On-farm biosecurity series farm inputs

Each horticultural operation needs to source a range of inputs for production – these include water, plant material, hives, growing media, fertiliser, containers and many more.

By Anna Rathé : Biosecurity Manager, HortNZ

BIOSECURITY FEATURE

Unfortunately, these inputs have the potential to inadvertently bring unwanted pests, pathogens or weeds with them. Having good biosecurity practices in place for your property will minimise the chance of this happening. Starting with clean inputs that are free from pest, disease and weed contamination provides a great foundation for the rest of your production processes.

It can be useful to think about your property boundaries as you would a fortress. Be sure to consider the biosecurity risk associated with any farm inputs before they come across your boundary, and make sure you take steps to minimise any biosecurity risk to your property and your assets. Farm inputs should be included in your on-farm biosecurity plan. Contact your industry body to see if they have a crop specific template that you can use. If not, you can use the Horticulture New Zealand template that is available online. Some of the common farm input risk areas are explored below, along with risk reduction actions for you to consider.

Plant material

Seeds, seedlings, budwood or canes for planting can be a risk to your property if they are not clean. Source material from high rated health schemes or certified suppliers if available. Talk to your supplier about biosecurity, hygiene, testing or screening for pests and diseases, and record keeping. Obtain copies of tests, certificates and declarations when available. Inspect plant material on arrival for signs of pests or disease, and isolate new plants away from your production areas for an appropriate period, to check for symptoms of disease before planting. Record from where plant material was sourced so you can trace it back if needed.

Hives

Bees and bumblebees are important pollinators for crops, but may spread pathogens as they move from plant to plant. Good biosecurity practices include sourcing hives from a reputable supplier, finding out where the hives have been prior to your property, and if you keep your own hives, regularly checking their health.

Growing media and fertiliser

Pests, pathogens and weeds can be brought onto your property through contaminated production inputs such as improperly prepared growing media or fertiliser. When making orders, check your supplier has processes in place to ensure growing media and fertiliser are free from viable pests, pathogens or weed seeds. Inspect inputs on arrival and ensure they are free from contamination. Keep records for growing media and fertiliser, including where they were sourced from and where and when they are used or stored on your property.

It can be useful to think about your property boundaries as you would a fortress

Containers

Used, dirty or poorly stored containers can present a biosecurity risk. Be sure to check containers on arrival and ensure they are clean and free from contamination, soil and plant debris. Disinfect all reusable packaging and containers that arrive back on your property. Keep records of the source of containers.

In conclusion

The above is not an exhaustive list. You should think about any additional inputs that you bring onto your property and how to minimise any potential biosecurity risk that they may pose. Remember, if you see anything unusual associated with your farm inputs, particularly anything imported, do the right thing and report any suspect exotic pests or diseases via the MPI pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66.

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the information in this publication is accurate, Horticulture New Zealand does not accept any responsibility or liability for error of fact, omission, interpretation or opinion that may be present, nor for the consequences of any decisions or actions based on this information.