The Passion Vine
The Passion Vine – September 2013
Post Office Box 321 Pomona QLD 4568
Executive Report
Moving right along, the PAI Annual General Meeting and Annual Levy Payers’ Meeting was a huge success and an enormous thank you to Steve and Trish for the excellent set up and food they supplied on the day. They were excellent hosts and had obviously put a huge amount of time and effort into making it all run so smoothly with heaps of food and drink to keep the travellers happy! Full reports on pages 6&7, 10-13 The IAC meeting that was held the day prior at QT resort in Port Douglas had an agenda nearly as long as the Senate ballot paper, but Dianne and Jane made sure all was covered in a reasonable time. IAC
September 2013 Newsletter of Passionfruit Australia Incorporated
By Jann Bonsall The sun is shining and even though the market has been bordering on oversupply it has been buoyed by a very successful marketing program. With growers starting to pull out old vines making way for this season’s planting what we need is a bit of rain. Every time I come to write this column I think I should try NOT to refer to the weather but every quarter there’s always too much or not enough of something to force comment. I’m leaving it to the regional reports to do that this time!
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members made a beeline for the bar followed up with dinner mingling with fellow growers and supply chain partners who had come from Sydney, NNSW and SEQ to be part of the annual social events and meetings. It has been a busy quarter with meetings and teleconferences covering a whole range of issues, most of which will be referred to in the following pages. The PAI Executive held a teleconference 30th July with discussions focussing on issues such as PLU numbers, the PAI Breeding Program, plant royalties and the seemingly alarming decline in plant orders and the cost recovery being charged to PAI by Levy Revenue Services for the collection of our levies. Other meetings that have been attended include: Biosecurity Roundtable in Canberra where discussions concentrated on communication between Department and industry to ensure better outcomes for exports and imports of agricultural products, DAFF Q Biosecurity Workshop in August that
outlined the proposed new Queensland legislation and the ramifications for industry, Tropical Hort Group meeting in Brisbane covering issues such as federal policy issues, climate change, biosecurity legislation and food safety and a presentation by John Chapman, MD AgriScience Qld HAL Members meeting in Brisbane in response to correspondence from Minister Joel Fitzgibbon, DAFF outlining the requirements of the HAL Review due May 2014. In February a combination of the PAI Executive and IAC took part in a Crisis Management workshop conducted by Richard Bennett from HAL. Richard certainly brought to everyone’s attention issues that can dramatically affect any industry any time. PAI now has a Crisis Management Committee and program in place, and enclosed with this edition of Passion Vine you will find a Grower’s Communication Strategy which outlines the appropriate response for all crisis situations. So as you can see, your industry
Continued on page 4
The Passion Vine – September 2013
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Association Address PO Box 321 Pomona QLD 4568. Mobile 0418 883 753 Email admin@passionfruitaustralia.org.au
Executive Committee President Keith Paxton 38 Atkinsons Road, Woombye, QLD 4559 Phone (07) 5445 9387 Fax (07) 5445 9323 Email kipaxton@bigpond.com
Executive Officer (Secretary/Treasurer) Jann Bonsall PO Box 321 Pomona QLD 4568 Phone 07 5485 4402 Email admin@passionfruitaustralia.org.au
Vice President Ian Constable “Nunderry” 260 Boyds Lane Dulguigan via Murwillumbah NSW 2484 Phone / Fax (02) 6672 6826 Mobile 0428 181 246 Email ianconstable11@bigpond.com
PAI FEES New Grower or Processor Membership fee : $187 incl GST, joining fee and lobby fees Grower or Processor Membership renewal : $143 incl GST and lobby fees. Other classes (Nurseryman, seller, agent or associate) : $187 incl GST and lobby fees. Memberships run with the Fiscal year from July 1st to June 30th each year irrespective of date joined. Membership lapses if not renewed within three months of end of the fiscal year. Plant Royalties are due on propagation or purchase of all PAI varieties - Fees are payable to PAI executive officer : $0.35 per plant for PAI members, otherwise $0.70 for all non-members.
Committee Members President Vine Committee Steve Gray Vixies Road, Wonga Beach, QLD 4873 Phone / Fax (07) 4098 7202 Email steve_trish2@bigpond.com.au
Member Peter Griffiths 408 Dahl’s Road, Calavos, QLD 4670 Phone/Fax (07) 4159 7394 Mobile 0429 656 922 Email peteandsally4@bigpond.com Member Sean Russell (JE Tippers) PO Box 27, Brisbane Markets, QLD 4006 Phone (07) 3379 1041 Fax (07) 3379 4817 Mobile 0418 158 331 Email sean@jetipper.com.au Member William Wise 131 Cranneys Road, North Tumbulgum, NSW 2490 Phone (02) 6676 6099 Email libmcq@hotmail.com Member Tina McPherson 15 Zinks Road, Bundaberg, QLD 4670 Phone (07) 4159 3001 Fax (07) 4155 6744 Mobile 0428 415 930 Email tina@tinaberries.com.au
Member Jim Gordon PO Box 119, Yandina, QLD 4561 Phone (07) 5446 7536 Fax (07) 5446 7524 Mobile 0403 185 961 Email jill_88@msn.com
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Passionfruit Australia Incorporated Industry Advisory Committee PH: 07 3374 0453 Mob: 0413 101 646 Email: diannefullelove@optusnet.com.au
Dianne Fullelove
Chairperson PO Box 913, Kenmore, QLD 4069
Jane Wightman
HAL Suite 2, Level 5, 87 Wickham Terrace Spring Hill, QLD 4000
Peter Rigden
QLD Government DAFF, Maroochy Research Station, PO Box 5083, SCMC, QLD 4560
Cherie Gambley
QLD Government DAFF, Eco Science Precinct 2C West, GPO Box 267, Brisbane, QLD 4001
Ian Constable
PAI Executive “Nunderry” 260 Boyds Lane, Dulguigan via Murwillumbah, NSW 2484
PH/FAX: (02) 6672 6826 MOBILE: 0428 181 246 Email: ianconstable11@bigpond.com
Steve Gray
PAI Executive Vixies Road, Wonga Beach, QLD 4873
PH: (07) 4098 7202 Fax: (07) 4098 7202 Email: steve_trish2@bigpond.com.au
Keith Paxton
PAI Executive 38 Atkinsons Road, Woombye, QLD 4559
PH: (07) 5445 9387 FAX: (07) 5445 9323 MOB: 0427 625 946 Email: kipaxton@bigpond.com
Tina McPherson
PAI Executive 15 Zinks Road, Bundaberg, QLD 4670
PH: (07) 4159 3001 FAX: (07) 4155 6744 MOBILE : 0428 415 930 Email: tina@tinaberries.com.au
Sean Russell
Marketing PO Box 27, Brisbane Markets, QLD 4106
Bank account details Passionfruit Australia Incorporated BSB: 124-101 Acc No.: 21655088 If direct debiting please ensure to quote your name or membership number
Mob: 0404 309 877 Email: jane.wightman@horticulture.com.au PH: 07 5453 5927 FAX: 07 5493 5901 Email: peter.rigden@daff.qld.gov.au PH: 07 3255 4340 Mob: 0423 200 211 Email: Cherie.gambley@daff.qld.gov.au
PH: (07) 3379 1041 FAX: (07) 3379 4817 Mob : 0418 158 331 Email: sean@jetipper.com.au
This newsletter has been jointly funded by PAI and HAL using the passionfruit levy and matched funds from the Australian Government.
The Passion Vine – September 2013
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Regional Roundup From the growers...
NNSW Area By Ian Constable Most growers have had big winter crops that have left the older vines struggling coming into spring. Young vines are doing well with warmer weather but the dry spell is inhibiting fertiliser application. A lot of growers are taking out old vines making way for this season’s planting. So this issue of Passion Vine sees us reporting no rain for an extensive period unlike in June when we were praying for sunshine!
The Sunshine Coast By Keith and Judy Paxton Firstly we’d like to say how much we enjoyed the AGM and the opportunity it gave us to visit farms in FNQ. It’s really dry but the plants have taken off well. I say that on one hand, and on the other say that the
morning of 22nd August a frost knocked back some vines and caused a fair amount of flower drop. The whims of weather are making sure you can’t predict with any certainty! Interesting to note that the production forecast for SEQ is currently looking to have production forward by approximately one month into early to mid November.
Bundaberg Area By Peter Griffiths Hello everyone. In the Bundaberg region we have not received any substantial rain since mid-May. This has helped the ground dry out dramatically since the floods and farmers have been able to repair headlands, drains etc. The brown spot and other disease pressures have also reduced mainly due to the dry conditions and the above average warm winter. We have only received two days of frost, being in late August. The warm winter
has also given the plants early growth spurts and flower set. Most farms have begun to chop out vines in readiness for September plantings and hoping that we won’t receive any more adverse weather conditions (even though some NZ long range weather forecaster is predicting a third flood). That’s all until next time. Thanks.
Far North Queensland By Steve Gray We would like to thank everyone who attended the AGM; we hope you all enjoyed the day. The day was well attended with industry representatives from as far afield as Sydney and growers from NSW to Cooktown turned up. The weather has been kind from the beginning of July with good fruit set. This should see us with our heads down seven days a week for the next few months getting fruit to market,. We should still be able to fit a few late afternoon fishing trips in though.
Executive Report body is working continuously to make sure you, the members, are being represented appropriately at every level and the outcomes passed on to you for your information. A gentle reminder to those who haven’t yet renewed their
Continued from page 1 membership to PAI and for those plant orders that you may have placed with the respective nurseries some time ago. If you don’t pay your royalties prior to release of your order, you may find that you are caught out. Next edition will be out early December so if you have any
issues you would like to see covered in that edition, please don’t hesitate to contact any one of your Executive representatives or give me a call on the numbers (or email) provided. Wishing everyone a productive and fruitful Spring!
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Don’t forget membership and plant orders are due
* PASSIONFRUIT GROWERS AND SUPPLIERS OF * GRAFTED PASSIONFRUIT Misty Gems DPI - Approved rootstocks * SEEDLINGS Pandora Red Panama
Hand pollinated Pandora rootstock available.
FOR ORDERS / ENQUIRIES Please ph/fax 07 4159 7394 Peter Griffiths 0429 656 922 Sally Griffiths 0401 656 922
408 Dahls Rd, Calavos, Bundaberg Q 4670 Email – peteandsally4@bigpond.com
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President’s Report By Keith Paxton, 24th August 2013 Administration The PAI Executive met for 2 face to face meetings and 1 teleconference and 2 IAC meetings. At IAC meetings most of the Executive are in attendance as we hold the PAI meetings the same day. Jann also represented PAI at 3 tropical fruits meetings and attended the HAL forum and members meeting in Sydney along with myself. She also attended a HAL members forum and dinner in Brisbane, a HAL members meeting in Brisbane, the Freshcare AGM in Sydney, the PHA board dinner in Brisbane, a DAFF Biosecurity round table in Sydney and one in Canberra, a DAFF biosecurity workshop and also 6 HORT task force teleconferences. Some of these meetings Jann also was attending on behalf of the Ginger industry.
crisis management workshop conducted by Richard Bennett from HAL on 12th February. We have since developed a crisis management plan for passionfruit using the guidelines provided by Richard.
Tina McPherson also attended the Woolworth's workshop on 14th and 15th November, a tropical fruit workshop in Sydney on 23rd May and represented PAI at the HAL forum/PHA on 28th and 29th May.
The pocket guide and growing manual are now available through PAI.
At the HAL forum this year we had a range of speakers the first day, both motivational and business related. Our HAL services manager, Jane Wightman, also received the HAL service award for excellence in September. At the dinner, the Inaugural Kendle Wilkinson Outstanding Young Horticultural Scientist Award was presented to Jay Anderson by the Hon. Sid Sidebottom MP. The presentation was followed by a moving speech by Kendle's husband, Anthony Wilkinson. PAI and IAC members attended a
After the resignation of Scott Maltby, Bruce McPherson and Ross Brindley from the PAI Committee last year, we needed replacements on the IAC Committee. Steve Gray and Tina McPherson are their replacements on the IAC. Tina also replaced Bruce as Chair of the Marketing Sub-Committee. The other members of the Marketing committee are Sean Russell from Tippers in Brisbane, Joe Costa from Exotic Fruit in Sydney and Melissa Smith from Yandina.
Finance The financial report this year will show our Association is in a good position. During the year the Executive invested a proportion of our funds on Term Deposit. Jann has done an excellent job of managing our funds this financial year, preparing the Consultation Agreement and Communication Agreement along with membership and plant royalty income and Passion Vine costs, travel expenditure and meeting costs. It is of concern that plant royalty income is getting less each year. It is an item to discuss in general business. Jann's contract was for $25,000 a year plus GST, increasing in line with
CPI each year. Road Show On Tuesday 4th December PAI organised a road show, visiting the Brisbane markets. Vikki Lang and Ian Main from Brismark escorted us through the markets and finished at JE Tippers where Sean Russell answered our questions and then we went to JE Tippers pre -pack/ripening facility. The journey then travelled to Boggo Road Ecoscience precinct where Cherie Gambley and Kathy Parmenter took us on a guided tour of the facility. We then listened to Joe Carbone, a retailer from Brisbane about satisfying the consumer. Jane Wightman gave us an overview of where our levies had been spent in relation to the strategic plan. Then we travelled to the Steritech facility at Narangba. Manager, Glenn Robertson and business development manager, Bill Hatton explained the treatment for various crops to control fruit fly and took us on a tour. Chemical review Passionfruit in now on the Bioclear label, but is yet to be put on the Biopest label. Work is in progress. On 25th February we received a notice from Bayer that Movento 240sc insecticide was now registered for use in passionfruit. We received a notice from Alan Norden from APVMA that the Cabrio permit had been reduced from 21 days WHP to 1 day, with the possibility that BASF will eventually put passionfruit on the Cabrio label. Passionvine mite became a problem during the year and a
The Passion Vine – September 2013 project had been mentioned at the beginning of the year to look at a chemical control. It was discussed and decided that we needed more information on the problem. We requested samples of mites be sent to Cherie Gambley for identification. We only received 2 samples. To gain more information Executive members did a phone around growers to gauge the level of the problem. We held a meeting at Redland Bay Research Centre to discuss a project with the possibility of using biological control and what chemical would be best suited for a control. We have as yet to decide which way to go. We received an e.mail on 8th August from Jane Wightman regarding managing pesticide access in horticulture, a HAL project previously managed by AgAware. This project will now be managed in the interim by Jodie Pedrana (HAL Portfolio Manager). This was disappointing to me as Peter Dal Santo from AgAware has provided PAI with information on chemical issues for quite some time. PAI has also been moving our chemical permits to be held by AgAware on behalf of PAI. Marketing Shanka Dharmaratne from HAL and our Marketing Committee have been busy this year with our marketing program and from the reports we have received it has been a great success. Tina attended the Tropical Fruit workshop in May and also the Tropical Fruit Bloggers workshop. The articles were published in June 2013 Passion Vine. There will be a presentation in the Levy Payers meeting about the marketing program. Our Market access application was lodged 25th June for passionfruit.
The target country for access is New Zealand and date for access is 2015/16. The passionfruit irradiation trials, Nutritional Profiling & Quality assessments project is scheduled to get under way between Andrew Jessup and ANSTO, who will conduct the irradiation exercises. Fruit will be purchased from agents in Sydney at the beginning of September for the trials. A new committee formed called the Queensland Horticulture Industry Development Group chaired by Mr. Selwyn Snell will be looking at ways to meet the needs of horticulture in Queensland. Our representative on the Committee is Ian Groves. During the year we received a complaint from a major supermarket chain regarding the quality of passionfruit available. An agent in the markets forwarded some photos of very poor quality fruit. An article appeared in the Passion Vine with photos. One of the problems was the actual grading marked on the boxes and Jann sent out a spec sheet and grading guides to growers in the hope that we could improve on presentation. We have received an enquiry from a grower wishing to put PLU number stickers on passionfruit. The Executive felt that we did not want to go down this path but if an individual wanted to do so that was up to them. Thanks to Sean Russell from Tippers and Joe Costa from Exotic Fruit for supplying the passionfruit for the instore fruit tasting demonstrations.
Page 7 General The last 12 months has seen some extreme weather conditions affecting farmers, mainly in the southern growing regions. The weather has had an impact on some farms with production down as much as 50% on normal. Despite this, passionfruit supply for the 12 months has increased by up to 20% as evidenced by our levy collection. It appears the increased supply is panama passionfruit. We also have had some new growers come into the industry. Thanks to my Executive for the work they have put in this year, also the researchers, Cherie Gambley, Kathy Parmenter and John Thomas; the HAL representatives, Jane Wightman, Richard Bennett and Shanka Dharmaratne; our IAC committee chair, Dianne Fullelove and Peter Rigden. Peter is not on project with us anymore but he has been supportive of our industry and has been instrumental in developing our support manuals. He also has the ability to pick up points we have missed at our meetings. Thanks to our Passion Vine editor Jenny Drew for her attention to detail and continued effort with our publication. Last but not least Jann Bonsall our executive officer who has done an excellent job of conducting the affairs of our Association, preparing reports and looking after us at meetings. Jann has made my job as President much easier. Thanks from the Passionfruit Industry. And I can’t go without thanking my wife Judy for all the help she gives me typing emails and reports, and putting up with me being on the phone constantly!
The Passion Vine – September 2013
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Dinner at the Bazaar, QT Resort, Port Douglas
After a couple of quiet ales at the bar across the walkway from the Bazaar, 38 participants from the IAC, Executive, growers, wholesalers and other industry supply chain partners tucked into a sumptuous dinner with just about every whim and fancy on offer at their finger tips!
Fresh salads, steaks done to your liking, abundant platters of fresh seafood, true Spanish paella and many other tasty offerings which were quickly followed up by deserts fit for any King or Queen! For those who preferred something other than sweet, a range of cheese and fruits was also available.
Overall the evening was very successful with growers mingling with IAC members, wholesalers and supply chain partners. This gave everyone the opportunity to understand issues affecting various regions and gain insights as to how some have found resolution to those and other problems, particularly in respect to weather.
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Moraitis Group Pty Ltd
For information regarding administration issues for Passionfruit Australia Incorporated please contact:
Jann Bonsall PO Box 321 Pomona QLD 4568 Ph: 07 5485 4402 Email: admin@ passionfruitaustralia.org.au For variety and plantings issues please contact your local Executive Member as listed on page 2. Other enquiries can be made through Queensland DPIF on their call centre number 132523 All contributions concerning the industry are most welcome.
The Passion Vine is edited by Jann Bonsall and Jenny Drew 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 Australia Incorporated or the Editor. The advice given is at the readers 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 or the Editor.
Leaders in fresh produce Moraitis core products include : * Passionfruit * Melons * Pumpkin * Cherries * Onions * Strawberries
* Potatoes *Tomatoes * Bananas * Citrus * Garlic * Avocadoes
Moraitis is a national company in the leading position as a fully integrated supplier of fresh fruits and vegetables in Australia. Moraitis have a dedicated team focused on satisfying Grower and Customer needs, who are devoted to providing flawless 24/7 supply and service solutions,to the retail supermarket chains and independent fruit markets all around Australia. The Moraitis base is unique because of the wide range of customers’ serviced, and our ability to supply consistent quality and service 12 months of the year. Australia’s leaders in the fresh produce industry – Moraitis has National distribution capabilities and is located Australia wide.
For passionfruit enquiries please contact Debra Scarfe : Exotic Fruit Category Mobile: 0416088615 Email: dscarfe@moraitis.com.au
PAI Licensed Nurseries Birdwood Nursery
71 Blackall Range Road, 07 5442 Nambour 4560 1611
J&V McLeod
Campbell’s Road, Dungay 2484
Widebay Passionvine Nursery
408 Dahls Road, Calavos, Bundaberg 4670
02 6672 3503 07 4159 7394
Peter Kallinis : Category Manager Mobile: 0412 141 536 Email: pkallinis@moraitis.com.au Matthew McInerney: National Sales Manager Mobile: 0417 468 828 Email: mmcinerney@moraitis.com.au Moraitis Wholesale NSW Stand 52, A Shed Sydney Markets NSW 2129 P.O. Box 75 Sydney Markets NSW 2129 T: +61 2 9764 2370 F: +61 2 9764 2218
Contact Moraitis for more information on our website www.moraitis.com.au For general enquiries regarding our business or products please send an email to info@moraitis.com.au or call our customer service number 1 800 657 010
The Passion Vine – September 2013
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ALPM - HAL Industry Report
The ISM backed the Chair’s advice for all levy payers to feed into the IAC members for issues affecting you. Results of projects and actions by the IAC are reported back to levy payers through Passion Vine and at the ALPM. The IAC’s mains responsibilities are: Prepare a Strategic Investment Plan Prepare an Annual Investment Plan Ensure an Annual Report is produced Provide recommendations to HAL The Strategic Plan is based on the Strategic Intent for the Passionfruit Industry Plan which is: The Australian passionfruit industry’s intent is to be a growing, profitable and united industry that is able to create and capitalise on market opportunities and manage risks appropriately. Underpinning this intent are the following objectives and the strategies and projects that are in place. Objective one – To ensure profitable and consistent availability of Australian passionfruit to meet consumer demand. Overcoming passionfruit viruses PF11004 ($67,107 LOP $176,265) Cabrio trial – Residues of pyraclostrobin in passionfruit for the control of Anthracnose
and Septoria PF11007 ($9846 LOP $18,354) This has resulted in the lowering of the WHP from 28 days to 1 day and the Permit has been extended to June 2018. BASF have committed to registering tropical fruits for the use of Cabrio including passionfruit. A multi target approach to fruitspotting bug management MT10049 and MT10065 ($8,000 LOP $42,000) Determine Phosphorous acid residues in passionfruit $18,354 ($9,800 LOP) Minor Use permits PF12002 and PF12005 ($750 LOP $28,354) Objective two – To facilitate a sustainable and profitable production sector by increasing demand for Australian passionfruit in line with increasing supply. Annual marketing campaign PF12500($71,358) Objective 3: To ensure the Australian passionfruit industry has appropriate and sufficient capacity to manage industry affairs and respond appropriately to change
Consultation Funding Agreement PF12910 (LOP $39,901 marketing and R&D) Communications project PF11006 ($10,002 LOP $30,135) Industry Annual Report PF12800 (LOP $2,020)
The Consultation Agreement between PAI and HAL sets out the tasks each organization will perform to enable industry to discharge its responsibilities related to levy payers and industry services. The communication project funds the production of Passion Vine and the maintenance of the Passionfruit web site. The Industry Annual Report has been finalised and copies are available here and will be included with the next edition of Passion Vine. Across Industry Program The AIP project cover all industry related matters including: Food security Health and well-being in horticulture Climate change As part of the government’s direction for more transformational investment of levy funds future projects will include: A biotic / biotic stresses on
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horticultural row and tree crops Reducing labour New Product Development or Value adding technologies
Assessment of nutritional profile and fruit quality of irradiated passionfruit PF12006 (LOP $45 686)
New Projects Starting 2013/14
Once this project has been
Budget 2012/13
R&D
Marketing
Opening Balance
64,254
56,689
Income
179,874
103,287
Expenditure
163,078
107,415
Project Expenditure
134,804
88,117
Closing Balance
85,050
52,561
HAL Marketing Report The outline of the 2012-13 Marketing campaign was based on
Marketing Activity Melbourne Train Banner Advertising Activity Public Relations Program Tropical Fruit Blogger Workshop In-Store Sampling Program Green Grocer Merchandising Program Retailer Engagement POS Development and Distribution
Oct 2012
Nov 2012
the premise to excite and educate consumers with delicious recipes, lots of stimulating information, making passionfruit
Dec 2012
Jan 2013
Feb 2013
Mar 2013
Apr 2013
completed it will then be forwarded to FSANZ for approval. Once FSANZ have finalized the approval, PAI can then continue with their application to export to New Zealand.
the hero. The Marketing Manager (MM) worked with the Marketing Sub Committee to schedule activities. See table below:
May 2013
Jun 2013
Jul 2013
Aug 2013
The Passion Vine – September 2013
Page 12 Budget Allocation
Budget (Ex GST)
Expenditure (ex GST)
Melbourne Train Banner Advertising Activity
7%
$3,500
$3,696
Public Relations Program
32%
$16,000
$15,625
Tropical Fruit Blogger Workshop
10%
$5,000
$5,000
In – Store Sampling Program
32%
$16,000
$16,000
Retailer Engagement
0%
No Cost
No Cost
POS Development and Distribution
16%
$8,000
$3,865
Contingency Budget
3%
$1,500
$1,462**
100%
$50,000
$45,648
Marketing Activity
Total Sammy & Bella (winners of My Kitchen Rules) commissioned to be passionfruit ambassadors Three recipes were developed by Sammy & Bella Jakubiak to drive intentional purchase and encourage Australian home cooks to put passionfruit on their plate
quality and delivered a winning recipe of magazine quality, in line with the strategy of the activity.
MM believes that the ROI has been far more cost effective this way than buying traditional ads in media. All key messages of versatility, seasonality, handling and storage gained good coverage in media. “Put passion on your plate” key message proved popular with media with 96% pick up. Future campaigns should continue to communicate this message to build momentum.
Involved in media workshop involving passionfruit and papaya. Sammy & Bella demonstrated and Tina McPherson attended as industry representative.
Bloggers were invited to enter their original passionfruit recipe in the #passiononmyplate competition, with the winning entry being purchased for the 2014 marketing campaign (ie. POS and media outreach). The competition received 6 entries, which were of a very high
Train Banner Advertising: High impact advertising in the interiors of Metro Trains Melbourne. Targeting commuters to promote Passionfruit in Melbourne. 30 Panels in 10 Trains (30 carriages @ 1 Panel per carriage) Exposure in up to 50 suburbs across Melbourne.
Retailer Activity The campaigns’ duration was 3 weeks – w/c 3rd June 2013 22nd June 2013. Sampling and Merchandising in 65 high traffic metro Green Grocer stores 50% - 50% split between Queensland and New South Wales
The Passion Vine – September 2013 1 x demonstration session on the peak day (Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays) The average shopper interactions were 100 per session and on average 43 of those shoppers went on with a purchase which equals a 43% conversion rate. Feedback from the greengrocers and agents has been very positive with 93% of stores receptive to the promotion as well as recording incremental increases in reorder of Passionfruit in both Queensland and New South Wales.
Page 13 Retail Engagement Imperative to engage and support retailers throughout the year Retailers offer significant opportunity to further industry objectives Key supply chain channels to be engaged for cross collaborative promotional opportunities and information sharing On going Activities Woolworths collaboration Harris Farm and Independents engagement Wholesale market activity
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PF11004 Overcoming Passionfruit Viruses Project Update By Kathy Parmenter, John Thomas and Cherie Gambley. As presented at the Annual Levy Payers’ Meeting on 24 August 2013.
Australian vines are often infected by multiple potyviruses as well as the symptomless Passionfruit latent virus (PLV) and, occasionally, Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). The viruses are transmitted when grafting infected scions on to clean seedlings (Australian passionfruit potyviruses are not seed transmitted) and by aphid feeding. In December 2008, an industry workshop held as part of PF07001 developed a three stage plan to manage passionfruit viruses: the current grafting material scheme; a medium-term virus elimination strategy to obtain uninfected scion material; and a long-term virus resistant varieties breeding program. The virus elimination work and virus resistance breeding program as well as an assessment of industry virus infection status and industry diagnostic support are the foci of the current HAL-funded PF11004 project.
Survey of commercial passionfruit Commercial passionfruit plants were sampled in winter 2012 (May to early September), when symptoms of virus infection were likely to be more obvious. A total of 407 shoot tip samples from 11 sites across Queensland and New South Wales were collected from seedlings and grafted plants. Random samples and targeted symptomatic shoots were collected, had their symptoms noted and have been sub-sampled for laboratory testing. Where observed on farm, native and wild Passiflora spp. plants, as well as symptomatic legumes (possible passionfruit potyvirus alternative hosts), were collected to check for passionfruit virus infection. Leaf mosaic, mottle and chlorotic spotting were commonly observed symptoms in commercial vines. Leaf distortion and blistering was also observed in samples collected from Bundaberg and north Queensland sites. An example of a severely distorted leaf with mosaic is shown in Figure 1. At this stage, the general potyvirus assays have been completed. All (100%) scion cultivar samples had virus symptoms and were infected by potyviruses, whereas only 60% of seedlings had symptoms. The percentage infection of randomly -sampled seedling crops
Figure 1. Leaf with severe distortion, blistering and mosaic symptoms increased with plant age (Figure 2). This infection is likely coming from other infected passionfruit on farm as few wild Passiflora spp. weeds were observed near crops. Tests for the specific viruses (PWV, PaVY, ClYVV, PLV and CMV) are in progress. 100 80
% infected
Viruses in passionfruit cause reduced fruit size, woodiness (increased pith) and distortion, leaf distortion and mosaic, reduced vine vigour, which is particularly evident in the cooler growing periods, and, over time, vine decline. These symptoms are caused by infection with potyviruses (Passionfruit woodiness virus (PWV), Passiflora virus Y (PaVY) and Clover Yellow Vein Virus (ClYVV) in Australian passionfruit). Overseas, other potyviruses cause similar symptoms in passionfruit plants.
60 40 20 0 0
6
12
18
24
30
Months after planting
Figure 2. Percentage infection of randomly-sampled seedlings with potyviruses.
The Passion Vine – September 2013 Virus Elimination Micrografting of tiny shoot tips (0.25mm scions) onto clean seedling rootstocks has been attempted to separate the uninfected growing point from the virus-infected tissue and achieve
A
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virus free plants of the industry standard cultivars ‘Misty Gem’ and ‘Sweetheart.’ Three rounds of micrografting using tips from rapidly growing plants have been conducted in this project over the last year, with 18-19 grafts
prepared in each round. These grafts are technically challenging (conducted under a microscope) and the size of the growing point approaches the minimum required for viability (see Figure 3).
B
C
Figure 3. Micrografting. A, preparation of the scion; B, excised 0.25-0.5mm growing point (scion); C, grafted scion on seedling rootstock. To date, the success rate of the grafting has been very low and some successful grafts have been lost to fungal infection over two months after grafting. Because of the difficulties in graft survival, a method variation utilising tissue culture to sustain the excised growing point and then root the tiny plantlets has been proposed. However, the most recent round of grafting appears to have been more successful with three shoots beginning to grow and three more appearing alive but dormant at this stage. Surviving plants will be kept in aphid-free cages and tested for virus infection once large enough. Breeding for Virus Resistance A detailed update on the breeding work conducted towards generating virus resistant rootstocks and scion lines was given in The Passion Vine (June 2013). Briefly, the rootstock breeding lines have been assessed for agronomic performance (virus,
vigour, and appearance). Disease in the planting was formally diagnosed as an anthracnose (Colletotrichum) infection and has responded well to appropriate treatment. Two of the breeding lines appear to be anthracnose resistant as well as having good vine vigour. Crosses between these lines and ‘Pandora’ and ‘DPI’ rootstocks are planned for Spring 2013. In late Summer and Autumn 2013, crosses were made between the breeding lines and
cultivars ‘Misty Gem’ and ‘Sweetheart.’ Seed has been collected from the mature fruit (Table 1) and will be evaluated for virus resistance over the coming Spring and Summer. Diagnostics Four sets of fungal diagnostic samples have been handled by the team over the previous year. Two sets were diagnosed as Fusarium spp. and Phytophthora nicotianae infections, and the remaining two are still in progress.
BCF1 parent
x ‘Misty Gem’
1
25
17
12
21
21
39
41
48
120
x ‘Sweetheart’
20
123
Table 1. Seed collected from crosses with breeding lines (Back cross F1 plants) as female parents.
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The Good, the Bug and the Ugly! The Good, the Bug and the Ugly, CD-ROM published several years ago by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Queensland (DAFFQ) contains comprehensive information on citrus pests in Australia and their control using Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a system which relies on using natural predators and parasites to keep pests in check. The CD describes over 100 citrus pests and details their control using integrated pest management. Over 400 colour photographs help the reader to identify pests and their natural enemies (parasites
and predators). Because of its detailed coverage of a number of pests that are common and serious pests of passionfruit (such as scales, mealybugs, mites, bugs and fruit fly) there is also a lot of information in the CD that is relevant to passionfruit production and which passionfruit growers will find useful.
of which are available through Passionfruit Australia. Phone 07 5485 4402 email admin@passionfruitaustralia .org.au
A copy of this CD will be supplied free of charge to anyone purchasing a copy of the Passionfruit Problem Solver Field Guide and/or the Passionfruit Growing Guide both
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Did you know.... Information from Healthy Eating web site Passion fruit is rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that protects you from the damage free radicals cause, preventing premature aging and keeping your immune system strong. With 71 milligrams per cup, one serving gives you all of the vitamin C you need each day. It also gives you 10 percent of the folate you need. Vitamin C and folate are water-soluble nutrients that slowly become depleted after harvest.
Passion fruit is a rich source of nonheme, or plant based, iron. While the Institute of Medicine recommends that men get 6 micrograms of iron per day and women get 8.1 micrograms, a cup of raw passion fruit provides nearly 4 milligrams. Paired with enriched cereals and iron-rich vegetables such as broccoli or beets, a vegetarian can get an adequate amount of iron by adding passion fruit to her diet. The vitamin C content of the passion fruit also helps your body absorb its iron content.
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Passion Vine Cook Book Lattice Cheese Slice Our sincere thanks to Robyn Lowth and Trish Hatfield for providing such a YUMMY sweet treat at the Annual Levy Payers’ Meeting, Wonga Beach.
Ingredients 1 1/2 packets of Arnotts Lattice biscuits 250g Philadelphia cheese 1 dessertspoon gelatine dissolved in 1/2 cup boiling water 250g unsalted butter 3/4 cup castor sugar 3 large passionfruit
Method Cream butter, cheese and sugar. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Line a lamington tin completely with a layer of biscuits. Pour in filling and top with another layer of biscuits. Place in fridge to set.
Letters to the Editor Don’t forget to send your letters to the Editor to admin@passionfruitaustralia.org.au or post to PO Box 321, Pomona, Qld 4568
Remember to email your ads to the secretary
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