The Passion Vine Autumn 2020

Page 1

AUTUMN 2020

COVID-19 5 TOP TIPS PAGE 3

EMERGENCY PERMIT Fall Armyworm PAGE 6

FALL ARMYWORM PEST POSTER PAGE 10–11

BREEDING UPDATE Welcome Maddy PAGE 16

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 Matthew James Brisbane Markets QLD

CONTENTS

02 PRESIDENT'S REPORT 03 FIVE TOP TIPS TO KEEP YOUR FARM SAFE 04 REGIONAL ROUNDUP 06 CHEMICAL PERMITS CHANGES 07 FAIR FARMS UPDATE 08 MARKETING UPDATE CENTRE FALL ARMYWORM

13 FOCUS ON PRE-HARVEST FOR QUALITY 15 REGIONAL FIELD DAY: UPDATE 16 BREEDING PROGRAM: UPDATE

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

12

WATER NEWS 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 2019 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 | AUTUMN 2020

1


PRESIDENT'S REPORT DENNIS CHANT

Dear Readers, Welcome to the Autumn edition of The Passion Vine. Five months in my role as President of PAI has brought the realisation of how effectively your secretariat of Amanda and Jane and the Management Committee under previous president, Tina, have utilised the limited resources available to them to bring meaningful services to our members. It has also brought the realisation that, as with other horticultural industries, we face many challenges that we must actively address as an industry united and engaged. While it is imperative that the new Management Committee provides leadership, to achieve the desired outcomes for our industry, we need the engagement of our members. In this edition of your magazine you will be informed of the many forums through which you can participate in and contribute to the sustainability and profitability of producing and marketing of our crop. In the last edition I touched on the need to focus on resilience in the face of drought and fires. Since then we have been blessed with generous falls of rain. In my own area near Murwillumbah NSW we have had substantially more rain in the first two months of 2020 than in the whole of last year. This has brought with it a whole new set of challenges. The Market Report in February’s Passiflora News highlights some of the supply and quality issues resulting from these highly variable growing conditions. As producers we all learn from our experiences and adapt our farming practices to meet environmental and market circumstances. It is in all of our interests that we learn from and share our experiences and fully exploit all of the very useful information channels we have available to us. PAI’s publications, website and online forums provide much useful information or links to information sources which can assist your development of resilient and sustainable farm management plans. Most importantly, the regional field days offer an opportunity for growers and associated industry representatives to meet face-to-face and share their valuable experiences. Unfortunately, due to the restrictions placed on us all by the spread of Covid-19 we have to postpone the Regional Field Day program for this year for the time-being. We will still be providing all growers with access to the Australian Passionfruit Postharvest Best Practice Guide by posting a copy to all growers on our database. If you have not received your copy by the end of April, please contact Amanda on admin@passionfruitaustralia.org.au and we will get you a copy. 2

www.passionfruitaustralia.org.au

You can also assist in defining your needs and priorities in a range of subjects important to your business by participating in grower surveys. Important ones have been shared recently include; — P assionfruit Industry Strategic Agrochemical Review Process (SARP) — Improving Horticulture Supply Chains — C QU/Growcom Interest in Exporting Horticultural Products ther key areas where the Committee/Secretariat/Members O are acting in your interest include; — Advising on the Fall Armyworm threat — F arm Design Standards under Reef Regulations (QLD only) — I mplementing the 2018 AGM resolution to become a signatory to the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed — P lant Health Australia’s Tropical Plant Industries Biosecurity Surveillance Strategy — P assionfruit Breeding Program (Ends in its current form on 30 June 2020). In closing, I would like to highlight important initiatives of PAI to provide ongoing learning and development opportunities. Wayne Dellaway was awarded the Noel Day Scholarship for the Certificate in Nutritional Farming at Nutri-Tech Solutions beginning in March and Ross Baker of Ayr was awarded the Samsons sponsored distance education course. We also have a Masters student commencing at Southern Cross University with Peter Bundock on the plant breeding project from 16 March. Please enjoy this edition of The Passion Vine. On behalf of your Committee and Secretariat I would like to wish you well for this year and look forward to engaging with you further in the future. Best regards, Dennis Chant


WHAT IS HAPPENING NOW TO SUPPORT THE FUTURE OF OUR INDUSTRY? Australian Passionfruit

— Potential im pact of this plan is $ Based on a n est total invest imated ment of $ from 2017 to 2021 —

9.7m

1.84m

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

_______________________ POSTHARVEST QUALITY IMPROVEMENT Tips on nutrition management

Improve pest and disease management and the development of new varieties that increase grower productivity and profitability

_______________________ __________________________________________________ PF16003: 2020 PF15000: FIELD DAYS NATIONAL BREEDING PROJECT Regional Catch-ups PAGE 16–17 & Industry Meetings FARM SHED POSTER SERIES: PAGE 15 Fall Armyworm

PAGE 8–9

PAGE 13–15

PAGE 10–11

5 TOP TIPS TO HELP KEEP YOUR FARM WORKPLACE SAFE

1

Screen all new workers for their exposure risk to COVID-19 asking questions about recent travel, health conditions of those they have been in recent contact with and their own current health state and ask them to sign a COVID-19 Personal Disclosure Statement prior to commencing work on your property. A TEMPLATE FOR THIS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE AT www.passionfruitaustralia.org.au/covid-19

2

Rearrange your picking, packing or maintenance processes to keep workers at least 1.5m apart at all times especially during breaks

3

Ensure adequate supplies of hand sanitiser are available & used frequently, post instructions for correct hand washing technique at all hand washing areas and clean all tools and commonly touched surfaces frequently

4

Reaffirm to all workers that they MUST NOT present for work if they have a temperature of 38°C or higher or have a cough, sore throat or shortness of breath

5

Maintain detailed records of all workers engaged in each area of your farm each day, the preventative measures you have in place and your cleaning program including frequency of clean and items included


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 DECEMBER

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

— Records tumbled as this was the warmest December on record for Australia and the lowest rainfall on record for the country as a whole

— Bushfires were raging across Australia with an estimated 18.6m hectares burnt from June – January 2020

— Tenth-warmest February on record for Australia at nearly 1˚C warmer than average

— It was amongst the five driest Decembers on record for Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory — December concluded Australia's warmest and driest year on record

— Although January was warmer than average, some good news came in the shape of very welcome rain in Bundaberg, the Sunshine Coast and northern NSW growing regions — Mid-January brought heavy rain and flash flooding to some parts of SEQ and NNSW

RAINFALL OUTLOOK APR-JUN CHANCE OF EXCEEDING THE MEDIAN RAINFALL

— A number of BoM stations in New South Wales recorded their warmest February day on record on the 1st — February rainfall was 11% below average for Australia as a whole, but some areas had record falls. Murwillumbah recorded 3 times average rainfall at 700.5mm for the month

2020

CLIMATE OUTLOOK OVERVIEW (Issued 5 March 2020)

Chance of exceeding the median rainfall (%)

— April to June is likely to be wetter than average for parts of western and southern Australia (60–70% chance).

www.bom.gov.au/climate © Commonwealth of Australia 2020, Australian Bureau of Meteorology

4

www.passionfruitaustralia.org.au

— While recent rainfall over parts of eastern Australia has eased the dry in many areas, long-term rainfall deficiencies continue for many. Several months of above average rainfall are required to replenish water storages and stream flows. — Both days and nights are likely to be warmer than average across most of the country for April to June, although days have roughly equal chances of being above or below average in parts of the south.

LONG TERM AVERAGE RAINFALL (mm) WEATHER STATIONS

APR

MAY

JUN

Mareeba

38.6

11.8

11.2

Bundaberg

55.9

66.8

50.2

Sunshine Coast Airport

153.8

154.9

120.5

Murwillumbah

153.5

128.6

106.6


GROWER REPORTS FAR NORTH QLD

FAR NORTH QLD

As I write this report, I reflect on the 2019 season and how environmental conditions affected crops in the NQ growing area. Rain, frost, and hailstorms have made for a later season finish in some areas. Fortunately, yields improved in the later part of the season coupled with some reasonable price rises leading up to Christmas that made the season worthwhile. Moving forward, the 2020 season has had a good start with the region receiving 300mm to 500 mm of rain so far this year. A normal wet season would be welcomed to replenish the 66% full Tinaroo Irrigation Scheme Dam, to ensure the region has water security for its diversity of crops for the following 12 months. All the best from the north for the 2020 season.

(Mareeba, Daintree, Cooktown)

DEC JAN

Mareeba (station 031210)

FEB

28.8 191.2 153.4 [92.6] [209.8] [226.4]

MEAN (mm)

7 [7.8]

12 [11.9]

15 [13.9]

MEAN (MAX ºC)

33.7 33.0 [32.2] [31.3]

32.5 [30.7]

MEAN (MIN ºC)

20.8 22.0 [20.8] [21.4]

22.3 [21.4]

MEAN DAYS >1mm

Brian & Irene Westwood, Mareeba BUNDABERG WIDE BAY

Hello everyone. It has finally happened – RAIN. In 2019, Bundaberg officially recorded its lowest annual rainfall on record with my farm only receiving 390mm instead of the usual 1000 mm - 1200mm. Now in the first two months of 2020, my farm has received 400mm, resulting in many hours on the mower/slasher and weed spraying. The vines, new & old are looking good thanks to the rain. Both the Misty Gem & Pandora have finished picking for a while but there is good flower set happening at the moment. More rain is forecast which hopefully doesn’t interrupt the flower set too much. Until next time. Thanks.

Peter & Sally Griffiths, Bundaberg

(Bundaberg)

Bundaberg (station 039128)

DEC JAN FEB

MEAN (mm)

11.6 141.8 162.0 [124.7] [171] [156.2]

MEAN DAYS >1mm

2 [6.2]

12 [7.8]

14 [8]

MEAN (MAX ºC)

32.5 31.7 31.4 [29.7] [30.4] [30.1]

MEAN (MIN ºC)

21.4 22.5 [20.5] [21.5]

23.1 [21.4]

SUNSHINE COAST This summer has certainly been a challenge. We started with one of our driest ever Decembers and thankfully finished with our dams full. Apparently, all you have to do to make it rain is get an excavator working to enlarge your dam and it starts to pour down. After a slow start, most of us had an average season. Quantities were down, but prices were up, so it was less hectic than usual. We completely stopped production for a couple of weeks in early February, but the last few days of summer saw a sudden and dramatic increase in production. I only hope the good prices can hold for another week or two.Unfortunately, a few growers are still feeling the effects of the earlier hailstorms, while others are battling disease after the persistent showers and storms. We look like having a fairly busy early autumn and hopefully there is time for a good set for the winter crop. At the moment, in the first days of March, we are flat out picking and mowing. The grass has gone crazy lately. I'm already looking forward to some cooler weather. This humidity is no fun anymore. I look forward to catching up with some of you at the field days. All the best for the season.

SOUTH EAST QLD

(Gympie to Glass House Mtns) Sunshine Coast Airport (station 040861)

MEAN (mm)

DEC JAN

FEB

29.0 272.0 649.8 [142.5] [144.8] [207.5]

MEAN DAYS >1mm

4 [6.2]

12 [7.8]

14 [8]

MEAN (MAX ºC)

30.0 29.7 29.2 [29.7] [30.4] [30.1]

MEAN (MIN ºC)

20.5 21.7 [20.5] [21.5]

22.3 [21.4]

Jim & Jill Gordon, Yandina TWEED AREA

NORTHERN NSW

Hello Everyone! Summer started off hot and dry with a typical Christmas/New Year crop. Due to the dry end of spring we had a large number of small fruit through, however quality was high. On Christmas Eve, we received the first of some nice rain which came fairly regularly through January. February rolled along and it just didn’t stop raining. We reached 1000mm for January and February combined. Luckily there wasn’t much fruit around in February. Spraying has been tricky, and we are now seeing a lot of marked fruit coming through, however all large fruit. Fusarium is still causing us some worry with vines still dying. In our third-year vines there are long stretches of row with no vine. Also, quite a few deaths in our second-year vines. Our Freshcare audit was completed and they are now around $1100!! And a couple of printer cartridges lighter. We eagerly await the next update! All the best.

(Tweed Valley)

Murwillumbah (station 058158)

MEAN (mm)

DEC

JAN

FEB

85.0 263.9 700.5 [166.2] [205.3] [230.5]

MEAN DAYS >1mm [10.8]

6

10 [11.9]

17 [13]

MEAN (MAX ºC)

31.3 [29.2]

30.7 [29.7]

29.0 [29.0]

MEAN (MIN ºC)

18.3 [18.5]

20.8 [19.8]

21.2 [19.7]

Nick & Nerida Hornery, Newrybar Figures in [ ] are long term historical averages. All weather data from www.bom.gov.au

THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN FOR YOUR REPORTS.

THE PASSION VINE | AUTUMN 2020

5


Widebay Passionvine ursery N Grafted Varieties I Panama Servicing all areas – ­Delivery available Order by 1st March for Spring delivery Find us here: 408 Dahls Road, Calavos Qld 4670

p 0429 656 922

e peteandsally4@bigpond.com

www.widebaypassionvinenursery.com.au

CHEMICAL UPDATE

EMERGENCY MINOR USE PERMIT

METHIDATHION (SUPRATHION 400 EC INSECTICIDE) - CANCELLATION OF APPROVAL BY ADAMA EFFECTIVE 4-FEB-20

ISSUED FOR FALL ARMYWORM Hort Innovation has been successful in securing an emergency minor use permit from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).

Permit ID PER89241 Description Spinetoram (Success Neo or Delegate) / Fall Armyworm / Various Crops Date Issued 6-Mar-20 Expiry Date 31-Mar-23 Permit holder Hort Innovation Please note the cancellation of Methidathion (Suprathion) and permits that this cancellation will impact as well as crops covered under the registered label. A person may continue to use the cancelled product according to its label instructions until 4 February 2021. After that time, the chemical must be disposed of following the rules. Please visit www.chemclear.org.au for more information

AFFECTED PERMITS PER14047 Methidathion / Peppers and eggplant / Rutherglen Bug PER14099 Methidathion / Lychees / Mealybug, Nutborer, Planthopper, Scale, Leafhoppers and Fruit Spotting Bug PER13694 Methidathion / Persimmons / Mealybug, Light Brown Apple Moth, Scales and Fruit Spotting Bug

6

www.passionfruitaustralia.org.au

All efforts have been made to provide the most current, complete and accurate information on these permits, however you should always confirm all details on the APVMA website at: https://portal.apvma.gov.au/permits. Details of the conditions of use associated with these permits can also be found on the APVMA site. For more information about registered AgVet chemicals, visit https://apvma.gov.au/node/1061


AUSTRALIA’S HORTICULTURE SECTOR BACKS INDUSTRY-LED FAIR FARMS PROGRAM Since its launch in June 2019, more than 100 growers and other horticulture businesses from across Australia have joined the industry-developed Fair Farms Training and Certification Program demonstrating industry’s commitment to stamping out workplace non-compliance and worker exploitation. Fair Farms Program Manager, Thomas Hertel said Growcom was rolling out Fair Farms on behalf of industry in a bid to show who is doing the right thing and use market forces to drive out unethical and unlawful employment practices. “We’re excited about the strong take-up so far and congratulate our participating growers and other supply chain members for showing industry leadership on this important issue,” Mr Hertel said. “Of the businesses registered to date, 60 have already completed the self-assessment against the Fair Farms Standard to identify areas for improvement. “Fair Farms aims to have a critical mass of ethical suppliers certified against the Fair Farms Standard, so wholesalers and retailers can make the switch and start sourcing their fresh produce only from verified ethical businesses.

“AUSTRALIAN GROWN, FAIR FARMS CERTIFIED, ALL THE WAY TO THE GROWER LEVEL, IS WHAT WE’RE WORKING TOWARDS. WHEN RETAILERS AND THE CONSUMER BUY INTO THAT AND REWARD ETHICAL COMPLIANCE, WE EXPECT TO SEE REAL POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE TREATMENT OF WORKERS ON FARMS.” Fair Farms is working closely with key stakeholders from across the supply chain including growers, wholesalers, participating retailers, trade unions, and industry-bodies AUSVEG and the National Farmers’ Federation to ensure the successful roll-out.

KEEP YOUR SKILLS FINE-TUNED WITH FAIR FARMS Fair Farms is regularly publishing technical articles around key elements of the Fair Farms Standard that underpins the Fair Farms Training and Certification program. Articles have covered topics such as: — Providing accommodation to workers — Managing worker fatigue — Developing emergency procedures, and — Effective inductions These and many more can be found in the ‘News & Resources’ section of the Fair Farms website: www.fairfarms.com.au/news-resources To find out more about how to get Fair Farms certified visit www.fairfarms.com.au or email them at fairfarms@growcom.com.au

“We thank Woolworths and ALDI for getting behind this industry-led initiative and are hoping to see other Australian retailers and the larger wholesalers join us soon.” Mr Hertel added.

Fair Farms is developed and delivered by Growcom with support from the Fair Work Ombudsman, The Federal Department of Agriculture and AUSVEG.

THE PASSION VINE | AUTUMN 2020

7


HORT INNOVATION MARKETING UPDATE BY BEN WOODMAN

Hort Innovation is responsible for investing the passionfruit marketing levy into a range of activities to grow awareness and consumption of the fruits, under the Hort Innovation Passionfruit Fund. Here’s a look at some of the highlights since the last edition of The Passion Vine and an introduction to our new Marketing Manager – Ben Woodman.

Media Masterclass On Friday 21st February, passionfruit grower Jane Richter was invited to put on a Passionfruit Gin Spritz cocktail masterclass for a set of food and lifestyle journalists from Australia’s most popular multi-platform magazine brand – Bauer Media. Jane and her husband John took a day off from the farm and flew to Sydney to be the farming face of Australian passionfruit for this exclusive media event. Jane and John were joined by the new Marketing Manager for the tropical fruit cluster at Hort Innovation, Ben Woodman. The purpose of the cocktail masterclass was to demonstrate how easy it is to add a splash of passion into your day. Australian Passionfruit had developed a brand-new passionfruit gin spritz recipe, which Jane made for the attending media. The masterclass setting was relaxed and informal, allowing Jane to have plenty of time to talk about fresh passionfruit, how to select a great piece of fruit, how to crack it open with your hands and the tips for using passionfruit in lots of unexpected and interesting ways. The main messages for the overall campaign were front and centre of Jane’s talk ensuring that everyone attending walked away with these three facts front of mind: — Adding Aussie Passionfruit to your dish is a simple way of turning ordinary to extraordinary. With its sweet tangy flavour and bright colour, there’s no better way to top off your dish than with a splash of passion. Jane even shared her tangy chilli splash that is brilliant on fish or grilled pork. — Passionfruit is available year-round, but there are two peak seasons where there is an increased supply available in-store and winter is one of those peaks, surprisingly for a fruit so well known for its summer uses. — When choosing passionfruit, go for plump, heavy fruit and don’t worry about spots or marks on the skin – it’s the sweet juicy pulp inside that counts!

If you’d like to try the recipe at home here it is! ... #aussiepassionfruit #splashofpassion

8

www.passionfruitaustralia.org.au

PASSIONFRUIT GIN SPRITZ SERVES 2

INGREDIENTS – – – – – –

Pulp from 2 fresh passionfruit 60 ml gin 200 ml Prosecco Sparkling water Ice Lemon peel twist, to garnish

METHOD 1. Fill two large glasses with ice. Combine passionfruit pulp and gin in a small jug and stir well. 2. D ivide gin mixture between glasses. Pour over Prosecco, top up with sparking water, and garnish with a lemon twist.

Tips

– F or a lighter cocktail, substitute a portion of the Prosecco with extra sparkling water. For a sweeter cocktail, add a teaspoon of honey or sugar syrup to the passionfruit and gin. – I f gin is not on hand, you can use another clear spirit of your choice, such as vodka or pisco.


WELCOME BEN WOODMAN Ben Woodman joined Hort Innovation in January as Brand Manager for the Tropical cluster, replacing Mariannel Azarcon. As well as working on passionfruit he will be leading the marketing for custard apples, papaya, persimmon, pineapple and lychees. Ben comes from a consumer goods marketing background having worked for celebrated global brands in alcohol and coffee. Throughout his time in consumer goods he has launched brands and products into the Australian market, formulated brand strategies, developed media plans and increased sales and driven brand awareness. Outside of commercial marketing Ben has previously worked in hospitality having owned his own restaurant and bar so he certainly understands what it’s like to work hard seven days of the week like farmers! Ben is excited to be moving into fresh produce and is keen to help share the amazing produce that comes from your farms with consumers. Ben will be Sydney based, and he is very much looking forward to meeting with growers out in the field this year whenever he gets the opportunity.

Ben Woodman | E: ben.woodman@horticulture.com.au

What is planned for the Winter flush for Passionfruit? We are living in very uncertain times that make it difficult to plan marketing activity with a high degree of confidence. Our focus for passionfruit remains in the digital world as activity can be started and amended at short notice to take account of changing supply and demand conditions. MEDIA OUTREACH We are currently talking to food magazines offering seasonally relevant recipe content with the intent for articles to be in May/June editions. Confirmed publicity to date: — Westfield online will be sharing our Passionfruit Gin Spritz cocktail recipe — Woman's Day are sharing 'how to crack a passionfruit' in the 27 April issue — Canberra Weekly are sharing our cocktail recipe for Mother's Day

MEDIA HAMPERS Another method we use to get the attention of the editors and food writers in the media is to put together a hamper of fresh passionfruit and related accessories that we send directly to them individually. This gift is followed up by conversations with the recipients and is a really cost effective way to get more publicity for fresh aussie passionfruit.

AMBASSADOR

Ambassador We are working with the No.1 food blogger We are working with the No.1 food in Australia - Nagi from recipe tin eats blogger in Australia – Nagi from andrecipe she willtin prove hugewill asset for eatsto – be anda she prove Passionfruit Australia moving forward. to be a huge asset for Passionfruit Australia moving forward. Find Nagi here: Find Nagi here: recipetineats.com  recipetineats.com facebook.com/recipetineats/ FACEBOOK facebook.com/recipetineats Instagram.com/recipe_tin instagram Instagram.com/recipe_tin <<Do this above info in a reverse box of some kind? - CAN you also see if you can find a picture of her or anything passionfruit-y from any of her social channels that we can include to fill this space?>>

SOCIAL MEDIA We are continuing to use our Social Media channels to reach our consumers with relevant messages about the versatility of fresh aussie passionfruit and we will increase the paid advertising spend on social channels in May & June to coincide with the flush.

TRIBE Tribe is a company that is connected to 1000s of social media influencers. We provide Tribe with a brief and they send this out to their community to then create high quality and inspiring social content for Passionfruit. Using Tribe at this time gives us people who can create content that otherwise not be able to be generated given the social distancing measures in place (they create in their own homes!) The TRIBE influencer campaign will be held in May/June, at a time that supports the peak season best. And finally, Ben will be keeping close tabs on the supply in the market and adjusting the timing on our marketing activities accordingly. It's SO important that you keep communicating with your market agents about your harvest timing so that we can optimise the impact of our marketing spend.

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 | AUTUMN 2020

9


Frequency

NEW PEST

FALL ARMYWORM MAJOR

Risk Factors Spread by flight, wind, people movement

Larvae Attack Leaves/Stem/Fruit

PEST

Stage

— Older larvae have a distinctive pattern of 4 spots on the second to last body segment and an inverted ‘Y’ shape pattern on their heads

— As they develop, they become a darker greyish-brown with white lengthwise stripes and dark spots with spines on their upper surface, with a pale underside

— Larvae range from 1.7mm in 1st instar to 34.2mm in final instar

— There usually are six instars in fall armyworm

— Duration of the egg stage is only two to three days during the summer months

— Egg masses are usually attached to foliage in a mound, with a silk-like furry substance

— An egg mass can contain 100–200 eggs

— Egg measures about 0.4 mm in diameter and 0.3 mm in height

— Pale yellow and clustered together in a mass

CRITICAL

Seriousness Attention

EGGS 2-3 DAYS

LARVAE 14-22 DAYS

Type

CURRENT AT MARCH 2020

(Spodoptera frugiperda)

FALL ARMYWORM

Photo credit: James Castner, University of Florida Photo credit: : Lyle Buss, University of Florida


PUPAE 7-13 DAYS

ADULTS 10-21 DAYS

PER89241 Spinetoram (Success Neo or Delegate) / Fall Armyworm / Various Crops 6-Mar-20 31-Mar-23 Hort Innovation

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 of these permits at the following APVMA website: https://portal.apvma.gov.au/permits

Please follow all directions on the applicable Success Neo or Delegate label.

Permit ID Description Date Issued Expiry Date Permit holder

THE QLD DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES ON 13 25 23 EARLY DETECTION AND REPORTING ARE ESSENTIAL.

If you suspect FALL ARMYWORM on your farm, you should IMMEDIATELY contact

Destruction of crops can happen rapidly when infestation levels are high

– When they are found in large numbers, they can defoliate preferred host plants and acquire an ‘armyworm’ habit and disperse in large numbers

– Larger larvae can cut plants off at the base

– Larvae can also eat buds and tunnel into and feed on fruit

– Larvae initially feed on leaves, creating pinholes and windows in leaf tissue, and giving leaf margins a tattered appearance

This emergency permit has been issued by the Australian Pesticides & Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA):

— Male fall armyworm moths have more patterns and a distinct white spot on each forewing

— Brown or grey forewing and a white hind wing

— Moth, 15–20mm with a 32–40mm wingspan

— The pupa is reddish brown in colour, and measures 14 to 18 mm in length and about 4.5 mm in width

— If the soil is too hard, larvae may web together leaf debris and other material to form a cocoon on the soil surface

— Pupation normally takes place in the soil, at a depth 2 to 8 cm — The larva constructs a loose cocoon, oval in shape and 20 to 30 mm in length, by tying together particles of soil with silk

PLANT DAMAGE IS DONE BY LARVAL STAGE

Photo credit: Matt Edmonds (BUGGUIDE, 2009) Photo credit: Lyle Buss, University of Florida


THINK YOU KNOW THE DAM RULES? A DUMMIES GUIDE TO DAM SIZE AND HARVESTABLE RIGHTS IN NSW DO YOU KNOW THE RULES REGARDING DAMS & HOW BIG THEY CAN BE? The NSW state independent water regulator has found that in the Coffs area, most of the significant non-compliance with the rules is regarding dam size, licensing and use. The Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) is using new and more accurate technology to check dam size such as satellite imagery, surveying equipment and ultra-sonar devices. To make sure your dam is compliant, here’s where to start. There are two main types of dams – those that need a licence and those that don’t. You don’t need a licence for your dam if it is built on a minor stream and you only capture 10 per cent or less of the average regional rainfall run-off in your area. To calculate this, go to the WaterNSW maximum harvestable right calculator at: https://tinyurl.com/yx3a2ujd The total capacity allowed of all dams on your property is called your ‘maximum harvestable right dam capacity’. If you require a dam that is larger than your maximum harvestable right capacity, then you need to do two things:

1. Y OU NEED TO OBTAIN A WATER SUPPLY WORK APPROVAL FOR THE DAM STRUCTURE 2. YOU NEED A WATER ACCESS LICENCE FOR THE USE OF THE WATER IN THE DAM Both of these are issued by WaterNSW. Some exemptions apply – find out more from the WaterNSW fact sheet ‘Do I need a licence?’ at https://tinyurl.com/qnsafmz

The Natural Resources Access Regulator is responsible for monitoring compliance with NSW dam laws.

NRAR proactively monitors dam size. If your dam’s capacity is larger than your maximum harvestable right, and it is not licensed, you will be required to reduce it and you will risk enforcement action being taken such as fines or directions.

But don’t wait for an NRAR inspection to find out – get your dams measured by a professional surveyor to be certain your dams are below the limit.

New Bores in Queensland - get 25% rebate If you are based in Queensland, did you know that there are On-Farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebates available from the Australian Government to cover 25% of the cost of drilling a new bore and/or desilting a dam for properties with permanent horticulture tree crops. And yes, Passionfruit vines are classified as permanent horticulture tree crops. To access the New Bores Rebate you must have obtained the relevant regulatory approvals to take water and or interfere with water from relevant government agencies that may be necessary for you to undertake the activities subject to this rebate. The rebate is funded by the Australian Government and is administered by the Queensland Government (in Queensland only). It is recommended that you obtain an endorsed Permanent Horticulture Tree Crops – New Bores and Dam Desilting Statement before undertaking the activity on your property. The statement provides assurance that the proposed activity can be considered for the rebate and is within the typical range of costs for dam desilting and new bores.

For more information, visit https://bit.ly/QDAFBore

12

www.passionfruitaustralia.org.au


UNDERSTANDING PRE-HARVEST EFFECTS ON POSTHARVEST QUALITY OF PASSIONFRUIT

POSTHARVEST QUALITY STARTS IN THE TWINKLING OF A GROWERS EYE‌ DR JENNY EKMAN | APPLIED HORTICULTURAL RESEARCH | JENNY.EKMAN@AHR.COM.AU | 0407 384 285

If you really want to grow great quality passionfruit, you need to start before the vines are even planted. Only a healthy plant can produce quality fruit with maximum shelf life. Plant nutrition, variety and climate all influence how quickly fruit will grow and mature, as well as how quickly they break down during storage and transport. For example, wet conditions increase the likelihood of postharvest rots, while physical damage from wind, rain and insects all decrease storage life potential. VINE NUTRITION There are plenty of studies showing that fertiliser improves fruit quality. However, it is important not to overdo it! Nitrogen fuels plant growth. As flowers are produced in the leaf axils, strong vegetative growth can increase fruit production. However, nitrogen is also very mobile in the soil; applying small quantities often is likely to be most effective. Very high nitrogen levels are likely to lead to fertiliser being wasted and can also increase fruit acidity. However, the form of nitrogen may also be important; Japanese researchers found that applying nitrogen as ammonia, rather than nitrate (e.g. cal nitrate), improved the sugarto-acid ratio in the harvested fruit.

Boron is also essential for cell wall development. It is also involved in flowering, pollen formation and pollen germination. For this reason, boron deficiencies can result in poor fruit set. Boron is transported in the xylem but, unlike calcium, may be increased in the developing flowers by foliar applications. The best way to find out what fertilisers are needed is through leaf tissue sampling. This is usually done in the cooler months, when growth has slowed (about now?). Select the last fully expanded leaves from healthy shoots and keep cool until sent for analysis. Figure 1. Test the youngest fully expanded leaf

Like nitrogen, potassium is essential to keep vines healthy and productive. Potassium is a major component of fruit; In the Passionfruit Growing Guide, Peter Rigden estimates that 4.3kg of potassium is removed for every tonne of fruit production, compared to 3.3kg of nitrogen and 0.3kg of phosphorus. Increasing potassium can increase fruit weight, rind thickness and vitamin C content. However, like nitrogen it is important not to add too much – excess potassium increases fruit acidity and can reduce the uptake of calcium.

When it comes to postharvest fruit quality, nothing beats calcium. Calcium is an essential part of cell walls so vital for fruit robustness. For diverse fruit from avocados to tomatoes and even zucchini, calcium is associated with benefits such as reduced disease, increased storage life, firmer texture and improved ripening characteristics. The challenge is getting calcium into fruit. Foliar applications are often ineffective at increasing calcium levels in fruit. This is because calcium moves in the water stream taken up by the roots (xylem), not in the vessels that move nutrients around the plant (phloem). The amount of calcium taken up by the fruit is largely determined by transpiration when the fruit is first developing, as this is what transports calcium into the young fruitlet. It is therefore essential to have plenty of calcium available in the soil when fruit are starting to develop.

THE PASSION VINE | AUTUMN 2020

13


SOIL PH

FLOWERING AND POLLINATION

Nutrients in the soil are one thing, but how efficiently they are taken up by the plant depends on pH. Passionfruit are unusual in that they prefer a fairly acidic soil; Peter Rigden recommends that soil pH should be pH 5.5 to 6.5.

Flowering and pollination are where the rubber really hits the road. Without pollination there can be no fruit. Both purple passionfruit and Panama varieties are self-compatible, meaning flowers can be fertilised by their own pollen. However, the pollen sacs are positioned underneath the stigmas, making it less likely that pollen will fall on the receptive part of the flower. Moreover, passionfruit pollen is heavy and sticky – so not blown around by the wind.

Recent Japanese research suggests that even lower soil pH may benefit fruit quality. Niwayama and Higuchi (2019) found that purple passionfruit growing in soil adjusted to pH 4.5 to 5.5 were larger, heavier, more strongly coloured and sweeter than fruit grown at pH 3.5 or 6.5. Fruit grown with neutral pH tended to be pale and thin skinned, increasing shrivel.

Figure 3. Structure of a passionfruit flower

STIGMA

This has yet to be tested in Australia. However, adding nitrogen can help; these fertilisers decrease pH, whereas lime and dolomite increase pH. See FIGURE 2

STYLE

Total soluble solids (TSS) content of a solution is determined by the index of refraction, measured using a refractometer.

ANTHER WITH POLLEN

OVARY

IRRIGATION While some may regard passionfruit as relatively “drought tolerant”, fruit quality and yield can be affected well before plants start to obviously wilt. It is important to get irrigation right – just like fertiliser – enough, but not too much.

Pollination is best when flowers are pollinated by larger insects such as honeybees, native bees (e.g. carpenter bees), flies and other insects. A wonderful 1959 publication from the University of Hawaii details the benefits of good pollination for yellow passionfruit. This showed that flowers are receptive for only a few hours after they open. Once pollen is deposited on the stigma, it can take up to 2 hours to germinate. If it rains before the pollen germinates, the pollen is destroyed, and the flower remains unfertilised.

It is particularly important that there is plenty of soil moisture when fruit is forming, otherwise calcium and boron won’t make it up to the developing fruitlets. Low soil moisture increases plant stress, which can result in ethylene production by the vine and fruit drop. Conversely, wet soils increase disease, which can spread and infect fruit.

Figure 2. Effect of soil pH on quality attributes of purple passionfruit cv. Summer queen. Data from Niwayama and Higuchi, 2019.

96

17 95.1

94.6

FRUIT WEIGHT (g)

92

16

15.7

88

15

87.5

14.3

84

14 WEIGHT

SOLUBLE SOLIDS

13.5 81.3

80

13 3

4

5

SOIL pH 14

www.passionfruitaustralia.org.au

6

7

FRUIT SWEETNESS (% TSS)

16.2


The researchers also showed – in what must have been a very tedious experiment to do – that the number of pollen grains deposited on the stigma directly affect fruit set, seed number and, as a result, fruit size and weight. Hollow fruit are the result of poor pollination. SEE FIGURE 4 Figure 4. The effect of the time delay between pollination and rain on fruit set (top), and the amount of pollen deposited and fruit size (bottom).

100

FRUIT SET (%)

100

100

Updated dates for the diary Far North Queensland’s field day is now postponed until later in the year due to travel restrictions.

60

27 MAY

40 25.8

20 0

0

0

6.1 50

100

150

200

110 105

100

107

95

90 84

80

88

75

70 60 0

500

In Northern NSW, we have chosen to cancel this event and we propose to replace it with a field day component tied to the Passionfruit Australia AGM & Annual Dinner taking place on 9/10 October in Northern NSW.

9 OCTOBER

60

50

For the Sunshine Coast and Bundaberg region, we have been forced to cancel this planned day in May.

29 JULY

DELAY BEFORE RAIN (minutes)

FRUIT wEIGHT (%)

NEWS

REGIONAL FIELD DAYS

29 APRIL

80

0

EVENT

1000

1500

NUMBER OF POLLEN GRAINS

2000

Our AGM & Industry Dinner is still planned to take place on Friday 9 October with a Field Day element on both Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. More details will follow but please save the date.

Figure 5. Fully and poorly pollinated fruit cv. Misty Gem.

PLEASE VISIT Our Events portal will always feature the latest information about the status, location and timing of all industry events and is the place where you can register to attend or purchase tickets.

As large fruit get the best prices, it is essential to ensure thorough pollination by, for example; — Encouraging native bees — Locating honeybee hives nearby — Avoiding spraying insecticides that affect pollinators

PLEASE NOTE: All Regional Catch-ups have also been put on hold until restrictions on formal gatherings are lifted. If you do have any concerns or just want to talk passionfruit to a fellow grower, please get in touch with one of the Committee Members listed in the front of this magazine

— Providing windbreaks Effective pest and disease control are also clearly essential for good fruit quality. More on that next issue. THE PASSION VINE | AUTUMN 2020

15


PROJECT UPDATE

NATIONAL PASSIONFRUIT BREEDING PROGRAM (PF15000) BY PETER BUNDOCK, SOUTHERN CROSS PLANT SCIENCE, SCU

The National Passionfruit Breeding Programme is funded by Hort Innovation using the Passionfruit research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government. 2019 CROSSING PROGRAM & 2017 VINE SELECTIONS We are now well into the last half-year of the one-year extension to the breeding program which is due to finish in June this year. I think the last time I presented an update on the breeding program was at the PAI AGM back in October last year. I mentioned then that we had carried out a large number of crosses in the first part of 2019. Many of these crosses involved nine out of the twenty-nine selections made in 2017, which had been further refined in 2018 for the third stage trial last year. So, although none of the 2017 selections appears to be of direct commercial quality, nine of them are forming the basis for further crossing and selection. Seed from eighteen crosses involving these vines crossed with Misty Gem and/or Sweetheart or each other were propagated at SCU in June – October last year. Additionally, five accessions inherited from the QDAFF seed bank were selected for propagation. Seedling vines from these twenty-three accessions were grafted onto Pandora rootstock and nearly 450 vines are now in first stage trial at four sites in northern NSW and SE Qld.

2019/2020 FIRST STAGE TRIAL VINES At the Alstonville arboretum, there are 183 vines on trial, from 19 crosses (families). These vines have so far only been assessed for growth, but most have fruit developing and soon we will be able to test the flavour and acidity. The site is now full of vines with 329 in total, which includes reference vines of Misty Gem, Sweetheart and Pandora and selections past and present in the Arboretum section. A new fertigation system has just been installed there. Vines were mostly planted in October with a few in November and they are looking very healthy at the Alstonville site. We will not be taking measurements on vines at other sites, just making selections of the best vines for 2nd stage trialling.

16

www.passionfruitaustralia.org.au

Vigorous vines at the Alstonville arboretum Photo credit: Peter Bundock, SCU

Passionfruit flower bud bagged for controlled pollination Photo credit: Peter Bundock, SCU

2020 CROSSING PROGRAM

RAPID GENERATION BREEDING – UPDATE

It has been crossing season and we have pretty much completed (26 February) our series of crosses for the 2020 planting season for 1st stage trial. So far, there are 96 controlled pollinations, with success of 68%, so we have fruit developing or fallen for 65 pollinations. In combination with last year's crosses, these crosses form a matrix that should enable the estimation of breeding values for traits such as productivity, if we can count fruit fall effectively, and of course, only if the project is renewed. Estimation of breeding values would enable us to identify the best parents for crossing from the 12 parents used in the program so far. New parents would be tested in future years and the worst performers dropped off the list. This should enable the best crosses to be identified (so larger numbers of progeny for trialling can be produced from them), and it creates a rolling front of genetically improved breeding vines for use in crosses in future years. This would be much like an animal breeding program such as with sheep or dairy cattle, for example.

A scholarship for a MSc student to undertake a project on ‘Establishing Protocols For Rapid Generation Advancement In Passionfruit’ was advertised by SCU in November 2019. The scholarship is being funded 50/50 by SCU and PAI. Applicants, including a number from overseas, were shortlisted and interviews took place in late January 2020. The preferred candidate, Madeline Ianna, has accepted the scholarship offer and started the project on 9 March. The project will focus on establishing protocols for growing vines to fruiting stage in soil-free media in a polytunnel and/or glasshouse, manipulating growing conditions to induce flowering early in the life cycle, and possibly some work on tissue culture approaches to raising plantlets from the immature seed of passionfruit (embryo rescue).


ROOTSTOCK TRIAL Although there was no undertaking to continue to monitor the rootstock trial after mid-2019, fruit counting at Bundaberg was undertaken in November 2019 to determine if there were any significant differences in performance evident between rootstocks. Over 27,000 fruit were counted from around 300 vines. An initial analysis of this data indicates that the rootstocks grown from seed of the variety ‘Lakelands’ performed statistically significantly better than the current rootstock ‘Pandora’ in terms of yield of fruit on the vine. The yield increase is from 13-23 extra fruit on average per vine, depending on which Pandora isolate is compared. Five rootstocks had significantly higher ‘yield’ than the old standard rootstock ‘Queensland DPI flavicarpa’. The second-best performing rootstock at this one point in time was ‘McGuffies Red’. Rootstocks from crosses between different flavicarpa lines had an average performance with regard to fruit yield. Vines planted in October 2018 (17/10/2018) had significantly higher yields than vines planted in November 2018 (25/11/2018) having been in the ground for an additional 39 days.

Maddy Ianna is the MSc candidate & scholarship holder, who will be studying rapid generation breeding of passionfruit Photo Credit: Maddy Ianna

At the time of going to press, Hort Innovation has started consultation with the Passionfruit SIAP and the Passionfruit Australia Management Committee about the next steps for levy investment in breeding. It is the opinion of the Management Committee that the delivery of new commercially viable varieties remains the number one priority for our industry today, and that all available resources should be invested to achieve the new varietal outcomes – for all growing regions.

We want to hear from every grower that is interested in the future of varietal breeding in passionfruit as we would like you to be involved in the process of specifying the parameters for the next stage of the levy investment program. Please email Amanda Roy on admin@passionfruitaustralia.org.au ASAP to be involved.

Given that the current program expires on June 30, we are very keen to move quickly so please get involved!

COVID-19 – RESOURCES TO ASSIST YOU THROUGH THIS CRISIS Given the fluidity of the situation with COVID-19 spreading rapidly through our communities, particularly in the densely populated areas in our cities, it is not appropriate to try to provide resources directly through this magazine. At the time of going to press, a range of federal and state support measures have been announced. Learn more about the Federal Government Support at the Treasury site:

treasury.gov.au/coronavirus

Instead of providing details which may change, we have gathered together a series of links for you to access online to get the latest information as and when you need it.

QLD The Queensland Government has created a one-stop-shop website for all information relating to the virus.

www.covid19.qld.gov.au

NSW In NSW, there is a hub for information available at this website.

preview.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

WA In Western Australia, a similar hub has been created and is being populated with information as it becomes available.

www.wa.gov.au/government/coronavirus-covid-19

Access up-to-date information about the spread and the health measures:

Most importantly, stay safe & well.

www.australia.gov.au

passionfruitaustralia.org.au/covid-19


MEMBER UPDATE Your volunteer Committee Members work exceptionally hard on your behalf to bring added layers of value to all grower members that are over and above the investments made with levy funds. Here is the latest news for PAI Members:

COVID-19

ACCESS TO HELP FOR ALL PAI CURRENT MEMBERS If you are confused about anything relating to COVID-19 issues and your farm business you can call Jane Richter - our PAI COVID-19 representative on 07 5438 7662 at any time.

We are very grateful to our SILVER SUPPORTER for their generous assistance to help fund our MSc student – Maddy Ianna

Jane also works across the Australian Berry Industries and now sits on all of the key committees that are there to provide information on everything from access to workers to health & safety guidelines.

07 5438 7662 or email her on comms@passionfruitaustralia.org.au

WELCOME TO THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE: TY DAN Here at Passionfruit Australia we are always keen to hear from new people. Each and every one of them brings different interests and experiences and this brings us to welcome our newest committee member: Ty Dan. Ty has a passionfruit farm on the Queensland coast, just south of Tully. He lives on his farm along with his wife Hannah and they recently married in May 2019. Ty is a second generation farmer who has several family members who grow or have grown passionfruit, and all have experience with different varieties. He currently grows a mix of 3,000 panama’s and misty gems and he is even trialling some Flamenco and Tango vines, all set up on overhead trellising. Long term, Ty and Hannah would like to set up a sustainable farm along with new technology, soil health, compost and new varieties in SEQ sometime in 2021. Ty knows how hard it is to start out farming from scratch and he has gathered a lot of knowledge from simply listening to the pioneers of passionfruit farming. Passing valuable information from generation to generation is critical for our new and young growers to be successful. Soil biology is a key interest of Ty’s. He feels sustainability, cover cropping, composting, using manures and mulches are key ingredients to producing a successful crop. Ty and Hannah enjoy camping and overseas holidays, as well as the V8 super car racing and the speedway. A day off from farming from time to time is always well received too! Finally, a quote Ty gives to illustrate his life: “Your attitude determines your altitude” 18

ThanksTy, for coming on board!

www.passionfruitaustralia.org.au


Grab a cuppa, put your feet up & enjoy!

mecolourin!

SMOKO WORD SEARCH

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

10

There are differences between these two pictures!

ABAMECTIN

FENBUTATIN

PARAFFINIC

CALCIUM

LEPIDOPTERA

HYTOPHTHORA

DIMETHOATE

MANGANESE

TRICHLORFON

PLEASE A SPOT THE DIFFERENCE BORON INSERT GLYPHOSATE PHOSPHOROUS COPPER

A N P N T S S Q Y W F H E T G

S R O P P L X E W S U T T V X

F B O N N I T C E M A B A N H

L T X H A M U I S S A T O P S

MAGNESIUM

W M M K T R R W O H G F H P M

S A A D T H E H K W R X T A X

M N G L L E P I D O P T E R A

B G N F W Y P O L U Y C M A P

U A E Y L G O H T A E R I F Z

POTASSIUM

W N S G B O C I U Y I Y D F E

Q E I V O I E X V K H U C I S

C S U O R O H P S O H P P N A

*** ALL ANSWERS OVERLEAF *** CUT OUT AND KEEP ME

1. C entipedes have 1 pair of legs per body segment. How many pairs of legs do millipedes have per body segment? 2. What is the food of honeybee queens? 3. Insects make up what percentage of the world's animals? 4. T rue or False? A one-day old baby cockroach, about the size of a spec of dust, can run almost as fast as its parents. 5. The world's largest cockroach which lives in South America is how long? 10cm | 15cm | 25cm?

W L X T N O A M U I C L A C U

D Z X H F U Y I M N S K B S B

ABAMECTIN BORON CALCIUM 1.COPPER A man pushes his car to a hotel and tells the owner he’s bankrupt. Why? DIMETHOATE 2.FENBUTATIN A man stands on one side of a river, GLYPHOSATE his dog on the other. The man calls LEPIDOPTERA his dog, who immediately crosses the river without getting wet and without MAGNESIUM using a bridge or a boat. MANGANESE How did the dog do it?? PARAFFINIC 3.PHOSPHOROUS What makes this number unique: 8,549,176,320? PHYTOPHTHORA POTASSIUM TRICHLORFON 19

Brain Teasers BUG TRIVIA!

K E M T O F E N B U T A T I N

THE PASSION VINE | AUTUMN 2020


Passionfruit

CHEESECAKE TRUFFLES SERVES: 6 PREP TIME: 15 mins

INGREDIENTS • 200 g (1 packet) arrowroot biscuits, gluten free if desired • 150 g cream cheese block softened at room temperature • 2 whole fresh passionfruit • icing sugar for dusting

METHOD 1. In a high-speed food processor, add biscuits and pulse until broken up into crumb.

ABAMECTIN BORON CALCIUM COPPER DIMETHOATE FENBUTATIN GLYPHOSATE LEPIDOPTERA MAGNESIUM MANGANESE PARAFFINIC PHOSPHOROUS PHYTOPHTHORA POTASSIUM TRICHLORFON

2. Add softened cream cheese and pulse until just combined.

3. Add pulp from the passionfruit and pulse until well combined and mixture sticks together in a ball. 4. Pick up approx. 1 – 2 tablespoons of mixture and roll into balls. Place directly into an airtight container. Repeat with remaining mixture. 5. Place container in the refrigerator for 30min – 1 hour or until truffles have firmed up. 6. Dust with icing sugar to serve.

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

W M M K T R R W O H G F H P M

S A A D T H E H K W R X T A X

M N G L L E P I D O P T E R A

B G N F W Y P O L U Y C M A P

U A E Y L G O H T A E R I F Z

W N S G B O C I U Y I Y D F E

Q E I V O I E X V K H U C I S

C S U O R O H P S O H P P N A

K E M T O F E N B U T A T I N

WORD SEARCH

W L X T N O A M U I C L A C U

D Z X H F U Y I M N S K B S B

1. He is playing Monopoly 2. The river was frozen solid 3. It has each number, zero to nine, listed in alphabetical order

Brain Teasers 5. 15cm 4. TRUE 3. 80% 2. Royal Jelly

ANSWERS

10 differences

L T X H A M U I S S A T O P S

1. Two pairs

BUG TRIVIA!

www.passionfruitaustralia.org.au

There are

F B O N N I T C E M A B A N H

PLEASE INSERT A SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

20

S R O P P L X E W S U T T V X

Recipe & images with gratitude to wholesomepatisserie.com

CUT OUT AND KEEP ME

Store in an airtight container, refrigerated, for 1 week.

A N P N T S S Q Y W F H E T G

Storage


GET INVOLVED Passionfruit Australia Inc. (PAI) is the peak industry body representing passionfruit growers in Australia HOW TO JOIN PASSIONFRUIT AUSTRALIA

UPCOMING EVENTS 2020 APRIL PAI Committee Meeting

BECOMING A MEMBER GIVES YOU:

— Access to projects funded by PAI or through competitive grants which

Regional Field Day Mareeba FNQ

23 POSTPONED

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 | 2019/20 New Grower Member: Renewal Grower Member: New Associate Member: Renewal Associate Member:

$253 $198 $297 $242

JOIN NOW ONLINE AT www.passionfruitaustralia.org.au

MAY International Plant Propagators' 20-23 Society (IPPS) Australia 48th Annual Conference Geelong, Vic Regional Field Day Wolvi SEQ

CANCELLED

JUNE Hort Connections POSTPONED to 2021 Brisbane Australasian Plant Breeding Conference 2020 Gold Coast

POSTPONED

Membership runs from July 1st to June 30th each year, rates are pro-rated.

JULY

Membership lapses if renewal not paid within three months of the start of the fiscal year.

PAI Committee Meeting

14

Women in Horticulture High Tea / Luncheon Bargara, Qld

23

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

Regional Field Day Northern NSW

CANCELLED

SEPTEMBER Norco Primex Field Days Casino NNSW

10-12

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.

OCTOBER

To join, visit www.horticulture.com.au/membership-application-form

Passionfruit Australia Inc Industry Dinner, AGM & Farm Walk 9-10 Northern NSW

DECEMBER PAI Committee Meeting

When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on. FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT

3


BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

FUNDED BY:

www.passionfruitaustralia.org.au


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.