieties for clients, and the development of a hydroponic system for production of runners and a system for production of plug plants in soil-less media under strict biosecurity and hygienic conditions.
COMMU NI CAT I ON OU T P U T S
As Manager, Mirko worked closely with VSICA staff and Board, and interacted with many clients, collaborators and runner and fruit growers. He was held in high regard by all involved. He was also a well-respected scientist of strawberry and other crops, and published his research in leading international journals. His research covered tissue culture, aeroponic production systems, plug plants, alternatives to methyl bromide, conditioning plants for increased production and the use of biostimulants for enhanced root growth. Mirko left VSICA in 2018 to concentrate on his health, but passed away recently during a visit to his beloved homeland of Serbia. He will be remembered as a quiet achiever, deep thinker, people person and a good man with a dry sense of humour.
31
S T R A W B E R R I E S
Impact of climate change on the yields of strawberry fields on the Sunshine Coast Christopher Menzel, Principal Horticulturist, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries The Queensland government has funded the research through the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. Many thanks to the Florida Strawberry Growers’ Association (FSGA) for financial support.
Global climate change is expected to increase both temperature and the concentration of CO2 (carbon dioxide) in the atmosphere. These changes will increase the rate of photosynthesis in the leaves of strawberries, however this increase will be off-set by decreases in flower and fruit development. Without better adapted cultivars or other mitigating strategies, the likely outcome is lower average productivity for farms in south-east Queensland in the future.
S U M M E R 2 019
AUSTRALIAN
B E RRY 32
JOURNAL
EDITION 1
In most plants, the rate of photosynthesis increases with increasing light levels up to a maximum value and then is stable, meaning higher light levels do not lead to further increases in photosynthesis. The reports for commercial strawberry suggest that photosynthesis is saturated at light levels equivalent to about 60% of full sunlight (Figure 1).
This article examines the impact of higher temperatures and CO2 on photosynthesis, growth and the yield of strawberry plants growing on the Sunshine Coast. Studies in several other crops suggests that yields will decrease under climate change in the absence of better cultivars or growing systems. For instance, research in hot pepper showed that higher temperatures (3.4ÂşC above ambient) and a higher CO2 concentration (540 ppm) increased plant growth, but decreased yield by up to 22% compared with standard conditions. Plant breeding can produce new more heat-tolerant cultivars and this can mitigate some of the negative impacts of climate change.
Several studies that have investigated the effect of temperature on the rate of photosynthesis in strawberry plants. The optimum temperature for photosynthesis per leaf area is about 27ÂşC, although values do not differ greatly from 16o to 32ÂşC (Figure 1). The concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere has a strong effect on photosynthesis in strawberries. The response to increasing concentrations of CO2 depends on other factors, including light levels and temperature. In Korea, the rate of photosynthesis in commercial strawberry increased with increasing concentrations of CO2 up to about 1400 ppm (Figure 1). !
!
Effect of environmental conditions on photosynthesis in strawberry plants
Light, temperature and the concentration of CO2 are the main environmental factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis in plants. Healthy strawberry leaves absorb 90% of the incoming solar radiation. Some of the incoming energy is lost in heating the plant and some is reflected back into the atmosphere. Overall, 75% of the energy is wasted and not used in photosynthesis. About 1.5% of the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) " is converted to dry matter through photosynthesis in strawberry plants. This is similar to many other crops.
The natural concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere at the moment is about 410 ppm. Plants can adjust to higher concentrations of CO 2 with the response by the leaves less dramatic after long-term exposure than " after short-term exposure. # # #
#
%
!
! ! !
!
%
%
" "% "
"
# # #
$
"
#
#
#
!
% % "%
!
Figure 1. on net CO2 assimilation in strawberry plants in Korea. Photosynthesis was saturated at Effect# of light level, temperature and concentration of # CO2 light levels equivalent to about 60% of full sunlight. The optimum temperature for photosynthesis was about 27°C, although values did not differ % greatly from 18°C to 32°C. Photosynthesis increased %with increasing concentrations of CO2 up to about 1400 ppm. Overall, the responses to light and Data are from Jun et al. (2017). CO2 are greater than the response to temperature.
$
% % "%
$
33
Relationship between growth, yield & photosynthesis in strawberry plants
Response of strawberry plants to elevated CO2
Researchers have examined the relationship between in plant growth, yield and photosynthesis in different strawberry species and cultivars.
Numerous scientists have investigated the effect of elevated CO2 concentrations on photosynthesis and yield in strawberry and other plants. There was a large variation in the response of strawberry to elevated CO2 . On average, higher concentrations of CO2 increased photosynthesis by 100% and yield by 25%.
In a study from northern America, clones of the local wild species had higher values of photosynthesis than clones of commercial strawberry. In a similar study in Canada, photosynthesis was up to 30% higher in strawberry species and hybrids than in commercial cultivars. Only a few authors have examined whether higher rates of photosynthesis can contribute to better growth or higher yields.
In one experiment in Belgium, increasing CO2 from 250 or 350 ppm to 600 ppm increased photosynthesis by 9.9% and yield by 6.7%. These results reflect the response of plants to short-term increases in the concentrations of CO2 and plants growing at optimum temperatures. The plants eventually adjust to the higher concentrations of CO2, with a less dramatic response over longer periods. Temperature conditions outside the optimum for growth can also affect the response.
Korean researchers investigated the performance of strawberries under different light and temperature conditions in a greenhouse. They found that there was a strong correlation between yield and the rate of photosynthesis in the different treatments. The high-yielding plants tended to have higher rates of photosynthesis per leaf area.
Response of strawberry plants to elevated temperatures Temperature has a strong effect on the development of new leaves, flowers and fruit in strawberry plants. Higher temperatures will increase leaf area expansion initially, and then decrease leaf area expansion. Higher temperatures will reduce flower and fruit development. The overall response will be a decrease in yields.
In another study with seven cultivars of commercial strawberry in Maryland, United States, there was a moderate relationship between yield and the stability of net CO2 assimilation. High-yielding cultivars had more stable photosynthesis than low-yielding cultivars across different growing conditions. Yield was not related to the absolute rate of photosynthesis.
The effect of temperature on the development of strawberry in subtropical environments has not been well explored. The available information suggests that the optimum temperature for leaf growth is about 25ยบC, while the optimum temperature for flower initiation is about 18ยบC. Experiments conducted in south-east Queensland indicated that average fruit fresh weight decreased from 24 g to 8 g as the average daily mean temperature in the seven weeks before harvest increased from 18ยบC to 20ยบC. The results of this analysis suggests that small increases in temperature will decrease the yield of strawberry plants on the Sunshine Coast.
Workers in Canada examined the relationship between plant growth and photosynthesis in different species, hybrids and commercial cultivars in growth chambers set at different temperatures. Overall, temperature had a greater effect on growth than on the rate of photosynthesis. The results of this analysis suggests that in some cases, better growth or yield are related to higher rates of photosynthesis. However, in other cases better growth or yield are related to the stability of photosynthesis across different growing environments.
S U M M E R 2 019
AUSTRALIAN
Researchers in Korea provided some information on the response of strawberries to elevated temperatures and CO2. Higher concentrations of CO2 increased yields compared with control plants, but only under standard temperatures (Table 1).
B E RRY 34
JOURNAL
EDITION 1
Table 1. Effect of elevated temperature and CO2 (carbon dioxide) on the yield of strawberry plants growing in Korea. Data are from Sun et al. (2012).
Treatment
Control
Elevated CO2
Elevated Temperature
Elevated CO2 & Temperature
Temperatures
20°/15°C
20°/15°C
25°/20°C
25°/20°C
CO2 concentration
360 ppm
720 ppm
360 ppm
720 ppm
Fruit d. wt. (g/plant)
10.8
24.8
13.1
11.7
Implications for commercial strawberry production
The plants under higher temperatures or under higher temperatures and concentrations of CO2 had similar yields as the controls. The plants growing under higher temperatures had fewer flowers than those under standard temperatures.
Increases in temperature and the concentration of CO2 will increase the rate of photosynthesis in the leaves of strawberry plants. However, the higher rates of CO2 assimilation will be off-set by less flowering and smaller fruit. These changes in plant development will contribute to lower yields in the absence of better adapted cultivars or other mitigation strategies. The development of heat tolerant cultivars could mitigate some of the negative impacts of climate change on the productivity of strawberry fields on the Sunshine Coast.
Scientists in Mexico examined the effect of higher temperatures on the performance of strawberries. The plants were grown at both ambient temperatures and 5ºC above ambient. The plants under the higher temperatures had higher CO2 assimilation and greater shoot growth than the plants under ambient temperatures. In contrast, the plants under higher temperatures had about half the flowers and fruit than those under ambient temperatures.
Acknowledgements The Queensland government has funded the research through the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. Many thanks to the Florida Strawberry Growers’ Association (FSGA) for financial support.
Similar work conducted in southern Australia indicated that elevated CO2 (650 or 900 ppm versus 400 ppm) could not overcome the negative effect of elevated temperatures (30ºC versus 25ºC) on the yields of strawberry plants.
Local Local Local courses courses courses available available available inin your your your area area area Local courses available inin your area Easy Easy Easy and and and practical practical practical calibration calibration calibration techniques techniques techniques Easy and practical calibration techniques
Knowledge Knowledge Knowledge toto limit to limit limit spray spray spray drift drift drift Knowledge to limit spray drift Local Local Local trainers trainers trainers and and and credibility credibility credibility since since since 1999 1999 1999 Local trainers and credibility since 1999 WHS/OH&S WHS/OH&S WHS/OH&S and and and APVMA APVMA APVMA compliant compliant compliant WHS/OH&S and APVMA compliant Record Record Record keeping keeping keeping and and and safe safe safe storage storage storage requirements requirements requirements Record keeping and safe storage requirements Determining Determining Determining weather weather weather conditions conditions conditions suitable suitable suitable forfor spraying for spraying spraying Determining weather conditions suitable for spraying
35
Dutch greenhouse expertise Tailored for Australian berry growers By a wholly Australian owned family business.
AIS Greenworks Dutch Partner
Australia-wide Sales & Service NSW - VIC - QLD - TAS - SA - WA - NT Ph 1300 763 141 www.aisgreenworks.com.au Draft Berry Mag Nov 19 Half Page Veggies.indd 1
12/11/2019 12:56:39 PM
S T R A W B E R R I E S
Australian Strawberry Breeding Program Update Jodi Neal with support from the Australian Strawberry Breeding Program team, Senior Plant Breeder and Acting Team Leader Strawberry Production Systems, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries BS17000: National Strawberry Varietal Improvement Program (2017-2022)
The Australian Strawberry Breeding Program (ASBP) has now completed our 2019 trials for subtropical and Mediterranean production regions. As such, it’s a good time to let you know what we’ve been up to for these regions and what will be coming out of these programs in the near future. The 2019/20 temperate season is also now underway, and so we can provide an update on our trials for this region. The ASBP is a national breeding program, targeting Australia’s three major strawberry production climates: subtropical, Mediterranean and temperate. Our aim is to develop and release new strawberry varieties that are locally adapted to each region, with improved consumer traits, increased profitability for growers, and lower production costs.
the selections as new varieties. All of these stages of trialling are run simultaneously each year, for each of the three production regions.
There are four ‘levels’ of field trial that we run each year and for each targeted production region: seedling trials, early stage clonal trials, advanced stage clonal trials, and on-farm trials.
The Mediterranean strawberry production region is centred around Perth, Western Australia. This year we completed trialling for the final stage of precommercialisation (Plant Breeder’s Rights Part II) for three Mediterranean selections: ‘Jubilee-ASBP’, ‘Rosalie-ASBP’, and ‘Fanfare-ASBP’ (see Figure 1A, 1B and 1C on PAGE 38).
Following is a summary of our activities in 2019 for the Mediterranean and subtropical production regions.
Mediterranean breeding trials
Every year we create a large number of genetically unique seedling plants via controlled cross-pollination. These seedlings are assessed in field trials for one season, and the most promising of them are then clonally propagated using runners, planted into randomised and replicated ‘early stage’ trials, and evaluated in detail. At the end of this season the best performers from these early stage trials are then assessed a second time in ‘advanced stage’ trials.
High health plants of these have been distributed to plant propagators around the country for bulking of numbers, and should be available for purchase in small numbers in 2020 or 2021.
Plant breeders' rights (PBR) are rights granted to the breeder of a new variety of plant that give the breeder exclusive control over the propagating material (including seed, cuttings, divisions, tissue culture) and harvested material (cut flowers, fruit, foliage) of a new variety for a number of years.
Following this, the best are once again selected and distributed to a small number of growers for ‘on-farm’ trialling to get their feedback. This grower input is used to help decide whether to commercialise any of
37
In 2019, a total of 763 Mediterranean seedlings were assessed, as well as seven early and three advanced stage selections (Figure 2A). These numbers are set to increase in 2020. Seven selections were additionally assessed in on-farm trials in the region to get industry input into plant performance and selections to advance.
Figure 1A. Jubliee
Figure 2A. At the end of the trial in mid-October, we selected 15 seedlings to be clonally replicated and assessed in the 2020 early stage trial, and two early stage selections to progress to advanced stage trialling and simultaneous on-farm trialling in 2020.
Subtropical breeding trials
Figure 1B. Rosalie
The subtropical strawberry production region is predominantly centred in South East Queensland, up to Bundaberg to the north. In 2019 we completed trialling for the commercialisation of two subtropical selections: ‘Meadowsong’ and ‘Venus-ASBP’, and high health plants of both have been distributed to plant propagators (Figure 3A and 3B).
Figure 1C. Fanfare Prior to this year’s Mediterranean season we met with a small number of key WA industry representatives to get their input on the direction and target traits of the Mediterranean breeding program, and operation of the 2019 breeding trials. This was very valuable, and allowed us to optimise our efforts for the Mediterranean industry.
S U M M E R 2 019
AUSTRALIAN
Figure 3A. Meadowsong
B E RRY 38
JOURNAL
EDITION 1
Temperate breeding trials Temperate breeding trials for the 2019/2020 season were planted in April 2019. A total of 12,715 temperate seedlings are being assessed this season, along with 66 early stage selections and 29 advanced stage selections. These trials are located at Wandin, Victoria and Applethorpe in Queensland. Eleven advanced temperate selections are being trialled in on-farm trials in Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia, and Queensland.
Disease resistance trials Screening for disease resistances of advanced selections from all production regions is continuing. These experiments are being used to determine the level of disease resistance in our best selections and varieties, as well as informing controlled cross-pollinations to increase resistance levels in our breeding population. In the last 12 months we have conducted routine screening experiments for the major crown wilt diseases Charcoal Rot, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fragariae, and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Genetic sources of resistance have been observed for all three diseases, and crosses are being performed to increase the incidence of resistance in our selections.
Figure 3B. Venus For the subtropical region in 2019 we planted and assessed a total of 12,272 seedlings across two trial sites in Nambour and Bundaberg, Queensland (Figure 2B and 2C). We also evaluated 79 early stage selections and 22 advanced stage selections. An additional five selections were assessed in on-farm trials on grower’s properties.
We have also undertaken our first screening experiment for Powdery Mildew, which included advanced selections from all three regions as well as two seedling families that shared a parent with high tolerance for Powdery Mildew. A high proportion of these seedlings also showed good tolerance and improved agronomic traits over their tolerant parent.
Figure 2B.
One of the guiding principles of the breeding work is to foster the exchange of ideas. We value your thoughts and appreciate your feedback for the project team so please get in touch. jodi.neal@daf.qld.gov.au | 07 5381 1352
Figure 2C. In November 2019 a Subtropical Reference Group meeting was held for the project, where fruit growers and plant propagators gave valuable input and feedback on the subtropical breeding program. With their assistance we’ve identified eight selections to be trialled on farms in 2020, prior to the potential selection of some of them for commercialisation. An additional 23 early stage selections were chosen by the program to progress to advanced stage trialling in 2020, and 172 seedlings to early stage trialling.
The Australian Strawberry Breeding Program has been funded by Hort Innovation using the strawberry research and development levy, with cocontributions from the Queensland Government through its Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and funds from the Australian Government. We thank the contributions by the Temperate and Subtropical Reference Groups and Mediterranean industry members who have help guide the program, the Industry Development Officers, and all other industry members who provide feedback, advice, and support. We are also extremely grateful to all the fruit producers in all states who have trialled, collected data on, and given feedback on our onfarm selections. This has helped us make more informed and better commercial judgments.
39
S T R A W B E R R I E S
Investigation into the cause of red leaf disorder in strawberry plants: an update Joanna Kristoffersen and Michelle Paynter, Technical Officer, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Nambour
In February 2019, the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) funded a study to examine possible causes of the red leaf disorder that has been occurring in commercial strawberry farms in South-East Queensland. The disorder, which is characterised by reddish/maroon discolouration between the veins of the leaves, can reduce plant vigour and yield. Red leaf has been observed to varying extents in most of the commercial cultivars.
S U M M E R 2 019
AUSTRALIAN
B E RRY 40
JOURNAL
EDITION 1
For this reason, DAF has funded a second larger project. This will allow us to expand our work on this issue, and includes a larger cross-organisational project team incorporating experts in the relevant fields. The time frame for this second project is from November 2019 until October 2020, and the research will include: • f urther investigation of potential nutritional causes, by conducting controlled nutrient experiments; • b roadening the search for potential fungal and bacterial pathogens via more extensive sampling, isolations and molecular assays; • T ransmission Electron Microscopy to detect unknown pathogens or damage to plant’s physiology; • g ene discovery - searching for potential pathogens that may contribute to this disorder using High throughput DNA/RNA sequence analysis
This first project investigated a number of different areas in an effort to better understand and identify the disorder. These research areas included:
• i nvestigation of potential insect vectors that may be transmitting the disorder;
• b etter understanding incidence and distribution of affected plants in commercial fields;
• e xamination of potential sources of resistance or tolerance in breeding lines; and
• s creening for the presence of all known strawberry viruses via molecular testing;
• c onducting an independent grower survey to better understand the epidemiology of red leaf.
• s creening for phytoplasmas, rickettsias, as well as other fungal and bacterial pathogens by developing and searching next generation sequencing information for matching DNA signatures;
Regular updates on findings will be provided throughout the project.
• i nvestigating possible transmission between plants via grafting and rub inoculation; and
CONTACT
• t esting potential role of nutrient deficiencies via nutritional testing and supplemental nutrient sprays.
If you notice any of your plants showing red leaf symptoms, or have any questions or information that may assist, contact:
These analyses have not identified a single, obvious causal agent. Previous work carried out by DAF isolating fungal pathogens from infected plants similarly found no discernible causal agent.
Michelle Paynter michelle.paynter@daf.qld.gov.au Joanna Kristoffersen joanna.kristoffersen@daf.qld.gov.au
Some observations suggest that crop management and fertiliser regimes may be associated with reduction of symptoms in plants. This requires further investigation.
The Queensland government funded this research through the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries – H&FS Development Concept Opportunity. Thanks to Vicki Lane, Shane Mulo, Jodi Neal, Apollo Gomez, Denis Persley, Joanne De Faveri, Fiona Constable, Lien Ko, Tim Smith and David Innes for their support.
From this study, it is apparent that the disorder and mechanisms behind its occurrence are complex. It requires more extensive sampling and a broader range of analyses to identify the causal factors.
41
S T R A W B E R R I E S
Charcoal Rot — A Disease of Strawberry and Blueberry David Oag, Principal Horticulturalist, Horticulture and Forestry Science, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries The project (BS15005 Improved management of charcoal rot of strawberry) is funded by Hort Innovation using the research and development strawberry levy, and funds from the Australian Government. The Queensland Government, through the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, and the Victorian Strawberry Industry Certification Authority Inc. have co funded the research.
The Disease
Charcoal rot is a soil-borne disease, however infection through the foliage has been reported in strawberry.
Charcoal rot is a major disease of strawberry with the potential to cause significant plant deaths and devastating crop losses. Charcoal rot disease is caused by the fungus Macrophomina phaseolina.
Symptoms of charcoal rot consist of wilting and collapse of the leaves. Interior symptoms include dark brown or reddish-brown necrotic areas in the vascular tissue of the strawberry crown.
The disease has recently emerged in strawberry fruit crops in Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia, following cessation of the practice of soil fumigation with methyl bromide. Adequate disease control is difficult to achieve with existing management practices.
Initial signs of disease development are similar to water stress. Infected plants eventually die and plant losses can be significant. Outbreaks of charcoal rot are easily confused with plant deaths from Fusarium, Verticillium, or Phytophthora because of the similarity in symptoms.
M. phaseolina attacks many plant species, including multiple grain crops, vegetable crops, weeds and some tree crops. The fungus also attacks blueberry, however it is not known to attack Rubus berries. The fungus survives in soil and crop residues as microsclerotia, which serve as the primary source of inoculum for future infections.
Therefore, it is important that growers have affected plants diagnosed at an accredited laboratory to confirm which disease is involved.
Figure 1. Strawberry plant deaths from charcoal rot
43
Project Research Activities
Understanding the fungus is important for developing management practices that will be effective in providing control in the paddock. A study at Nambour (Qld) showed the fungus can survive in buried strawberry crowns for at least 6 months.
A collaborative research project between Hort Innovation, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), and Victorian Strawberry Industry Certification Authority (VSICA), is developing improved management practices that reduce the crop losses from charcoal rot disease in strawberry farms.
A subsequent study established that infected strawberry crowns buried alongside newly planted runners lead to the death of all new plants by 6 months, irrespective of the number of infected crowns in the soil. Infected strawberry crop debris retained in the paddock is a major source of inoculum, causing charcoal rot disease and plant death in the following crop.
The three year project is scheduled to finish in October 2020. The research team of Apollo Gomez and David Oag (DAF) will be focusing on sources of inoculum and its survival, whilst Dylan McFarlane, Scott Mattner, and Frank Greenhalgh (VSICA) will concentrate on soil fumigants and application techniques to improve the control of charcoal rot.
S U M M E R 2 019
AUSTRALIAN
Figure 2. A typical strawberry paddock where crop debris is returned to the soil
B E RRY 44
JOURNAL
EDITION 1
This will enable the project team to compile best practice information for the control of charcoal rot using an integrated system of management practices.
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic film has traditionally been used when fumigating strawberry beds, however leakage of soil fumigants through LDPE does occur. Totally impermeable film (TIF) has an additional layer that prevents the leakage of soil fumigants.
Benefits for Industry The project has been designed to deliver new information and practices that will benefit strawberry growers, through:
TIF retains the chemical fumigant in the soil for a longer period and at a higher concentration, than is possible with LDPE. TIF improves the effectiveness of soil fumigants in reducing the amount of M. phaseolina in the soil, leading to less plant death and more harvested fruit.
• D ecreased plant deaths and increased productivity from the control of M. phaseolina with the more effective application of chemical fumigants, • A n ability to reduce inoculum of M. phaseolina on strawberry farms with effective cultural practices for managing inoculum sources, and • G uidelines for on-farm hygiene practices that minimise the risk of spreading M. phaseolina.
Advances to date Totally impermeable film retains the fumigant at a higher concentration and for a longer period of time, compared to LDPE film. The reduction in the amount of M.phaseolina in the soil following fumigation is significantly greater where TIF plastic is used, and this leads to less plant death and more fruit harvested.
Figure 3. Measuring fumigant gas concentration under totally impermeable film (TIF) Over the next three years, this project aims to develop integrated chemical and cultural options for strawberry growers to manage charcoal rot. Research will evaluate better ways of applying existing and new soil fumigants to reduce the pathogen in soil. Other research in the project will identify alternative hosts of M. phaseolina within strawberry production systems, and establish the impact of major sources of inoculum on disease level in subsequent strawberry fruit crops. The project team will compile information on best practice information from the research into integrated management systems for the control of charcoal rot in strawberry crops. The effectiveness of a combination of TIF plastic mulch, chemical fumigants and removing infected crop debris, in controlling charcoal rot disease, is currently being tested in field trials on strawberry farms.
The fungus survives for at least 6 months inside strawberry crowns buried during cultivation. Infected strawberry crowns retained in the paddock are a major source of inoculum, and lead to the infection of new runners, the development of charcoal rot disease and plant death.
CONTACT
For more information contact David Oag Department of Agriculture and Fisheries 0427 427 517 | david.oag@daf.qld.gov.au or your nearest member of the project team
45
A D V E R T O R I A L
C O N T E N T
Synergy® Inhibits the fungus that causes Charcoal Rot of Strawberry in the Laboratory Joel Supple, Senior Sales Manager, Seawin Biotech Australia Results from new laboratory research in Australia show that the biostimulant product, Synergy® (Seawin Biotech Australia), inhibits the growth of the fungus that causes charcoal rot of strawberry. Scientists at VSICA Research Pty Ltd recently conducted independent experiments in the laboratory with the aim of evaluating the effect of Synergy® on the growth of an Australian isolate of the Macrophomina fungus. Charcoal rot is a serious disease killing strawberry plants in the fruit sector across Australia (Figure 1). In the Victorian industry alone, the disease results in lost revenue of $20 M each year. The disease is caused by a fungus called Macrophomina phaseolina. The fungus survives in soil and dead strawberry plants as tiny, seed-like structures called microsclerotia. Under the right environmental and biological conditions, these structures germinate and infect strawberry plants. Microsclerotia are difficult to kill with the soil treatments traditionally used in the strawberry industry, making management of charcoal rot particularly difficult for growers. Synergy® contains spores of a beneficial bacterium called Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis (tens of billions per gram), magnesium (13.5%), polysaccharides from seaweed (1%),
amino acids (0.13%) and calcium (0.2%). Bacillus species commonly occur in soil, and some strains can act as biological controls against pathogens that cause disease. The nutrient and organic components in Synergy® promote the germination of Bacillus and increase its effectiveness against pathogens. Scientific experiments conducted in Spain and published in the journal Phytopathologia Mediterranea showed that the application of some species of Bacillus to soil can reduce populations of Macrophomina, and the incidence and severity of charcoal rot in strawberry. In the experiments, the Macrophomina fungus was grown on a nutrient medium in Petri dishes. A circular piece of filter paper containing either 0.1 g of Synergy® in 0.2 ml of water, or water as a comparison treatment (control), was placed in the centre of the Petri dishes. The scientists then incubated the plates and monitored the growth of the Macrophomina fungus over several days. The experiment was scientifically replicated and statistically analysed. Results showed that Synergy® significantly inhibited the radial growth of the Macrophomina fungus by 60% (Figure 2). The treatment did not kill the fungus, but it stopped its growth on the nutrient medium after two days of
Figure 1. Charcoal rot caused by the fungus Macrophomina phaseolina killing a strawberry crop in Australia. S U M M E R 2 019 U S T Rthat A Lcauses I A N charcoal rot (MacrophominaJ phaseolina) OURNAL Figure 2. The effect of Synergy® on the radial growth of theAfungus in a laboratory experiment. Figure 3. Petri dishes from a laboratory experiment showing a zone around the Synergy® treatment where the Macrophomina fungus would not grow.
B E RRY 46
incubation. There was a zone around the Synergy® treatment of 9.8 mm where the fungus did not grow at all (Figure 3). Results with another fungal pathogen of strawberry called Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. fragariae were not as dramatic, but the Synergy® product still affected the way it grew in the nutrient medium. These preliminary results with Synergy® are encouraging, but further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of the product for disease control in strawberry plants. There are also research plans to determine how the Bacillus bacterium in Synergy® survives and proliferates in disinfested soils and the root zone (rhizosphere) of strawberry plants. Ultimately, Seawin Biotech Australia aim to develop management programs with Synergy® that complement other control measures to reduce soil-borne diseases in strawberry and other crops, and increase the sustainability of horticultural industries across Australia. CONTACT
Joel Supple
Seawin Biotech Australia 0481 999 987 | joel@seawin.com.au
EDITION 1
Making Queensland strawberries Strawesome again Jane Richter, Marketing Consultant The funding for The Sweetest Thing and Strawesome marketing campaigns was provided by the Queensland Government as part of a broader investment to restore consumer confidence in Queensland strawberries.
It’s been over a year since the strawberry world was turned upside down in Australia by the deliberate tampering incident. In rapid response to the situation, the Queensland Government laid out a $1 million package to assist the industry to re-build confidence in its fresh fruit. 60% of that grant was invested in two major consumer campaigns to help restore confidence and get consumers buying Queensland strawberries again. Summer Activities
The final part of the campaign that was negotiated with News Corp was the ‘#berryloved Thank you’ from the growers to the public who had generated so much support for the industry.
The first campaign - “The Sweetest Thing” - was developed and executed in partnership with QSGA by News Corp through their considerable stable of metro and regional newspapers, online channels and magazines.
Jane Richter and Amanda Roy from QSGA toured strawberry farms in the Beerwah area recording video snippets and collecting images of individual growers with simple signs showing their thanks. These images were worked up with an open letter of thanks to create a full-page advert in News Corp publications and the video snippets were edited together to make a social media video that was shared extensively throughout the QldStrawberry, NewsCorp and Queensland Government social networks. The video has been viewed thousands of times.
A special package was negotiated directly between the Queensland Government and News Corp to deliver a high impact press and digital media campaign across November 2018 designed to achieve these objectives: • T o provide an advocacy campaign that would showcase the amazing work of strawberry farmers, their innovation, pride and resilience • T o celebrate the industry, promote its wonderful workforce, promote the great product that is strawberries, and remind the public that strawberries should be on their shopping list with a bunch of great recipe ideas
If you haven’t seen it, watch the complete video at: http://bit.ly/ YTTYV
The campaign generated a significant impact in a short period of time to give the summer strawberry season a boost to get sales and confidence flowing again.
47
SOCIAL
• M ore than 100 pages of print coverage across The Courier-Mail, Sunday Mail and 13 News Corp Queensland regional titles • QWeekend three-page feature article and Queensland Business Monthly story
• 3 social posts driving readers to the strawberry articles & Thank you video • Reach achieved: 68,215 • Engagement Rate: 13% (or approx. 5x average)
ONLINE
PR
• 10 online articles for paying and non-paying readers of couriermail.com.au totalling just under 10,000-page views at an average dwell time of 1 minute • More than a dozen strawberry recipes
• T he campaign triggered television coverage of Senator Mark Furner's visit to Stanthorpe on Sky News Australia, and Taste editor Anooska Tucker-Evans discussed the campaign and the need to support the Queensland industry while being interviewed on 4BC radio.
ds were put in Back in September, our livelihoo g with punnets of jeopardy by the deliberate tamperin from our farms. fresh strawberries sent to market disappea red overnight Demand for fresh strawberries rs rightly chose across the country as our custome potentia l harm. to protect their loved ones from rry plants strawbe our But when people realised that fresh berries every day were still producing succulent “cut ‘em up, not cut and all that was needed was to simply incredib le. ‘em out” the wave of support was at our farms with crates You gave us hope by turning up fruit and share it with and boxes and bags to buy our ity. You demanded your neighbours and your commun selling our fruit again. that your local superma rket start and raised money And, many of you got out there of need. to give us direct aid in our hour
one of you we thank you.
To every last suppliers thank you. Our families thank you. Our staff and rries across Queensland. From all the growers of fresh strawbe
#berryloved
S U M M E R 2 019
AUSTRALIAN
B E RRY 48
JOURNAL
EDITION 1
Winter Activities
EARNED MEDIA cannot be bought or owned. It is earned when content you put out receives recognition through publication in a magazine or on another’s’ social media pages.
The winter season represents by far the larger proportion of strawberry volume for Queensland growers and 70% of the total marketing investment was dedicated to ensuring the season was well supported and that consumers were given positive messaging about strawberries across the season.
OWNED MEDIA communication channels that are within your control, such as your own website or social media pages. PAID MEDIA refers mostly to traditional advertising where you control the content and pay to display that through a recognised media channel like a TV advert or on an outdoor billboard.
With a view to a much longer-term activity, an experienced advertising agency was engaged to develop a new creative theme for strawberries that could be used across multiple seasons and be a platform to build upon for the future.
Earned The marketing team developed an earned media program which included a comprehensive communications messaging hierarchy. They commissioned Accredited Practicing Dietitian (APD) Lisa Yates to develop health messaging as a support to ensure full compliance with current legislation. The media program included a season media launch, tailored media pitching, farm familiarisation hosting the Sunrise TV show and influencer activity.
The goal was to create a distinctive and ownable positioning for strawberries that encapsulates what strawberries are all about; Rich red, super healthy, super happy, everyday snack With a core idea; Every day is a little more awesome with strawberries
The media launch event took place in Sydney at The Rooftop on Tuesday 9th July where 15 key media and influencers were invited to officially launch the Queensland strawberry season. Guests included Woman’s Day, Woolworths Fresh magazine and Australian Woman’s Weekly for lunch featuring a bespoke strawberry-inspired menu, strawberry grazing table, and presentations from Queensland strawberry grower Brendan Hoyle and Accredited Practising Dietician Lisa Yates.
The campaign used a selection of owned, earned and paid channels to spread the Strawesome message to consumers.
The marketing team hosted national breakfast program Sunrise at Taste ‘N See strawberry farm, which included a series of weather crosses (7 across the program), helping to take the audience on the strawberry journey from paddock to plate. The series of weather crosses allowed all key messages to be communicated – from seasonality, provenance, versatility and health – to its audience of over 500,000 people nationally.
49
Owned
Paid
The marketing team managed the Facebook and Instagram channels for Queensland Strawberries, leveraging the strong positive sentiment for growers and surrounding strawberry lovers with inspiring ways to enjoy them throughout the season.
There were three major groups of paid consumer advertising activity that took place in the winter campaign as well as consumer sampling and events. Outdoor supersite billboards in the Brisbane area on high traffic roads
They developed monthly calendars, posting twice per week, using owned recipes and images supported by curated content.
Digital billboards across high traffic outdoor locations in Brisbane Digital billboards inside Shopping Centres adjacent to major food retail stores across Sydney & Melbourne
They utilised an optimised Facebook and Instagram advertising strategy to ensure the right content was seen by the right people. Grower content and sweet recipe ideas drove the strongest engagement rates.
The purpose of the advertising was to achieve two key objectives: • A lert consumers that Queensland Strawberries were now in season and available
There were more than 1.19 million impressions delivered across Facebook and Instagram throughout the campaign.
• C ommunicate key motivating health messages in the Shopping Centres close to the point of purchase
S U M MA RY O F P R I N T, O N L I N E , RA D I O, T V & SO C I A L CO V E RAG E AC H I E V E D F RO M J U N E TO O C TO B E R 2019
Total clips:
361
S U M M E R 2 019
With thanks to a Queensland based logistics company – Fruithaul - a brand-new refrigerated trailer was sign written on both sides to match the Strawesome campaign. The truck was brought into service in early July 2019. This trailer is part of the interstate fleet which travels between Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne on a weekly basis throughout the year.
Total reach:
17, 794,209
AUSTRALIAN
B E RRY 50
JOURNAL
EDITION 1
Supporting the independent grocery sector
The programme included in-store point of sale posters, recipe leaflets and basket liners. In-store sampling activities took place in 55 stores with a dedicated sampling booth and staff uniform. The campaign was also supported through the social media channels operated for Your Local Fruit Shop.
In conjunction with Brisbane Markets, an activity was put in the best independent fruit shops and grocery stores across southeast Queensland across August and September. The purpose of the activity was to:
Supporting Strawberry events
• encourage consumers to taste and purchase Queensland grown strawberries from their local fruit shop
A number of local Strawberry festivals and events were supported with merchandise and signage to reinforce the Strawesome message and bring a sense of coherence to the activities for consumers.
• e ducate consumers on different ways to enjoy strawberries • e ncourage the growth of consumer confidence in Queensland grown strawberries
All of this activity was funded by the Restoring Consumer Confidence grant provided by the Queensland Government through the Department of Agriculture. The Queensland Strawberry Growers Association would like to thank the Queensland Government for their continued support on behalf of everyone involved in the Queensland Strawberry Industry.
51
ALL
BEST SUPER FUND MANAGER
BEST FEATURE
Farm Health Assessments We partner with growers to maximise production, profitability and sustainability. We conduct farm inspections to target improvements in plant health, irrigation, nutrition, pest and disease. We report solutions for future gains in yield and fruit quality. Get a Farm Health Assessment done today and start:
www.agrihort.com.au SHANE SINGH (B Rur Sc)
M: 0428 674 655 E: shane@agrihort.com.au
ABGA Voluntary Levies Support Your Industry to Support You!
The ABGA runs a voluntary levy program, vital to the development of the industry. Why should I pay the voluntary levy?
How do I pay the levy?
T he voluntary levies fund all of the essential activities that contribute to the growth of our blueberry industry. Activities include, but are not limited to:
Follow the steps below: 1. Prepare a statement with the following information
• P rotecting the industry via the development and implementation of the Code of Conduct
– Grower Name – Quarter and dates (e.g. Q2 1st Oct - 31st Dec 2019) – Number of kg fruit sold in that quarter – Amount of levy being paid – Indicate if your agent deducts your levies (if so, include name of agent)
• A chieving export protocol into Japan – expected in 2020
2. Email the statement to
• P rogressing applications for market access to China and other countries
Vic Szabo who will send you an invoice for payment: vicszabo@berries.net.au
• G rowing the domestic market through marketing campaigns and promotions • R esearch and development into registered chemicals and Integrated Pest Management as well as Integrated Disease Management programs
• Funding our Industry Development Officer
3. Pay your levy to the ABGA account
• Funding our Executive Director and Project Officer • C ommunication and engagement with members – industry journal, e-news, website, conference
Account name: Australian Blueberry Growers’ Association Bank: Westpac BSB: 033 107 | Account: 181 471 Reference: GROWER NAME and Financial Quarter (e.g. “Joe Bloggs Q2 levy”)
• P romoting positive industry stories and addressing negative media • P roviding our contribution to Hort Innovation under the Collective Industry Fund which is matched with equal funding used for various industry projects as determined by the Blueberry Strategic Industry Advisory Panel
y agent deducts levies — M what do I need to do?
How much levy do I have to pay?
Send Vic Szabo a statement as per step 1 above. She will then check that the agent has paid the levy. Email the statement to vicszabo@berries.net.au.
Levies are paid at a rate of $0.05/kg fruit sold.
When do I pay the voluntary levy?
What about confidentiality of the information provided?
L evies are payable once every financial quarter, see table below for applicable dates:
Any information provided will be kept confidential.
Quarter
Period Covered
Payable by
Q1
1 Jul – 30 Sep
31 Oct
I need help, who do I contact?
Q2
1 Oct – 31 Dec
31 Jan
Q3
1 Jan – 31 Mar
30 Apr
Q4
1 Apr – 30 Jun
31 July
Contact: Vic Szabo who will assist. Email: vicszabo@berries.net.au Phone: 0490 092 273
53
As a Priva Full Service Partner, we are more than just their Australian installer! We have extensive knowledge in greenhouse technologies, and can provide tailored customer solutions for all your horticultural projects. We specialise in project management, hardware/software engineering and ongoing support/ aftercare. Powerplants has 6 Priva trained and certified technicians available, so continuity is guaranteed.
Powerplants is the exclusive Australian dealer for Priva Priva Dealer & Partner - Authorized Service Provider - 24/7 Tech Support
www.powerplants.com.au Follow Us
/poweplantsaustralia
03 8795 7750
@powerplantsaust
/user/powerplantsaustralia
B L U E B E R R I E S
Optimising pollination in protected cropping environments Melinda Simpson, Berry Industry Development Officer, NSW Department of Primary Industries
Berries will receive a pollination boost under a new research project that investigates novel technology and practices for optimising pollination in protected cropping environments. NSW DPI will conduct field experiments to understand how floral resources vary with environmental conditions and across different blueberry cultivars used in Australian production systems. This will involve a detailed study of floral biology, including nectar concentration and secretion patterns and pollen production in flowers. In conjunction, Plant and Food Research Australia and the University of New England will investigate how floral resource variation affects pollinator visiting rates, flower visiting behaviour, fruit set and berry quality. These findings will increase our understanding of how protected cropping can affect pollinator behaviour and fruit set, both directly and indirectly.
The grant is managed by Hort Innovation and was awarded under Round 4 of the Rural R&D for Profit program by the Department of Agriculture and aims to advance knowledge by pioneering new mechanical pollination methods and by improving the performance of honey bees under covers. The project will involve a number of key government, research and industry partners including NSW Department of Primary Industries, Plant and Food Research Australia, The University of New England, Seed Purity, the University of Tasmania, University of Adelaide, seed companies, and fruit growers. A large component of the project will focus on improving pollination in berries grown under protected covers.
The research team will also work with industry partners to compare pollinator behaviour and pollination success in response to different cover materials, netting varying in thread colour and quad size, and to develop methods to improve the performance of honey bees under these covers. The latter may be achieved by manipulation of the honey bee hives and/or the covered environment. The results of this research will be used to inform best practice guidelines to optimise honey bee foraging and pollination in production systems reliant on using protective covers.
The overall objective of the berry component of the project is to identify factors that affect honey bee hive health, their foraging behaviour, and their pollination services under protective crop covers and subsequently to develop best practices for using honey bees in these environments. This will be achieved by working in collaboration with bee keepers and growers through in-orchard research trials throughout NSW.
This project is being delivered by Hort Innovation – with support from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture as part of its Rural R&D for Profit program – and NSW Department of Primary Industries, Plant and Food Research Australia, The University of New England, The University of Tasmania, University of Adelaide, and multiple industry partners.
55
B L U E B E R R I E S
Managing blueberry rust in a cool climate Michele Buntain & Karen Barry, Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture
Blueberry rust is caused by the fungus Thekopsora minima. In Tasmania, blueberry rust is confined to a small number of properties in the north of the state and is being managed under a regulated containment program. Preventing blueberry rust infection is a key to limiting the spread of this disease. The key steps in preventing blueberry rust infection include good farm biosecurity and applying crop management practices that reduce the risk of infection. KEY POINTS
Where does blueberry rust come from?
• Blueberry rust is spread by wind, carried on people, plants and equipment. • Prepare a farm biosecurity plan to manage the movement of people, plants and equipment both onto and within your orchard. • Become familiar with blueberry rust symptoms and monitor your crop regularly. • Blueberry rust spore production and infection is favoured by humid conditions, temperatures between 19° and 25°C and may be triggered by rain. • Reduce humidity within the orchard by pruning to create an open canopy, good alleyway and edge management. • Apply crop protectants using a suitable product, timing and application technique to prevent infection. • Protect young leaves as these are most susceptible to blueberry rust.
Blueberry rust can exist exclusively on blueberries from season to season, especially if blueberries retain their leaves over winter. Internationally, alternative hosts include members of the rhododendron family and Gaylussacia spp. (Huckleberry). Blueberry rust can also complete it’s lifecycle on the alternate host (Tsuga sp.) particularly in cool climates. Tsuga are a group of conifers common in the Northern United States and Canada, but less common in Australia. Infected Tsuga needles can go on to reinfect blueberries in the spring. In Australia blueberry rust has never been detected on alternative hosts. Similarly, in Tasmania, detections of rust in the past have only been on blueberry plants. It is not known whether the rust occurs on any alternate hosts in Tasmania so crop management is based around prevention of infection from spores produced on blueberry plants.
How is blueberry rust spread? I F YO U S U S P E C T YO U H AV E B L U E B E R RY R U ST
The disease is spread via spores carried by wind from infected plants, directly by people wearing contaminated clothing, equipment that has been in contact with infected blueberries or by introducing infected plants.
D O N OT D I ST U R B O R M O V E T H E P L A N T P L E AS E P H O N E B I O S E C U R I T Y TASM A N I A O N
(03) 6165 3777 S U M M E R 2 019
AUSTRALIAN
B E RRY 56
JOURNAL
EDITION 1
Blueberry rust symptoms
Whilst good shelter is beneficial for blueberry productivity, some airflow through the canopy can help prevent disease. Keeping the inter-row alleyways mown and free of tall weeds is good practice for reducing humidity in the blueberry canopy. High density plantings may favour disease development.
• B lueberry rust first appears as small yellow leaf spots on the upper surface of young leaves. As the disease progresses these areas turn rust brown coloured and can be surrounded by a yellow halo. (Figure 1) • Y ellow-orange powdery rust pustules develop on the underside of leaves (Figure 2)
Prevention is better than cure Preventing rust with crop protectants relies on good timing, using an effective product and thorough coverage by good application technique. Once blueberry rust symptoms are obvious, management is more difficult due to the rapid production of large numbers of spores.
• The telial stage (not yet observed in Tasmania) may occur at the end of the growing season and appears as dark coloured crusts on underside of leaves
Timing is everything Young leaves are most vulnerable to rust infection. Rain events appear to trigger the release of spores and also favour infection by increasing the humidity. Mild temperatures favour blueberry rust spore production and infection with temperatures in the range 19° to 25°C being highly favourable. Time the application of protection measures, such as fungicides, to protect young leaf material when the forecast is for conditions that favour infection. If conditions are very dry or cold then the risk is lower than if conditions are humid, wet and mild.
Best product — good coverage Figure 1. (LEFT) Top side of leaf with blueberry rust Figure 2. (RIGHT) Underside of leaf with blueberry rust pustules Images courtesy Tasmanian DPIPWE & NSW DPI
There are three ways you can find up to date information about chemicals that are currently registered or permitted for use on your crop:
How can I prevent blueberry rust infection?
1. Visit the free APVMA public search portal https://portal.apvma.gov.au/pubcris
The first step to prevention is to have a good farm biosecurity plan. Resources: Farm biosecurity and National blueberry biosecurity plan. Blueberry Orchard Hygiene Guidelines published by the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries (DPIPWE) provides a good starting point. Crop management practices that help prevent blueberry rust infection can include cultural, chemical and biological practices.
2. Purchase an annual subscription to the Infopest service ($55) which combines AgVet chemical information online infopest.com.au 3. Contact your Industry Development Officer Crop protectants can only be effective when they are applied at the right rate, in the right conditions, with suitable equipment to get good coverage. Contact your local TAFE for courses on horticultural spray application.
Cultural management
utas.edu.au/tia
High humidity and leaf wetness favour blueberry rust infection. Pruning to create an open canopy can help leaves dry faster and reduce the humidity within the bush.
57
your blend for life “They don’t just deliver reliable substrate, they add value too.” I have no problems when it comes to cultivating outdoors. With the strong and reliable substrate specifically developed for me by Legro, I get optimal performance from my crop. For me, it is of high importance to work with a company you can trust. So if that’s what you’re looking for, I’d say contact Legro. Leon Driessen, Driesvenplant B.V., customer Legro
T +61 (0)3 9555 5267 | info.aus@legrogroup.com
www.legrogroup.com
B L U E B E R R I E S
New interim fertiliser guidelines for Australian blueberry growers Dr Sophie Parks, Senior Research Scientist (Plant Physiology), NSW Department of Primary Industries The Clean Coastal Catchments project is funded under the NSW Government's Marine Estate Management Strategy. The ten-year Strategy was developed by the NSW Marine Estate Management Authority to coordinate the management of the marine estate.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has released new interim guidelines for fertiliser use in the blueberry industry to address the current lack of appropriate information for Australian growers. Better matching of fertiliser application to crop needs will help keep nutrients on farm, benefiting both productivity and profitability. More efficient fertiliser application can reduce the risk of excess nutrients ending up in farm run off and polluting water quality in creeks and rivers and the marine estate.
“However, the nitrogen requirements for blueberry crops also depend on other factors such as the season, the stage of growth, and the soil type, and the combined impact of these factors is not well understood for crops grown on the mid-north Coast of NSW and more northerly regions,” said Dr Parks.
NSW DPI now recommends the application of no more than 100 to 121 kg of nitrogen per hectare per annum, in mature crops of fertigated blueberries grown in soil with a plant density of approximately 3500 plants per hectare.
Research currently being undertaken by the Clean Coastal Catchments (CCC) project is investigating the nitrogen needs for Southern Highbush grown as an evergreen crop, particularly in the Coffs Harbour and Central Coast regions of NSW.
The revised recommendation is less than the rate previously recommended by DPI in 2006, and is based on the most recent evidence for nutrient requirements for the Northern Highbush blueberry variety, from US researchers Vargus and Bryla, where nitrogen is applied annually as urea through fertigation.
Further modifications will be incorporated into the DPI’s blueberry fertiliser guidelines as the farm and pot trials progress. The CCC research will gather more detailed data on how nitrogen is taken up by the plant and how nutrients are lost from the blueberry growing system, looking closely at associations with growth phase and climate.
The new DPI guidelines have been compiled by Senior Research Scientist, Dr Sophie Parks.“These are interim guidelines aimed at allowing industry to provide feedback on their suitability,” explained Dr Parks. Given the lower nitrogen requirement of Southern Highbush and Rabbiteye types compared with Northern Highbush (Bryson et al., 2014), the new guidelines recommend the optimum rate of nitrogen for Southern Highbush and Rabbiteye is less than 100 kg of nitrogen per hectare per annum applied through fertigation.
For more information contact Dr Sophie Parks Senior Research Scientist (Plant Physiology) NSW Department of Primary Industries 0419 198 295 | sophie.parks@dpi.nsw.gov.au References Bryson, G. M., Mills, H. A., Sasseville, D. N., Jones Jr, J. B., & Barker, A. V. (2014). Plant analysis handbook III: A guide to sampling, preparation, analysis and interpretation for agronomic and horticultural crops. Inc. Athens, GA, USA. Vargas, O. L., & Bryla, D. R. (2015). Growth and fruit production of highbush blueberry fertilized with ammonium sulfate and urea applied by fertigation or as granular fertilizer. HortScience, 50(3), 479-485.
59
B L U E B E R R I E S
Managing your spray in blueberries Melinda Simpson, Berry Development Officer, NSW Department of Primary Industries
A new industry standard for water volumes when spraying in blueberries has been developed. 2. Adjust your spray water volume to match different canopies
Effective and efficient spray application is important for blueberry production. Spray liquid (concentration) and sprayer air outputs (coverage) need to be matched to different bush targets to deliver an effective chemical dose with sufficient target coverage. Timely and economic spraying is a trade‑off between travel speeds and spray volumes to maximise spraying work rates without compromising target penetration and coverage. There are three basic rules to sprayer setup and spray optimisation:
Dilute spray volume is required to calculate the correct amount of chemical to be applied to cover the canopy. Mixing the right concentration is just as important as determining the water volume required. An industry standard for water volumes in blueberries is presented in Figure 2. Chemical application rate is dependent on spray water volume (when using the per 100 L water rate) and spray water volume is dependent on crop canopy volume.
1. Direct the spray output towards the target canopy
or example, the total amount of Indoxacarb per F hectare will vary when applied to different canopy volumes (Table 1). If spray water volumes are not matched to crop canopy volumes (i.e. less water than industry standard), chemical application rates should be adjusted (i.e. using a concentration factor) to achieve the same dose. Using these water volumes and the per 100 L label rate will achieve the most desirable amount of chemical per leaf area. Water sensitive paper should be used to verify these volumes and coverage.
The main problem with spraying is failing to hit the target. To assess your spray output, park the sprayer in a block to be treated. Look at which nozzles should be turned on and what proportion of the output is directed to the different bush zones (Figure 1). Adjust nozzles as required for better coverage and use water sensitive paper (Figure 3) to help you assess the coverage.
Table 1. The amount of Indoxacarb per ha (17 g/100 L) varies when applied to different canopy volumes. Canopy Size
Water volume (L/ha)
Product (g)
Small
450
76.5
Medium
650
110.5
Large
850
114.5
Figure 1. Croplands Quantum mister sprayer in blueberries. Note the angle of the setup to allow optimum coverage. Photo Credit: Melinda Simpson
S U M M E R 2 019
AUSTRALIAN
B E RRY 60
JOURNAL
EDITION 1
Indicative plant volume m3 Indicative L/ha (for Indicative volume plant volume m3 3.5m row spacing) Indicative volume L/ha (for 3.5m row spacing)
750 to750 850toL/ha 850 L/ha
3 3.5m33.5m to 8.0m to38.0m3
550 to550 650toL/ha 650 L/ha
3 3 0.35m0.35m to 3.4m to33.4m3
350 to350 450toL/ha 450 L/ha
Small Small 3 3 3 0.1m30.1m to 0.34m to 0.34m
Large Large
Medium Medium
Figure 2. Different canopy volumes will require different water volumes. Photo Credit: Melinda Simpson
3. Penetrate the target by matching air output volumes to travel speed, canopy density and wind conditions Effective penetration is achieved by proper air movement at the correct fan and travel speeds. Poor coverage and excessive drift can occur when fan speeds are too high, blasting the droplets through the canopy. Poor coverage can also occur when the operator is driving too fast, causing improper air displacement. This prevents droplets from reaching the inner areas of the canopy.
Figure 3. 85 droplets per square centimetre provides best coverage. Photo Credit: Sprayers 101
Using water sensitive paper Water sensitive paper (Figure 3) is an effective and economical way to monitor spray distribution. To test your coverage, place six pieces of water sensitive paper per plant, locating them on the top, middle and bottom and on the underside and top of the leaf surface, for multiple plants along a row. Generally, 85 fine– medium‑sized droplets per square centimetre, with about 15% total surface coverage, should be adequate for most foliar applications. Be prepared to make changes to your sprayer calibration to compensate for plant height, canopy density and weather conditions throughout the season. Using water sensitive paper takes some time and effort but is far more accurate than 'shoulder‑checks' and lead residue.
Nozzles and droplet sizes There is a trade‑off between droplet size, spray drift and chemical coverage. The smaller the droplet, the greater the risk of spray drift but the better the coverage will be. Larger droplets will reduce spray drift but coverage will not be as effective (however, a good, low drift wetting agent can overcome this). Rules of thumb with nozzles: • H ollow cone nozzles produce smaller droplets and less size range than solid cone nozzles • W ide angle nozzles produce smaller droplets than narrow angle nozzles • L ower output nozzles produce smaller droplets than higher output nozzles
61
Acknowledgements
Larger droplets are preferable when spraying near sensitive areas (always follow the label recommendations). Combining large droplet size and a wetting agent will significantly reduce the risk of off‑target drift. Some product labels state the size of the nozzle required and/or nominated buffer zones; both must be followed.
Special thanks to Gaius Leong and George Mittasch from OzGroup Coop and Matt Moyle from Nufarm for their tireless efforts in helping to determine the water volumes for different sized blueberry plants and for developing a standard for the industry. Spray equipment and support was graciously provided by the OzGroup Coop's growers.
Calibration is an efficiency tool often overlooked and under‑used by many growers. Over time, all nozzles suffer from wear and tear, causing their orifices to get bigger, increasing the desired or calibrated output. Uneven wear can cause poor spray patterns and poor control; both potentially causing crop damage. Regular sprayer calibration throughout the season based on bush growth will give greater spraying accuracy.
quipment and support was graciously provided by the OzGroup Coop's growers.
For best results, calibrate your spray unit at the end of the growth phase (February – May depending on variety). Regularly cleaning nozzles improves delivery rates by removing debris build‑up (Figure 4).
Figure 4. Dirty Nozzles
BERRYQUEST IS BACK IN 2020 & WILL BE EVEN BIGGER THAN EVER! Coming to the Sunshine Coast in June 2020, BerryQuest will bring together like-minded people from every part of the berry supply chain, here and overseas.
“Traditionally, so many have viewed other growers as the competition. In today’s world, we all face the same farming challenges and we will find better solutions by being stronger together” Simon Dornauf, Chairman Of BerryQuest 2018
S U M M E R 2 019
AUSTRALIAN
B E RRY 62
JOURNAL
EDITION 1
BLUEBERRIES CAN GROW EVERYWHERE
These plants prefer cold temperatures and are resistant also to the most frigid ones (up to -30C°). However, there are also some varieties that tolerate hot temperatures.
WHY GROW BLUEBERRIES IN POTS?
Growing any variety of blueberries in pots guarantees a significant increase in production yield. The root system of this plant is spread and superficial, teherefore it does not require deep soil. Growing blueberries in pots, with an optimal mix of acidic soil, coco fibre and perlite, the soil structure is no more a problem. It is possible to set up a production facility everywhere and guarantee at the same time the best soil.
PHROL
T CON
FERTILIZERS AND NUTRIENTS CONTROL
ST ANDAGNATIO H N CON UMIDITY TRO L
WHY CHOOSE ERACLE POT TO GROW BLUEBERRIES?
To have a better control of the thirsty needs of the plant and to have a strong and healthy growth. The blueberry plant has a high water requirement. It is important for the soil always to have a certain percentage of humidity but also to avoid waterlogging. ERACLE pot guarantees perfect ventilation to the root system, avoiding saturation. The combination between eracle and a special substrate guarantees an optimal water dosage.
HEAVY DUTY CONTAINERS
HEAVY DUTY CONTAINERS WITH REINFORCED HANDLES
ERCOLE
FENICE BLACK POT
ERACLE POT
SQUARE POT
B L U E B E R R I E S
Expanding crop protection options for control of blueberry rust Melinda Simpson, Berry Development Officer, NSW Department of Primary Industries Michele Buntain, Horticulturist, Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture
The project specifically addresses issues of current concern for the Blueberry organic sector, but findings will also be relevant to conventional growers and blueberry growers in all states of Australia. Objective and aims
The key project output will be a minor use permit for a product which has been demonstrated as effective to control the rust and is safe to the crop. This will provide growers with additional options to reduce biosecurity risk and maintain crop productivity and market access.
The main objective is to improve industry access to crop protectants that will control blueberry rust effectively, especially products that are acceptable to organically-accredited growers. To achieve this objective, the aims are to: 1. R eview relevant crop protectants and select potential chemical and biological materials for trials 2. O btain data about the efficacy of crop protectants in preventing development of blueberry rust under controlled conditions after inoculation with an isolate of T. minima from Tasmania 3. O btain data about the efficacy of crop protectants under commercial production conditions in NSW in which blueberry rust develops according to seasonal conditions 4. O btain crop safety and residue data for one of the non-biological crop protectants, if trials identify a product with high efficacy and suitable for organic blueberry production 5. A pply for minor use permits for the selected nonbiological crop protectant and up to three biological materials with demonstrated efficacy 6. E ngage with Biosecurity Tasmania to review containment protocols based on new information, to ensure organic producers have a range of options.
Rust on leaves (left) and Rust lesions on a green blueberry (right) rust on ripe blueberries (bottom) Photo Credit: Rosalie Daniel
S U M M E R 2 019
AUSTRALIAN
B E RRY 64
JOURNAL
EDITION 1
Research activities
PLANTS AVAILABLE NOW!
A. Selection of crop protectants for trials
A thorough review will be conducted on all conventional and organic crop protection options for rust diseases. The review will include published studies and reports which include credible scientific data. Those products with most suitability, which are already registered for use in Australia on other crops, will be selected for trials.
Excess stock in some commercial varieties ready to plant out.
B. Controlled-environment trials in Tasmania
Controlled trials will be conducted within the current regulations of disease containment required in Tasmania. All trial-related activities will take place within the Approved Quarantine Premises owned by Peracto Pty Ltd. Spore suspensions will be prepared within the laboratory in the facility, and fungicide trials in the approved plant growth room. The first trial will be designed with at least six replications applied fortnightly. Plants will be inoculated with T. minima spores at a suitable concentration and coverage to ensure disease development in the control plants. Plants will be assessed for efficacy of disease control by recording disease symptom development to obtain “area under disease progress curves” and rust pustule counts.
Contact Joel at plants@moonblue.com.au or on 0427 578 813 to discuss your requirements. Download an order form from our website for quick and easy ordering.
C. Trials in NSW
Our website has full variety descriptions
Pot trials under field conditions will be conducted at the NSW DPI Wollongbar Primary Industries Institute, where the rust pathogen occurs in the region. Each trial will require 3 months of fortnightly product application and disease assessment under conditions of natural infection. Trials will be assessed for efficacy of disease control by recording disease symptom development at regular intervals, to obtain “area under disease progress curves” and pustule counts. The trial design will be based on findings from the controlled conditions trial (part B) and is likely to include treatments applied fortnightly.
moonblue.com.au having supplied the industry with blueberry plants for over thirty years, we can offer a large number of varieties both new and old including Southern and Northern Highbush and Rabbiteye types.
D. Obtain crop safety and residue data for one chemical crop protectant which is prioritised for permit application Field trials will be conducted in Tasmania (in the absence of the pathogen) to obtain crop safety and residue data for one chemical product identified in part B and C as the most efficacious. This project is due to start shortly and will run until October 2021. For further information, please contact Michele Buntain michele.buntain@utas.edu.au +61 3 6226 6353 | 0429 957 975
The Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture via the Tasmanian Government “Agricultural Innovation Fund” has received funding to evaluate a range of crop protectants to provide control of blueberry rust disease (caused by Thekopsora minima).
Moondarra Blueberries – Victoria, Australia
(03) 5165 3498 plants@moonblue.com.au
65
Inspection Systems | Metal Detectors | Checkweighers | Data Capture
PREVENT
PRODUCT
RECALL
REDUCE
PRODUCT GIVEAWAY
Includes A&D’s wide range of stand-alone or networked scale solutions that can reduce giveaway and increase packer speeds.
Talk to A&D today about how to reduce giveaway and improve product quality with our local range of In-line Inspection Systems. Locally stocked and supported in Australia.
1800 241 434 or visit: www.andweighing.com.au
• Powered by 17,408 graphics processors
• Able to process 2400 images of fruit per second
• 304,000,000,000,000 • Over 250,000 hand RTX operations per second labeled training images
Learn more about LUCAi™ and how BBC Technologies can optimise your packhouse efficiency, profitability, and fruit quality by contacting Joshua Miers-Jones by phone +64 210 221 7088 or by email to joshua.miersjones@bbctechnologies.com.
www.bbctechnologies.com www.bbctechnologies.com
GROW MORE WITH LESS™ Uniform and precise irrigation to increase Blueberry production Netafim, the global leaders in precision irrigation, have innovative irrigation technologies and service solutions to cover all Blueberry irrigation requirements. From planning and design, to agronomic support and advanced irrigation and fertigation products, Netafim help you produce higher quality yields every season, while saving water, fertilizer and labor costs. Want to know more? www.netafim.com.au au.net.info@netafim.com 03 8331 6500
B L U E B E R R I E S
Australian Blueberries Marketing Update Magnum & Co and Jane Richter The Australian Blueberry marketing campaigns and promotions are funded solely by the ABGA voluntary levy. If you are not currently a levy payer, SEE PAGE 53 to find out how you can contribute to the growth drivers of your industry.
Australian Blueberries has now been working with Magnum & Co for two seasons to support the growth objective of getting more people, buying more fresh blueberries, more frequently. OBJECTIVES
To build on the previous years’creative using Ivy-Mae, the campaign continued to use the imagery with an evolution of the advertising tagline to include more of a direct call to action.
In 2019, we wanted to continue to bring consumers along on a journey with us with the specific objectives of:
2 018
Growing awareness Mass reach keeping blueberries top of mind during the cluttered, peak season.
Growing consideration
2 019
Communicating benefits, reinforcing blueberries are so much more than just another fruit option.
Growing action Driving purchase consideration and action through tactically placed activities in key regions of Australia.
Growing loyalty & advocacy Driving consumption and perceived value up by increasing consumer facing activity, including creatively using the key emotional purchase driver of ‘wanting to support Australian farmers’.
69
What did the campaign include in the 2019-20 season? PAID ADVERTISING
SAMPLING EVENTS
TV advertising and digital health media advertising
Supermarket and event sampling to encourage consumer trial
SOCIAL MEDIA
DIGITAL AMBASSADORS
Driving awareness and action through owned channels – Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
Leveraging relevant social media users with influence to communicate our key messaging
DIGITAL MEDIA
EARNED MEDIA
Email marketing to our growing network of subscribers during the peak season
Traditional word-of-mouth and PR, including print and online publications
We grew our digital subscriber network considerably by offering interested consumers on our social media channels a downloadable Recipe Booklet when they subscribed via our website. Our electronic direct mail campaigns have then provided another means by which we have influenced the purchasing and consumption of fresh Australian blueberries.
Paid Advertising was placed in programmes relevant to our target audience on Foxtel and using the new media channel of Doctors surgeries and Pharmacy waiting areas – the perfect environment to communicate some of the awesome health benefits of fresh Australian blueberries. The first wave of advertising took place across the month of August and the second burst followed up for 3 weeks from 20th October.
In conjunction with our reusable Blueberry snack pot, we have generated significant trial through both outdoor events and supermarket sampling.
An extensive integrated social media campaign featuring messaging in the three content areas that performed so well in last years’ campaign; educating consumers about the health benefits of fresh Australian blueberries, building provenance knowledge via real grower stories and inspiring the use of Australian blueberries with simple yet stunning recipe content.
S U M M E R 2 019
AUSTRALIAN
Our digital ambassadors have provided a significant boost to the reach and credibility of our messaging – particularly with regard to the health research stories. We have continued to build on the existing relationships we have with key media to achieve extensive free coverage of our major messaging for the season.
B E RRY 70
JOURNAL
EDITION 1
What results have we achieved so far this season? 8.4 million Impressions Our content on Facebook has been seen 8,401,254 times
Over 6 million plays of our Health messaging in just the first burst in August
180K Interactions Over 180,000 unique people engaged (like, comment, shared) with our content
155% Uplift In sales following the supermarket sampling across 66 stores Visit www.australianblueberries.com.au & follow:
28K Clicks Over 28,000 unique users clicked on our content to visit the Australian Blueberries website
FACEBOOK-SQUARE Facebook.com/australianblueberries instagram Instagram.com/australianblueberries
In August, an emergency pitch was created in response to the very high supply and in just one week we achieved 20 pieces of media coverage with a combined opportunity to see of 5 million, 9 pieces of social media content which received 353,322 impressions and 3 additional pieces of influencer content with potential reach of 258,900.
71
The most trusted global blueberry harvesters Oxbo harvesters have proven to deliver fresh market quality fruit Oxbo 7440
Oxbo 8040
• High capacity onboard storage • Large picking tunnel • Easily customized harvester • Selective or Aggressive picking system
• Single drop system • Economical harvester • Easy to operate • Selective or Aggressive picking system
Contact Brian Foote for sales information at 1-360-961-4163 or bfoote@oxbocorp.com AUSTRALIAN
B E RRY
Oxbo harvesters have parts and service support in Australia. S U M M E R 2 019
JOURNAL
EDITION 1
www.oxbo.com
Clean Coastal Catchments: project update Melinda Simpson, Berry Development Officer, NSW Department of Primary Industries
Solitary Islands Marine Park The Clean Coastal Catchments (CCC) project is funded through the NSW Government’s Marine Estate Management Strategy to improve water quality for our ocean, estuaries, and coastal wetlands. CCC is working with intensive agricultural industries in key coastal areas to actively manage issues associated with production and land management that can potentially harm the marine estate. Specifically, for blueberries the project is focusing on:
Hort360 is owned on behalf of the industry by Growcom. The best management practice program uses a simple set of questions to collect your current horticultural farming practices and identifies individual areas for improvement by creating a clear objective and timeframe to work to.
On-ground works An incentivised on-ground works program specifically for mid north coast NSW blueberry growers has commenced. This program aims to address sediment and nitrogen/phosphorus losses from farms to coastal waterways by funding interventions such as fertigation and irrigation system efficiency upgrades, erosion control measures, ground cover establishment, and water treatment, reuse and recycling systems. Throughout this process a horticulture industry best management practice program (Hort360) focused on water and nutrient management efficiencies will be trialled. This program has proven to be environmentally beneficial in the Queensland Reef Rescue Program.
By identifying areas for improvement, it also creates business efficiencies and market opportunity. Hort360 is available to all horticulture growers in Australia – for more information visit hort360.com.au
73
Figure 1. Hort360 is a horticulture industry best management practice program. Photo Credit: Melinda Simpson, NSW DPI
Nutrition trials
Monitoring and demonstration sites
Construction has commenced of a new applied research facility at the NSW DPI Wollongbar Primary Industries Institute which will focus on identifying the optimum levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and irrigation water required to grow a blueberry crop in the NSW north coast environment. The aim of the facility is to supply blueberry producers with scientifically tested formulations and recommendations regarding the timing and amount of fertiliser application that more accurately matches crop demand for nutrients.
Three monitoring and demonstration sites have been set up and will be used to trace all pathways of nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment at a farm scale on blueberry and greenhouse vegetable sites in the Coffs Harbour region, which adjoins the Solitary Islands Marine Park. These sites will collect data over the mid-long term (3-8 years depending on future funding allocation) and will provide credible data over a series of seasons. These sites will contain interventions which will be designed to drive adoption of best practice water and nutrient management including: • F ully recycled substrate-based berry production which will test and refine practices on how to capture and recycle fertiliser solution run-off in blueberries (Corindi) • A re-use system which captures greenhouse vegetable nutrient run-off and reuses it in a controlled way into blueberry crops (Woolgoolga) • A state of the art ‘digital farm’ which will provide the grower with precise soil moisture and climate data via a localised weather station in order to apply the most efficient amount of water and nutrients via fertigation for crop productivity (Bucca)
Figure 2. Nutrition trials at Wollongbar Agricultural Institute Photo Credit: Diana Unsworth, NSW DPI
S U M M E R 2 019
AUSTRALIAN
B E RRY 74
JOURNAL
EDITION 1
Figure 3. Undertaking irrigation distribution uniformity and other irrigation assessments at the demonstration site. Photo Credit: Melinda Simpson, NSW DPI
Figure 4. Installing nutrition and irrigation monitoring equipment at one of the demonstration farms. Photo Credit: David Mitchell NSW DPI
Fertiliser Stewardship group A Fertiliser Stewardship group has been established to engage suppliers, retailers and advisers in the fertiliser supply chain with the aim of identifying, and where required, lifting the level of technical expertise and accuracy around fertiliser recommendations provided for growers. This is run in partnership with FertcareÂŽ, the national fertiliser stewardship accreditation program.
The Clean Coastal Catchments project is funded under the NSW Government's Marine Estate Management Strategy. The ten-year Strategy was developed by the NSW Marine Estate Management Authority to coordinate the management of the marine estate.
The CCC project will continue these initiatives through until the end of Stage One of the Marine Estate Management Strategy in June 2020. The second stage of the project under the Marine Estate Management Strategy is expected to roll out in July 2020 subject to funding.
75
R U B U S
‘Doreen’ to lend a helping hand in blackberry crops Michele Buntain, Horticulturist, Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture This project has been funded by Hort Innovation using the raspberry and blackberry research and development levy and funds form the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.
Redberry mite is a tricky pest of commercial blackberries, but it is not alone. Investigating redberry mite (RBM) has led Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture entomologist, Dr Steve Quarrell on a quest for better integrated pest management (IPM) in an industry which has doubled in size over the last two years. “If redberry mite numbers are low then it’s time to back off with pesticide use and give predators a chance to do their job. However, I am realistic and know that at times pesticide intervention is needed, we just have to be a bit smarter with our timing of predator releases around that”, he said.
Investigating redberry mite (RBM) has led Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture entomologist, Dr Steve Quarrell on a quest for better integrated pest management (IPM) in an industry which has doubled in size over the last two years. “The more we look into RBM management, the more we realise how much there is to learn about the whole blackberry production system,” he said. “It’s impossible to manage one pest in isolation of other pests and diseases, particularly with the impact of sucking pests such as mirids and green vegetable bugs on fruit quality”.
Monitoring in the 2018/19 season revealed very low numbers of RBM in commercial blackberry crops. This was great news for growers but can be a little tricky when this is the pest you are trying to research. Dr Quarrell said despite this, his team were able to come up with some encouraging results with the use of predatory mite releases in four blackberry crops, two in Victoria and two in Tasmania.
“When you intervene with pesticides for these, it is impacting the management of every other insect or mite in the crop and can undo all the good work you have achieved with beneficials if not managed carefully,” Dr Quarrell said.
“We released two predatory mites, Typhlodromalus lailae and Typhlodromus occidentalis on 3 dates through late spring to mid-summer, and again at the end of the season and monitored mite numbers including RBM, predators and other pest mites throughout the growing season. Over 2,000 fruit samples later, we found lower numbers of RBM and higher numbers of predators, particularly T lailae, in the release areas of all but one crop,” Dr Quarrell said. The big question still remaining is does RBM cause redberry disease symptoms and how many do you need to cause damage? With low RBM numbers in commercial crops, Dr Quarrell used wild blackberries as a test case.
The good news is that this seasons Tasmanian field trials at Costa Groups Dunorlan and Bengeo farms will investigate how a reduced pesticide program can be married with management of other blackberry pests and diseases. A new native predatory mite from Biological Services, Typhlodromus doreenae or ‘Doreen’ for short, will be introduced alongside existing predators this season. ‘Doreen’ is a quality choice, feeding on similar pest mites to RBM. Dr Quarrell said the key to any integrated approach that includes predators is monitoring.
S U M M E R 2 019
AUSTRALIAN
B E RRY 76
JOURNAL
EDITION 1
“There is definitely a positive relationship between redberry mite numbers and redberry disease, the more redberry mites there are, the more damage we observed on fruit. This season we will use a bigger sample size to get a more accurate figure of the numbers needed to initiate damage”, Dr Quarrell said. The complicating factor is that not all red drupelets are due to redberry mite and it can sometimes be a little tricky distinguishing which pest or physiological disorder is the culprit. “This season we found very few typical redberry mite symptoms, but quite a lot of damage due to sucking pests, most likely caused by mirids and green vegetable bugs. The drupelets for redberry mite stay hard whilst these looked punctured and soft.”
Steve Quarrell monitoring RBM
Steve sees the next challenge is finding alternatives to the non-selective pesticides used for sucking pests, or alternatively using pesticides more strategically or in trap crops which lure these pests away from the crop. “Ideally I would like to see if we could introduce a whole systems approach to pest management in Rubus crops and be a bit smarter in how we tackle sucking pests”, he said. Many thanks to fantastic support from Cindy Edwards (YV Fresh), Biological Services, Costa Group, Fairvew Hills, Blue Hills and Lanoma Estate. More information on this project – RB17000 – Integrated Pest Management of Redberry Mite, Acalitus essigi, on blackberries can be found on the TIA Redberry Mite project page at: www.utas.edu.au/tia/research/research-projects/projects/ red-drupelets-on-blackberries or by contacting project lead, Dr Stephen Quarrell on stephen.quarrell@utas.edu.au Collapsed blackberry drupelets likely caused by sucking insects
Unripe red drupelets with the appearance of redberry disease
77
R U B U S
Reducing the risk of Red Drupelet Reversion (RDR) Claire McCrory, Industry Development Officer (Rubus), Fruit Growers Tasmania
Rubus researcher and recent University of Tasmania graduate, Dr Max Edgley, has published his latest article in Scientia Horticulturae. This study concludes a series of field trials designed to assist the understanding of red drupelet reversion (or RDR), a postharvest physiological disorder in blackberries that causes drupelets on harvest fruit to turn from black to red. Physiological disorders are particularly tricky to study as there is no single causal pathogen involved, rather it’s a stress response from the fruit resulting from adverse conditions. What these unfavourable conditions are, and their interactions, are key to understanding if the physiological disorder presents or not. In the trial spanning two years on the ‘Ouachita’ blackberry, Dr Edgley tested the theory that warmer temperatures and high nitrogen fertiliser make the fruit more susceptible to mechanical injury causing cell damage, leading to RDR. Dr Edgley found that blackberries harvested during warmer weather were more likely to develop RDR. Specifically, fruit temperatures during harvest of more than 23°C were associated with higher incidence and severity of RDR. Temperature loggers and an IR temperature gun were used to monitor the conditions. Ambient air temperatures inside the poly tunnels were similar to the fruit skin temperatures in cooler conditions; but warmer than the ambient air under warmer conditions.
Red Drupelets close up. Photo Credit: Max Edgley Red drupelet reversion (or RDR), is one of the least understood post-harvest challenges in blackberry production. The disorder can present as single red drupelets to affecting whole fruit and can affect up to 50% of a crop. RDR is a problem for blackberry growers and retailers as it reduces the marketability and shelflife of the fruit.
S U M M E R 2 019
AUSTRALIAN
B E RRY 78
JOURNAL
EDITION 1
Dr. Edgley also found that berry mass was also significantly affected by RDR; whereby the larger the fruit, the more likely RDR will present. Larger fruit were more likely to be produced from the ‘high treatment’ nitrogen levels during earlier parts of the season. Small fruit of less than 6.3 grams are less likely to exhibit RDR. He also noted that the newer, larger fruit varieties may struggle to fit conventional packaging punnets and considerations may need to be given to new package design.
Publication of this article is timely for the Rubus season, where growers can reconsider the production practices of their blackberries in respect to managing their risk of RDR. Max Edgley collecting measurements Photo Credit: Michele Buntain
Recommendations from Dr. Edgley’s Nitrogen trial include:
The study determined fertiliser rates applied at ‘high N treatment’ of 212kg ha-1 across the season and during harvest resulted in an increase of incidence and severity of RDR. Whereas, the application ‘medium N treatment’ of 106 kg ha-1 did not hold the same consequences, and its level of RDR was similar to that of the 53 kg ha-1 ‘low N treatment’.
1. Determine N application rates considering the factors of your specific commercial setting 2. Use an IR gun to measure the surface temperature of the fruit. 3. Harvest fruit in the early morning, before fruit temperatures reach 23°C
Whilst, it’s acknowledged that the high rates of N fertilisation are unlikely in a commercial setting, it has established that there is a window where nitrogen fertiliser can be used productively; and identified a nitrogen level that will trigger the RDR disorder postharvest. Regarding the nitrogen fertilizer effects on yield, high N produced a 16% increase in yield in 2016 and 42% in 2017 compared to low N treatment. But, little yield gains were achieved over the medium N treatment in 2016.
Wider implications of this study include increasing the shelf-life of the fruit and producing a fresh fruit of more consistent nutrition and quality. With food waste statistics scoring highest for retail and the last-mile of the supply chain, this research will be valuable to farmers, consumers, markets and the environment.
This project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the raspberry and blackberry research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-forprofit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.
79
R U B U S
Raspberry & Blackberry Marketing Snapshot — 2018/19 Olivia Grey, Marketing Manager, Hort Innovation This content first appeared in Hort Innovation’s Raspberry and Blackberry Fund Annual Report 2018/19, available in full at www.horticulture.com.au/annual-report-portal.
Increasing the domestic per capita consumption of raspberries and blackberries by 40 per cent by 2021, supported by positive consumer perceptions of product value, is a key industry priority identified in the raspberry and blackberry industry’s Strategic Investment Plan. The 2018/19 marketing plan supported this priority by working to increase penetration through creating a value proposition for raspberries and blackberries where the key message was turning simple into super with fresh Aussie raspberries and blackberries.
Cinemagraph images are sometimes described as Harry Potter-like moving images, but they are actually a clever hybrid blend of photography and video. They contain quite subtle motion that plays in a short and never-ending loop, while all the rest of the image remains still. The motion highlights a few seconds from the video, blending it seamlessly into the still photo.
Key activities were targeted at main grocery buyers 25 to 54 years of age and young ‘transitionals’, 25 to 35 years of age. There was a focus on driving awareness of seasonality, educating consumers about the super health benefits, inspiring everyday usage occasions and building consumer confidence through product education.
Content creation
In addition, clinical nutritionist Nadia Felsch was engaged to review the existing health messages for raspberries and blackberries, to translate these messages for a consumer audience and to develop compelling health content to leverage via PR and social media. Nadia delivered key health messages via a media event and also shared health messages plus a simple berry yoghurt recipe creation on her social media channels.
Food stylist and recipe developer Megann Evans was engaged to produce recipes for use across the Australian raspberries and blackberries owned and earned platforms. Megann created 11 different recipes and corresponding stop-motion and cinemagraph images. Megann also shared these images on her own channels to her engaged audience of followers.
Through both ambassadors posting berries content on their channels, there were some 60,000 opportunities for people to see raspberry and blackberry content and messaging.
S U M M E R 2 019
AUSTRALIAN
B E RRY 80
JOURNAL
EDITION 1
Public relations (PR) The PR strategy for raspberries and blackberries was to extend the reach of paid advertising and promotions to earned coverage across traditional media, social media, and blogs. It sought to inspire the use of raspberries and blackberries for different occasions, and to educate consumers about the health benefits of berries. In February 2019 a major media event was held at Sydney’s Hatted Restaurant Banksii, where Head Chef Hamish Ingham drove home the ‘from simple to super’ messaging. Sixteen media and influencers enjoyed a three-course berry inspired meal by Hamish; were given media kits which included a berry fact sheet, berry recipe card, grazing platter and berry pairing tips; and were invited to make their own grazing board on the day to share on social media and take home. Nutritionist Nadia Felsch attended the event to share the health messaging of berries, while influencer Megann Evans demonstrated how to create the ‘berry best’ grazing board. Content from the day, including Hamish’s recipes, appeared across owned and earned channels for Australian raspberries and blackberries. These activities generated coverage with a reach of 7.4 million, exceeding the KPI of 4 million, with 59 pieces of coverage secured across media, including top tier outlets and social channels. Highlights included features within Woman’s Day, BW Magazine, that’s life! and Body & Soul.
FACEBOOK-SQUARE Facebook.com/lovefreshberries
18,545 INSTAGRAM
instagram Instagram/freshaussieberries
379
81
Across 60 Coles and 60 Woolworths stores in February and March, customers sampled raspberries filled with yoghurt, and yoghurt topped with blackberries and coconut. Product brochures were handed out with each sample to reinforce both recipe inspiration and health information. More than 16,600 samples were consumed and over 22,000 shoppers were exposed to the product, helping to drive a seven per cent uplift in units sold within Woolworths stores where sampling occurred (based on Quantium data).
Social media activity is a cost-efficient way to reach consumers, and to ‘keep a finger on the pulse’ in terms of how people are using raspberries and blackberries, answer any questions they have, and to give people an opportunity to simply share their love of fresh berries. The role of social media in the marketing program is to help remind shoppers and consumers of the benefits of fresh raspberries and blackberries through compelling content. The 2018/19 social strategy focused on leveraging Facebook to keep Australian raspberries and blackberries top of mind and with one in three Australians using Instagram on a daily basis, 2019 saw the launch of the @freshaussieberries Instagram channel. On Facebook, the audience responded best to grower tips including storage info, beautiful berry imagery with nutritional information and indulgent but well-known dessert recipes such as pavlovas, cheesecakes and layered cakes.
Further sampling of fresh raspberries was also conducted across four Costco stores. Across all stores there was a 100 per cent sales uplift (measured on the same day the week prior to the demo) and consumers provided positive feedback...
Over the course of the campaign, the Facebook page achieved 1.1 million opportunities for people to see the content (doubling the KPI of 500,000) and an average engagement rate of 11 per cent (exceeding the KPI of 6%).
Love the taste, great value for money. Great for a healthy snack. Good price, love the flavour, they look amazing.
The @freshaussieberries Instagram page was used to promote messaging around taste, storage, selection, nutrition and availability. Recipes such as baked goods and grazing platters performed well and the use of ‘Instagram Stories’ and cinemagraphs were effective at driving reach across the platform. The page achieved 589,000 opportunities for people to see berry content (exceeding the KPI of 250,000) and delivered over 60,000 engagements (likes and comments).
Consumer surveys were conducted in a handful of Coles and Woolworths stores where sampling occurred to help understand the consumers’ perceptions of the sample, and whether it had a positive influence on intent to purchase.
Influencers
A total of 500 shoppers participated, and overall respondents had a positive reaction to the products. Some 79 per cent indicated they were likely to buy the product after trying a sample and over 95 per cent of respondents rated the quality ‘very good’ or ‘good’.
Throughout the 2018/19 marketing campaign there was a partnership with TRIBE, an influencer platform, to connect with micro-influencers. This was an effective way to create campaign content, drive audience reach for berries, and grow the new Instagram account in a short amount of time.
Positive consumer feedback included that the sampled products were “A great way for kids to eat berries” and after trying blackberries “I normally buy raspberries but will now get one of each.”
TRIBE influencers were asked to share their best fresh berries dish taking something simple to super. In total, 13 creator posts provided over 674,000 opportunities for people to see the content and achieved over 24,900 engagements (likes and comments).
Indicated areas for improvement included larger punnet sizes, affordability and shelf life. Comments included “I love these, but I prefer them when they are below $4” and “They do not keep very long, that’s why I prefer to buy them frozen”
In-store sampling The objective of in-store sampling was to demonstrate the ways in which fresh raspberries and blackberries can be incorporated into snacking and different meal occasions to increase purchase frequency, and to drive visibility and conversion at point of purchase.
S U M M E R 2 019
AUSTRALIAN
B E RRY 82
JOURNAL
EDITION 1
A D V E R T I ON RDI UA SL T CR YO N T E N T
Working through tough times Article excerpt provided by SuperFriend
Major events like relationship break-ups or the death of a loved one can be life-changing. However, if an entire community goes through a challenging period, such as the droughts and bushfires we’re currently seeing, we need to work together as a community to lighten the load for each other. Shared experience provides the opportunity for communities to come together in a way they may not do so otherwise. It is this connectedness that benefits our community and there are ways we can all encourage this connection, as a protective layer against the feeling of helplessness and despair. If someone is doing it really tough – ask how you can help Experiences that aren’t within our control often leave people feeling powerless. Something that can help a friend, neighbour or member of your community to restore some sense of control in their life is to ask their permission for anything that you do. This will also allow them to direct you to the most effective way you could provide support. The act of giving support to someone else is also one of the proven ways to improve your own wellbeing. Give yourself permission to feel how you feel Feelings of loss and sadness – even if they are not your own – can challenge us personally, as it is natural to share the pain of others. These feelings are completely normal at any time, and even
S U M M E R 2 019
more so during difficult circumstances. Your experience will be as unique as you are and there is no right or wrong way to go through trying times. Give yourself permission to feel how you feel and remind yourself that it will get easier. Know what to do when you’re not feeling good Not feeling good is your trigger to pick up the phone, text or go and visit someone you know. Even a short chat can bring us back to the present moment and away from feelings of worry. Everyone will have different coping mechanisms, so it’s important to know what yours are. Often people find that doing something practical gets them out of their heads. Practising mindfulness using an app like Smiling Mind or Headspace can get you ready for those times you need to focus on the present rather than dwelling on the past or future. Care for yourself Sometimes it can be tough to help others. It can leave us feeling tired, sad or low. It’s as important to care for yourself as it is to care for those around you. An important part of this is knowing what your limits are. We all have limits to our time, our energy and our skills. By knowing the limit of what you can do, and by not going beyond that limit, you can avoid doing damage to yourself and the other person. Find support when you need it The mental health sector has developed excellent resources which collate helpful information around how to cope with natural disasters. We would encourage anyone impacted by the bushfires to
AUSTRALIAN
familiarise yourself with these materials if you have an opportunity to do so. Learn from the experts SuperFriend is Sunsuper’s workplace wellbeing partner and together we support employers to build mentally healthy workplaces for their staff. Visit superfriend.com.au and head to the ‘Resource’ section to download a number of free resources including ‘Building Thriving Workplaces’ booklet SUPPORT
KEY NATIONAL 24/7 CRISIS SUPPORT SERVICES: Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au Lifeline 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au MensLine Australia 1300 789 978 www.mensline.org.au Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 www.beyondblue.org.au Kids Helpline 800 55 1800 www.kidshelpline.com.au Headspace www.headspace.org.au ReachOut au.reachout.com
This article has been prepared and issued by Sunsuper Pty Ltd ABN 88 010 720 840, AFSL No. 228975, the Trustee and issuer of the Sunsuper Superannuation Fund ABN 98 503 137 921. Sunsuper is not a mental health service or employee wellbeing consultant and does not provide clinical advice or professional services. We’ve put this information together as general information only and as such it EDITION 1 J Oorganisation’s U R N A L objectives, doesn’t take into account your situation or needs, or those of your employees. You should get professional advice before relying on this information.
B E RRY
Please edit a little more if possible
83
GET TO KNOW YOUR REPRESENTATIVES PETER MCPHERSON Peter McPherson has been General Manager of the Costa Berry Category (formerly known as Berry Exchange and Blueberry Farms of Australia - BFA) since 1986. His vast experience managing large-scale horticultural operations has played a key role in the steady growth and success of Costa's berry operations. In July 2016 he was elevated to the position of General Manager – Berry International. Peter has been instrumental in the successful expansion of the berry business internationally, including blueberry operations in Morocco, the establishment of Costa China operations, and the expansion of company blueberry genetics licensing around the globe. Complementing his commitment to Costa’s berry business is Peter’s passion for product and industry improvement. Peter sits on many company and industry boards. For many years he held the role of Treasurer for both the Australian Blueberry Growers Association (ABGA) and the International Blueberry Organisation (IBO), and in September 2016, he was honoured to be elected President of the IBO.
Peter McPherson, Chair, General Manager – Costa Berry International 0418 666 651 | peter.mcpherson@costagroup.com.au
BLUEBERRIES
STRAWBERRIES
AUSTRALIAN BLUEBERRY GROWERS ASSOCIATION
STRAWBERRIES AUSTRALIA
RASPBERRIE& BLACKBERRIES RASPBERRIES & BLACKBERRIES AUSTRALIA
ANDREW BELL 0422 234 124 andrew@mountainblue.com.au
SIMON DORNAUF 0408 681 206 simon@hillwoodberries.com.au
ANTHONY POINER 0412 010 843 anthony@smartberries.com.au
Andrew is the Managing Director of Mountain Blue — a diversified blueberry company, comprising a genetics company, farming operations, commercial nursery and a marketing company. Mountain Blue has significant farming operations, along with a network of third-party growers around Australia that grow genetics owned by Mountain Blue.
The Dornauf family has been farming in the Meander Valley just north of Launceston for three generations. Their life in berries began 30 years ago, when Simon’s father, Robin, began growing raspberries for both domestic and export markets. Simon is the Director and Farm Manager of the current family farm, Hillwood Berries in the Tamar Valley. They grow all four of the major berry types; Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries & Blueberries.
Anthony is the Executive Director of Fresh Produce Group who supply high quality fruit to customers across Australia and in Asia. In Australia, the group grow grapes, citrus and berries based on the best genetics and smart farming practices. Anthony has been with the organisation for over 7 years and brings a wealth of global business and finance expertise.
—————————————
RICHARD McGRUDDY 0408 763 804 richard@redhillberries.com.au
—————————————
JONATHAN SHAW 0418 758 268 j.c.shaw@bigpond.com Jonathan is both a blueberry farmer at Austinville in the Gold Coast hinterland and a consultant in the wider agricultural community. He has been a member of the ABGA Committee for a number of years and stepped up into the President role at the 2018 AGM. Jonathan is an experienced board member having served on the board of Growcom since 2013 and brings significant legal and commercial experience from the agribusiness world.
JAMIE MICHAEL 0412 475 758 jamie@tiproduce.com.au Jamie Michael founded Ti Produce Marketing with Lam Ti Muir in 2003 after they recognised a need for a specialised strawberry export company based in Western Australia. Ti Produce largely handles Western Australian winter strawberries. They source fruit from their grower base of approximately 20 growers in the Wanneroo/Carabooda area with a combined planting of approximately 7 million plants.
84
—————————————
Richard McGruddy is the Director of Red Hill Berries based in south east Queensland. The farms operations use protected cropping, comprehensive IPM strategies and high-tech irrigation to grow both strawberries and raspberries. Founded in 2003 on an old pineapple farm at Caboolture, Red Hill Berries now operates across 5 separate sites including Wamuran and Applethorpe on the Granite Belt.
GET TO KNOW YOUR ASSOCIATIONS & COMMITTEE MEMBERS
PRESIDENT Jonathan Shaw Mullingar Pastoral Co, QLD 0418 758 268 president@abga.com.au
CHAIRMAN Simon Dornauf Hillwood Berries, TAS 0408 681 206 simon@hillwoodberries.com.au
PRESIDENT Richard McGruddy Red Hill Berries, QLD 0408 763 804 richard@redhillberries.com.au
—————————————
—————————————
—————————————
VICE PRESIDENT Brett Kelly Oz Group Co-Op, NSW
VICE CHAIRMAN Jamie Michael Ti Produce Marketing, WA
—————————————
—————————————
TREASURER
TREASURER
Anthony Poiner Smart Berries, NSW
Adrian Schultz Immaburra Gardens, QLD
—————————————
—————————————
SECRETARY
SECRETARY
SECRETARY
Andrew Bell Mountain Blue, NSW
Miffy Gilbert AusBerry Farmers, VIC
Kate Sutherland Burlington Berries, TAS
—————————————
—————————————
OTHER COMMITTEE MEMBERS
OTHER COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Cedric Senn Sennberries, VIC Jon Gleeson Driscoll’s, VIC John Simonetta Perfection Fresh, NSW Stephen Thandi Oz Group Co-Op, NSW
Neil Handasyde Handasyde Strawberries, WA Ray Daniels Sunray Strawberries, QLD Daniel Rolek Sunnyridge Strawberries, VIC Malcolm Parker AF Parker & Sons, SA
VICE PRESIDENT Roberto Barajas Driscoll’s, VIC —————————————
TREASURER Rowan Francis Blueberry Hill Berries, VIC —————————————
—————————————
OTHER COMMITTEE MEMBERS Simon Dornauf Hillwood Berries, TAS Paul Casey The Big Berry, VIC Anthony Poiner Smart Berries, NSW Amanpreet Singh Oz Group Co-Op, NSW Ryan Brightwell Nerrigundah Berries, VIC
Being a member of your association is an important way to support the growth and development of your industry. There are a range of benefits — only available to members — that are not funded by the national levy system. Contact your Association President or Chairman to find out more. FOR ANY GENERAL MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT VIC SZABO 0490 092 273 | vicszabo@berries.net.au
85
BERRY INDUSTRY CRISIS MANAGEMENT
HOW TO PROCEED IN A CRISIS Safeguarding our future
1.
2.
3.
PHONE 1300 201 713
SAY NOTHING!
FOLLOW THE LEADER
• If you suspect a possible crisis
• Refer all enquiries to Berries Australia
• Wait for Berries Australia to issue you with the ‘one message’
•If you are experiencing difficulties that may become a wider crisis •If you aren’t coping with a crisis
•Refer all media to Berries Australia
PROTECTING THE ASSETS & WELLBEING OF THE AUSTRALIAN BERRY INDUSTRY