WA Grower October 08

$19.00 + GST P.P 602669/00248

SINCE 1948

Header

Vol. 41 No 3. OCTOBER 2008

vegetablesWA New President Maureen Dobra

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Vegetables & Fruit for health and healing

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Market City Ball Awards

vegelink L IS OC S A U L E S

Protecting your crop

spud corner Demand - for potatoes grows Water services bill update

FEATURES 4

20 New vegetable irrigation

‘Vegetables & Fruit for Health & Healing’ launched

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WA carrot industry outlook

22 The last time -

firms on strong demand

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Early growth is key to success for vegetables

scheduling system President’s message

23 VegeLink 29 Biosecurity Australia 33 Grower survey 35 What happens when your

produce leaves the farm?

38 Nitrogen fertiliser management 10 A celebration of mushrooms 13 Good Practice Guide Soil chapter now available

14 Market City ball 16 Award winners

40 Editorial 41 Spud Corner

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This month

vegelink protecting your crop

This month

41 spud corner water services bill update

14

Market City Ball Awards

Produced by vegetablesWA Cover Photo of Maureen Dobra

by Figaro Natoli President Maureen Dobra Gingin t: 9575 2086 m: 0417 174 110 e: mdobra@looseleaf.com.au Vice President Andrew Bogdanich Gingin t: 9575 7741 m: 0419 248 422 e: andrew@bogdanichfarms.com.au Treasurer Jason Neave Carabooda m: 0418 927 410 e: jemcneave@bigpond.com.au

This issue of the WA Grower is brought to you by: • Agspread • Bejo Seeds • Brandt Electrical • Carefree Water Conditioners • ChemCert • Clause Pacific • DrumMuster • DuPont • Fairbanks Seeds • Global Omega-Grow • Landmark

• Logicoil Pty Ltd • Seed Potato Cool Storage • South Pacific Seeds • WA Crates • WA Industry Development Officer • Potato Growers Association • Premier’s Water Foundation Project • Good Practice Project

vegetablesWA Articles reflect the opinions of the authors and are not necessarily those of the publisher.

vegetablesWA Subscription Annual Subscription $75.00 (inc. gst) To the Secretary vegetablesWA 103 Outram Street West Perth WA 6005 Tel: (08) 9481 0834 Fax: (08) 9481 0024 Name.............................................................................................

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Magazine Editor Figaro Natoli Wanneroo t: 9405 4817 m: 0438 628 517 e: wagrower.editor@vegetableswa.com.au Committee H. Shapland t: 9845 1064 D. Anderson m: 0418 195 759 J. Trandos m: 0417 979 461 K. Sue m: 0417 986 467 M. Nanovich m: 0407 401 664 L. Canzirri m: 0438 004 015 M. Le m: 0417 962 427 R. Shain t: 9941 8419 R. Kuzmacich t: 9941 8185 B. Metcalfe t: 9926 1364 P. Bogdanich m: 0421 575 124 P. Humble m: 0419 917 302

K. Edwards m: 0427 724 243 A. Marinovich m: 0419 801 824 S. Calameri m: 0418 957 236 D. Ellement m: 0417 975 158

Albany Baldivis Broome Busselton Carabooda Carabooda Wanneroo Carnarvon Carnarvon Geraldton Gingin Green House Growers Assn.

Manjimup Myalup South Metro South Metro

Contact Details for Office vegetablesWA Horticultural House 103 Outram Street West Perth 6005 t: (08) 9481 0834 f: (08) 9481 0024 e: pga-vga@vegetableswa.com.au Executive Officer Jim Turley m: 0410 697 842 e: pga-vga@vegetableswa.com.au WA Industry Development Officer David Ellement m: 0408 941 318 e: ellement@vegetableswa.com.au Research Manager Gavin Foord t: 0419 939 209 e: foord@vegetableswa.com.au Finance / Administrator Valeria Kozak t: 9481 0834 e: finance@vegetableswa.com.au vegetablesWA Reporter Linda Manning B. Bus. (Hort), B.App.Sci (Biol.) Hons, MSc. t: 9434 2628 e: lindam@people.net.au Life Members A.J. Anderson, D.J. Arbuckle, J. Arbuckle Snr*, J.H. Arbuckle* (M.B.E.J.P), S. Calameri, G. Kiriros*, R.G.Leach*, F. Natoli, S. Sawle, R.M. Schultz. C.P.Stevens, W.R. Stevens* (M.B.E.J.P), HR. Ashby*, Amy Harris*, A. Ingrilli. * deceased

Benefits of Vegetables & Fruits

‘Vegetables & Fruit for Health & Healing’ launched A team made up of interested individuals and organisations will spearhead a campaign to counter the obesity crisis in this country Linda Manning

‘Vegetables & Fruit for Health & Healing’ launch at Western Potatoes Claremont 27 August 2008.

The Hon. Kim Chance (right) with David Anderson and Dr Amanda Devine

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egetablesWA is working with the federal government, Western Potatoes and Edith Cowan University to put more vegetables on the table of Western Australian families.

They commissioned a review of the world literature on how vegetables and fruit prevent chronic diseases and how they assist healing disease.

Nutritionists, Dr Amanda Devine, a senior lecturer in nutrition, and Stephanie McFaull, a senior researcher, both from Edith Cowan University wrote the report,

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WA Grower October 2008

‘Vegetables and Fruit for Health and Healing’.

They found that Australians are not very healthy and that we can change that by eating more vegetables and fruit.

We are now one of the ‘fattest’ nations on the planet with childhood obesity rivalling the high levels in the US and exceeding that of the UK. Almost one million people in Australia have diabetes and our government spends over $50 billion a year on various diseases and conditions.

Cancer alone costs Australian taxpayers $2.78 billion a year and it is estimated that poor diet accounts for approximately 30% of all cancers.

The theme of this literature review is to reduce diabetes and cancer and the cost to the nation by increasing the amount of vegetables eaten.

Amanda Devine holds a PhD in nutrition and bone health from UWA and Bachelor of Applied Science (Nutrition and Food Science) from Curtin University. She has been involved in osteoporosis research

Benefits of Vegetables & Fruits since 1990 and is interested in lifestyle approaches to the prevention of chronic diseases and the health of elderly women.

Ray Wilson, CEO Western Potatoes, then presented ‘A Review of Macro Trends Driving Changes in Fruit and Vegetable Production, Distribution and Retailing’ and ‘Consumer Behaviour and Attitudes Towards Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and Preventative Health’.

Ray Wilson believes that this is the first time that all the available research

Dr Amanda Devine Ray Wilson, CEO Western Potatoes

has been bought together in one place. With this information, a team (to be set up) will be able to design an education and marketing campaign to lift the consumption of fruit and vegetables in Australia.

The underlying belief is that a diet rich in fruit and vegetables provides significant health benefits and is the key factor in reducing and preventing cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, musculoskeletal conditions, poor mental health, and metabolic syndrome.

Below: Nutritionist Margaret Miller and Professor Mike Daube attended the launch. Mike Daube is the Director of the Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI) at Curtin University.

WA Grower October 2008

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Carrot industry Header

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WA carrot industry outlook firms on strong domestic demand Carrots remained Western Australia’s leading vegetable export in 2007/08 Allan McKay and Dick Taylor, Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia

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estern Australian carrots have an outstanding reputation for quality, reliability and food safety which contributes to strong market demand.

Increased interstate sales in 2007/08 were the result of water shortages in eastern Australia and, particularly in the second half of 2007, production did not meet overall market demand.

Increased sales of WA carrots to eastern Australia reduced the volumes available for international sales and export volume fell. WA accounted for 88 per cent of Australian carrot exports (by value) in 2007/08.

WA carrot quality and production efficiency continue to improve with investment in production and New carrot packing line at Sumich’s West Hills Farm

packaging technology. About 60 per cent of WA carrot production was exported in 2007/08. WA carrot exports are now dominated by three companies: two vertically integrated production, packing and exporting operations, and one packer/exporter supplied by contract growers.

Following a small increase in exports in 2006/07, WA carrots declined 12 per cent in value and 16 per cent in volume in 2007/08 to A$33.8 million (fob) and 49,415 tonnes respectively (see Figure 1).

Major export markets are the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. In 2007/08, shipments to the Middle East were down 9 per cent in value to A$16.8 million but still strong, taking 50 per cent of WA carrot exports. In the past seven years new markets have been developed in Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Exports to Malaysia, where Chinese carrots are providing strong competition, continued to decline,

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WA Grower October 2008

Carrot industry Header

being down 16 per cent to $4.9 million. In 2007, Malaysian carrot imports totalled 60,000 tonnes with 81 per cent supplied by China, 15 per cent from Australia and 1.2 per cent from New Zealand.

Interestingly after a decade of strong growth, total Chinese carrot exports declined by 3 per cent to 418,640 tonnes in 2007. How quickly the increasingly affluent Chinese

domestic market absorbs more of this production remains to be seen.

Continued drought in the MurrayDarling Basin resulted in lower carrot production in eastern Australia and increased demand for Western Australian carrots. DAFWA estimates that about 20,000 tonnes of WA carrots were sold in the eastern states in 2007/08 with a value of more than A$15 million.

For the WA carrot industry, the outlook for 2008/09 is for strong demand to continue in local, eastern states and Middle Eastern markets, while continued competition in south east Asia is expected to limit opportunities for expansion of exports to this region.

Figure 1. Western Australian carrot export value and volume 1992-2008.

(Source: ABS, DAFWA) WA Grower October 2008

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Fertiliser Research

Early growth is key to success for vegetables Research supports regular, low doses of fertiliser

Dennis Phillips Department of Agriculture & Food, WA

premature recommendations to growers.”

Mehdi Dalir of Nanovich Farms (left) with Dennis Phillips

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iving young vegetable seedlings a kick-start with extra nitrogen applications can be a winner for both the grower and the environment, Department of Agriculture and Food research is proving.

After eight years of trials and demonstration plots, both at Medina Research Station and on grower properties, project leader Dennis Phillips is confident that mineral fertilisers applied regularly and at low doses can effectively substitute for traditional high applications of poultry manure.

“Spraying newly planted seedling with concentrated urea and potassium nitrate for as little as two weeks after planting has increased yield by up to 300 per cent in some cases,” he said.

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“Keeping the method simple is the way to go,” Mr Phillips said. “For this reason, whether it is broccoli, lettuce, celery or other crops, our standard tank mix since August 2006 has been 20 g/L of urea and the same rate of potassium nitrate in 1,000 L of water sprayed over all crops twice a week from the day of planting.”

The nutrient solution is not washed from the foliage and despite it being saltier than seawater, seedling damage is minimal. Any damage is outweighed by the growth response and efficiency gains from applying fertiliser this way.

“We have tried it on seven different vegetables with similar responses but our research effort is most advanced with iceberg lettuce.”

Carabooda grower Malcolm Nanovich is a recent convert to the new system for his lettuce crop because fertiliser prices have increased sharply in the last year. This method has allowed him to grow the same amount of lettuce at no extra cost than before, and he is now looking to test the method on his broccoli crops.

The research began with lettuce on a Wanneroo property in 2000 before an industry-wide ban on the use of raw poultry manure. Two Horticulture Australia projects in WA have continued the work since and broadened its scope.

“When we started this work we were warned by many growers that we might get away with it once or twice but wouldn’t be able to keep doing it for years without loss of yield. We listened to the criticism and have been cautious about making

WA Grower October 2008

Mr Phillips said the growers with whom the Department started working in 2000 adopted an early version of the method in late 2001 and have used it ever since without returning to their previous practice of applying poultry manure before and during every crop.

Andrew Tedesco commented that he and his brother Mick have been more than happy with the results over the last seven years. “On lettuce and Chinese cabbage we have not experienced any decline in yield or quality,” he noted.

Some vegetable growers who haven’t tried the method have questioned the new recommendations for what they believe is a high labour input.

Mr Phillips said new trials aimed at finding ways to reduce this. These include spraying less often with more concentrated nutrient solutions and broadcasting granular NPK-based products for crop establishment at the same time as the sprays. Results of this work are very promising but not yet finished.

In 2007 the researchers succeeded in making further economies in fertilising iceberg lettuce without adversely affecting yield. By extending the spray application period to four weeks after transplanting in winter, almost 80 kg/ha of nitrogen was saved without loss of yield compared with lettuce that was sprayed for only two weeks and then banded.

“The fallow period between crops can also offer savings fertiliser costs,” Mr Phillips said.

Fertiliser Research “Management of irrigation during this period is critical to keep nutrients from crop residues within the rooting depth of the following crop. For some crops such as broccoli the nitrogen in the crop residue could almost sustain a lettuce crop if the residue is managed properly.”

An added benefit from this method is that it is better for the environment than traditional practices. Nitrate fertiliser leaching into groundwater is significantly reduced because less fertiliser is applied and the crop uses it much more efficiently when supply matches demand.

“This is a win-win situation with lower costs and better environmental outcomes,” he commented.

We are calling this fertilising process the ‘3Phase’ method for ease of future recognition by growers.

Lettuce above are the variety Titanic in trials at Medina and are both 7 weeks old. The two treatments gave the same yield when harvested four weeks later.

The only difference being that the fertiliser cost for T6 was $1,000 per hectare less than T6.

Vegetable

A break from tradition

R&D

Rather than hold an open field-day, vegetable growers were invited to make an appointment to inspect the trials at Medina.

The less formal format was popular and despite some inclement weather, participants enjoyed a more intimate look at this important work.

Your national vegetable levy at work

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ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS

$OMESTIC #OMMERCIAL )NDUSTRIAL -AINTENANCE -ANUFACTURERS AND )NSTALLERS OF !UTOMATIC )RRIGATION 3YSTEMS 3PECIALISING IN 3ERVICE TO 6EGETABLE 'ROWERS 96 CLARKSON AVENUE, WANNEROO 6065 TELEPHONE: (08) 9405 2956 MOBILE TELEPHONE: 0418 926 551 FACSIMILE: (08) 9306 2173 EC Lic No. 000 346

WA Grower October 2008

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Mushrooms Header

A celebration of mushrooms!

The launch of the sizzling barbequed mushroom

Linda Manning

Australian mushroom growers honour their retailers and chefs

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his year mushrooms are all about the BBQ. To show people just how easy it was, Fast Ed from Better Homes and Gardens lit up a BBQ outside the Blue Water Grill in Applecross and roasted king size flats along with stuffed

mushrooms, sautĂŠed mushrooms and mushroom tapenade. It all tasted delicious.

Ed Halmagyi is the BBQ Mushroom Ambassador for 2008 and he cooked up a treat.

Mushroom Retailer of the Year 2008 Mushroom Madness is the time of the year when a mystery shopper visits stores Australia-wide to see just how savvy retailers are about

Ed Halmagyi sautĂŠing fresh mushrooms at the Blue Water Grill in Applecross.

Ed Halmagyi

2008 Mushroom Retailer of the Year: Super IGA Wembley represented by Tim Jagot (third from left) surrounded by finalists Adrian Smedley from Boatshed Fresh, Jim Neville from Limes Fresh, and Sergio Paparone from Peaches Fresh and Fast Ed from Better Homes and Gardens. Congratulations.

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WA Grower October 2008

Mushrooms Header marketing mushrooms. The mystery shopper selects winning stores that excel in the range and quality of the mushroom display. The mystery shopper questions staff to see if they know what they are talking about.

The Mushroom Madness campaign supports the retailer. The Western Australia 2008 winner was Super IGA Wembley.

Mushroom Mania June 2008 Chefs embraced Mushroom Mania with gusto. In the past six years, restaurants, pubs and clubs featuring mushrooms on their menu were invited to participate in Mushroom Mania, which runs the whole month of June each year.

Mushroom Mania attracted more than 1800 kitchens to participate in 2008 and is deemed to be one of the fastest growing campaigns in the food service industry. There were

Mushroom Mania awards: Winner Hillarys Yacht Club Head Chef Damian Falconer (right) with finalists Jo Ditri from The Botanical Café and Kylie Clare from the Sail and Anchor Pub and Brewery and Fast Ed from Better Homes and Gardens. Congratulations. almost half a million hits to the www. mushroommania.com.au website.

through Australian supermarkets and greengrocers?

Do you know that mushrooms are now the third best seller (by value) behind bananas and tomatoes

What is your organization doing about promoting your product?

Capsicum Tomatoes HERCULES F1

SUNSHINE F1

• Hercules is a blocky capsicum.

• It produces fruit that are approximately 11 x 10cm and weigh 300-350gm.

• The bush on Hercules is short and strong for excellent sunburn protection and is best field grown

• Sunshine is a large, blocky green turning yellow capsicum.

• Strong, productive plant with good foliage cover.

• Fast turning bright yellow fruit which remain firm at maturity

SPF 30+

Resistances: HR: TMV / PMMoV:1-2 / PVY:0,1,1-2 / PepMoV / PepYMV IR: CMV / Pc

DEO F1

SIZE + TSWV

• Deo is large, elongated blocky green turning yellow capsicum.

• Compared to Sunshine, Deo is larger in size but not as quick to change colour as Sunshine.

Resistances: Intermediate Resistance to TSWV

HR: High/standard resistance.

IR: Moderate/intermediate resistance.

For key to diseases, please refer to our website: www.clausetezier.com The descriptions, recommendations and suggestions are offered in goodfaith, for informational purposes only and can therefore in no way act as a guarantee of production.

NEW

Resistances: HR: TMV / PMMoV:1-2 IR: TSWV

MERCURY F1

YIELD!!!

• Indeterminate Gourmet tomato.

• Large (200g+), glossy firm red fruit.

• Proven performer in all regions in W.A. Essential TSWV and Nematode resistance for Western Australia.

Resistances: HR: ToMV / V / Fol:1,2 / M IR: TSWV

RED JEWEL F1 RICH COLOUR + QUALITY

• Red Jewel is an elongated green turning dark red blocky type.

• It produces fruit that are approximately 12 x 10cm and weigh 300-350gm.

• The bush is vigorous and strong and is better grown with support.

TITAN F1

QUALITY FRUIT! • Titan (Roma) is a 130-140gm indeterminate roma tomato.

• Titan has high yield and very good quality fruit.

Resistances: HR: ToMV / V / Fol:1,2,3 / M IR: Ss / TSWV

Resistances: HR: TMV / PVY:0,1,1-2 / PepMoV / PepYMV / Xv:1,2,3 IR: TSWV

WA Sales and Development Manager: Graham Adams Mobile: 0400 622 314 -e-mail: GAdams@clauseaustralia.com

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ALWAYS REFER TO THE PRODUCT LABEL BEFORE USE. Š 2008 E I du Pont de Nemours and Company (“DuPont�). All rights reserved. Du Pont (Australia) Ltd. 7 Eden Park Drive, Macquarie Park NSW 2113. ACN 000 716 469.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont™, The miracles of scienceŽ, CoragenŽ and Rynaxypyr™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates. H&T DP1278/WAG

Good Practice Header - Soil

Good Practice Soil chapter now available The Soil Management Chapter of the Good Practice Guide is now available Gavin Foord, vegetablesWA and Bob Paulin, Department of Agriculture and Food, WA VegBanners1

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his chapter outlines strategies to improve soil performance, mainly by increasing soil organic carbon, with an aim to:

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Improve irrigation and nutrition efficiency

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Improve the resilience of our soil and reverse yield decline

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Reduce our reliance on pesticides

• •

Maintain optimal pH Reduce erosion

Soil management is recognised as a critical component of sustainable vegetable production on the Swan Coastal Plain. In the past it was suggested that the soil was simply there to ‘hold up the plant’ and vegetable production was viewed as a form of ‘hydroponics’. The reality is, if we ignore our soils, it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain crop yields and effectively manage nutrition, irrigation, pests and diseases. Growers are striving to improve soil performance as a means of increasing returns by reducing nutrition, irrigation and pesticide costs, while maintaining yield.

The key reference for this chapter ‘Identifying the benefits of composted soil amendments to vegetable production’ is provided in electronic form on a CD included in the package.

Much of what is covered in this chapter is focused on issues that are of particular importance on the Swan Coastal Plain. We suggest you use this information in conjunction with the AUSVEG publications, Healthy

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Soils for Sustainable Vegetable Farms: Ute Guide and the EnviroVeg Manual. Both of these contain valuable soils information that is relevant to vegetable growers across soil types and regions.

The soil chapter and appendices have been posted to those who already have a copy of the Good Practice Guide. However, if you have a copy of the Guide and have not received these updates, or if you want a copy of the Guide (including the soil chapter and appendices) please contact Horticulture House on 9481 0834.

Soil Management strategies for improved soil performance, better quality crops, lower costs and a sustainable future.

• Improve irrigation and nutrition efficiency • Improve the resilience of our soil and reverse yield decline • Reduce reliance on pesticides by improving soil health • Maintain optimal pH • Reduce erosion

This Good Practice Guide, produced by vegetablesWA forms part of a project funded by investment from both Soil managem 2.3 Polyac rylamides ent the Australian 1. Introductioand State Polyacrylamid n es work by slow ing down the soil profile. infiltration rate Governments, through Caring of water thro Soil managemen ugh the t is now recognis ed Poly as acry a critical compon lamides can ass production on ent of sustain the Swan Coa ist plan for Our Country, the project is t health and grow able vegetab stal Plain. In the and th by maintaining le nutrients in the simply there to past it was sug root zone long water ‘hold up the plan gested that the er. There is no t’ and vegetab soil was product, no phy root uptake of ‘hydroponics’. le production totoxic effect the The reality is, was viewed as administered in the Swan Region and over time if we ignore our a formcarb , the product of on and nitrogen maintain crop soils, it become biodegrades to com yields and effe pou s incr nds easingly difficult . ctively manage to nutrition, irrigatio by the Swan Catchment Council. n, pests and dise There is a range of Growers are striv products availab ases. ing to imp Good Practice Guide Soil .qxp

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Good Practice Guide Soil .qxp

Soil managemen t

SOIL MAN AGE MEN

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SOIL MAN AGE MEN T

le in liquid and rove soil perform are reported to granular forms. ance as a mea reducing nutrition significantly redu These ns of increasing , irrigation and ce leaching of returnsprot pesticide costs, fertilisers into by ecting against The Nutrient and while maintaining aquifers, groundwater poll and Water Manage is funded by the Australian yield. project ution This and ment chapters environmental sign ifica nt in make good use ntly investme nts’ add dim risk. ressed current Western Australian Governmeinishing of fertiliser and Good Practice red in the irrigation. to the Natural Heritage Trust, administe Tria t Council. l work in horticul This chapter outl Swan Region by the Swan Catchmen tural crops in ines strategies other states and to improve soil the wheatbelt in broadacre crop organic carbon, performance, has provided s in with an aim to: mainly by incr encouraging resu easing incl lts and there soilude polyacrylam Improve irrigatio are plans to ides in future n and nutrition soils research efficiency (BioCentral, 200 in vegetable crop Improve the resi 7). s in WA lience of our soil and reverse yiel Reduce our relia d decline While the imp nce on pesticid acts of polyacry es lamides may be Maintain optimal potentially prov short term, they pH ide immediate could cost effective Reduce erosion carbon using results while buil other practice ding soil s such as com pos t and cover crop Much of what s. is covered in this chapter is focu importance on sed on issues the Swan Coa that are of part stal Plain. We icular suggest you use conjunction with this information the AUSVEG pub in lica tion s, Healthy Soils Farms: Ute Gui for Sustainable de (Anderson, Vegetable Kelly and McK (Whitman et al, enzie, 2007) and the EnviroV 2007). Both of eg Manual these contain relevant to veg valuable soils etable growers information that across soil type is references, or s and regions for further info . If you don’t have these rmation, please email office@ contact vegetab vegetableswa.co lesW A on 948 m.au.

1 0834 or

vegetablesWA

– Goo d Prac tice Guid e

PAG E 6 PAG E 1

vegetablesWA

– Goo d Prac tice Guid e

Header Local Awards

Market City Ball The awards ceremony was held at the Market City Ball Retailer of the Year Amid the fanfare of the fabulous Kylie impersonator floorshow, the Retailer of the Year awards were presented to great applause.

Winner Minister’s Award for Outstanding Contribution Towards Fresh Produce Promotion – Cancer Council of WA The Hon. Kim Chance presenting the Minister’s Award for Outstanding Contribution Towards Fresh Produce Promotion in WA to the Cancer Council of WA. With Kim Chance is Brenda Cheveralls, school nutrition consultant, Jessica van Eer, campaign project officer, Hayley Ericks, schools nutrition project officer, Jenny Atkins, manager nutrition and physical activity and Rob McFerran, CFVIWA.

2008 Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year Open Section – The Herdsman The Hon. Kim Chance MLA presented buyer Tony Gaspar (third from left) with the Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year Open Section award surrounded by Ron Swain, Jim Fraser, Ryan Hiller, Ross Russo and Ben Carstairs from The Herdsman.

2008 Winner Best Floor Space Less Than 120 square metres – Scutti, A Taste of Europe 2008 Winner Best Fresh Produce Section within a Supermarket – Woolworths Karrinyup Mike Donnelly CEO Market Authority presenting the award ‘Fresh Produce Section in a Supermarket’ to Glen Wilson, assistant vegetable buyer, Mathew Trichet, senior buyer produce WA and Andrew Middleberg, vegetable buyer WA from Woolworths.

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WA Grower October 2008

Russell Hobbs, President CFVIWA, presenting trophy for the best retailer with a floor space less than 120 m2 to Dominic Scutti (right) and his sons Nick and Michael (centre right) from Scutti, A Taste of Europe.

2008 Winner Best Weekend Produce Retailer – Scotty’s Fremantle Markets This was a new award to recognise the efforts made by individual stall holders within weekend markets to improve the standard of retailing fresh produce and was won by Scotty’s at the Fremantle Markets.

Local Awards

2008 Apple and Pear Retailer – Gwelup Fruits and More

2008 Regional Retailer of the Year – Woolworths Catalina Albany

Bevan Eatts, Vice President WA Fruit Growers Association (left), presenting the trophy for Excellence in Apple and Pear Retailing to owners and managers Anthony Pullella and Mark Kidd from Gwelup Fruits and More.

David Taylor, Chairman of the Perth Market Authority (right), presenting the 2008 Best Regional Retailer to senior buyer Mathew Trichet for Woolworths Catalina.

Excellence in Retailing Commodity Awards In 2008 Excellence in Retailing Awards were presented for bananas, apple and pear, avocado and potatoes.

The judging criteria reflected the commodity groups’ expectations and focussed on the in store product display and presentation, product range, product quality and use of point of sale material.

A mystery ‘shopper’ made the decision.

2008 Avocado Retailer – Coles Mosman Park Mark Hobbs, President CFVIWA, presenting the Excellence in Avocado Retailing to fruit and vegetable manager Hyatt Moser and manager Ian Pettapiece from Coles Mosman Park.

2008 Banana Retailer – Farmer Jacks Woodlands

2008 Potato Retailer – Gwelup Fruits and More

Rob McFerran (left) presenting Marcel Linto (Farmer Jacks Subiaco) and Ward Harris (Farmer Jacks Greenwood) the Excellence in Banana Retailing for the Farmer Jacks Woodlands store.

Justin Wearne from Western Potatoes presenting the Excellence in Potato Retailing Award to Anthony Pullella (left) and Mark Kidd from Gwelup Fruits and More.

Local Awards Header

Coles Mosman Park - 2008 Avocado Retailer of the year

Linda Manning

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ruit and Vegetable Manager Hyatt Moser says that they probably won the avocado growers award because they had a large avocado display during the judging period.

He has been at the Coles Mosman Park store for four years. He has been the fresh food manager since February 2008 and he enjoys working with fresh fruit and vegetables.

The Mosman Park store has been undergoing renovations. The fresh food area has been extended and the size of the wall cabinet has almost doubled. There are new gondolas to display the products.

Coles is moving away from prepackaged goods in response to customer demand.

Hyatt Moser with the award for the 2008 Avocado Retailer of the Year “The Market City Ball was a really good night, it was a great atmosphere

and I really enjoyed it,” said Hyatt who has a degree in marine science.

Farmer Jacks Woodlands 2008 Banana Retailer of the Year Linda Manning

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teve Lang has been the fresh food manager at Farmer Jacks Woodlands for five years.

“We are continuously changing the displays to get it better and better,” said Steve. “I’ve been in fruit and vegetables for 25 years. I have worked at Woolworths and owned my own store and I also worked for Fred Fairthorne when he owed Newmart.

“When he sold Newmart, we all went our separate ways and when he got into Farmer Jacks, I went back with him.”

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WA Grower October 2008

Steve Lang

Local Awards

Gwelup Fruits and More 2008 Apple and Pear Retailer & 2008 Potato Retailer Linda Manning

Family business wins awards

G

welup Fruits and More, a seven-day a week business, is owned by brothers-in-law Mark Kidd and Anthony Pullella.

They bought the store in February 2003 and had to work hard 130 to 140 hour weeks to train staff and to get the shop the way they wanted it. “When we first started we had five staff, now we have fifty,” said Tony Pullella.

“It was very hard work and my family has helped me. Mum and Dad have been in retail for forty years,” said Tony.

Leo and Tina Pullella started retailing fresh fruit and vegetables in Osborne Park in 1968. They started Osborne Park Fruit and Vegetables. Since that time, they have had six shops – the last one was Mr Fresh Carine, which they sold in 1997.

“I have been doing retail since I was thirteen years old. I had two years off to manage liquor stores,” said 27-year old Tony.

Mark, 37, has been working in fruit and vegetables since he was 20 years old.

Mark Kidd and Anthony Pullella Both young men are buyers. Tony buys on Wednesdays and Thursdays and Mark on Mondays and Fridays.

“On the days we are not buying, we supervise the floor staff setting up the displays. We hand stack all the displays and we rotate our produce every day.

“Our staff are very good. We trust them and they reciprocate.

“We know our customers and one of us is always in the shop to talk to them.

“We have a ten pallet truck that carries for us seven days a week. We buy one day and it is on the shelves that afternoon or the next day. We buy day to day. We don’t bulk anything and anyone who does can’t compete on quality and freshness.

“We are very fussy. We want to know who the grower is. All growers have a reputation and we only buy from the good ones. We pay a bit more and get the best produce. We don’t sell cheap produce and we inspect everything two to three times before it goes on the shelves.

“We support our Western Australian growers – it is just one big community at the end of the day and if we don’t support them we won’t have any fresh produce.”

WA Grower October 2008

17

Local Awards Header

Woolworths Karrinyup 2008 Best Fresh Produce Section within a supermarket

Linda Manning

“

We are the busiest fresh food department in a Woolworths store in the state,” said fruit and vegetable manager Paul McKie.

Paul McKie, fruit & vegetable manager

“We couldn’t have won this award without the assistance of the experienced and trained staff in this department.”

Paul has been with Woolworths for seven years. His brother got him his first job and he has enjoyed it right from the start.

“I enjoy this environment and I like working with the customers and with the other staff. I want to learn more about fruit and vegetables. I started at Currambine, then Beechboro, then Kingsway, and now here.

“I did my Certificate III in Retail Management through Woolworths.

With Certificate III, you can run a department. To get into store management or get a specialist

management position, I would have to do Certificate IV. “Right now, I plan to stay in fruit and vegetables for a while. However, my next step will be to do Certificate IV if a position comes up.”

The store is clean, the aisles are wide and customers with loaded trolleys

can pass without touching and can stop and browse without holding up other shoppers. This store has the old style display lounges and it is easy to find a plastic bag if you need one.

There was a special on broccolini and bunched Dutch carrots on the day I visited.

Scotty’s Fremantle Markets 2008 Best Weekend Market Produce Retailer

Mark Scott from Scotty’s

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WA Grower October 2008

Local Awards Header

Scutti, A Taste of Europe 2008 Best Fresh Produce Retailer with a floorspace less than 120m2 Family owned business wins award

Linda Manning

D

ominic Scutti and sons Michael and Nick Scutti own, manage and enjoy working in their business on Angelo Street South Perth.

Their shop, ‘Scutti, A Taste of Europe’ is a South Perth icon. It is filled to the brim with first class produce and customers.

“I have been in this location for 17 years. I moved here because it was a good location and a wonderful opportunity to have the type of store that I wanted.

“There used to be two other fruit and vegetable shops as well as the supermarket in the area. Now there is only the supermarket.

“I am the buyer, Nick is my oldest son and he has a small kitchen and does all the cheese cabinets and is the deli manager. He has been here working 16 of the 17 years I have been here.

He quit his apprenticeship to come and work with me.

“Michael is store manager and manages the displays. He has also been here 16 years. We buy 85 to 95 per cent of our produce from Market City and always look for the best quality produce.

“Before I moved into retail, I worked for my father, Nick, until I was 25 years old in Osborne Park and Wanneroo. I left him in 1974 to branch out on my own in shops.

“My first shop was in Greenwood – the Greenwood Fruit Mart. I still have a few customers from Greenwood who shop here.

Domenic & Michael Scutti “I then moved to Mirrabooka, but only for six months – it was not my scene.

I was at North Beach Plaza for four years. When Angelo Street became available, I came here and that was 17 years ago.

“My father Nick came to Australia in 1951 and worked the swamps in Albert Street Osborne Park. In the early 1950s, he and his brother Sam grew sweet potatoes and rockmelons in Herdsman Lake from September to April each year. In winter, they grew cabbage, leeks, cauliflowers and traditional greens in Albert Street. In

1968, they moved to Archer Street in Wanneroo.

“Most people today would be surprised that almost all the winter pumpkin and sweet potatoes were grown in Herdsman Lake by people like my father. The only other produce came from Harvey and Jarrahdale.”

Nick Scutti ceased growing vegetables in 1990. He died in 1999.

WA Grower October 2008

19

Header Irrigation

NewNewvegetable irrigation Vegetable Irrigation Scheduling System to improve yields scheduling system to improve yields Allan McKay, Chris Denby, Rohan Prince, Tim Calder, Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia and David Ellement, vegetablesWA

Allan McKay, Chris Denby, Rohan Prince, Tim Calder, Department of Agriculture and Food,

Western Australia and DavidVegetable Ellement, vegetablesWA The new vegetablesWA web-based Irrigation Scheduling System (VISS) is giving growers far more control over their irrigation scheduling decisions.

Easy to use web-based system gives growers more control

VISS is the final stage of a system that has been available by daily SMS service for the last year, but he new vegetablesWA webprovides far more based Vegetable Irrigation customised Scheduling System (VISS) is information for giving growers far more control over growers.

T

their irrigation scheduling decisions.

It is also easier to VISS is the final stage of a system use. No manual that has been available by daily SMS calculations are service for the last year, but provides required. The far more customised information for water requirements growers. of each crop are displayed on one It is also easier to use. No manual computer screen. calculations are required. The

water requirements of each crop are Once the system is displayed on one computer screen.

set up by entering

farm details, bed Once the system is set up by entering layout and farm details, bed layout and irrigation irrigation shifts, shifts, daily irrigation run times daily irrigation run are displayed in both minutes and times are displayed millimetres for each crop and planting.

in both minutes and millimetres for each crop and planting.

built-in crop factors for 28 different Simply enter the planting date into vegetable crops can easily adjust the web-based system and the daily Simply enter the planting date into the or web-based system and the daily water the crop factors to better suitcomputer their water requirements for that crop will requirements for that crop will be waiting on your when you arrive at the farm. own situations. be waiting on your computer when VISS has been designed to guide irrigation crops on sandy soils. It is the you arrive at the farm.

Growers already using of thevegetable SMS

final stage of the Premier’s Water Foundation project evaporation service launched last run yearby vegetablesWA and the VISS has been Department designed to guide of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA). can continue to do this, but will obtain irrigation of vegetable crops on more detailed information on irrigation sandy soils. It is the final stage of VISS uses evaporation needs data from DAFWA’s livebyweather for individual crops going station network, of which there the Premier’s Water Foundation are 6 stations from Lancelin East to Myalup on the Swan Coastal Plain. Growers can on line. project run by vegetablesWA andcrop the factors for 28 different vegetable crops or can easily adjust the crop use the built-in Department of Agriculture and Food A demonstration version of VISS factors to better suit their own situations.

(DAFWA). It is free for growers to use. can be viewed on the vegetablesWA The Premier’s Water Foundation is Growers already using website. Just go to Scheduling the SMS evaporation service launched last year can continue to administered by the Department of do this, but will obtain more detailed information on irrigation needs for individual crops and then to View our Working Water. by going on line.

Demonstration.

VISS uses evaporation data from DAFWA’s live weather station network, of which there are 6 stations from Lancelin East to Myalup on the Swan Coastal Plain. Growers can use the

20

WA Grower October 2008

Reliable scheduling contributes to more efficient use of groundwater resources, improved water use efficiency in production and reduced loss of nutrients to groundwater.

Leading potato and carrot grower Sam Calameri from Baldivis Market Garden has set up 3 farm blocks and 2 lease blocks using the system.

Irrigation Header “This system is very useful,” Sam said. “It is taking a bit of getting used to turning on the computer first thing in the morning - a bit of a change in routine - but it’s so useful to get a summary of run times to make sure my crops are getting the right amount of water.

“It has already proved its worth for my potatoes during the incredibly dry August and I can see it becoming indispensable in the warmer months,” concluded Sam. We believe that Vegetable Irrigation Scheduling System can improve your crop yields. Why don’t you try it?

Contact Rohan Prince on 0429 680 069 or David Ellement on 0408 941 318 to find out how to get VISS working for you.

Fine-tuning may involve revising fertiliser programs (contact Dennis Phillips or Rohan Prince at DAFWA on 9368 3333 for the latest high yielding ‘3Phase’ fertiliser recommendations).

Special thanks to Dan Bett, programmer at Bam Creative, for his exceptional work on the Water Foundation project.

Some fine-tuning may be required and, at the very least, most growers should be able to produce higher yields per megalitre of irrigation.

SOUTH PACIFIC SEEDS “Your Success is our Motivation”

Diamondback All new seedless!

Large size (approx 8-10kgs).

Slightly oblong shape packs well into bins and cuts smoothly with deep red flesh colour.

Yields exceptionally well.

Sunset QHI Features intermediate resistance to multiple viruses, this Butternut Large type has been developed by the QDPI through a joint project with HRDC and is distributed exclusively by SPS. Highly uniform fruit, with attractive creamy coloured skin and small seed cavity.

High yielding with moderate vigour.

SHREK NR

For further information please contact your local WA representatives or branch office: Tim Aldridge: 0417 934 768 Adam Curtayne: 0419 934 767 Emma Smith: 0427 947 919 Perth Office: 08 9331 6356 or visit our website:

www.spssales.com.au WA Grower October 2008

21

Header President’s Message

The Last Time disappearing frequently to represent the industry. The extra work that you all carried for me to do this job is much appreciated. I have loved what I have done and you all made it possible.

A

The staff at Horticulture House are all a great investment in the future of our industry. To have a voice around the negotiating table and be able to implement the latest research and development information has been brilliant. As our CEO, Jim Turley and the Industry Development Officer, David Ellement have formed the backbone of what we do. Thanks to the 2 of you and all the staff who have and are currently working in the office.

The last 4 years have absolutely flown by for me but that’s an opinion my family dispute. The position of president of vegetablesWA has been very demanding. For me, I could never have done this without 100% support. To my family, thanks for all the understanding and sacrifices that you have made for me to commit to vegetablesWA. Thanks also to my family business partners who along with my family have put up with me

To the committee of management of vegetablesWA, thank you for your support and encouragement during my time as president. Our great organisation has only had 9 presidents in 60 years, and to be one of them is very humbling. This shows a great deal of stability in what we do.

Past presidents who are still active and the ones who have retired have been a great source of support.

fter 4 years as president of your organisation, this will be the last report from me.

The next phase of vegetablesWA is about to be launched with a keen determined and very capable president in Maureen Dobra.

In Western Australia, the growers have been very encouraging towards me. I have always endeavoured to represent you to make your bottom line better. Not all growers have agreed with what I have done, and they always are very frank in letting me know, however they always respect the decisions for the “good of the industry” As I leave, the industry faces more challenges. Increasing input costs and globalisation to name a couple.

With shrinking grower numbers and more product being sold we live in changing times. I encourage all vegetable growers in WA to get behind vegetablesWA and have a say in policy and decisions that are made.

The more you know and understand about your organisation the better it will become.

My thanks to everybody and I wish Maureen well.

David Anderson President, vegetablesWA

A Passport of Skills – Pilot Project Colin Holt, ARID Group

L

ooking for a new way of recording the skills and knowledge of your employees? Looking for ways of finding ‘work ready’ staff?

The benefit of this for the grower is a way of recognising and potentially rewarding staff, which in turn could assist in staff retention.

vegetablesWA in partnership with Farm Training WA are looking for 6 to 10 growers, who have a reasonable number of employees, to trial the ‘Rural Skills Passport’ in a pilot project for the industry.

The benefits to the industry are that the skills recorded in the Passport could be transferable between properties. Seasonal and backpacker workers could present their Passport of Skills to their new employer, giving the grower an idea of the worker’s previous training and competencies.

The Passport is a way of recognising the current skills and abilities of your staff and provides some ideas of the skills that need to be developed for that employee in the future.

22

WA Grower October 2008

Want to know more?

Contact Colin Holt on 0418 902 204 or David Ellement 9481 0834

[IWXIVR EYWXVEPME

ISSUE 35 | October 2008

KEEPING IN TOUCH Welcome to the 35th issue of WA VegeLink. Leading into summer irrigation will once again become a major issue for the industry. There has been some great research performed by the Department of Agriculture and Food, WA and the Swan Catchment Council as well as vegetablesWA weather SMS service and web-based irrigation program. If you would like to look at improving water application contact the vegetablesWA office and we will point you in the right direction.

This edition of WA VegeLink you have a complete list of the current minor use chemical list, information on WA integrated pest management project and the latest research at Medina Research Station.

If you would like to obtain more information visit the vegetablesWA website or contact myself on 9481 0834 or 0408 941 318.

A break from tradition In a break from tradition, rather than hold an open field-day, vegetable growers were invited to make an appointment to inspect the trials at Medina. This resulted in five viewings by small groups of growers in July/ August. The less formal format was popular and despite some inclement weather, participants enjoyed a more intimate look at this important work.

Read about the finding on this work the article “Early growth is key to success for vegetables� in this edition of the WA Grower.

Vegetable

R&D Your national vegetable levy at work

Thank you

David Ellement

Vegetable

R&D Your national vegetable levy at work

CONTENTS Insects on the move .................... . 2 Minor use chemicals ....................

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ISSUE 21 | DECEMBER 2005 Broughton and David Cousins INSECTS ON THE MOVE Sonya Department of Agriculture and Food, WA

As part of a national project on IPM in lettuce (VG05044), The Department of Agriculture and Food, WA, have been sampling crops in the northern Perth area for pests and beneficials using D-vac (used to suck up insects on a crop) and sticky traps.

We have found that currant lettuce aphid (CLA), an aphid pest first found in Perth in December 2006, is present throughout the year and is more abundant in winter-spring and less abundant during hot, dry weather (December-March). CLA is not being found on weeds in and around lettuce production areas. The CLA population has been difficult to study with most lettuce being either CLA resistant varieties or treated with a systemic insecticide that generally lasted the whole crop.

is most prevalent from October to December.

Spiders comprised 45% of beneficial samples. Brown lacewings comprised 25% of beneficial samples and were most abundant in late spring. Ladybird abundance was highest in OctoberDecember, when aphid populations are also high and may therefore be useful for biological control of aphids.

Thrips were the most abundant pest and Western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis were the most common, particularly in late spring. However, in crops such as lettuce, feeding damage by thrips is usually low. Tomato spotted wilt virus that is vectored by thrips

Key pests and beneficials occurring in Western Australia J

Pests Thrips (all species) TSWV (tomato spotted wilt virus) Currant lettuce aphid Green peach aphid, potato aphid, spirea aphid Rutherglen bug

Beneficials Brown lacewing Ladybird

02 2

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NEW MINOR USE PERMITS It has been three issues since we have covered minor use chemicals and as such below is a list of minor use permits for some vegetable categories.

The complete list is available on the APVMA website.

to the WA IDO’s email service, “WA VegeNEWS” by sending an email to the WA IDO (ellement@vegetableswa.com. au) requesting this service or visit the industry website. www.vegetableswa. com.au

Chemical registrations and in particular minor use permits continue to be a high priority issue for growers. If you want immediate updates subscribe

The large table below provides information so that you can obtain useful minor use permits. You must obtain the relevant minor use permit before using

Permit Number

the crop protection product. To obtain permit visit the APVMA web site www. apvma.gov.au/permits/permits.shtml or contact the WA IDO on 9481 0834.

There are also currently 45 permits that have been applied for to APVMA. As these are approved the industry website will be updated.

Permit description (pesticide / crop / pest)

Date Issued

Expiry Date

PER3850

Copper Hydroxide / Leeks / Downy Mildew, Purple Blotch

14-Sep-07

13-Sep-12

PER5956

Ioxynil Octanoate / Shallots / Broadleaf Weeds

13-Feb-06

12-Feb-11

ALLIUMS

PER6759

Tramat 500sc, Matrix 500 / Onions /Volunteer Potato

16-Aug-05

30-Jun-09

PER6914

Lannate L (Methomyl) / Spring Onions and Shallots / Western Flower Thrips

23-May-08

31-Mar-13

PER6916

Fusilade Post-Emergence Selective Herbicide / Shallots & Spring Onions / Grass Weeds

21-Jul-04

21-Jul-09

PER6930

Ridomil Gold Plus / Spring Onions / Downy Mildew

23-Jun-04

22-Jun-09

PER7374

Secure 360 Sc / Spring Onions and Shallots / Western Flower Thrips

11-Oct-05

31-Jul-09

PER7905

Phosphorous / Lettuce (Leaf and Hydroponic), Fennel and Bulb (Alium) Vegetables/ Downy Mildew

4-Apr-06

30-Sep-12

PER8172

Ridomil Gold Mz Wg / Onion Bulbs / Post Harvest Disease

21-Sep-05

21-Sep-10

PER8231

Filan Fungicide / Alliums (other than Onions) and Carrots / Sclerotinia Rot

31-Jul-06

30-Jun-09

PER8240

Tebuconazole / Bulb Vegetables / White Rot

1-Apr-05

31-Mar-10

PER8585

Dimethomorph / Spring Onions and Shallots/ Downy Mildew and Purple Blotch

11-Nov-05

31-Oct-08

PER8762

Maldison / Leeks, Spring Onions and Shallots / Onion Thrips

18-Apr-08

30-Sep-12

PER9203

Alpha-Cypermethrin / Chicory,Leeks, Spring Onions / Red Legged Earth Mite

1-Sep-06

1-Sep-10

PER9666

Dimethomorph / Spring Onions and Shallots/ Downy Mildew and Purple Blotch

22-Jun-07

1-Jan-10

PER9775

Chlorothalonil / Beetroot, Celeriac, Parsnip, Papaya, Berries, Spring Onions, Tamarillos / Various Diseases

14-Apr-08

31-Mar-10

PER9895

Thimet 100g / Leeks / Onion Maggot and Thrips

21-Jul-07

30-Jun-12

PER9904

Tribinul, Juggler 700, Tribunax 700 Wp / Leeks / Broadleaf Weeds

1-Aug-07

31-Jul-12

PER9916

Ridomil Gold Plus / Leeks, Cucumber, Radish, Swede & Turnips / Downy Mildew, Purple Blotch & White Blister

7-Sep-07

30-Sep-10

PER9921

Tribunil Herbicide / Spring Onions and Shallots / Various Broadleaf and Grass Weeds

16-Jul-07

15-Jul-12

PER10088

Dithane Rainshield / Leeks and Shallots / Purple Blotch and Downy Mildew

30-Sep-07

1-Jan-12

PER10105

Crop Care Synergy Insecticide Synergist and Crop Care Talstar 100 Ec / Cucurbits, Tomatoes, Beans, Brassicas, Lettuce / Whitefly and Yellow Leaf Curl Virus

18-Apr-08

31-Mar-10

PER10111

Linuron / Leeks / Grass and Broadleaf Weeds

5-Jul-07

30-Jun-09

PER10275

Fusilade Forte 128ec (Fluazifop) / Sweet Potato, Leeks & Garlic / Grass Weeds

31-Mar-08

31-Mar-09

PER10344

Various Actives / Leeks / Grass and Broadleaf Weeds & Various Active / Garlic / Weeds (Consolidated Uses)

18-Apr-08

31-Mar-12

PER10349

Azoxystrobin Fungicides / Alliums / White Rot

18-Apr-08

30-Jun-11

PER10376

Dithane (Mancozeb) / Garlic / Downy Mildew

23-Nov-07

1-Jan-12

PER10377

Sertin (Sethoxydim) / Garlic / Rye Grass & Barnyard Grass

9-Oct-07

31-Oct-12

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PER10379

Ridomil Mz 720 (Mancozeb & Metalaxyl) / Garlic / Downy Mildew & Purple Blotch

22-Nov-07

31-Dec-12

PER10384

Rover & Bravo (Chlorothalonil) / Garlic / Downy Mildew

9-Oct-07

31-Oct-12

PER10481

Lambda-Cyhalothrin / Garlic / Thrips, Mites, Onion Maggot

30-Apr-08

31-May-13

PER10484

Copper As Cupric Hydroxide / Garlic / Downy Mildew

1-May-08

31-May-13

PER10511

Surflan 500 Flowable Herbicide (Oryzalin) / Garlic / Broadleaf & Grass Weeds

18-Mar-08

31-Mar-13

PER10676

Pendimethalin / Spring Onions, Shallots & Radish / Various Broadleaf and Grass Weeds

16-Apr-08

30-Apr-13

PER10714

Karate (Lambda-Cyhalothrin) / Bulb Onions / Onion Thrip

8-Sep-08

30-Sep-11

PER10882

Diazinon / Spring Onions and Shallots/ Thrips (Excluding Wft) and Onion Seedling Maggot

1-Jul-08

30-Jun-13

PER10885

Filan (Boscalid), Rovral (Iprodione) & Bravo (Chlorothalonil) / Onion / Neck Rot (Botrytis Alli)

8-Aug-08

31-Mar-10

PER7678

Iprodione / Brussels Sprout / Grey Mould

1-Aug-05

1-Aug-09

PER8819

Filan Fungicide (Boscalid) / Brassicas & Brassica Leafy Vegetables, Lettuce & Beans / Sclerotinia Rot

10-Oct-05

31-Oct-09

PER8962

Copper Oxychloride/ Broccoli, Brussels Sprout, Cauliflower/ White Blister Rust

8-Nov-05

8-Nov-08

PER9169

Lontrel / Cauliflower / Capeweed and Clover

21-Aug-06

1-Sep-11

BRASSICAS

PER9184

Imidacloprid / Lettuce, Brassicas, Beans / Silverleaf Whitefly

2-Mar-06

30-Sep-08

PER10058

Bifenthrin / Cucumber, Brassicas, Beans, Lettuce, Peppers, Eggplant, Pistachio, Peas, Cherries / Various Pests

15-Apr-08

30-Apr-10

PER10152

Agri-Fos 600 / Brassicas / Downy Mildew

13-Feb-08

30-Jun-10

PER10261

Azoxystrobin / Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Beans, Lettuce And Cauliflower / White Blister And Sclerotinia Rot

3-Jan-08

1-Jan-10

PER10588

Iprodione / Broccoli / Rhizoctonia

7-May-08

30-Apr-13

PER10688

Alpha-Cypermethrin / Cauliflower Crops / Staphylinid Beetle

1-May-08

30-Apr-13

PER10674

Mancozeb + Metalaxyl-M / Brassica Vegetables, Brassica Leafy Vegetables & Rocket / Downy Mildew & White Blister

14-Apr-08

31-Mar-13

Propiconazole / Sweet Corn / Northern Corn Leaf Blight

25-Aug-05

31-Dec-10

PER6552

Chlorpyrifos / Pumpkin / African Black Beetle

18-May-05

30-Sep-09

PER7916

Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus / Watermelons / Heliothis

7-Aug-06

31-Mar-11

PER7918

Methomyl / Water Melons / Heliothis & Cucumber Moth

7-Jul-06

31-Mar-11

CORN PER7677 CUCURBITS

4

PER8249

Petroleum Oil / Capsicum, Eggplant, Tomato, Okra & Cucurbits / Whitefly (Bemisre Tabaci)

4-Aug-05

31-Mar-10

PER8321

Endosulfan / Strawberries, Cucumber, Eggplant, Peppers, Tomatoes, Ornamentals / Western Flower Thrips

11-Oct-05

30-Sep-08

PER8765

Permethrin/ Cucurbits: Rockmelons, Watermelons, Pumpkin & Cucumbers/ Cucumber Moth Larvae (Phakelura Indica)

5-Jan-06

31-Dec-10

PER8927

Amistar Fungicide/ Cucumber (Greenhouse)/ Alternaria Leaf Spot (Alternaria Cucumerina)

26-Jun-06

30-Jun-11

PER8963

Applaud 440 Sc / Cucumber / Greenhouse Whitefly And Silver Whitefly

30-Jun-06

1-Jul-10

PER9104

Pyranica / Cucumbers / Two-Spotted Mite

3-Apr-07

2-Apr-12

PER9160

Imidacloprid / Potato, Tropical Fruits, Celery, Cucumber, Peppers (Field & Protected), Cape Gooseberry / Various Pests (Consolidated Use Patterns)

29-Nov-07

31-Dec-10

PER9178

Buprofezin / Cucurbits, Eggplant & Tomato / Silverleaf Whitefly

21-Apr-07

31-Mar-10

PER9227

Gaucho (Imidacloprid) / Cucurbits / Aphids & Wireworm (Ord River Irrigation Area of Wa )

10-Oct-06

31-Oct-11

PER9487

Maldison / Cucumbers / Cucumber Fly

16-Jul-07

30-Jun-10

PER9826

Copper / Cucumber / Botrytis Rot

30-Jul-07

30-Jul-09

PER9832

Methomyl / Peppers, Tomatoes, Cucumber, Eggplant & Non-Bearing Ornamentals / Western Flower Thrips

17-Jan-07

30-Sep-08

PER9916

Ridomil Gold Plus / Leeks, Cucumber, Radish, Swede & Turnips / Downy Mildew, Purple Blotch & White Blister

7-Sep-07

30-Sep-10

PER9918

Switch Fungicide / Cucumbers, Glasshouse Capsicums, Glasshouse Lettuce / Botrytis Rots

4-Feb-08

30-Jun-10

PER9919

Euparen Multi 500 Wg Fungicide / Cucumbers / Botrytis Rot

7-Dec-07

30-Sep-10

PER10058

Bifenthrin / Cucumber, Brassicas, Beans, Lettuce, Peppers, Eggplant, Pistachio, Peas, Cherries / Various Pests

15-Apr-08

30-Apr-10

PER10105

Crop Care Synergy Insecticide Synergist and Crop Care Talstar 100 Ec / Cucurbits, Tomatoes, Beans, Brassicas, Lettuce / Whitefly and Yellow Leaf Curl Virus

18-Apr-08

31-Mar-10

PER10184

Products Containing Potassium Salts of Fatty Acids @ 285 G/L /Glasshouse And Hydroponically Grown Capsicums, Lettuce and Cucumbers / Glasshouse Whitefly and Silverleaf Whitefly

20-Feb-08

28-Feb-13

PER10218

Acramite Miticide / Cucumbers, Capsicums and Tomatoes / Various Mites

3-Jun-08

30-Jun-10

PER10219

Mancozeb / Cucumbers / Grey Mould

16-Apr-08

30-Apr-13

PER10268

Lambda-Cyhalothrin / Cucumbers (Greenhouse and Field) / Heliothis, Onion Thrips, Rutherglen Bug And Loopers

4-Jan-08

31-Dec-08

PER10279

Abamectin / Cucumber, Zucchini And Squash / Two Spotted Mite

22-Feb-08

30-Sep-13

PER10311

Eco-Oil (Botanical Oil) / Greenhouse & Hydroponic Capsicum, Cucumber & Lettuce / Greenhouse Whitefly & Silverleaf Whitefly

7-Feb-08

30-Sep-13

PER10345

Bupirimate / Cucurbits & Peppers / Powdery Mildew

4-Oct-07

31-Dec-08

PER10670

Abamectin / Tomatoes, Cucumber, Eggplant, Ornamentals, Strawberries & Cape Gooseberries / Two Spotted Mite & Western Flower Thrips

1-Apr-08

30-Apr-11

PER10764

Pyriproxyfen / Cucurbits, Eggplant & Tomato / Silverleaf Whitefly

1-Jul-08

30-Sep-12

PER5815

Spinosad / Eggplant / Melon Thrips

11-Aug-08

31-Jul-13

PER6650

Abamectin / Eggplant / Two Spotted Mite & Western Flower Thrips

22-Oct-03

16-Oct-08

PER7560

Fluazifop-P As Butyl / Eggplant or Aubergine / Various Grass Weeds

24-Oct-05

20-Oct-10

PER7561

Select Herbicide / Eggplant or Aubergine / Various Grass Weeds

25-Oct-05

25-Oct-10

FRUITING VEGETABLES

PER8249

Petroleum Oil / Capsicum, Eggplant, Tomato, Okra & Cucurbits / Whitefly (Bemisre Tabaci)

4-Aug-05

31-Mar-10

PER8321

Endosulfan / Strawberries, Cucumber, Eggplant, Peppers, Tomatoes, Ornamentals / Western Flower Thrips

11-Oct-05

30-Sep-08

PER8454

Success Naturalyte Insecticide / Pepino / Eggfruit Caterpillar

23-Sep-05

1-Oct-10

PER8489

Clethodim / Chilli Pepper, Paprika, Silverbeet and Spinach / Annual Grasses

24-Oct-05

12-Oct-10

PER8537

Helicoverpa Zea or Armigera / Eggplant, Snow Peas & Sugar Snap Peas / Helicoverpa Spp.

7-Sep-05

7-Sep-10

PER8743

Chlorothalonil/Eggplant And Radish/Alternaria/Downy Mildew and Grey Leaf Spot

24-Apr-06

30-Apr-09

PER8768

Zineb / Eggplant, Spinach & Silverbeet/ Anthracnose (Colletotrichum Spp.)

10-May-06

10-May-11

PER8907

Sencor 480 Sc (Metribuzin) / Tomatoes / Weed Control

9-Dec-05

31-Dec-10

PER8929

Trifluralin/ Chillies, Paprika And Eggplant/ Various Broad Leaf and Grass Weeds

30-Mar-06

30-Mar-11

PER9064

Methomyl / Eggplant / Heliothis Species

19-Apr-06

12-Dec-10

PER9160

Imidacloprid / Potato, Tropical Fruits, Celery, Cucumber, Peppers (Field & Protected), Cape Gooseberry / Various Pests (Consolidated Use Patterns)

29-Nov-07

31-Dec-10

PER9178

Buprofezin / Cucurbits, Eggplant & Tomato / Silverleaf Whitefly

21-Apr-07

31-Mar-10

PER9241

Pirimicarb / Almonds, Pistachio, Pitaya, Eggplant / Aphids (Consolidated Application)

23-Feb-07

31-Mar-10

PER9501

Sumiclex 500 (Procymidone) / Peppers / Sclerotinia Rot

12-Jan-07

31-Dec-08

PER9632

Glyphosate / Capsicums, Snow Peas, Sugar Snap Peas / Annual and Perennial Grass and Broadleaf Weeds

12-Feb-07

31-Dec-12

PER9832

Methomyl / Peppers, Tomatoes, Cucumber, Eggplant & Non-Bearing Ornamentals / Western Flower Thrips

17-Jan-07

30-Sep-08

PER9840

Chlorpyrifos 500g/L / Capsicum / Cluster Caterpiller

5-Mar-07

1-Feb-10

Fruiting vegetable permits continued in the next issue of Vegelink along with, legume, root, stem & stalk vegetables and protected crops

5

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You can now receive local Evaporation, rain fall and Weather You can information now receivedirectly local to your phone daily at a time of you’rerain choosing.

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Email: len.palladino@bigpond.com

Web: www.omegagro.com

Carrot marketHeader access

Biosecurity Australia assisting with carrot market access Discussions to develop a production site freedom protocol Allan McKay and Vivien Vanstone, Department of Agriculture and Food, WA

I

n December 2007 Taiwanese quarantine authorities (known as BAPHIQ) proposed changes to Taiwan’s Plant Protection and Quarantine Act for crops that host a range of pests and diseases.

SMS WEATHER SERVICE SIGN UP NOW

Amongst them were carrots, which under the proposed changes would no longer be accepted by Taiwan from areas known to have the burrowing nematode Radopholus similis. The date of implementation of these proposed changes is 1 March 2009.

While this nematode is not found in Australian carrot growing areas it has been found in several States including Carnarvon in WA – about 750 kilometres from the nearest commercial carrot plantings.

Fortunately BAPHIQ has indicated that a protocol to establish and maintain production site freedom based on soil testing could be developed by Australia to allow our carrot trade to continue. Maintaining market access to all international markets is an important priority for government and industry. Carrot exports to Taiwan are set out in Table 1.

In early August, Dr Jutta Tuerck from Plant Biosecurity Australia visited Western Australia from Canberra to discuss development of the production site freedom protocol. Dr Tuerck visited carrot growing areas at East Lancelin, West Gingin and Myalup and met with growers and exporters. The visit was organised by Department of Agriculture and Food, WA (DAFWA) and vegetablesWA. Dr Tuerck also discussed development of the proposed protocol at a Carrot

Dr Jutta Tuerck with WA vegetable IDO David Ellement (left) and Sumich West Hills manager Luka Biocich (right)

Association for Research and Development (CARD) meeting at Horticulture House.

“I was very impressed with the scale, sophistication and high quality WA

of carrot production. It has given me valuable insight into how we can develop a protocol that both manageable for Australian producers and acceptable to Taiwanese WA share (%)

Year

Australia

2003/04

791,346

757,378

95.7

2004/05

905,967

802,386

88.6

2005/06

1,816,499

1,805,809

99.4

2006/07

1,032,230

1,032,230

100

2007/08

596,290

596,290

100

Table 1. Value ($A) of Australian (and WA ) carrot exports to Taiwan (source ABS)

WA Grower October 2008

29

Carrot market access quarantine authorities,” said Jutta.

Center West’s Sun City Farms, West Gingin

A draft submission proposing soil testing and crop traceability was circulated to industry for comment in early September. The proposal was then sent to Taiwan for their consideration. Hopefully some feedback will be provided

by November.

Background The burrowing nematode Radopholus similis is found in many tropical banana growing areas around the world. It has been found in, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, the Northern Territory and Western Australia. Both Tasmania and Victoria would still be able to export carrots to Taiwan because there is no record of the burrowing nematode is these States. In WA, this nematode has only been found in Carnarvon. Carrots are not considered a natural host of Radopholus similis in the field.

Survey data of Australian carrot growing areas shows that Radopholus similis does not occur in these areas. Biosecurity Australia prepared a submission, which together with a Department of Agriculture and Food WA additional submission, was put by the Australian Government to Taiwan in March to demonstrate to BAPHIQ why these restrictions need not apply to Australian carrots. Unfortunately BAPHIQ did not agree with this view. Fortunately however, BAPHIQ indicated that a protocol to prove and maintain production site (farm) freedom might be acceptable and under such a protocol carrot trade from Australia to Taiwan might continue.

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WA Grower October 2008

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WA Grower June 2008

WA Grower October 2008

31

WA crates The professional packaging service for WAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ďŹ nest fresh fruit and vegetables

Phone: (08) 9456 4092 - Fax: (08) 9256 1730 email: service@wacrates.com.au

Survey

Grower Survey 2008 (VegetablesWA Logo)

Evaluation of projects on water and fertiliser

Growers Survey(VegetablesWA 2008 Logo) n February 2007 growers were Have these projects promoted change FAX your completed survey to: In February 2007 Growers were(VegetablesWA surveyed to benchmark Logo) industry irrigation and surveyed to benchmark industry and helped you make better use of 9481 0024 Growers Survey 2008 fertiliser practice. irrigation and fertiliser practice. your water and fertiliser?

Since that time vegetablesWA has participated in a number of Industry, State and or Mail to: Growers Survey 2008 In February 2007 were benchmark irrigation and Federally funded projects onGrowers optimising thesurveyed industry’stouse of water industry and Since that time vegetablesWA hasfocusedPlease complete the following survey vegetablesWA, fertiliser practice. fertiliser. participated in a number of industry, and helptousbenchmark evaluateparticipated the projects 103 Outram Since that time vegetablesWA inand a number Industry, State andSt In February 2007 Growers were surveyed industry irrigation and of Have these projects promoted change and helpedhas you make better use of your water State and Federally funded projects plan more effective future projects.

West Perthand WA 6005 fertiliser practice. Federally funded projects focused on optimising the industry’s use of water and fertiliser? focused on optimising the industry’s Since that time vegetablesWA has participated in a number of Industry, State and fertiliser.

Federally funded projects focused on optimising industry’s use of water and better use of your water Have these projects promotedthe change and helped you make use of water and fertiliser.

1.

In the past 18 months have you fertiliser. and fertiliser? improved your: Have these projects promoted change and helped youdo make of your water 5. How you better decideuse when to fertilise 1. In theyes past 18no months have you and fertiliser? and how much to apply? improved your: Irrigation system 1. In the past 18 months have you Set crop program 5. How do you decide when to fertilise Fertiliser application yes no improved your: and how much to apply?

Farm 5. Howservice do youadviser decide when to fertilise Irrigation system 2. Where did the information DAFWA yesneeded no and how recommendation much to apply?

Set crop program Fertiliser application to make the change come from?

Plant analysis Irrigation system Farm service adviser Set crop program Soil analysis Fertiliser application DAFWA recommendation 2. Where did therank) information needed (If more than one source please Farm service adviser to make the change come from? vegetablesWA or IDO Crop appearance Plant analysis 2.

Where didsupplier the information needed DAFWA recommendation Mechandise Other Soil analysis (If more than one source please rank) to make the change come from?

Plant analysis Department of Agriculture vegetablesWA or IDO Crop appearance 6.

What is your estimate of the Soil analysis (DAFWA) (If more than one source please rank) Mechandise supplier average amount ofOther fertiliser lost to vegetablesWA Crop appearance Another groweror IDO Department of Agriculture ground water below your crops?

Mechandise supplier Other 6. What is your estimate of the WA Grower Magazine (DAFWA) amount of fertiliser lost to Department of Agriculture Swan Catchment Council Don’t know, 0, 10, average 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, Another grower 6. What is your estimate the below your crops? groundofwater (DAFWA) 70, 80 per cent of fertiliser applied.

Other WA Grower Magazine average amount of fertiliser lost to circle) (Please Another grower Swan Catchment Council ground water belowDon’t yourknow, crops?0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 3. do you decide when to water WAHow Grower Magazine 7. If cost wasn’t a consideration what 70, 80 per cent of fertiliser applied.

Other and how much to apply? do you think would improve your (Please circle) Swan Catchment Council Don’t know, 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, irrigation and fertiliser efficiency?

80 per cent of fertiliser applied.

(If more please rank) when70, Other 3.

Howthan do1you decide to water 7. If cost wasn’t a consideration what (Please circle) Experience and weather (Please rankwould choices)improve your and how much to apply? do you think Better irrigation 3.

How do you decide Evaporation and Crop when Factorto water 7. If cost wasn’t uniformity a consideration irrigation and what fertiliser efficiency?

(If more than 1 please rank) and how much to apply? do you think would improve your Soil moisture monitoring Set Program Experience and weather (Please rank choices) irrigation andanalysis fertiliser efficiency?

Soil nutrient (If more than 1 please Soil Moisture monitoring Better irrigation uniformity Evaporation and rank) Crop Factor Experience weather rank choices) Drip irrigation Crop Serviceand Agent Soil(Please moisture monitoring Set Program Better irrigation uniformity Evaporation and Crop Factor Soil amendment with Other Soilcompost nutrient analysis Soil Moisture monitoring Soil moisture monitoring Set Program Soil amendment with clay Drip irrigation Crop Service Agent 4.

What is your estimate of the Soil nutrient analysis Soil Moisture monitoring Other Soil amendment with compost average amount ofOther irrigation water Drip irrigation Crop Service Agent Soil amendment with clay draining beneath your crops (ignore Soil amendment with compost Other 4. What is your estimate of the rain).

Other average amount of irrigationSoil water amendment with clay 4.

What is your estimate the50, 60,your cropsOther draining beneath (ignore Don’t know, 0, 10, 20, 30,of40, average amount of irrigation water rain).

70, 80, per cent of water applied. draining beneath your crops (Please (ignorecircle) rain).

Don’t know, 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, per cent of water applied.

(Please circle) Don’t know, 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, per cent of water applied.

I

(Please circle)

WA Grower October 2008

33

WaterSTANDARDS FOR WASTE DISPOSAL..

COUNCIL

SITE/ COLLECTION INFO

COUNCIL

SITE

Rockingham

Miller Rd Landfill One day in March & September

Murray (Pinjarra)

Corio Rd Waste Transfer Station

9531 7777

Waroona

Buller Rd Refuse Site

9733 7800

Augusta - Margaret River

Davis Rd Waste Transfer Facility

For Info 9757 6077

Boyup Brook

Boyup Brook Recycling Centre

9765 1200

Bridgetown - Greenbushes

Bridgetown Waste Facility

9761 1555

Busselton

Dunsborough Waste Facility

0417 179 596

Donnybrook- Balingup

Donnybrook Landfill Site Balingup Landfill Site

9780 4200 9780 4200

Harvey

Harvey Landfill

0428 950 120

Manjimup

Manjimup Refuse Site Pemberton Waste Transfer Station

9777 2332 0427 767 010

Armadale City

Armadale Landfill & Recycling Facility

9399 0127

Mindarie

Tamala Park

9305 5246

Broome

Broome Waste Management Facility

9193 8018

Gingin

Carnarvon

Browns Range Landfill Site Monday to Friday 8.00am to 5.00pm

Eastern Metropolitan

Red Hill Waste Disposal Site Second Wednesday each month between 8.00am to 12 noon

Wyndham - East Kimberly

34

Frogmore Shire Depot First Wednesday each month by appointment ph: 9571 2211

Kununurra Contact the council

WA Grower June 2008

FOR BOOKINGS

Growers tour Market City & Woolworths Header

What happens when your produce leaves the farm?

Growers visit Market City and Woolworths DC and their Burrendah Linda Manning store with IDO David Ellement

M

ike Donnelly, CEO Perth Market Authority, reminded growers that Woolworths and Coles were still the major buyers through the markets.

Growers then saw first-hand the inner sanctum of new Woolworths Distribution Centre (DC), which opened in November 2004. The Woolworths DC is located on Horrie Miller Drive in the Perth International Airport precinct.

“This DC services 79 supermarkets, 29 liquor stores and 42 BWS and Dan Murphy’s stores in Western Australia,” said Woolworths senior produce buyer WA Mathew Trichet.

Growers and industry people talking to John Mercer from Mercer Mooney at Market City

“The Woolworths stores are run on an automated ordering system ‘AutostockR’. Each till at each store records the goods as they are sold and this is used as a prompt for each store manager to order more stock. AutostockR allows better and more efficient planning and avoids overstocking and failing to supply.”

In the DC, the computer system collects data from the stores and uses RF (radio frequency) to connect to the earphones of each forklift operator as they “shop” for stock in the six level high warehouse. Forklifts run up and down the aisles loading pallets for each shop. It is very busy.

Inside the Woolworths DC – Mathew Trichet explaining the workings

“We have 519 people in the DC.”

can be held at two degrees, seven degrees and 13 degrees Celsius.

has seen vegetables such as garlic now grown on Australian land.

The DC is 66,000 square metres, which we were told is three times the size of the Subiaco Oval. They handle 59 million cartons annually.

There is a minus 24-degree Celsius freezer, and three temperature controlled areas where produce

Yatron Yalda told growers that four per cent of vegetables are brought in from overseas and this is mostly counter seasonal produce.

Woolworths also has an ongoing import replacement program which

“Our buying policy is to source from local producers and then source nationally. It is quicker to get produce into the DC if it is sourced locally.

Most direct growers in this state have a growing programme with us.

WA Grower October 2008

35

Growers tour Market City & Woolworths

The new lounges at the Burrendah Woolworths store Wendy Voight, Growcom QLD “We try to keep shrinkage rates below 10 per cent, sometimes it is up to 12 per cent.”

Growers then visited the Burrendah Woolworths shop at the Southlands Shopping Centre at the corner of Burrendah Boulevard and Pinetree Road in Willetton - a southern suburb of Perth near Market City. The Burrendah store is the most modern in Western Australia. It has just been refurbished to the Woolworths’ latest store style. The focus of the fruit

and vegetable section displays are the new ‘lounges’ which have been specially built to display things like punnets of strawberries and bananas on a single level.

The highlight of the trip was wandering around the various fruit and vegetable sections of the supermarkets and stores and finding the produce that had been supplied by the growers who were on the tour.

Paul Bogdanich (left) looking at his lettuce with Dene Lampard and Aaron Chapman

Yatron Yalda & Nick Trandos

Ben Ellement

36

WA Grower October 2008

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  

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

               

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 

Fairbanks Seeds Ͳ We’ve got the West covered.

Brittany – 12/13 week cauliflower, well covered curd, with excellent adaptability. Dual purpose, cuts well late autumn and again mid spring

Miyako – Green stem Pak Choi

which has

dominated the market, especially

where Club Root

is a problem. IR to Club Root.

Disclaimer:

Prophet – Uniform broccoli with thick stems, medium beads and heavy head weight.

Cuts well from late autumn through winter into spring.

Not recommended for cutting later in spring, as it performs best under cooler conditions.

Origin – New release, a top performer in trials. Relatively slow bolting with IR to some Club Root strains.

Celtic Ͳ A revelation in the baby leaf market.

Mid green oakleaf with very upright habit. Excellent tolerance to mildew pressure.

All cultural and descriptive information is given as a general guide only. Substantial variations may occur due to many environmental factors, including climate, soil type, location, management and cultural practices. No liability will be accepted by Fairbank’s Selected Seed Co. Pty. Ltd. (ABN 86 007 138 276), or its representatives as to the accuracy of the information. All information is given in good faith .

Fairbanks Seeds Ph 03 9689 4500 Fax 03 9689 8106

West Australian Agent: Mr. Don Arbuckle Ͳ Mobile: 0411 437 299

Fertiliser Header

Nitrogen Fertiliser management - getting it right

Peter O’Malley, Dennis Phillips and Rohan Prince, Department of Agriculture and Food, WA

Monitoring soil nitrogen allows correct timing of fertiliser

A

s part of the HAL/AUSVEG supported project ‘Increasing water and nutrient use efficiency in vegetable production on sandy soil’, we have used soil nitrate testing and lysimeters to monitor fertiliser practices. The aim of this activity has been to examine fertiliser efficiency and then to demonstrate where improvement might be possible.

Our results show that soil levels of plant available nitrogen fluctuate widely in response to applied fertiliser nitrogen, mineralisation of plant residues and existing soil reserves, plant uptake and irrigation and drainage. Achieving good nutrition of your crop without excessive losses requires a dynamic approach which aims to apply the nutrients when needed, fully accounts for all available sources and minimises losses.

The simple monitoring of soil nitrogen has allowed us to demonstrate the fertiliser value of crop residues and to improve the timing of fertiliser applications. Fertiliser applications should be adjusted to meet expected crop uptake and take into account the

quantity of nitrogen present in the soil at the time of application.

Using lettuce as an example, transplanting into soil with a nitratenitrogen content equivalent to more than 40 kg N/ha in the top 30 cm of soil is wasteful and will normally result in a large amount of nitrogen being leached (see Figure 1). During the cooler months maximum growth over the first four weeks can be achieved with a fertiliser application

or uptake from the soil of 20 to 25 kg N/ha. In summer when growth rates are faster, higher rates of nitrogen may be required for optimum early growth. Weekly fertiliser application should then increase progressively to a weekly maximum of 60 kg N/ha being applied as the crop approaches its peak demand for nitrogen.

The ‘3Phase’ approach to fertilising vegetable crops which involves spray applications of nitrogen and potassium in the early stages of the crop is proving a very effective approach to fertilising vegetables on sand, resulting in high yields and low leaching. The 3Phase method involves optimum fertiliser strategies during each of three key crop developmental stages: establishment, rapid growth and approaching maturity. This method has been developed by Dennis Phillips and his team at DAFWA. With good irrigation and fertiliser control soil nitrate content will increase to the equivalent of around

38

WA Grower October 2008

Fertiliser Header 80 kg N/ha and then should be allowed to fall as the crop approaches harvest (see Figure 2).

For further information on fertiliser management for vegetable crops contact: Rohan Prince on 0429 680 069 or Dennis Phillips on 9368 3333.

Vegetable

R&D

Excessive leaching caused by poor irrigation scheduling or rainfall may Your national mean a soil content of 80 kg N/ha can vegetable levy at work not be achieved but weekly fertiliser applications of greater than 55 kg/ha of nitrogen are seldom needed.

Higher application rates and soil reserves of more than Nitrogen 80 kg N/ha in fertiliser management – Getting it right Nitrogen fertiliser management – Getting it right the top 30 cm exceed the amount Peter O’Malley, most crops can absorb in a week and Dennis Phillips and Rohan Prince, Department of Agriculture and Food, Peter O’Malley, Dennis Phillips and Rohan Prince, Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia increase the risk of excessive loss.

Western Australia

Figure 1. Chart demonstrating poorly timed fertilisation of Cos lettuce

Figure 1. Chart demonstrating poorly timed fertilisation of Cos lettuce Figure 1. Chart demonstrating poorly timed fertilisation of Cos lettuce

Figure 2. Chart showing good fertiliser scheduling of Iceberg lettuce

Figure 2. Chart showing good fertiliser scheduling of Iceberg lettuce WA Grower October 2008 Figure 2. Chart showing good fertiliser scheduling of Iceberg lettuce

For further information on fertiliser management for vegetable crops contact Rohan For further information on fertiliser management for vegetable crops contact Rohan Prince on 0429 680 069 or Dennis Phillips on 9368 3333 Prince on 0429 680 069 or Dennis Phillips on 9368 3333

39

Spud Corner Editorial Figaro Natoli Header

WA Grower - A fresh look

Our President finishes his term

ith David Ellement, Gavin Foord, Debbie Moltoni, Valeria Kozak, Linda Manning, Jim Turley and Figaro Natoli we have formed a team that will deliver the WA Grower with a new vitality, vision and purpose.

I

W

The WA Grower will give vegetable growers a diversity of opinion and relevant and accessible technical information for better managing their farm. We will also continue our current features while introducing new issues and seeking grower feedback.

would like to thank David Anderson for his contribution to vegetablesWA and to the vegetable industry. Through his four year term, David has reshaped the agri-political landscape at the three tiers of Government (local, state and federal) with great success.

David, from your friends and colleagues, an incredible job well done and we wish you and your family happiness and success.

He has taken on more roles than any of his predecessors with outstanding achievements in all areas, culminating as chairman of AUSVEG.

Fresh Ideas Centre open for business

P

erth’s Market City has opened its newest addition, the Fresh Ideas Centre, to promote fresh food products and conduct food research.

The Perth Market Authority (PMA) says the innovative centre is a worldclass facility for the food industry, with flexible uses as a research and meeting facility, demonstration kitchen and fresh food product launch and promotion venue.

At the launch last week, the PMA announced an alliance with a major tenant of the new Centre, the Australian College of Training, which will provide accredited training for the food industry.

An agreement between PMA and Cancer Council has also been developed to use the Centre to promote the health and nutritional benefits of fruit and vegetables and

40

WA Grower October 2008

the vital role they play in a balanced diet.

WA Minister for Agriculture and Food, Kim Chance, said it would help WA enhance its reputation as a leading provider of high quality fresh fruit and vegetables.

“There are many challenges facing our fresh produce industries, however Fresh Ideas Centre has the potential to better equip them to meet those challenges by providing leadership in training, marketing and skills development,” Mr Chance said.

“I’m confident this facility will quickly develop a well deserved reputation as the preferred learning and promotional centre for all involved in WA’s fresh fruit and vegetable industries.”

PMA chief executive officer, Mike Donnelly, said the PMA and its partners were committed to

The PMA board with Hon. Kim Chance at the launch Photo: Brendon Cant & Associates

communicating the benefits of WA fresh produce, from producer to consumer and he believed the latest initiative would help deliver exactly that.

“Fresh Ideas Centre is another link we’re establishing with the growing food service and hospitality sector,” he said.

Mr Donnelly noted the PMA was investing more than $20 million to build and enhance Market City’s facilities and services to consolidate its position as WA’s centre for fresh food excellence.

Spud Corner w e stern a u stra lia

Potato Growers Association of WA Incorporated State Executive Members: President

Mr Paul Tempra Ph: (08) 9772 1102 Fax: (08) 9772 1103 Mobile: 0417 095 899

News in Brief and Comment

WATER

Executive Officer

The Water Services Bill 2008, which is expected to pass through Parliament and be adopted by the State Government next year requires licensees (in our case, the growers) to have a: -

Mr Jim Turley Ph: (08) 9481 0834 Fax: (08) 9481 0024 Mobile: 0410 697 842 E: pga-vga@vegetableswa.com.au

Zone Chairs Albany Mr Terry Ackley Ph: (08) 9841 4286 Fax: (08) 9841 1987 Mobile: 0427 423 684 Busselton Mr Darryl Smith Ph/Fax: (08) 9755 4121 Mobile: 0428 933 154 Donnybrook Mr Bert Russell Ph/Fax: (08) 9731 8216 Mobile: 0429 318 216 Manjimup Mr Paul Tempra Ph: (08) 9772 1102 Fax: (08) 9772 1103 Mobile: 0417 095 899 Metropolitan Mr David Anderson Ph: (08) 9529 2325 Fax: (08) 9529 1325 Mobile: 0418 195 759 Myalup Ms Pennie Patane Ph: (08) 9720 2235 Fax: (08) 9720 2236 Mobile: 0407 993 580 Pemberton Simon Moltoni Ph/Fax: (08) 9776 1693 Mobile: 0427 761 693

Processing Representative Mr Gary Bendotti Ph: (08) 9776 1230 Fax: (08) 9776 0330 Mobile: 0427 569 903

by Jim Turley

Cliché “If it’s not broken – don’t fix it” versus Reality “Economic and environmental sustainability”

Vice President

Mr Bert Russell Ph/Fax (08) 9731 8216 Mobile: 0429 318 216

ISSUE 05 | OCTOBER 2008

20. Works management system [WSLA: 36, EIA: 14] (1) It is a condition of every licence that the licensee must — (a) provide for a works management system; and (b) give details of the system and any changes to it to the Authority; and (c) at least once in every period of 24 months (or any longer period that the Authority allows), provide the Authority with a report by an independent expert appointed by the Authority as to the effectiveness of the system.

(2) A works management system is to set out the measures to be taken by the licensee for — (a) the proper maintenance of the water service works of the licensee; and (b) the undertaking and operation of the water service work specified in the licence and of other water service works necessary for the provision of the water services authorised by the licence.

(3) The Authority must consult with the licensee as to the appointment of the

independent expert under subsection (1)(c), but any failure in that regard does not invalidate an appointment.

(4) The reasonable expenses of the Authority under subsection (1)(c) are recoverable in a court of competent jurisdiction as a debt due by the licensee to the State.

21. Operational audit [WSLA: 37, EIA: 13] (1) It is a condition of every licence that the licensee must, at least once in every period of 24 months (or any longer period that the Authority allows), provide the Authority with an operational audit conducted by an independent expert appointed by the Authority. continued...

CONTENTS Reduce nitrogen to find Bliss ................

4

Potato prices set to rocket .................. . 5 Potato cyst nematode update ...........

6

1

Spud Corner (2) An operational audit is an audit of — (a) the effectiveness of measures taken by the licensee to meet the quality and performance standards specified, or referred to, in the licence; and (b) any other aspects of the licensee’s provision of the water services authorised by the licence determined by the Authority in consultation with the licensee.

(a) the quality and performance standards to be met by licensees in relation to the provision of water services; [This covers, in a general way, s.33 WSLA.] (b) standards of performance relating to customer service;

(3) The Authority must consult with the licensee as to the appointment of the independent expert under subsection (1), but any failure in that regard does not invalidate an appointment.

(c) minimum technical standards for the provision of water services and the undertaking, operation and maintenance of water service works;

(4) The reasonable expenses of the Authority under subsection (1) are recoverable in a court of competent jurisdiction as a debt due by the licensee to the State.

(d) the capacity of a licensee to cut off or restrict the available rate of flow of the supply of water to land, including what matters the licensee must take into account before doing so;

(5) The Authority must give the Minister a report on each operational audit, together with the audit, within 2 months after its receipt of the audit.

22. Compliance with codes of practice made by Minister [EIA: 39] (1) The Minister may make codes of practice.

(2) It is a condition of every licence that the licensee must comply with each code of practice that applies to the licensee.

(3) A code of practice must be expressed to apply to one or more named licensees, one or more classes of licensee or a combination of both.

2

(4) A code of practice may deal with any one or more of the following matters — [cl.11 & this subclause cover related matters so I have aligned the language to some extent.]

(e) metering of the supply of water services by licensees including — (i) the provision, operation and maintenance of metering equipment; and (ii) ownership of and access to metering data; (f) the capacity of licensees and customers to enter into agreements about fees and charges for and in relation to water services provided by licensees, including provisions setting out maximum fees and charges or controlling how licensees determine proposed fees and charges or about exemptions, discounts, rebates and concessions;

(g) the transfer of customers between licensees; (h) methods or principles to be applied by licensees in the preparation of accounts for customers; (i) planning for the future provision of water services by licensees, including for the development of future water sources, [service planning?]; [this covers s.38 WSLA.] (j) the provision of information about, and the promotion of, the conservation and efficient use of water by customers.

THE GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE Potato and vegetable growers have the “Good Practice Guide” that encourages efficiency, quality and acceptable performance standards in production.

This Good Practice Guide, produced in our office, will be the basis on which our two organisations will approach the State Government.

Indeed, it could be the benchmark for other industry’s.

Our team, David Ellement and Gavin Foord, is continually adding to the guide.

There is no doubt, after reading the 9th draft of the Water Services Bill 2008, every grower will require information contained in the Good Practice Guide to implement the required conditions of a Water Licence contained within the Bill.

Please contact the staff at Horticulture House for your copy or see the vegetablesWA website.

FERTILISERS The research by Dennis Phillips from the Department of Agriculture and Food, on the amount and delivery of fertilisers to crops plus David Ellement’s and Gavin Foord’s work in support of this project and other projects with similar objectives i.e. to achieve improved economic production that is environmentally sustainable, is proving to be very successful, not only in saving growers input costs, but also when dealing with government regulations.

This is where vegetablesWA and the Potato Growers Association have placed our organisations ahead of the game. Regulators and other stakeholders are taking notice of our growers’ achievements and the Good Practice Guide.

POTATO SPINDLE TUBER VIROID DISEASE (PSTVd)

a survey conducted on all vegetable growing properties.

between our suppliers is having no effect on the spiralling input costs.

The aim of the survey is to prove to the scientific community and other shareholders that PSTVd is “not known to be present”. This will enable the State to claim area freedom.

In my opinion the Western Australian community requires, requests and in some cases demands their fresh vegetables are produced in our state.

On the other hand, if we don’t conduct the survey and the outbreaks continue, Carnarvon could be in a very serious situation, with regard to quarantine issues. The survey will cost around $48,000 with the growers doing the actual work under guidance from the Department of Agriculture and Food. Further details will be explained at a growers meeting in Carnarvon shortly.

GROWERS SUSTAINABLE PROFITABILITY IS NO 1 ISSUE

Growers’ input into the price they This disease, that affects tomatoes, receive for their produce is critical potatoes and other solanaceous crops, if they are to remain profitable. It has apparently been eradicated in certainly appears that competition Carnarvon however, there must be

If this is the case, we must approach our State Government for help.

What that means, I am not quite sure. However, I certainly know if our growers are not given a profitable price, the community will find more and more vegetables coming from elsewhere.

I know some people might say we have heard all this before, however let me assure you, both our organisations will take this issue on as our number 1 priority.

Jim Turley Executive Officer vegetablesWA Potato Growers Association of WA

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4-12 months $90 per tonne plus GST

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Spud Corner

[IWXIVR EYWXVEPME

Reduce nitrogen to find Bliss Potato growers can cut nitrogen fertilisers without affecting yield and quality, benefiting both the balance sheet and the environment, according to research by the Department of Agriculture and Food.

Ian McPharlin and other department researchers compared yield and quality of three different crisping potatoes at Pemberton and Medina over three years.

Their results showed that major cost savings were achieved by cutting nitrogen applications without sacrificing quality, particularly on sands.Yields were in the range of 60 to 80 tonnes/ha.

“With superior new varieties like Bliss, 10 to 20 per cent higher yield is achieved from the same or less nitrogen.”

Processors prefer tubers to have an SG of at least 1.081 and growers are paid an increasing bonus between

this and 1.089, making SG of critical importance to maximise returns.

Potatoes below SG 1.070 are rejected, but no additional bonuses are paid for levels above 1.089, making it a clever tight-rope act to achieve best results.

Figure 1. Nitrogen use efficiency (kg tubers/kg fertiliser N) for 3 crisp potato varieties on loams near Pemberton

“Applied nitrogen required for maximum yield ranged from 100 to 200 kg of nitrogen/ha for loams of the South West to 550 kg/ha for infertile coastal sands,” Dr McPharlin said.

“We suspect that many growers are applying much more than this in the hope of boosting yields, but with spiralling fertiliser costs, they might be better off in cutting down.”

The department’s research, funded through Horticulture Australia, also compared quality factors such as specific gravity (SG). One finding was that excess nitrogen was more likely to reduce SG on sands than loams.

“The newer Australian variety Bliss outyielded the industry standard Atlantic on both loams and sands and had higher SG and fewer internal defects such as dark cooking colour, hollow heart and brown spot,” Dr McPharlin said.

“Maximising quality as well as yield is important in maximising profits for crisp growers, so Bliss is one to consider growing if processors will also accept it.

4

Figure 2. Nitrogen use efficiency (kg tubers/kg fertiliser N) for 2 crisp potato varieties on coastal sands

“Because nitrogen is often leached into groundwater from sandy soils over the life of a crop, being able to

reduce applications without affecting yield would have particular advantages in sandy areas,” Dr McPharlin said.

For futher infornation contact Ian McPharlin 9368 3671

Potato prices set to rocket Source: Cairns Post 16/7/2008 Jennifer Eliot Queensland Tableland potato growers look set for a strong season with a predicted nation-wide spud shortage tipped to coincide with the region’s peak harvest period.

Drought and a slashing of water allocations to 2 per cent in traditionally high yielding potato growing areas in Victoria and South Australia has caused the shortfall.

Growcom potato chairman David Nix said New South Wales had spuds, but it was not going to be enough.

“They (SA and Victoria) haven’t got the water and they have very little in storage but it is not going to be enough,” he said.

to the region’s average of about 50,000 tonnes,” he said.

The region’s season got off to a slow start this year with rain falling until mid-March and planting did not get going until April. It added extra risk because of frosts, which last year wiped out more than $82 million in early season spuds, but this season growers have escaped with only light frosts being recorded.

“The season has been kind to us this year,” he said.

“The crop has matured now and are ready to harvest so the frost can not really affect them now.”

Mr Nix said it would have to be an exceptional frost, which growers call a black frost, to do any damage.

“We haven’t seen one of them in 30 years,” he said. “It looks like it is going to turn out OK because if we had had a repeat of last year, it would have been a disaster.”

“After March, we had perfect potato growing conditions and as a result yields will be up.

“The new season starts in October to November and the only place that will be able to supply spuds will be the Tableland and Bundaberg.”

Mr Nix said some potatoes were being harvested on the Tableland and the price was expected to soften in the next few weeks but would rise once processors began buying again.

He said growers were getting about $600 a tonne, which was a reasonable price, but it would go back a bit before rising in late August.

It should shoot up in September and October as the shortage begins to hit the market.

“Yields will be marginally up on previous years but it should be close

0355

Spud Corner Potato Cyst Nematode Update Source: Kingston enews June 2007 Vol 5 Number 6 Last fall, the enews reviewed the impact on the discovery of the Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) in potato fields in Idaho. While not harmful to humans or the food supply, PCN can reduce the yield of potatoes and other crops. This was the first discovery of PCN in the United States. The potential threat to the quality of the harvest is significant, which is why action was immediately taken to monitor and protect the food supply chain from this parasite.

At present, action is being taken to treat the affected fields. It will take time to restore the affected fields to full production, although the total acreage affected is small.

Reaction to the discovery of PCN was very serious. Idaho potatoes were banned from Canada, Japan, South Korea, and Mexico. Again, the ban was not in fear of a public health issue, but rather the chance that PCN could infest potato fields in those countries.

Earlier this year, Canada and Mexico lifted bans on Idaho fresh potatoes.

Japan remains closed to Idaho fresh potatoes, but accepts frozen products.

At the time of the initial discovery, the USDA announced a $13 million emergency supplement to support PCN eradication. Speaking to the World Potato Congress, Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns said “The potato cyst nematode is a plant pest that poses a significant threat to the potato industry and our economy.

This additional funding will ensure that there is a robust survey program in place to quickly detect and eradicate this pest, preventing its spread to seed potatoes or additional areas.” So far, the USDA has spent $12 million eradicating PCN in Idaho.

There are two strains of PCN, golden and pale, formally named

6

Globodera rostochiensis and Globodera pallida. Approximately the size of a pinhead, PCN is a major pest in cool, temperate areas. In addition to potatoes, PCN can affect tomatoes and eggplants.Yields can be reduced by as much as 80% if PCN is left unchecked.

In general, nematodes are slender, worm-like animals. Most are microscopic, and all are found wherever organic matter exists (soil, fresh water, and salt water environments). Some nematodes occur as parasites in animals, such as “pinworms.” Cyst nematodes feed on plants. There are over 4,800 species of nematodes that can attack plants.

Scientists have traced the origin of the PCN to Peru, and since its emergence it has spread to most of the potatogrowing regions of the world. Before it was found in Idaho, the only other appearance in North America was in Newfoundland, Canada. PCN infestations are also associated with yellowing or wilting foliage, which has not been observed in the Idaho fields.

After the first discovery, over 4,800 samples from more than 75 different fields and facilities were tested, to ensure broad identification of suspect sources of PCN. Ongoing collection and testing is managed jointly by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA).

The total area affected in Idaho is approximately 1,000 acres. All seven of the affected fields were within one mile of a central point identified in the analysis. Over 100 USDA and ISDA personnel have been involved in the investigation and analysis of this issue. Dick Watt, Chairman of the

Idaho Potato Commission, stressed the urgency: “We need to contain this where it’s at so we can maintain the great potato industry that we have in Idaho.”

Each field treatment takes 24-48 hours. When a field is treated, the soil is tilled as if a crop is going to be planted. Instead, a chemical is injected into the soil. The chemical is deadly to nematodes, but has no other effect on the quality of the soil or future crops.

After the injection, the field is covered in heavy plastic sheeting, to keep the chemical in the ground until it has run its course of treatment. Following the treatment, the soil is tested for PCN. The field will then continue to be treated until it tests negative for PCN. According to Eoln Davis, Director, USDA Potato Cyst Nematode Program: “It’s a real big deal to the potato industry; because if it gets away, it can destroy potato crops, destroy the entire potato industry.

This particular treatment in itself will not eradicate the pest. We expect it to take a period of time. It could be a year. It could be a few years.”

In addition to the chemical treatment, USDA is paying farmers to plant vegetation which will prevent the spread of PCN. At Kingston, we are in constant contact with our growers to monitor production of our top-quality potatoes. We will continue to update the situation and provide information on what effects, if any, this will have on our future supplies. As part of our farm-to-table philosophy, Planting to Plate, we are committed to bringing the highest-quality products to you, monitoring quality at every step in the food chain.

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