SPRING 2020
MARKETING IN COVID-19
PAGE 7–9
NEW FUNGICIDE
PAGE 14
MINOR USE PERMITS New Shed Poster PAGE 10–11
SOIL SAMPLES: Get it right PAGE 16–17
www.passionfruitaustralia.org.au
SPECIALISING IN
Passionfruit, Pawpaw, Bananas & Limes P PROFESSIONALISM P MARKETING P COMMUNICATION P LOGISTICS
P TRADE TERMS P QUALITY PRODUCT P FOOD SAFETY P PERSONAL CONTACT
CONTACT
BRISBANE
SYDNEY
P: 07 3379 1041
P: 07 9763 1323
Railing No. 5 Block C Brisbane Markets
Stand 189/190 B Shed Sydney Markets
Sean Russell Aidan Hutton 0418 158 331 0419 700 278 sean@jetipper.com.au aidan@jetipper.com.au
EXCELLENCE IN QUALITY FRESH FOODS & SERVICE | WWW.JETIPPER.COM.AU
MEET THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE PRESIDENT Dennis Chant Murwillambah NSW 0412 616 747 adennischant@gmail.com
VICE-PRESIDENT Jane Richter Glass House Mountains QLD 07 5438 7662 jane@chorizotrading.com
TREASURER Aidan Hutton Sydney Markets NSW 0419 700 278 aidan@jetipper.com.au
SECRETARY
CONTENTS
02 PRESIDENT'S REPORT 04 REGIONAL ROUND-UP 06 INDUSTRY PRODUCTION TRENDS 07 MARKETING UPDATE CENTRE SPREAD MINOR USE PERMITS
12 UNDERSTANDING NITROGEN LOSS 14 CHEMICAL NEWS 16 TAKING SOIL SAMPLES 18 SMART FRUIT FLY MANAGEMENT
Matthew James Brisbane Markets QLD 0484 611 633 matthew@ireland53.com.au
MEMBER Cynthia Barbagallo Mareeba QLD 0429 926 704 cynthiabarbagallo@bigpond.com
MEMBER Jarod Agostinelli Beerburrum QLD 0459 657 548 agofarm@bigpond.com
MEMBER Brad Millard Wolvi QLD 0417 606 693 b.millard@me.com
03
AGM UPDATE Wherever you see this logo, the initiative is part of the Hort Innovation Passionfruit Fund. Like this publication itself, it has been funded by Hort Innovation using the passionfruit levy and, in the case of R&D, with contributions from the Australian Government. Some projects also involve funding from additional sources.
ADMINISTRATION & MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES Amanda Roy
DISCLAIMER The advice and opinions in the articles published in The Passion Vine are essentially those of contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Passionfruit Australian Incorporated, 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 Passionfruit Australia Incorporated, the Editor or Hort Innovation.
0427 833 281 admin@passionfruitaustralia.org.au www.passionfruitaustralia.org.au
Copyright © Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited 2020 Copyright subsists in The Passion Vine. Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited (Hort Innovation) owns the copyright, other than as permitted under the Copyright ACT 1968 (Cth). The Passion Vine (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 Passion Vine should be addressed to: Level 7, 141 Walker Street, North Sydney, NSW 2060, Australia
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 The Passion Vine. E: communications@horticulture.com.au | P: 02 8295 2300 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 The Passion Vine or from reliance on information contained in the material or that Hort Innovation provides to you by any other means.
THE PASSION VINE | SPRING 2020
1
PRESIDENT'S REPORT DENNIS CHANT
Dear Readers,
In the last edition of The Passion Vine we expressed our disappointment at having to cancel the field days scheduled for all growing regions earlier this year, but looked forward to getting together for the Annual General Meeting and field day in Murwillumbah on 16-17 October. Unfortunately, the persistence of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent counter measures put in place by respective state governments has necessitated cancellation of that event as well. Your committee is exploring options to facilitate holding that event as an online forum, either as individual growers or as regional groupings if appropriate venues are available. All members will be kept informed to maximise your involvement. All members are encouraged to be actively involved in the activities of your association. It is appreciated that current restrictions have limited face to face interaction between growers and other industry stakeholders this year but it is important that you have your views known on where the industry needs to focus its resources to ensure its sustainable future. All committee positions are up for election at the AGM. Most of the current committee members are available for re-election, but even so there are vacant positions to be filled. Information on the AGM and committee elections will be sent to members in the near future. Annual production statistics for the last few seasons are shown on PAGE 6 in this edition of The Passion Vine. You will see that production is at least stagnant or falling. Whilst we all understand the climatic and other challenges we have had to contend with over that period, production levels translate directly into the funds the industry has available for important marketing and research projects.
2
www.passionfruitaustralia.org.au
Again, we need to work together to foster a unified industry approach to meeting and growing consumer demand and sustaining a profitable industry. This edition will also update you on marketing initiatives in conjunction with Hort Innovation. At the time of going to press, the new Breeding Program (PF19000) is still being negotiated and so we do not have any news to share. As soon as we are able to, we will invite the team from the new project to provide an article for all growers. We may even be able to provide more details at the upcoming Virtual AGM day on Saturday 17th October (SEE PAGE 3). Recently PAI have become a signatory to Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD). This follows a resolution to do so at the 2018 AGM and provides a framework for our industry response to an introduced pest crisis PAI is currently developing a Biosecurity Statement as required under the terms of the deed. In closing I would again like to recognise the work of the secretariat, Amanda and Jane, in maintaining communications with our membership and various government and industry partners during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Whilst overall the passionfruit industry has generally proven resilient during the crisis there have been challenges to overcome, from securing labour supply and transportation corridors to changing distribution channels from food service to predominantly supermarkets. Please enjoy this edition of The Passion Vine and we look forward to ‘seeing’ you participating with other members at the AGM, even if it is virtual this year. Best Regards, Dennis Chant
WHAT IS HAPPENING NOW TO SUPPORT THE FUTURE OF OUR INDUSTRY?
— Potential im pact of this plan is $ Based on an e total invest stimated ment of $ from 2017 to 20 21 —
9.7m
1.84m
Australian Passionfruit
STRATEGIC INVESTMENT PLAN 2017–2021
The SIP has been developed in consultation with the passionfruit industry using funds from the Hort Innovation Passionfruit Fund. This plan represents the roadmap for the future development of the industry. This plan drives investment decision-making by Hort Innovation who invest levy funds on behalf of the industry.
_______________________
_______________________
_______________________
_______________________
_______________________
GROW SALES DEMAND
GROW FRUIT QUALITY
BE IN THE KNOW
GROW SALES RETURNS
FARM YOUR BEST
Increase domestic demand and export opportunities that maintain price stability
Improve retail quality of passionfruit to match consumer expectations
Provide access to relevant and timely data that improves industry wide decision-making
Improve farm and industry sustainability from identifying and adopting best practices
_______________________ MARKETING UPDATE
_______________________ CHEMICAL UPDATE
PAGE 7 — 9
PAGE 1 4 — 15
_______________________ INDUSTRY PRODUCTION TRENDS
Improve pest and disease management and the development of new varieties that increase grower productivity and profitability
PAGE 6
__________________________________________________ FARM SHED POSTER SERIES: MINOR USE PERMITS PAGE 10 — 11
FERTILISER MANAGEMENT PAGE 12 — 13
TAKING SOIL SAMPLES PAGE 16 — 1 7
Passionfruit Australia Inc AGM & Project Presentation Due to the uncertainty over border restrictions, and the potential that recent relaxations may not last, we have decided to take the PAI AGM & Post-Harvest Best Practice Presentation online using Zoom. All growers and industry stakeholders are welcome to attend.
ZOOM IS FREE TO USE & the App can be downloaded onto a PC or Smartphone or Tablet from zoom.us
1.00 — 2.30pm
Dr Jenny Ekman, Applied Horticultural Research Jenny will present a review of the Australian Passionfruit Postharvest Best Practice Guide followed by a virtual Q & A.
2.30pm Tea/coffee break
3.00pm Dennis Chant, President of Passionfruit Australia Inc Dennis will lead the Passionfruit Australia Inc Annual General Meeting Registration for both or either meeting is kindly requested at http://bit.ly/paievent
THE PASSION VINE | SPRING 2020
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REGIONAL ROUND UP DARWIN FAR NORTH QLD
(Mareeba, Daintree, Cooktown)
WIDE BAY (Bundaberg)
SOUTH EAST QLD
(Gympie to Glass House Mtns)
NORTHERN NSW
PERTH
(Tweed Valley)
WEATHER WATCH MAY
JUNE
JULY
— Nationally, May was cooler than average for Australia; the first month with a national mean temperature below average since October 2016.
— For Australia as a whole the national mean temperature was the equal-seventh-highest on record at 1.10 °C warmer than average for June. Days were especially warm, with the mean maximum temperature for June the third-warmest on record for June nationally at 1.70 °C above average.
— Daytime temperatures during July were warmer than average for most of the country; the maximum temperature was the seventh-highest on record for July for Australia as a whole.
— May rainfall was 31% below average for Australia as a whole. — Northern coastal Queensland experienced heavy rain during the last third of May. The highest individual falls occurred when a surface trough and moist onshore flow brought locally heavy falls exceeding 250 mm around Mission Beach on the 20th.
— July rainfall was 43% below average for Australia as a whole.
— June rainfall was the third-lowest on record for Australia as a whole. — Rainfall was below average for most of the country, although large areas of the east and north had close to average rainfall.
RAINFALL OUTLOOK OCT-DEC CHANCE OF EXCEEDING THE MEDIAN RAINFALL
2020
CLIMATE OUTLOOK OVERVIEW (Issued 10 September 2020)
www.bom.gov.au/climate © Commonwealth of Australia 2020, Australian Bureau of Meteorology
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www.passionfruitaustralia.org.au
Chance of exceeding the median rainfall (%)
— The outlook indicates a wetter than average three-month period for most of Australia. — The chance of La Niña developing in the coming months is around 70%. This is roughly triple the normal risk; potentially meaning an end to drought conditions this wet season. — October to December days are likely to be warmer than average across northern Australia, and the far south-east.
LONG TERM AVERAGE RAINFALL (mm) WEATHER STATIONS
SEP
OCT
NOV
Mareeba
4.4
15.1
42.6
Bundaberg
35
77.4
83.7
52.9
91.4
81.7
40
108
120.7
Sunshine Coast Airport Murwillumbah
GROWER REPORTS FAR NORTH QLD
FAR NORTH QLD
They say its ‘fools‘ and ‘tourists’ that predict the weather in Northern Queensland. In the last round up I quoted the weather bureau forecast for a hotter and wetter winter across northern Australia. But mother nature did as she pleased for a couple of nights. Temperatures fell to – 60 in lower areas as the cold Antarctic blast took away the chance of a reasonable season for many farmers across the tableland region. Our passionfruit vines had ice forming up to 5 foot above ground on the stalks. They would not have survived without overhead sprinklers that ran from midnight to midday to stop cells from bursting within the plant as the sun rose. The unexpected cold blast along with weeks of high winds will extend the tableland season to well into the new year. COVID-19 has not helped, more book work ‘health management plans’ etc., and less labour around to complete the season. Hopefully, time will permit me to catch up with the North and Coastal growers for the next edition.
Brian & Irene Westwood, Mareeba
(Mareeba, Daintree, Cooktown)
MAY JUN
JUL
MEAN (mm)
39.2 [11.8]
4.2 [11.2]
0.4 [5.6]
MEAN DAYS >1mm
4 [2.1]
3 [1.8]
0 [1.5]
Mareeba (station 031210)
MEAN (MAX ºC)
26.2 25.3 25.4 [26.9] [25.3] [25.0]
MEAN (MIN ºC)
16.6 16.5 [16.8] [15.3]
14.0 [13.9]
WIDE BAY
(Bundaberg)
BUNDABERG Hello everyone. It’s still very dry in Bundaberg with only about 75mm falling in the last 3 months and are still drought declared. As expected, the water allocations have been decreased with my farm currently set at 65%. Also as expected the winter crop has just about ceased production allowing the older vines to be chopped out in preparation for spring plantings. Looking forward to warmer, sunnier weather after still experiencing single digit mornings in early September. Also, the increasing chances of La Nina developing in the coming months will hopefully deliver the rainfall we desperately need.
Peter & Sally Griffiths, Bundaberg
Bundaberg (station 039128)
MAY JUN JUL
MEAN (mm)
14.8 26.6 24.2 [66.8] [50.2] [38.6] 6 [4.5]
MEAN DAYS >1mm
4 [3.4]
4 [2.9]
MEAN (MAX ºC)
24.5 23.7 22.6 [24.8] [22.7] [22.3]
MEAN (MIN ºC)
13.3 13.3 [14.2] [11.7]
11.0 [10.3]
SUNSHINE COAST The beginning of Spring has brought a welcome change in the weather — warmer temperatures and a little rain. It has arrived just in time for those wanting to plant early and has helped promote some new growth and flowering. Here on the Sunshine Coast, winter was very mild. Only a couple of cold days early and then a few frosty mornings at the end of August. There was enough rain to keep everything fairly green for most of winter. A few inches of rain now would be ideal. The forecast sounds promising. From what I have heard , most coast growers had a fair winter crop — not huge amounts but fair prices especially considering "COVID". I thought we would be completely finished picking by early August, but there was obviously a bit of a late set which sees us still picking a few in the first week of September. The last couple of weeks have kept us busy cutting out the old vines and preparing for the next planting. I'm glad we aren't replacing too many this year, seeing our picking season lasted longer than expected. It is always difficult to chop out vines that still have valuable fruit hanging on them. I don't expect to be picking much fruit again until December, so we should be able to have a break once the new plantings are in and a bit established. Looks like there won't be any visit to the Victorian grandkids this year so we will have to head north. It's tough when you only have all of Qld. to holiday in. Sorry N.S.W. Good luck for the new season and keep well.
Jim & Jill Gordon, Yandina
SOUTH EAST QLD
(Gympie to Glass House Mtns) Sunshine Coast Airport (station 040861)
MAY JUN JUL
MEAN (mm)
67.0 81.4 137.4 [154.9] [120.5] [63.6]
MEAN DAYS >1mm
9 [6.6]
MEAN (MAX ºC)
22.9 21.6 20.9 [23.6] [21.4] [21.2]
MEAN (MIN ºC)
13.5 [13.7]
12.5 [11.4]
10.4 [9.6]
MAY JUN
JUL
NORTHERN NSW Murwillumbah (station 058158)
Spring has sprung the grass is riz!! It’s always this time of year that you say goodbye to the relatively quiet winter period and turn towards the busy spring and summer. It’s now midSeptember and we are just getting the last of our fruit off. It’s been quite a good winter crop. We have started chopping vines out and decided this year to burn it instead of slashing it up. We are hoping this will help with the fusarium troubles that we are currently experiencing.
MEAN (mm)
Grafting is well under way. This year we have decided to go back to flavicarpa rootstock for some of the vines. I managed to get my hands on some seed and have around a third of pots with the flavicarpa and the rest Pandora. I’m hoping the flavicarpa will have better resistance to the fusarium. The older vines have been a little slow to start running due to a cool September to date. With good moisture levels in the soil, when it warms up a little, I expect them to set a good crop.
THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN FOR YOUR REPORTS.
10 [9.4]
(Tweed Valley)
TWEED AREA
Nick & Nerida Hornery, Newrybar
11 [10]
48.8 102.8 155.8 [128.6] [106.6] [59.6] 9 [7.2]
9 [5.7]
MEAN (MAX ºC)
23.0 21.3 [23.6] [21.3]
21.2 [21.1]
MEAN (MIN ºC)
12.6 [12.5]
9.6 [8.5]
MEAN DAYS >1mm
9 [9.5]
10.8 [9.9]
Figures in [ ] are long term historical averages. All weather data from www.bom.gov.au
THE PASSION VINE | SPRING 2020
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•
do ‘buy with their eyes’ The labour intensity which drives up the cost of production; introducing some forms of mechanisation to help reduce picking costs would be extremely beneficial, but we lack the levy funds to invest at an industry level.
<<Data used in the chart is this below if you want to re-create it rather than use my rubbish version!)
TRENDS IN PRODUCTION Year ending 2014 PASSIONFRUIT 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 June
The data used to build this picture has been sourced from the Interestingly, the volume fluctuates up and down by about Production 4,356 4,269 5,196 5,004 4,790 4,743 Horticulture Statistics Handbook, funded by Horticulture Innovation 800 tonnes, but according to the Consumer Metrics shown in (tonnes) Australia Limited using the across industry levy and funds from the the handbook, there are still just 19% of households in Australia Production 14.4see from the charted 15.6 production, 17.2 Australian Government. As you can that are buying19.0 passionfruit in any16.8 one year, and this20.6 hasn’t the financial($m) year ending June 2016 was the largest production year increased despite consistent marketing investment. in the last few years. 6000
25
5000
20.6
19 4000
17.2
15.6
14.4
16.8
20
15
3000 10
2000
5
1000 0 2014
2015
2016
2017
tonnes
2018
2019
0
$m
SO, WHAT ARE THE BARRIERS TO GROWTH FOR PASSIONFRUIT? There are some fundamentals that are simply holding the industry back from generating long term growth & these include: — Variability in the supply quantity and quality that results in wholesale prices which can range between 20c and $1.50 per piece across a 12 month period — Inconsistent application of grading standards so that a wholesale buyer isn’t always going to get the same level of quality when buying a box of Grade 1 fruit, for example — A multitude of varietals being grown and supplied that don’t have a consistent look about the fruit; without good communication that goes with the fruit about what it is, unfortunately buyers that have grown used to older varieties are not being prepared to try the newer offerings.
— The retailer fixation about specifications that exclude skin marking or blotchy colouring; this is ultimately one of the most frustrating barriers as consumers aren’t eating the skin. Sadly, years of conditioning consumers to only select visually ‘perfect’ fruit at the expense of the taste delivery has trained people so that they really do ‘buy with their eyes’ — The labour intensity which drives up the cost of production; introducing some forms of mechanisation to help reduce picking costs would be extremely beneficial, but we lack the levy funds to invest at an industry level.
Widebay Passionvine Nursery
GRAFTED VARIETIES I PANAMA Servicing all areas – Delivery available Find us here: 408 Dahls Road, Calavos Qld 4670
p 0429 656 922 e peteandsally4@bigpond.com
www.widebaypassionvinenursery.com.au 6
www.passionfruitaustralia.org.au
HORT INNOVATION MARKETING UPDATE BY BEN WOODMAN
Our objective with media, is to position Australian Passionfruit as a delicious addition to any meal. The media outreach activity is designed to educate, inspire, and remind consumers with timely information about passionfruit availability and consumption. The expectation is that consumers will be equipped with enough information that translates into purchase intent. This is achieved through a mix of media outreach, press releases, seasonal updates inclusive of facts and health information, passionfruit hampers, and social media influencer engagement with recipe and photography content creation.
The media outreach activity saw an outstanding result, with Aussie Passionfruit reaching 84.5 million views across the whole campaign. A major contributor to this result came at the end of the campaign, in response to the heavy supply glut experienced in the recent winter peak at the start of June. Off the back of incremental coverage on national radio and TV, glut coverage reached 28 million Aussies. Armed with a compelling call to action, and an informative and passionate face from industry in Jane Richter to amplify the message, media pick up was swift and favourable. Seasonal information played well into the prevailing ‘hardship’ narrative in the Australian news media, and Jane was able to craft the message to shine a light on the exceptional circumstance that led to the very high supply in the market. Ultimately, the mass of coverage precipitated a response from the retailers
who supported the high volumes with widespread promotional activity, opening the fruit up to a wider shopper set and helping to shift the significant backlog of fruit in the supply chain. Coverage highlights included TV and Radio interviews carried across the national ABC network, feature articles in the Herald Sun, The Guardian and News.com.au. Media responded well to a strong call-toaction messaging around the ‘tsunami’ of passionfruit during the winter glut. Media outreach for the glut was above and beyond as the campaign was ending, meaning there was little scope to draw funds from the seasonal outreach budget. For this years’ campaign we have allowed for some contingency funding to be retained for unexpected slumps in the peak seasons and gluts to ensure we support the industry when you need it most.
THE PASSION VINE | SPRING 2020
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What has been the impact of COVID-19 on consumer behaviour? COVID-19 has greatly influenced and impacted consumers in terms of their attitudes, purchase behaviour and consumption behaviour. On 12 March 2020, the World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 a global pandemic with Australia consequently implementing restrictions. The start of these restrictions saw Australians rush to restock their pantries, in the process stockpiling a range of staples and food with a longer storage life. This led to unprecedented retail sales, with reported figures for March coming in +18% higher than for the peak ‘Christmas month’ in 2019.
CONSUMER BUYING HABITS Since the COVID-19 restrictions have come in place, consumer buying trends have undergone very noticeable changes. In March, consumers were shopping more frequently to stock up on essentials such as toilet paper, hand sanitiser and disinfectant, and other products where retailers were experiencing shortfalls in product supply.
By April, as everyone became more familiar with the restrictions and its impact on product supply, consumers started to ease back on their stockpiling of individual products, shopping less frequently but putting more in their basket with each shop. The restrictions have become the new normal, with consumers spending more time at home and more frequently feeding the whole family.
CONSUMER PRIORITISATION OF HEALTH, IMMUNITY & SUPPORTING AUSTRALIAN GROWN As COVID-19 remained topical in media and the community, consumer preference for products that addressed health defense and immunity gained traction while the focus on sustainability and environmentally friendly packaging reduced in priority. Interestingly, taste and convenience continued as a key shopping criterion as more and more meals were prepared at home. Additionally, throughout COVID-19 products of local origin have, and moving forward will continue to be, critically important for consumers as they not only trust local but will also look to support local communities and boost their economies.
Below are some highlights from the recent Nielsen Bases survey: HEALTH DEFENCE & IMMUNITY HAVE CLEAR MOMENTUM — Consumers are prioritising high quality products with healt defence benefits, particularly those that offer immunity benefits
— Basic benefits like nutrition and taste remain key to engage consumers in the Ready-to-Eat universe
— Similarly, claims involving specific and well-known health supplements like vitamins, omega 3 or probiotics resonate strongly in the current context
— With the increased frequency of preparing meals at home, products that are easy to prepare are also gaining momentum
SUSTAINABILITY & PACKAGING ARE LESS OF A PRIORITY — Sustainable and organic benefits are not as preferred right now. This isn't to say these aren't important, but consumers are simply more interested in direct health claims — Similarly, claims related to packaging (keeps fresh, keeps free from bacteria) are less of a priority at the moment
Source: Nielsen Bases
8
TASTE, NUTRITION & CONVENIENCE ARE ALSO IMPORTANT
www.passionfruitaustralia.org.au
MADE IN AUSTRALIA STILL RELEVANT TO CHARGE A PREMIUM — "Is made by a company I trust" does not resonate strongly but "locally made" is still important to justify a premium price
MEDIA CONSUMPTION TRENDS As consumers have found themselves indoors for longer, digital media has become a critical channel as a source of information and entertainment: ONLINE SHOPPING Use of digital tools has accelerated faster than expected since the arrival of COVID-19. Online shopping has grown exponentially among new demographic groups, consumers’ use of contactless payments and in-store navigation apps has risen dramatically, and brands are increasingly connecting with consumers via interactive and virtual shopping experiences. Sales of fresh produce have been heavily supported by online shopping, with dollar sales for fresh produce sold online increasing by 37.2% in the four weeks to February 22nd, compared to a year ago.
SOCIAL MEDIA As consumers spent more time at home, they had more time to consume social media content and the times at which people are consuming social content has been more spread across the day.
Social media has acted as a source of information for consumers during the lockdown period, as well as providing a way for people to remain connected. In April 2020, video ad tech company ‘Unruly’ released a study which investigated how COVID-19 impacted consumer interests and behaviours across Australia. Within this study they found that 1 in 2 Aussies are now spending more time on their mobile phones, while 26% spending more time on their laptops, and more than two thirds of under people under 45 in Australia (68%) have increased their social media usage.
WHAT’S NEXT? With unemployment levels sky-rocketing around the world and economic and business forecasts plunging, Nielsen has identified two types of consumers to emerge in the post COVID market. The first being those who have remained relatively unaffected or insulated from health or income loss and who have similar or even more discretionary income due to their inability to spend on out-of-home eating,
entertainment, travel, etc., and in contrast the second is a group who have had their income and spending significantly impacted due to unemployment, furloughing or other COVID-19 related challenges. Each of these consumer groups is likely to adjust how they allocate their available spend as they enter their “new normal” post COVID-19. Consumers who were relatively insulated from the impact of COVID (particularly those with middle to higher household incomes) may be more likely to initially splurge on discretionary grocery items post lockdown including luxuries, treats and premium lines. However, in the long term it is likely this group will be more cautious than ever before with their spend to protect themselves from any potential future impacts. The second group of constrained consumers (particularly those with lower household incomes) will predominately be looking for value and will be reliant on cheaper alternatives across their shopping list or will even avoid certain ‘indulgent’ purchases altogether. Source: Nielsen Homescan
For any questions regarding the marketing activities relating to the industries that fall within the Tropical Cluster, contact Hort Innovation Marketing Manager, Ben Woodman ben.woodman@horticulture.com.au
THE PASSION VINE | SPRING 2020
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www.passionfruitaustralia.org.au
POSTHARVEST
Passionvine Mite & Two-spotted Mite
Grass & Broadleaf Weeds Passionvine Mite
PER87164
PER84258
PER14421
PER14662
CABRIO
DIMETHOATE
FENBUTATIN OXIDE
GLYPHOSATE
PETROLEUM OIL
(TORQUE MITICIDE)
Various Fruit Fly Species
Anthracnose & Septoria spot
PER12781
CHEMICAL
(PYRACLOSTROBIN)
PEST/ DISEASE USE
PERMIT NO.
CURRENT AT SEP 2020
500 mL – 1 L per 100 L water
MAX USE 6 x SEASON
NO WHP*
450 g/L products: 8 – 12 mL/L 680 g/kg products: 5.3 – 8 g/L
MAX USE 1 x MONTH
EHD 7 DAYS
Where biological control of two – spotted mite is being practiced – 20 mL product per 100 L water 3.6 – 5.4 glyphosate/L water
MAX USE 2 x SEASON
POSTHARVEST USE ONLY
N/A
EHD 1 DAY
MAX USE 3 x SEASON
EARLIEST HARVEST DATE (EHD) WITHHOLDING PERIOD (WHP)
40 mL product per 100 L water
Follow instructions on the permit
40 mL per 100 L or 50 g per 100 L
APPLICATION RATE
MINOR USE PERMITS FOR PASSIONFRUIT
30/06/2025
31/08/2023
20/06/2021
31/03/2024
30/06/2023
PERMIT EXPIRY DATE
TRICHLORFON
(TRANSFORM)
SULFOXAFLOR
30/04/2024
30/06/2025
EHD 7 DAYS
Repeat sprays: 125 mL per 100 L
Mediterranean Fruit Fly
31/01/2021
MAX USE 4 X SEASON
First spray: 250 mL per 100 L
EHD 7 DAYS
MIN 14 DAYS BETWEEN SPRAYS
MAX USE 2 x YEAR
NO WHP*
30/04/2023
MAX USE 4 X SEASON 31/03/2023
NO WHP*
MAX USE 4 x PER CROP
NO WHP*
MAX USE 6 x SEASON
Queensland Fruit fly
40 mL per 100 L water
120 g/L product or 40 mL/100L
AGRI-FOS 625: 625 g/L product: 160-195 mL per 100 L water
SPRAYPHOS 620: 620 g/L product: 160-195 mL per 100 L water
AGRI-FOS 600: 600 g/L product: 165-200 mL per 100 L water
AGRI-FOS SUPA 400: 400 g/L product: 250-300 mL per 100 L water
500 mL – 1 L per 100 L water (0.5-1% diluent)
All efforts have been made to provide the most current, complete and accurate information on these permits, however we recommend that you confirm the details at the APVMA website portal: https://portal.apvma.gov.au/permits or at www.infopest.com.au
If you believe you have had a non-performance or an adverse experience following use under a Minor Use Permit, please report it using form “Non-Performance form for Horticulture Pesticides”- available in the GROW FRUIT section of www.passionfruitaustralia.org.au and return it to Hort Innovation: jodie.pedrana@horticulture.com.au
A ‘non-performance’ is an unintended or unexpected effect on plants, plant products, animals, human beings or the environment, including injury, sensitivity reactions or lack of efficacy associated with the use of an agricultural chemical product(s) when used according to label (or permit) directions.
TRICHLORFON: Dangerous to bees. DO NOT spray any plants in flower while bees are foraging.
PER12450 Version 6
Banana-spotting Bug
Fruit-spotting Bug
Fall Armyworm
PER89241
SPINETORAM
PER85397
Phytophthora Blight
PER87607
PHOSPHOROUS ACID
(SUCCESS NEO OR DELEGATE)
Passionvine Mite & Two-spotted Mite
PER14662
PETROLEUM OIL & PARAFFINIC OIL
* when used as directed
THE PASSION VINE | SPRING 2020
11
TOWARDS A BETTER UNDERSTANDING
OF NITROGEN LOSS PATHWAYS & FERTILISER MANAGEMENT BY DR LUKAS VAN ZWIETEN, NSW DPI SOIL & WATER SENIOR PRINCIPAL RESEARCH SCIENTIST
There has been a significant effort in Australia and internationally to better understand and optimise the use of nitrogen fertilisers, both to improve productivity and to reduce nutrient pollution in the broader environment. The chemical transformation of nitrogen in soil is affected by many factors such as soil biological activity, rainfall (soil water content), and temperature, as well as soil texture, chemical and physical properties. Nitrogen applied as fertiliser on farms is exposed to a myriad of loss pathways including transformation into the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N 2 O), gaseous loss as dinitrogen (N2 ), volatilisation as ammonia (NH3), and leaching as nitrate (NO 3-). Plants can also struggle to access nitrogen as it becomes locked in soil organic matter.
Dr Lukas Van Zwieten. Source: NSW DPI
These loss pathways often result in poor fertiliser use efficiency, that is, poor plant recovery of the nitrogen applied as fertiliser to the crop.
However, as Rose et al. (2018a) point out, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the agronomic benefits of EENFs, as most studies on these products have focused on assessing their effects on soil greenhouse gas emissions rather than their agronomic effectiveness.
The use of enhanced efficiency nitrogen fertilisers (EENFs) has been put forward as a method of increasing plant uptake of nitrogen while reducing environmental losses (Rose et al. 2018a). One form of EENF is based on the application of nitrogen fertiliser in combination with a biochemical inhibitor, such as a nitrification inhibitor that maintains nitrogen as ammonium (NH4 +) in soil and lowers the rate of conversion to NO 3-.
There also seems to be some inconsistency in their performance, (Rose et al., 2018b; Dougherty et al., 2016) that may limit their usefulness in warmer or wetter environments. A more reliable method of increasing nitrogen fertiliser use efficiency and lowering environmental impacts, is through better matching of nitrogen supply with plant nitrogen demand.
N LOSS PATHWAYS NH3
N INPUTS
VOLATILISATION
N2O
N2 N2O EROSION LOSSES: Organic N, mineral N
Ammonium NH4+
NITRIFICATION
DENITRIFICATION
Nitrate NO3IMMOBILISATION
Organic N
LEACHING / RUN-OFF Source: Lukas Van Zwieten, NSW DPI
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Many farming systems will apply nitrogen fertiliser at or near seeding, many weeks (or months in some systems) before plant demand reaches its peak. This practice exposes the nitrogen to loss pathways over an extended period. The use of slow release fertilisers (for example, polymer coated urea) provides greater potential for reducing losses, particularly where the nitrogen demand from the crop is known, and the release curve of the fertiliser is understood. It is also important to understand how much plant accessible nitrogen is already in the soil. While many agronomic soil tests will assay mineral N (usually NH4 + and NO 3-), these tests do not account for the mineralisation of organic matter in the form of crop residues, leaf litter, composts, other amendments, and soil organic matter. By factoring in the natural supply of nitrogen from this microbial degradation of organic matter, farmers will be better able to calculate their actual requirements for additional fertiliser. However, testing for potentially mineralizable nitrogen (commonly known as PMN) is a lengthy and expensive procedure and the test is not commonly available. Researchers at NSW DPI are working on the development of rapid testing methods based on spectroscopy to predict soil PMN, with initial work happening in NSW sugarcane farming systems. The supply of nutrients from organic amendments has recently been reviewed (Van Zwieten, 2018) as a special edition in the journal, ‘Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems’. The principal benefit of organic amendments over the long term was shown to be their supply of nutrients to the crop. Understanding ‘how much’ to apply and ‘when’ is increasingly important as the use of organic amendments becomes a more common practice. Another opportunity to lower fertiliser inputs is through biological N2 fixation, where legumes are incorporated into the farming system to supply a slow release form of nitrogen.
Research on coppiced tree crops (Rose et al., 2019) has shown the potential for faba beans and soybeans to fix over 90 kilograms of nitrogen per hectare, which becomes available to the crop once the organic material is mineralised in the soil. This rate of nitrogen fixation equates to around 200 kilograms of urea applied as fertiliser. In conclusion, a better understanding of loss pathways, improved matching of nitrogen supply with plant nitrogen demand, and the development of more effective testing procedures for potentially mineralizable nitrogen, should enable agricultural industries to achieve greater fertiliser use efficiency while minimising losses of nitrogen into the environment. This article was compiled by the Clean Coastal Catchments project which is funded through the NSW Government under the 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. References 1. Rose TJ, Wood RH, Rose MT, Van Zwieten L (2018) A re-evaluation of the agronomic effectiveness of the nitrification inhibitors DCD and DMPP and the urease inhibitor NBPT. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 252, 69-73. https://epubs.scu.edu.au/ plantscience_pubs/994/ 2. Rose TJ, Quin P, Morris SG, Kearney LJ, Kimber S, Rose MT, Van Zwieten L (2018) No evidence for higher agronomic N use efficiency or lower nitrous oxide emissions from enhanced efficiency fertilisers in aerobic subtropical rice. Field Crops Research 225, 47-54. https://epubs.scu.edu.au/plantscience_pubs/968/ 3. Van Zwieten L (2018) The long-term role of organic amendments in addressing soil constraints to production. Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems, 111, 99–102. https://link. springer.com/article/10.1007/s10705-018-9934-6 4. Rose TJ, Kearney LJ, Erler DV, Van Zwieten L (2019) Integration and potential nitrogen contributions of green manure inter-row legumes in coppiced tree cropping systems, European Journal of Agronomy, 103, 47-53. https://agris.fao.org/agris-search/search. do?recordID=US201900096752 5. Dougherty W, Collins D, Van Zwieten L, Rowlings D (2016) Nitrification (DMPP) and urease (NBPT) inhibitors had no effect on pasture yield, nitrous oxide emissions nor nitrate leaching under irrigation in a hot-dry climate. Soil Research 54 (5), 675-683. https://www.publish.csiro.au/sr/sr1533
Photo credit: Joshua Rust, NSW DPI
THE PASSION VINE | SPRING 2020
13
CHEMICALS UPDATE CORTEVA TO LAUNCH NEW ORGANIC INSECTICIDE TO AUSTRALIAN MARKET Corteva Agriscience is set to launch a new organic insecticide to the Australian market this October. Entrust® Organic Insecticide is a naturally derived product based on metabolites produced by fermentation of a naturally occurring soil organism and received regulatory approval by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) in July 2020.
“The introduction of Entrust® Organic offers organic growers a new resistance management tool for the selective control of some of Australia’s most damaging pests. As with all insecticides it is beholden on users to rotate between different chemical Modes of Action (MoA) in accordance with label directions to prevent the onset of resistance,” he said.
Corteva’s Marketing Manager for Horticulture and Insecticide, Nick Koch, said the product has long been anticipated by the Australian agricultural market, not only for its organic certification, but also for its favourable environmental profile and selectivity to key beneficial insects, making it ideally suited to many Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems.
It is suitable for crops including brassica vegetables, cucurbits, culinary herbs, vegetables (fruiting, leafy, root, tuber, stalk and stem), legumes, avocados, berries, citrus, grapes, pomefruit, stone fruit, and tropical fruit crops. Entrust® Organic will be available in limited supply from October. To register your interest, visit entrust-organic.corteva.com.au or call Corteva Agriscience toll free on 1800 700 096.
“Entrust® Organic belongs to a unique insecticide group known as the ‘Spinosyns’. A group 5 insecticide for resistance management, shared only by two other products, Success® Neo and Delegate® insecticide” Mr Koch said.
LUNA SENSATION (7+11) LABEL EXTENSION NOW REGISTERED FOR PASSIONFRUIT CROP
DISEASE
RATE
WHP
CRITICAL COMMENTS
PASSIONFRUIT
Septoria spot (Septoria passiflorae), brown spot (Alternaria passiflorae)
60 mL/100 L
1 Day
Apply a maximum of 3 applications of Luna Sensation (depending on the water volume required to spray to run-off) that would not exceed a total of 2 litres of Luna Sensation per hectare in a 12 month period. Apply as a high volume spray at a water volume appropriate to the crop stage to ensure good coverage of all foliage, flowers and fruit. Resistance Management Observe industry resistance management guidelines relevant to this use. These guidelines may recommend limits to the number of sprays, constraints regarding consecutive sprays, minimum spray intervals and no-spray periods for all fungicide.
This registration was achieved for the Tropical inedible peel crop group as part of ST16006 Grant funded project. Luna Experience (7+3) will also be registered within the next 12 months (submission pending with APVMA) as we covered both products under the same project activities.
MINOR USE PERMITS NOW SURRENDERED Please be advised that the below permit will be surrendered as the uses are now covered on registered labels as an outcome of the APVMA permit to label project.
PERMIT ID
DESCRIPTION
DATE ISSUED
EXPIRY DATE
PERMIT HOLDER
PER14665
Abamectin / Passionfruit / Passionvine Mite & Two-spotted mite
13-Jul-14
31-Oct-20
PAI
VERSION 3
14
Use now registered on various labels
www.passionfruitaustralia.org.au
C/Hort Innovation
NEW RECORD-KEEPING & MINIMUM TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR CHEMICAL USE IN QLD From 19 June 2020, the requirement to make and keep records of chemical use and new minimum training requirements has been extended to all users of agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemicals under amendments to the Chemical Usage (Agricultural and Veterinary) Control Regulation 2017. The amendments reflect a nationally harmonised approach regarding record keeping and training for all agvet chemical users. The Regulation now stipulates what information must be recorded; who must make and keep records; who must be provided with a copy of the record; timeframes within which a record must be made; and the length of time for which the record must be kept. Certain non-agricultural use of some chemicals (e.g. pool chlorine, domestic insecticides, and home garden chemicals) is excluded from these requirements. Nationally harmonised minimum training and licensing requirements are now in place for occupational (fee-for-service) users of agvet chemicals and all users of restricted chemical products (RCPs) and Schedule 7 chemicals (i.e. poisons).
QUALITY COPPER… NUFARM HAS IT COVERED. UNIQUE FORMULATION • Quality liquid formulation easy to mix and apply • Ultra-fine copper particles enable superior coverage and enhanced disease control • Rapid release and prolonged protection
NEUTRAL pH FORMULATION • Ideal mixing partner for alkaline hydrolysis sensitive insecticides
FLEXIBLE USE PATTERNS • Dilute or concentrate spray volumes TRY H WIT
New training requirements for use of RCPs commenced on 19 July 2020, while the new requirements for use of Schedule 7 chemicals will commence on 19 July 2021. Nationally harmonised minimum requirements provide confidence to trade partners, protect Queensland’s enviable reputation as a ‘clean and green’ supplier of high-quality produce, and will allow users of agvet chemicals to conduct their business in any Australian jurisdiction with greater ease.
More information is available on keeping records of agricultural chemical applications or by calling the QDAF Customer Support Centre on 13 25 23.
• Super-spreader which maximises spray deposition and coverage • Developed for concentrate water volumes
• Super-spreader developed for concentrate water volumes • Superior rainfastness to Du-Wett
For more information visit nufarm.com.au © 2018 Nufarm Australia Ltd. All trade marks (®,™) are owned by Nufarm Australia Ltd or used under license.
THE PASSION VINE | SPRING 2020
15
TAKING SOIL SAMPLES Soil sampling and testing is usually done prior to planting a crop; specific in-crop testing can be useful e.g. testing for available nitrate and ammonium. A soil test report is only as good as the care taken in sampling. Tools and equipment should be cleaned prior to collecting each sample. Completing labels and writing on bags or containers before going out to the field can save some time and confusion. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR SAMPLING — Soil corer or spade — Clean bucket(s) but do not use a container made of metal — New plastic bags or sample containers (off the shelf or supplied by the lab) — Labels and (permanent marker) pens to identify the sample before or after it is collected and to make notes — Record sheet or sample information label(s) to record sample details (site, depth etc.); the format and type of information to provide is often prescribed by the lab — Notebook to record observations about the paddock, soil condition, weeds etc. — Optional: GPS to mark the sampling path, camera to take photos of soil profile, structure, colour of the paddock, a helping hand
RANDOM, REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLING Look at the soils in the paddock or block you intend to sample. Submit a separate soil sample from each distinct soil zone in a paddock or block, if they are to be treated differently (e.g. by soil type or texture; clay, loam or sand).
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Alternatively, only sample the predominant soil type or texture if you cannot treat areas differently. Two or more individual samples are needed from paddocks with large areas that have been managed differently in the past (e.g. if two or more paddocks have been combined), as this history may affect fertiliser and management requirements significantly. For very large paddocks, a representative sampling area of 1 –2 ha may be selected for sampling. To obtain representative samples, do not sample from unusual sites such as: — Gateways and headlands — Close to dams — Old fertiliser stockpiles — Paddocks that have had fertiliser applied in the last 3 months — If known: old stock camps, feed out areas or near water troughs. Soil cores should be collected along a fixed diagonal transect or zig zag path (Figure 1). A map and plan of the soil sampling area is essential for interpreting results and any subsequent testing trends. Ideally keep waypoints via GPS or landscape markers of your sampling area and sampling points, the transect or zig zag pattern used for further reference. Use the same path (not the same points) the next time you sample. Always sample at the same time of year. This allows for re-testing and better monitoring of fertility trends than random sampling. Never sample straight after an application of fertiliser or amendments, unless you want to check how they affect soil fertility and nutrient levels. Avoid collecting surface material such as leaf litter or coarse, undecomposed organic matter.
THE SAMPLING DEPTH SHOULD GIVE INFORMATION ABOUT THE MAIN ROOTZONE — Topsoil 0-15 cm, Subsoil 15-30 cm; this is advisable if the soil has not been tilled before sampling, or not tilled to 30 cm so that nutrient stratification can be detected — Alternatively, if two separate samples are not taken: 0-30 cm depth usually covers the main rootzone for vegetables and provides a good summary of soil fertility and potentially available nutrients in that zone; 0-30 cm also is the required depth for the soil carbon methodology under the Emission Reduction Fund; if the soil has been tilled to 30 cm, 0-15 cm depths only may be used. — Deep soil N or N-check (available N) sampling can be done at either 0-30 cm, 0-30 and 30-60 cm or 0-60 cm If trends are important, sampling depths used previously should be maintained unless these were not representative of the rootzone. For specific purposes, you may choose to sample to a different depth, e.g. the depth of the A horizon which is the darker layer containing most of the organic matter and roots, or to the depth of the anticipated rootzone. Deeper, subsoil samples (below the A-horizon or topsoil depth) may be needed to detect subsurface acidity or salinity, other rootzone restrictions or for deep rooting crops (please contact your advisor for guidance).
A SOIL SAMPLE FOR LAB ANALYSIS IS MADE UP OF A SET OF SEPARATE SUBSAMPLES For each sample to be sent to the lab, thoroughly mix a minimum of 20 soil cores (subsamples) in one bucket.
Figure 1 Soil subsample collection patterns
The more cores taken, the more reliable the test result. You may use a spade instead of a core sampler, as demonstrated in Figure 2. However, a core sampler gives better results. Fill a container or bag with 500g of the well-mixed sample from the 20 or so cores in sampling bucket. Make sure samples are clearly labelled and labels correspond with the record sheet accompanying them to the lab. Once the samples have been collected, they should be kept cold (fridge) and sent as soon as possible to the laboratory for analysis. In NSW, the DPI at Wollongbar offer soil testing for a fee you can get a FREE collection kit by contacting Customer Service http://bit.ly/soil-NSW In Qld, QDAF through Grow Help Australia offer a limited soil testing service to help identify certain pathogens http://bit.ly/Qld-Grow-Help
Figure 2 Taking a soil sample using a spade (Source: Bionutrient Food Association)
In WA, DPIRD offers a limited service to identify soil borne pathogens http://bit.ly/WA-DDLS
Remember a soil test is only as good as the care taken in sampling. Tools and equipment should always be clean prior to sampling.
This article has been reproduced with kind permission from Hort Innovation. This original output has been funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable 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.
THE PASSION VINE | SPRING 2020
17
WHAT IS FUNDED UNDER THE SMART FRUIT FLY MANAGEMENT MEASURE? Photo: GT O’Loughlin, Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org
BY NATIONAL FRUIT FLY COUNCIL
The National Fruit Fly Council brings together governments, growers and research funders to oversee implementation of the National Fruit Fly Strategy and to drive delivery of a cost-effective and sustainable approach to managing fruit flies across Australia. In November 2018, the National Fruit Fly Council welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement of the $16.9 million Smart Fruit Fly Management measure. The measure acknowledges the importance of managing fruit fly to protect Australia’s horticulture industry and supports maintaining a strong, effective and harmonised fruit fly management system. The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment is leading the management of the measure which supports a wide range of activities that fall into five priority areas:
1
SYSTEMS CAPABILITY
2
NATIONAL POLICY DEVELOPMENT
3
TECHNICAL & SCIENTIFIC ADVICE
4
COMMUNICATION & EXTENSION
5
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
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www.passionfruitaustralia.org.au
For example, to improve system capability the measure supports the modernisation of Australia’s National Fruit Fly Management Protocols. The protocols include a series of guidelines and references that set the standards for the national management of fruit fly. This ensures the Australian Government can provide assurance to international trading partners that Australia’s management of fruit fly is coordinated, consistent and meets international obligations. The measure also supports the development of national policies for fruit fly management. One of these is a national policy for use of the sterile insect technique (SIT) in fruit fly management. It will outline principles to assist state and territory governments to consistently apply SIT in Australia. In the technical and scientific advice area, a technical feasibility and economic analysis for the eradication of Mediterranean fruit fly from Western Australia being undertaken by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics. As well as promoting the measure and its achievements, activities in the communication and extension area aim ensure that all participants are aware of their shared responsibility in strengthening Australia’s fruit fly management system. Finally, the measure establishes a research program to fund research, development and extension activities that strengthen Australia’s fruit fly management system. The total funding for the research program is $13 million, comprising $6.5 million from the Australian Government and $6.5 million co-contributed by the state and territory governments. Projects that will be funded under this program will be announced soon. The National Fruit Fly Council believes the activities supported by the measure will play a vital role in strengthening Australia’s fruit fly management system. The Council will continue to support and collaborate with all stakeholders to progress work in each of these priority areas.
Grab a cuppa, put your feet up & enjoy!
mecolourin!
SMOKO SPOT THE DIFFERENCE
10
There are differences between these two pictures!
WORD SEARCH
CONTOURLINE
LATITUDE
SOUTHPOLE
MOUNTAINS
TOPOGRAPHY
RIVER
VERTICAL
CREEK
LONGITUDINAL
GEOGRAPHICAL
NORTHPOLE
EQUATOR
HORIZONTAL
STREAM VALLEY
SPRING TRIVIA!
CUT OUT AND KEEP ME
*** ALL ANSWERS OVERLEAF ***
1. T he Victorian Racing Club decided to hold its first Spring meeting in 1854 for which reason? a) A good lead up to the cricket season
Brain Teasers
1. W hat is seen in the middle of March and April that can’t be seen at the beginning or end of either month? 2. I start spring and end winter's snows I end dark nights and bring sunrise I start smiles, put an end to woes And I'm part of your start to surmise So, what am I?
b) Better weather conditions
c) H orses run faster in Spring
2. On which date this year does the Spring Equinox fall in Australia? a) September 22
b) September 17
c ) September 1
3. B irds, especially magpies, swoop on people and moving things during Spring for which reason? a) More sunlight makes them aggressive
b) To protect their nests
c) Sprouting plants make them ravenous for food
4. I n which Australian state is the Queen’s Birthday holiday celebrated in Spring? a) Victoria
b) South Australia
c) Western Australia
THE PASSION VINE | SPRING 2020
19
Tropical Passionfruit MOSCOW MULES MAKES 2 COCKTAILS
A tropical twist on the classic mule cocktail with pineapple vodka and fresh passionfruit
• 120ml pineapple vodka • 6 tbsp passionfruit pulp — (about 4– 6 passionfruit, depending on size) • 2 tsp fresh lime juice • 240ml ginger beer • Ice • Mint for garnish
METHOD
Step 1 Step 2 Step 3
Divide the passionfruit pulp amongst the glasses and pour 1 tsp of lime juice into each glass and muddle gently. Add ice. Add 60ml of vodka to each glass then top with the ginger beer. Gently stir then add a sprig of mint for garnish. Serve immediately
Recipe & photo with thanks to the amazing Shanna at pineappleandcoconut.com
INGREDIENTS
2. The letter "S" 1. The letter "R"
Brain Teasers 4. c) Western Australia
There are
10 differences
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE
1. b) Better weather conditions
WORD SEARCH
SPRING TRIVIA!
www.passionfruitaustralia.org.au
CUT OUT AND KEEP ME
2. a) September 22
ANSWERS
3. b) To protect their nests 20
GET INVOLVED Passionfruit Australia Inc. (PAI) is the peak industry body representing passionfruit growers in Australia HOW TO JOIN PASSIONFRUIT AUSTRALIA BECOMING A MEMBER GIVES YOU:
— Access to projects funded by PAI or through competitive grants which provide funds outside of the existing levy system — Grower alerts about immediate threats to your business from weather or pest events provided by our Management Committee
— Representation by an industry body who has your interests as its only priority — Access to useful tools and special deals developed exclusively for members
MEMBERSHIP RATES | 2020/21 New Grower Member: Renewal Grower Member: New Associate Member: Renewal Associate Member:
$253 $198 $297 $242
JOIN NOW ONLINE AT www.passionfruitaustralia.org.au Membership runs from July 1st to June 30th each year, rates are pro-rated. Membership lapses if renewal not paid within three months of the start of the fiscal year. Associate Members receive a 20% discount on advertising packages which include more than one advertising insertion.
HOW TO JOIN HORT INNOVATION IT IS FREE TO JOIN AND BECOMING A MEMBER GIVES YOU:
— Free access to Hort Innovation Final Reports — A monthly e-newsletter, Growing Innovation — Direct invitations to participate in industry events, as well as Hort Innovation consultations and forums
— The opportunity to exercise voting rights at Hort Innovation’s Annual General Meeting Please remember paying a levy does not automatically make you a member of Hort Innovation. If you haven’t become a member, then now is your opportunity. To join, visit www.horticulture.com.au/membership-application-form
If you set your goals ridiculously high and it's a failure, you will fail above everyone else's success. JAMES CAMERON
UPCOMING EVENTS 2020 WEBINAR SESSIONS Growcom’s highly regarded Workplace Essentials workshops are back to assist farm employers to reduce risks & increase both efficiency & compliance in their business. REGISTER ONLINE: www.growcom.com.au/ workplace-essentials
Common workforce management issues Tuesday 22 September 4pm COVID-19 and your superannuation Tuesday 29 September 4pm Farm finance fundamentals Tuesday 6 October 4pm Introduction to mental health first aid Tuesday 13 October 4pm Being a healthy & effective business leader Tuesday 20 October 4pm Q&A Panel Tuesday 27 October 4pm
SNAKE BITE FIRST AID
BY ROB TIMMINGS | ROB RUNS A MEDICAL EDUCATION BUSINESS TEACHING NURSES, DOCTORS AND PARAMEDICS
3000 BITES
REPORTED ANNUALLY
500
HOSPITALISATIONS
GET YOUR FACTS RIGHT • There are 5 genus of snakes that will harm us:
Browns, Blacks, Adders, Tigers and Taipans
• All snake venom is made up of huge proteins (like egg white)
2-3 DEATHS
ANNUALLY
STAY STILL!
VENOM CANNOT MOVE IF THE VICTIM DOESN’T MOVE!
• When biting, a snake injects venom into the meat of your limb (NOT into your blood)
DO NOT
DO
• This venom cannot be absorbed into the blood stream from the bite site. It travels in a fluid transport system in your body called the lymphatic system (NOT the blood stream)
DO NOT cut, incise or attempt to suck the venom
Keep the victim ABSOLUTELY STILL
NEVER use a tourniquet
Apply a bandage over the bite site to a level 10cm above and below the bite
DO NOT remove clothing – any movement (like wriggling out of a shirt or pants) causes venom movement
Use a second elastic roller bandage, apply a firm wrap from the fingers/toes of the limb all the way to the armpit/groin
DO NOT try to catch, kill/ identify the snake! Modern anti-venom treatments neutralise the venom of all 5 listed snake genus
Splint the limb so the victim cannot walk or bend the limb
• Lymph fluid only moves around with physical muscle movement like bending your arm, bending knees, wriggling fingers and toes, walking • Lymph fluid only enters the blood stream after these lymph vessels converge to form one of two lymphatic trunks which are connected to veins at the base of the neck • T he only way that the venom can get into your blood stream is to be moved from the bite site via the lymphatic system
Photo by David Clode on Unsplash
• The only way to do this is to physically move the limb
Always assume a snakebite is venomous & act accordingly.
CALL 000 OR 112 + WAIT FOR HELP TO COME TO YOU
DID I MENTION STAY STILL!?
