WA Grower Spring 17

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WA Grower Agricultural Produce Commission

SINCE 1948 Vol. 52 No 3. Spring 2017

APC-VPC APC-PPC

Biosecurity

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WA Grower 56 YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

Vol. 52 No 3. Spring 2017

98

68 3

Grants support research to grow food potential

52

vegetablesWA Chief Executive Officer

4

Gascoyne Food Festival 2017

54

APC Vegetable Producers Committee Update

5

Precision agriculture in vegetable production systems

58

vegetablesWA President’s report

6

The Agricultural Produce Commission welcomes new commissioners

Planning for the Peel Food Zone

62

7

Flicking the switch far from ‘bore-ing’

66

Potato Growers Association President's report

8

Biosecurity Blitz 2017

68

Potato Growers Association update

9

POMEWEST

69

vegetablesWA Grower Roadshow

10

From the Pomewest Executive Manager

70

WA Potatoes launches catchy campaign

12

New committee members

72

13

Future Orchards Walk

73

The response to Dickeya dianthicola

14

Time to take steps to manage apple scab

74

YOUR PRODUCTION Managing Dickeya dianthicola in potatoes

16

Dormancy breakers in low chill years

76

Dickeya dianthicola frequently asked questions

17

Living with the Tomato Potato Psyllid

20

Expression of interest for New Zealand Study Tour

78

Pests & diseases information session

22

Metham Sodium is not solely herbicide nor nematicide

24

The challenge of a food safety culture

80

An integrated approach to pest suppression

28

Growers urged to comply with HARPS

82

Damping off in spinach

31

Growers meeting the challenge of changing markets

84

Illegal phoenix activity what to watch out for

86

YOUR BUSINESS

79

Permits

114

TOOL TIME

35

Effective dispute resolution important for sound contracts 88

Amazon to sell ready meals with a 12-week shelf life

36

Seasonal Work Incentives Trial

90

Apps — the smarter way of farming

38

Cancer risks on the job and on the farm

92

Why an annual skin check may not be enough

94

YOUR INDUSTRY

39

Industry Extension update

40

UNE integrated weed management grower focus group

42

Tomato Potato Psyllid interstate movement conditions

96

Benchmarking full steam ahead

43

Agrimaster trial with growers

44

Broccolini captures the hearts of lovers

98

Protected Cropping Australian Bi-Annual Conference

45

Grower profile — Rob & Dan Kuzmicich

46

Official control of quarantine plant pests and diseases

48

An integrated approach to business

50

YOUR MARKET

95

Freshcare Forum + GLOBALG.A.P. Tour Stop

100

Export markets to taste Australia

102

Western Australia lead exporter of fresh vegetables

104

VIETNAMESE TRANSLATIONS

106

WA Grower SPRING 2017

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Produced by

vegetablesWA

Cover photo: vegetablesWA staff with Hon Alannah MacTiernan and AUSVEG staff and reverse trade mission Contact details for Horticulture House vegetablesWA, Potato Growers Association, HorticultureWA 103 Outram Street West Perth 6005 t: (08) 9481 0834 f: (08) 9481 0024 e: office@vegetableswa.com.au Chief Executive Officer John Shannon m: 0488 111 526 e: john.shannon@vegetableswa.com.au Finance & Communications Manager Rebecca Blackman t: (08) 9481 0834 e: finance@vegetableswa.com.au Vietnamese Industry Extension Officer Truyen Vo m: 0457 457 559 e: truyen.vo@vegetableswa.com.au Industry Extension Officer Sam Grubisa m: 0427 373 037 e: sam.grubisa@vegetableswa.com.au Benchmark Lead Bryn Edwards m: 0417 409 821 e: bryn.edwards@vegetableswa.com.au Market Development Manager Claire McClelland m: 0477 477 044 e: claire.mcclelland@vegetableswa.com.au Life Members A.J. Anderson*, D.J. Arbuckle, J. Arbuckle Snr*, J.H. Arbuckle* (M.B.E.J.P), H.R. Ashby*, S. Calameri, A. Harris*, A. Ingrilli, G. Kiriros*, R.G. Leach*, F. Natoli, S. Sawle*, R.M. Schultz, C.P. Stevens, W.R. Stevens* (M.B.E.J.P) and J. Turley. * Deceased

Management Committees Vegetable Growers Association President Dan Kuzmicich m: 0408 910 761

Carnarvon

Vice President Maurice Grubisa m: 0413 050 182

Metro North

Committee M. Dobra L. East P. Ivankovich A. Natoli B. Nguyen D. Nguyen P. Shain

m: 0417 174 110 m: 0419 047 371 m: 0428 919 211 t: (08) 9405 4817 m: 0418 939 982 t: (08) 9941 8376 m: 0419 041 045

Gingin Manjimup Myalup Metro North Geraldton Carnarvon Carnarvon

Potato Growers Association President Vaughan Carter m: 0417 092 505

Busselton

Vice President Daniel Omodei m: 0427 761 121

Pemberton

Treasurer Mia Rose m: 0409 112 245

Myalup

Committee C. Ayres G. Bendotti R. Humfrey D. Terrigno

m: 0428 451 014 Albany m: 0427 569 903 Pemberton m: 0427 148 832 Gingin/Dandaragan m: 0417 771 333 Manjimup

Graphic Design Josephine Eynaud, Redtail Graphic Design

This issue of the WA Grower is brought to you by: • APC — Vegetable Producers Committee • Potato Growers Association • vegetablesWA • Pomewest

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

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WA Grower SPRING 2017

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Photo: Anton Blume

33LEFT: The vegetablesWA team at the Long Table Lunch.

33ABOVE: Michael Nixon and James Whiteside.

vegetablesWA

Chief Executive Officer

BY JOHN SHANNON CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

Recently the vegetablesWA team has been visiting the regions for grower meet and greets. It has been a great opportunity to be able to speak to growers. The next three meet and greets will be held in Albany, Manjimup & Myalup on 2nd to 4th October.

The Gascoyne Food Council in Carnarvon has so much to proud of following their recent Long Table Lunch and associated events. It brought together some of Perth’s best chefs to showcase the amazing local produce, along with high level meetings with the Hon Alannah MacTiernan MLC Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development.

AUSVEG also hosted a reverse trade mission where foreign buyers were able to enjoy a uniquely Australian experience at one of West Australia’s best foodie events. Full credit must go to the active

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Carnarvon grower community who are the ones which have driven so much of the remarkable success.

The ongoing Tomato Potato Psyllid incursion continues to wreak its terrible impact on the Western Australia industry.

Market access restrictions on non-host plants has been particularly painful for not just those growers who have a usual export program to the Eastern states, but the excess supply remaining in the Perth market has caused a glut with consequent impacts on prices.

As of 1st September the National Transition to Management Plan for TPP has now been endorsed. vegetablesWA will continue to work closely with Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development to roll out the plan and more details will follow in the Summer edition of the WA Grower. vegetablesWA is about to launch our benchmarking project, having been successful in being awarded a WA government Grower Group Grant. This business practice is routine across many other industries in helping improve business decision making and profitability.

For further information see the article on page 43 or speak with Bryn Edwards on (08) 9481 0834.

The Wellington Dam Myalup project continues to make progress, with growers obtaining legal advice from vegetablesWA on the terms proposed by the proponent. There is much still to be done but good steps have been made. vegetablesWA are in the process of planning the next Grower Group Tour and Industry Summit which will be held on 27th October. The Grower Group Tour will consist of a farm visit to discuss a range of topics and then the Industry Summit will be held at Crown Perth from 2pm to 6pm followed by a networking event. Invites will be posted our shortly however we ask that you mark the date in your diary and RSVP to Rebecca Blackman, rebecca.blackman@ vegetableswa.com.au if you are able to attend.

MORE INFORMATION John Shannon, phone 0488 111 526 or email john.shannon@vegetableswa.com.au

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APC Vegetable Producers Committee Update

BY JOHN SHANNON SECRETARY APC-VPC

The Agricultural Produce Commission Act 1988 (the Act) provides Western Australian agricultural producers with the legal framework to collect funds to provide for the development and security of growers and producers and their industry sectors.

The Agricultural Produce Commission on 18 March 2005 established the APC Vegetable Producers’ Committee.

Projects approved FY18 The following projects were approved for fee for service funding in 2017–18 financial year.

Project

$

1

Part funding for vegetablesWA

2

he Great Aussie Crunch — T Crunch & Sip

3

uality Assurance Q Coordinator

4

xport Readiness Program E for vegetable growers

55,000

5

Fee for Service Review

15,000

6

Biosecurity Fund

40,000

450,000 15,500 150,000

v egetablesWA Industry Extension Officer’s

8

niversity of Adelaide — Low U Skill Visa

Total of approved projects

Member

Terms

Email/Phone

Chairperson Maureen Dobra

2016–2019

E: mdobra@looseleaf.com.au P: (08) 9575 2086

Joyce Babun

2015–2018

Peter Ivankovich

2016–2019

Lisa Tana

2017–2020

James Wringe

Mar 2017–May 2020

Committee EO John Shannon

E: john.shannon@vegetableswa.com.au P: (08) 9481 0834/0488 111 526

Industry Association vegetablesWA

W: www.vegetableswa.com.au P: (08) 9481 0834

All terms are three years commencing in June (unless otherwise stated)

Previously approved projects 7

APC-VPC Committee Members

Fee for service charge The fee for service will remain the same for financial year ending 30th June 2018: Weight

130,847 20,000 876,347

$

per individual package of vegetable product weighing 100 kilograms or less

0.05

per individual package of vegetable product weighing 101 to 1000 kilograms

0.40

tonne contained within trailer/truck

0.70

Finally if you have any enquiries relating to the activities of your APC Vegetable Producers Committee, please don’t hesitate to contact me at Horticulture House on (08) 9481 0834 or 0488 111 526 or email john.shannon@vegetableswa.com.au MORE INFORMATION More information can also be found on the APC website https://apcwa.org.au/producerscommittees/vegetable

The Fee for Service is to apply to all vegetables sold by producers, except herb, mushroom, potatoes and vegetables grown in the Ord Irrigation area (Kununurra).

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President’s report

BY DAMIR KUZMICICH PRESIDENT, VEGETABLESWA

Hello to all vegetable growers and industry, up here in the North (Carnarvon) we are all busy, in the middle of harvest season. The weather has been cold this year but fine as well (very little rain).

Prices could be better but that’s growing for you, even though it has been busy there have been social events here in Carnarvon.

The Gascoyne Food Festival featured the Long Table Lunch which was on again this year and yet again it was a great success.

The Minister for Agriculture and Food Alannah MacTiernan attended the event, vegetablesWA staff were invited this year and got to experience a bit of Carnarvon’s Plantation’s in full production via the bus tours provided.

It was great to see that AUSVEG were well represented by CEO James Whiteside and Michael Coote (National Manager Export Development), as well as International delegate’s wanting to experience a bit of the Gascoyne Region. This allowed the delegation to see for themselves what this region has to offer and potential trade could be the outcome.

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33DON Hancey and Peter Manifis at the Gascoyne Food Festival.

The other annual supporters were there, Farmer Jack’s a great supporter of this region, Peter Manifis, Don Hancey and his team of chef’s didn’t disappoint with some tapas style dishes served up. I have to congratulate Gascoyne Food Council for the continuing growth of this event which is attracting more attention every year. The Long table Lunch provides a great setting for Industry to catch up on a social scene and to talk shop.

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The Agricultural Produce Commission welcomes Gascoyne Food Festival

Talking to growers in the south of the state (Perth region and the south west region) the weather hasn’t been good for growing, which effects the quality and there has been an oversupply on the market system as well as the export market (carrots). The growers in the north of the state, Carnarvon up to Broome, are experiencing similar problems prices are down and costs are going up.

This time of the season in Carnarvon is critical for growers to be aware of there on farm Biosecurity as it doesn’t take much to be effected by viruses in particular from aphids.

From what I have seen in Carnarvon the growers are doing a very good job of controlling them and the numbers of Medfly are down which is a good sign that growers are doing the right thing.

I do urge vegetable growers if they have any concerns about their industry, please contact the team at vegetablesWA to see how we can help.

Myself, the Committee and staff at vegetablesWA would like to thank you Howard Shapland for his many years of service on the Committee for the Albany region. Enjoy your retirement.

Good luck to all growers for the rest of the season.

MORE INFORMATION Contact Dan Kuzmicich on 0408 910 761 or damir.kuzmicich@bigpond.com

new commissioners

BY INGRID BEHR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE COMMISSION

The Agricultural Produce Commission is pleased to announce that two new members have been appointed to the Commission — Mr Ian Longson and Ms Elizabeth Brennan. The appointments are for a term of three years to July 2020.

The Commission welcomes Ian and Elizabeth to the Commission and is excited to have such a broad and strong range of skills added to the current Commission skillset.

Mr Ian Longson

Ms Elizabeth Brennan

Ian brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Commission through his varied experience in the agricultural and food industries. Ian now works primarily with not-for-profit industry associations such as the Grain Industry Association of WA and the Grower Group Alliance.

Elizabeth brings a welcome fresh and innovative take on the agricultural industry to the Commission. She currently manages marketing strategy development and implementation for one of the largest citrus operations in WA, Moora Citrus, as well as coordinating an agricultural research program in Papua New Guinea for the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.

He is the current Chair of the Western Australian Integrated Fisheries Advisory Committee and a non-executive director of Seafarms Operations Limited (a land based aquaculture company).

Ian was Director General of the Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food for five years.

Prior to that he was senior consultant and manager of the Perth Office of ACIL Consulting (now ACIL Allen), worked for the Dairy Industry Authority of Western Australia, the Asian Development Bank and early in his career as an economist and extension adviser with the Western Australian Department of Agriculture.

She is a Fellow with the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation and is also current Company Secretary, and past President, of Australian Women in Agriculture.

In 2016 Elizabeth won the ‘WA Young Achiever of the Year’ award for her voluntary and community contributions and in 2014, was awarded the ‘Most Outstanding Emerging Leader’ Award at the inaugural Women in Australian Agribusiness 100.

Ian and Elizabeth’s appointments restore the Commission membership to four persons, with Cathie Bowen and William Ryan (Chairman) being continuing members.

MORE INFORMATION For further details please contact Ingrid Behr on APCManager@dpird.wa.gov.au or phone (08) 9368 3127.

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President report

— Potato Growers Association

BY VAUGHAN CARTER PRESIDENT, POTATO GROWERS ASSOCIATION

Winter has finally done its thing and delivered the rain that everyone was longing for.

Unfortunately it may be too little too late for our northern grain farming cousins but the surrounding areas are some hope.

Since my last report there has been the outbreak of Dickeya dianthicola in Western Australia. This couldn’t have come at a worse time for our industry considering all things previous. Currently Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development (DPIRD) is looking at affected areas and then investigating movement of seed stock to try and contain the outbreak.

Growers can help no end by being vigilant with crop inspections and regular checking of emails sent by DPIRD and PGA with their updates and control measures.

Looking around the districts, Dandaragan is in full swing as is Myalup. Busselton is finishing after a prolonged delivery period due to slow sales and surplus of stock. Manjimup is underway with planting for summer production. Having ventured into our local Coles and Woolworths shops I would have to say quality is mixed. It looks like to me that surplus stock that has been held finds its way onto shelves at some point. You can pick what’s freshly dug fairly easily, of course its price determined.

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Dickeya dianthicola in Western Australia

33DICKEYA dianthicola causes soft rot and blackleg in potatoes.

is the only means of being able to identify the presence CLso and until that happens things will remain as is.

On the marketing front the ‘Todatoes’ campaign is well underway. A launch was held in July with an opportunity for food bloggers to taste an incredibly diverse five course meal that highlighted potatoes. The night was a success and the feedback up until now has been really positive.

PGA had the opportunity to meet with Professor Shashi Sharma, Director of Plant Biosecurity in June. Professor Sharma has previously dealt with the PCN outbreak and is now dealing with TPP. During our meeting he went on to say that other states are waiting for verification that WA potatoes are not infected by the bacterium. The verification process is taking the most time as it is difficult to prove that it doesn’t exist in WA. Professor Sharma also stated that it’s only in the past 10

The Tomato Potato Psyllid (TPP) issue still remains unresolved with export still being restricted to all states. The testing protocols are still not confirmed with the other states. This is a concern for all as it

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years that CLso has been linked to the Psyllid and science to detect is still evolving. At this point in time (September) there is plenty happening and growers will be engaging in zone meetings very shortly with updated movements into TPP protocols.

The Dickeya outbreak sees growers being restricted to trade until certain protocols are met and guidelines followed. The PGA is working tirelessly to help those affected to free themselves of quarantine and be able to trade. I understand the anguish those growers are feeling and the PGA and DPIRD are in constant communication to help with the outbreak, growers obligations, and swift resolution.

On a positive note export opportunities into Egypt that have surfaced and have created a bit of talk amongst our industry. EO Simon Moltoni was interviewed on ABC radio along with seed export producers and the spinoff is encouraging. This could see an opening of a whole new market.

This is on the back of funding that was applied for by PGA in the recent DPIRD Industry Grants for International Competitiveness round that has been successful and this work is commencing.

It would be of real benefit if this opportunity builds and trade relationships are formed to give growers another market. Can’t happen soon enough in my opinion.

Zone council nominations are up for renewal in the Busselton, Albany and Dandaragan/Gingin regions. I would encourage those that are interested to have a go. It gives you a real insight into all things industry and also a great opportunity to work with very dedicated professional people. The challenge will not be without great benefits.

Potato Growers Association update SIMON MOLTONI EXECUTIVE OFFICER, POTATO GROWERS ASSOCIATION

Biosecurity remains a significant issue with several challenges confronting our industry simultaneously.

Tomato Potato Psyllid (TPP) remains an ongoing challenge with the CCEPP endorsing the Transition to Management Plan on 1st September. The finer details are still to be worked out. The PGA has been working with DPIRD since the end of July to develop management plans for Potato growers. This work is well advanced and we hope to have this available to growers for the spring planting period.

Dickeya dianthicola is a new strain of Blackleg that has recently been discovered in WA for the first time.

A number of properties have been quarantined and this has created severe hardship for those Businesses. PGA has worked very closely with the Growers and DPIRD to allow the sale of low risk crops, under strict protocols, to minimise the financial impact as much as possible.

We would like to thank DPIRD and in particular the Incident Response Team for making this possible.

By the time this goes to print PGA and DPIRD will have been out to all growing regions to hold information sessions with growers for Dickeya. More information will be made available as it comes to hand.

We are currently assessing a Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) from DPIRD in response to a request from SA to reconsider our import restrictions with regard to Bacterial Wilt. This is a very serious disease and we need to be reassured that all measures are taken to ensure this disease does not enter WA. To this end we have engaged PRWA to undertake a scientific review of the PRA. This along with our industry perspective will form a comprehensive response.

With some positive news the PGA has secured funding from the IGIC grant looking at seed export opportunities into Egypt.

The marketing campaign ‘Todatoes’ is well underway and we are hearing positive feedback from the public.

Once again we will have a stand at this year’s Perth Royal Show, if there is anyone who is interested in helping out at the stand, please give Morena a call at the office on (08) 9481 0834 or email morena@wapotatoes.com.au. Registration for the Seed for Schools program in 2018 will be launched at the show, please encourage your local schools to register and participate.

MORE INFORMATION Simon Moltoni, Potato Growers Association of WA, call 0447 141 752 or email simon@wapotatoes.com.au

MORE INFORMATION To contact Vaughan call 0417 092 505 or email marybrook438@gmail.com

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vegetablesWA Grower Roadshow

BY REBECCA BLACKMAN FINANCE & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, VEGETABLESWA

vegetablesWA has been holding grower meet and greets through the regions, whilst we have visited Wanneroo, Geraldton, Carnarvon and Gingin we will be heading down to Albany, Manjimup and Myalup on 2nd — 4th October. Keep your eye out for the invite with all of the details.

On 17th July the vegetablesWA team meet with 40 + growers in Wanneroo at the Wanneroo Hotel. vegetablesWA has recently added some new team members and they have been heading out to the regions across WA meeting growers and keeping them up to date with what is happening in the industry.

Growers were able to discuss current issues and practices. vegetablesWA offer a range of services to all vegetable growers who pay the VPC Fee for Service.

One of our services are the Industry Extension Officers with Samantha Grubisa and Truyen Vo being able to assist growers on farm with R&D extension, help solving problems with pest and disease and many other issues they may face.

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33GERALDTON growers discussing their region.

One of the new initiatives which vegetablesWA is launching in October is benchmarking.

The benchmarking will open to all vegetable growers within Western Australia.

Given this is a new initiative in the industry and region, the funding provided by Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Agricultural Sciences Research and Development Fund, supported by Royalties for Regions, will also provide for greater proactive extension support to growers both during data gathering stage and then in actually understanding the results.

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The other main discussion was Tomato Potato Psyllid (TPP) which Rohan Prince from DPIRD discussed the latest market access protocols and issues and the transition to management plan. Claire McClelland also provided an insight into the Market & Export Development for WA.

vegetablesWA is available to help with market access or export development for growers and they are encouraged to touch base with Claire if they need assistance.

The team then headed up to the Geraldton & Gascoyne region to see growers over the Gascoyne Food Festival. In Geraldton the team meet with DPIRD and then with 16 growers from the region. The majority of the growers are Vietnamese in the region and discussed a range of issues with the most common being Freshcare. vegetablesWA is in the process of hiring a Quality Assurance Coordinator who will be able to assist growers with these queries and will be able to organise training.

After Geraldton the team drove to Carnarvon where they met with vegetablesWA Committee Members and attended the DPIRD and Carnarvon Growers Association Pest & Disease event, you can read about the event in this issue on page 22. Bryn, Rebecca, Lauren East and Bao Nguyen attended

33ROHAN Prince, DPIRD, discussing TPP market access.

On 21 August vegetablesWA invited vegetable growers from the Gingin region to the Gingin Hotel for a meet and greet. Whilst the regions are different we have found most of the same issues throughout, labour, water and market access. the Paddock Tour where they visited Mareterram, Gascoyne Gold, Sweeter Banana, Loveapple and Mundillya Farm.

The team also attend the BBQ on the Beach and the Long Table Lunch to be able to speak to industry and growers was incredibly valuable.

MORE INFORMATION Please RSVP to Sam or Truyen for the upcoming grower meetings; Albany 2 October, Manjimup 3 October and Myalup 4 October.

You can reach the staff at vegetablesWA via the website www.vegetableswa.com.au or (08) 9481 0834.

Export Readiness Workshop 26 October 2017 The full day export readiness workshop held at Crown Perth on 26 October 2017 will provide expert advice to growers looking to become export ready. The workshop will cover export planning, target market identification, freight and logistics and other key components to assist growers in becoming export ready.

Following the workshop, will be a networking event; giving attendees an opportunity to network with workshop speakers and other industry stakeholders.

Funding for both travel and accommodation is available for a limited number of growers.

RSVP to Claire McClelland E: claire.mcclelland@vegetableswa.com.au P: (08) 9481 0834

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN FUNDED BY THE AGRICULTURE PRODUCE COMMISSION — VEGETABLE PRODUCERS COMMITTEE

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launches catchy

campaign Challenging consumers to reconsider the potato as a healthy, every day food is the aim of the new campaign spearheaded by Breadbox Marketing and PR.

The new approach is an integrated push designed for digital advertising, social media, influencer engagement, TV advertising, and public relations.

Breadbox Managing Director, Emma Potter, said Todatoes is a campaign which showcases the potato for what it is — a vegetable which can be eaten daily.

“Rebranding a food is no easy task,” said Potter, “we found very few people understood the health benefits of potatoes and even less appreciated their nutritional value.”

Potter said the Todatoes campaign is as much about education as it is about giving West Australians permission to put the humble spud back on their plates every day.

“The campaign doesn’t just ask consumers to boil a spud or add some lumpy mash beside their steak, Todatoes features new ways to enjoy potatoes every day in every way.”

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The campaign kicked off in July with a media dinner at The Standard in Northbridge, with content from the event reaching over 250,000 people on social media alone.

Chef Chase Webber prepared an inspired menu of potato dishes, highlighting healthy, fresh and delicious ways to serve the humble spud — including potato consommé and potato mille-feuille.

WA Potatoes CEO Simon Moltoni spoke to guests and provided insights into how the association has been working towards designing a campaign with a greater focus on its responsibility to support the farmers and consequently the consumption and distribution of potatoes.

“We are really excited to see the launch of the ‘Todatoes’ campaign, not only as a benefit to the farmers but to remind consumers of the health benefits of eating potatoes every day,” said Mr Moltoni.

“Due to growers adjusting to deregulations and the recent loss of access to the east coast, we currently have an oversupply of potatoes in Western Australia, so this campaign could not be launching at a more critical time for our farming families.”

WA Potatoes Todatoes campaign will continue to run over the coming months, with ongoing promotion through TV, social media and PR opportunities.

The WA Potatoes team will also be showcasing potatoes and launching the 2018 Seed for Schools program at the Perth Royal Show’s Farm to Fork display and will be calling for growers to help out on the stand in the near future.

MORE INFORMATION Please contact Morena from WA Potatoes on (08) 9481 0834 for more information or enquiries.

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Dickeya dianthicola a large potential host range

The response to

Potato images courtesy of Dr Steven B. Johnson, Ph.D. University of Maine Cooperative Extension

Dickeya dianthicola

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Confirmation of the bacteria Dickeya dianthicola in Western Australian commercial potato crops has been difficult news for the State’s potato industry, which is still facing trade restrictions due to the detection of Tomato Potato Psyllid earlier this year.

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“This has included carrying out risk assessments of quarantined properties to determine how they can sell their ware potatoes without risking spread of the disease to other properties.

“Based on these assessments, the department has developed an interim strategy that can facilitate potato sales, which includes working with potato wash/ packing facilities to ensure they have biosecurity measures in place.

“To date, five facilities and four growers have been issued with Pest Exclusion Notices — enabling them to market their non-infected ware potato crops.”

Mr Ruprecht said the department had made great progress in developing strategies for growers that can help prevent further spread of the disease, to ensure the impact on affected industries is as small as possible.

As of 24 August, the disease had been confirmed on four commercial potato growing properties, and five properties were in quarantine. The bacteria had been detected not only in potato tubers and plants, but also in dormant dahlia tubers found on a property where commercial seed potatoes were being grown.

Following two months of a dedicated incident response by the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), evidence indicates that the infected dahlia tubers are the likely source of Dickeya dianthicola infestation in Western Australia.

DPIRD Irrigated Agriculture Executive Director John Ruprecht said Dickeya dianthicola has a large potential host range, including not only potatoes but a range of ornamental flowers, as well as artichoke and chicory.

It can persist in the soil for up to 12 months, and in WA has appeared to move from dahlia to potato, proving that it can easily transfer between different host crops.

“From the very beginning the department made tracing a priority to not only determine the extent of the outbreak, but to also identify potential pathways and the source of the disease,” Mr Ruprecht said.

“This included the devotion of staff and time to extensive surveillance, sampling, and testing, and thorough investigation of the movements of seed potatoes and the dahlia tubers on and off infected properties.

“This includes development of strategies to protect against and manage the pathogen, and options for ongoing surveillance and testing. Additionally we have hosted information sessions to seek feedback from industry on how to manage the disease moving forward.

33DICKEYA dianthicola can persist in the soil for up to 12 months, and in WA has appeared to move from dahlia to potato, proving that it can easily transfer between different host crops.

“27 properties were sampled, and there were traces to some 64 properties. The end result was a complicated trail of potato seed and dahlia movement not only throughout WA, but also to and from other states. This included the discovery that the dahlia tubers had been planted first, with potatoes subsequently being planted in the same plot.”

In response to these results, other states have been asked to also survey and test for the pathogen.

Mr Ruprecht said the department recognised the detections had come at a difficult time for potato growers.

“Of critical importance is to provide growers with information on farm biosecurity measures that are effective in protecting their crops from Dickeya dianthicola infection. This disease has been managed overseas for many years, and therefore there is a wealth of information to draw upon.”

Mr Ruprecht said there were currently no additional trade restrictions imposed on Western Australia potatoes, other than what is already in place in response to the Tomato Potato Psyllid.

Trade in cut flowers is already subject to a number of disinfestation treatments for other pests.

MORE INFORMATION For more information contact Department of Primary Industry & Regional Development website www.agric.wa.gov.au/ddianthicola or call (08) 9368 3333.

“We have made every effort to work closely with WA’s potato industry, and also with national stakeholders, to minimise spread of the pathogen and economic impact to the industry,” he said.

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Managing Dickeya dianthicola in potatoes Symptoms • Dickeya dianthicola can be present in a plant without causing symptoms • Symptoms often develop after a period of hot weather • The first symptom of the disease in potatoes can be poor emergence due to rotting seed tubers

• Rapid wilting and blanking (missing plants) • Slimy, wet, black stems extending upwards from the rotting tuber.

How is Dickeya dianthicola different from other blackleg and soft rot diseases?

There are other pathogens present in Australia that cause similar symptoms.

However, Dickeya dianthicola is: • More aggressive • Causes disease at lower infection levels • Will develop after hot weather — not following wet growing conditions • Does not have the typical, pungent smell associated with other blackleg diseases • Less able to survive in soil and other environments than typical blackleg.

How does it spread?

It is generally accepted the main source for blackleg infection is latently infected seed tubers.

Overseas data indicates that as infected tubers rot, the bacterium is released into the soil. It can then be transmitted through water in the soil and contaminates neighbouring tubers, and infected stems can also affect neighbouring plants through contaminated irrigation water.

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Photo: Dr Steven Johnson, Ph.D. University of Maine Cooperative Extension

• Infected tubers are macerated and have a tapioca-like appearance 33KNOW what to look for and inspect any plants purchased.

Below are biosecurity measures being used overseas to manage this pest, that may be of use to WA growers: • Know what to look for • Develop and implement biosecurity plans, detailing strict hygiene measures for plants, people, equipment and machinery • Restrict movement of people, equipment and machinery from one part of your property to another • As much as possible source certified seed 33POOR emergence of potato crops infected with Dickeya dianthicola.

Additionally, infection has been shown to spread to other tubers during storage.

Overseas research indicates that Dickeya dianthicola does not survive long in soil without a host. Although bacteria can survive between crops in soil when there is remaining plant debris or when volunteer plants are present.

Management options As with all other crops, on-farm biosecurity measures are the most effective way of preventing the entry and spread of any pests and diseases.

• Visually inspect any plants purchased.

• Spray out potential hosts • Adhere to disposal and destruction guidelines (available from the DPIRD Dickeya dianthicola web pages) • Avoid wounding during seed cutting, planting and harvest • Fungicidal seed treatment of seed during storage may help reduce spread • Consider copper fungicides, which are partially effective against disease and may dry out existing lesions • Avoid wet conditions during harvest to prevent soil from sticking to tuber skins • Provide adequate ventilation in storage

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• Check storages regularly for temperature increase and odours • If problems are detected, hot-spot fans can be used to cool the pile • Have effective pest management programs • Soil pH management where appropriate • Rotations using non-host plants • Washers and processors to develop protocols for the movement of potatoes.

How do I destroy or dispose of infected crops or waste material from infected plots?

All places where infected crops have been grown or destroyed, and all materials that have come into contact with these crops and places, should be treated as contaminated.

Contaminated plant material, vehicles, equipment and in-field risk items, such as plastic mulch and stakes should be destroyed, disposed of, or decontaminated according to guidelines that are available from DPIRD. These guidelines should also be followed should you choose to dispose of infected crops.

Dickeya dianthicola frequently asked questions

1.

What is Dickeya dianthicola?

Dickeya dianthicola is a serious bacterium that can cause tuber soft rot and blackleg in potatoes, and can also affect some ornamental varieties, chicory and artichoke.

It was not previously known to occur in Australia. Overseas data has indicated significant yield losses in crops.

2

Where did Dickeya Dianthicola come from?

In potatoes, Dickeya dianthicola is found in the United States and throughout Europe, including England.

In ornamental crops it has been reported in Europe, Colombia, Japan, New Zealand and the United States.

Guidelines on decontamination and disposal/destruction can be downloaded from DPIRD’s website.

Growers should report unusual plant symptoms by: • Contacting the Pest and Disease Information Service on 1800 084 881, or

MORE INFORMATION See the Dickeya dianthicola fact sheet available from DPIRD’s website for more information and photos.

3

How was Dickeya dianthicola discovered?

The bacteria was detected in a potato crop in Western Australia as part of a routine seed crop inspection and certification process.

Diagnostic testing to confirm Dickeya Dianthicola was undertaken at South Perth laboratories at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, and at secondary laboratories in New South Wales and the Northern Territory.

Blackleg and soft rot already occur in potato crops. Why is this detection significant?

There are other pathogens present in Australia that cause similar symptoms, however Dickeya Dianthicola is more aggressive and causes disease at lower infection levels.

Overseas, Dickeya Dianthicola has been reported to cause significant yield loss in potato crops.

Dickeya Dianthicola is not associated with Tomato Potato Psyllid, detected in WA earlier this year.

5

In what flower has Dickeya dianthicola been detected?

The pest was discovered on dormant dahlia tubers that had been planted in the same plot where potatoes had been grown. At the time of testing, the tubers had been removed from the soil and stored in a shed.

Dickeya dianthicola is a prohibited organism for Western Australia.

• Emailing photos with your name, address and mobile number to info@agric.wa.gov.au.

6

How do I report Dickeya dianthicola?

• Sending a photo via the MyPestGuide Reporter app available from the Google Play or Apple store, or

4

What plant species does Dickeya dianthicola affect?

Scientific name

Common name

Dianthus spp.

Dianthus, sweet william, carnation

Zantedeschia

Calla lily

Cichorium intybus

Common chicory

Cynara scolymus

Globe artichoke

Dahlia variabilis

Garden dahlia

Begonia

Begonia

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana

Flaming Katy, Christmas kalanchoe, florist kalanchoe and Madagascar widow's-thrill

Sedum spectabile

Showy stonecrop

Freesia

Freesia

Hyacinthus

Hyacinth

Iris

Iris

Solanum tuberosum Potato

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7

What happens if the pest is found on my property?

If Dickeya dianthicola is detected in samples taken from your property, you will be issued with a Pest Control Notice under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (the BAM Act).

Ensure you buy seed that has been certified as disease free

This Notice specifies that infected plants/tubers cannot be from your property without a written notice from an authorised inspector under the BAM Act. DPIRD has assessed whether the movement and sale of potatoes from infected plots will pose an unacceptable risk to the state’s potato industry.

Currently only potatoes off plots in which the bacteria has not been detected can be sold as ware, and can only be moved to an approved wash/packing facility that has biosecurity protocols in place to prevent any spread of the bacteria.

Potatoes from infected plots cannot be moved or sold, but may be kept for future planting on your property.

8

Can I sell my potatoes for seed if I am in quarantine?

Requests from quarantined properties to sell their potatoes are being assessed on a case by case basis. DPIRD is carrying a risk assessment of each property, and working with growers to develop a plan for the movement of their potatoes.

This will allow affected growers to continue to carry out, as much as possible, their normal business activities while at the same time minimising any risk of spreading the pest.

9

What is the difference between a Pest Control Notice and a Quarantine Notice?

Infected properties were initially issued with Quarantine Notices, which was used because Dickeya dianthicola was not a declared pest under the BAM Act.

Dickeya dianthicola has since been declared, which means that in the future properties will be issued with a Pest Control Notice instead of a Quarantine Notice.

There is no difference between these two notices. Both notices specify quarantine requirements. Penalties apply for noncompliance with any Notices.

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33BUSINESSES involved in the washing and packing of ware potatoes from quarantined properties must have biosecurity measures in place to safeguard against any spread of this pest.

10

How can a potato washer/packer get approval to receive potatoes from quarantined properties?

Businesses involved in the washing and packing of ware potatoes from quarantined properties must have biosecurity measures in place to safeguard against any spread of this pest.

DPIRD has been visiting each facility to assess their biosecurity practices. A biosecurity checklist is available from DPIRD and its Dickeya dianthicola web pages.

11

How will I source clean seed for spring planting?

Ensure you buy seed that has been certified as disease free, or are from a source you know to be free of the disease.

12

Can I apply to get my crop certified for seed if I am in quarantine?

You can apply for certification of those varieties in which Dickeya dianthicola has not been detected.

13

Did this detection trigger a national response similar to the Tomato Potato Psyllid, or is it more of a localised issue?

Confirmation of Dickeya dianthicola has triggered a national incident response, led by the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (formerly the Department of Agriculture and Food WA).

The Office of the Australian Chief Plant Officer has been notified of the detection.

The National Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests has met to discuss this detection and has agreed that Dickeya dianthicola meets the definition of an Emergency Plant Pest for Australia under the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed.

14

What is the Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests?

The Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests provides technical and scientific advice in response to exotic plant pest and disease outbreaks. They are Australia’s key technical body for coordinating national responses to emergency plant pest incursions, and assesses the technical feasibility of eradication.

The committee is chaired by Australia’s Chief Plant Protection Officer and comprises representatives from each state and territory, other specialists from government, Plant Health Australia, and representatives from affected industries.

15

Will an eradication program be put in place?

As of 24 August a decision on the feasibility of eradicating Dickeya dianthicola from Western Australia had not been made. In the meantime grower information sessions are being held to seek feedback from industry on how to manage the disease moving forward.

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How long does this bacteria survive in soil?

Dickeya dianthicola is known to persist in the soil for up to 12 months, which will also be impacted by volunteer regrowth from residual tubers.

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Literature has a range of times for this with countries suggesting a safe rotation period being in excess of a year. There is no research under Australian conditions to better understand this risk.

There is no research on the survivability of the pathogen on alternative weed hosts in Australia (e.g. other Solanaceae species such as nightshade, or wild Arum lilies).

17

Can the bacteria be spread through water?

Dickeya is also known to be present in water and further investigation would need to be conducted to determine if irrigation of crops facilitates its spread.

Surveys of waterways in Britain have shown it to be widespread in natural watercourses. Water taken from ditches and sterilised allowed survival for about 25 days. In buffered solution, survival was about 50 days — the effect of minerals and buffering can assist survival of the organism.

Trade in cut flowers is already subject to a number of disinfestation treatments for other pests, and at present there are no further trade restrictions.

The Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources will work with overseas trading partners should any issues arise.

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How can I prevent or manage a Dickeya dianthicola infestation?

As with all other crops, on-farm biosecurity measures are the most effective way of preventing the entry and spread of any pests and diseases.

This pathogen has been managed overseas for many years, and DPIRD is drawing upon this experience to provide suggested management options for growers (refer to articles on managing Dickeya dianthicola in potato and ornamental crops).

Temperature did not notably affect findings.

18

Will trade be affected?

Trade in potatoes from WA is currently prohibited due to the Tomato Potato Psyllid outbreak, and interstate movement controls for risk material continue to apply. WA is working with other state and territory governments to develop protocols to support future interstate movements of risk material.

33FARM biosecurity is your responsibility, and also applies to all visitors and workers on your property.

20

What is farm biosecurity?

Farm biosecurity is a set of measures designed to protect a property from the entry and spread of pests and diseases.

This includes hygiene measures and proper disposal of waste materials. Farm biosecurity is your responsibility, and also applies to all visitors and workers on your property.

21

What does hygiene and decontamination mean?

Soil and plant material attached to vehicles, tools, footwear and clothes can spread the bacteria from one location to another.

Hygiene and decontamination means ensuring that vehicles, tools, footwear and clothes are brushed-down, washeddown and/or disinfected before moving on, off, or within your property. Hygiene and decontamination measures are critical to effective on-farm biosecurity, and should be carried out in accordance with guidelines available from DPIRD. Guidelines can be downloaded from DPIRD’s website.

22

What biosecurity resources are available?

More information on biosecurity is available at the Farm Biosecurity website www.farmbiosecurity.com.au

23

Where can I get more information?

The latest information is available on the department website www.agric.wa.gov. au/ddianthicola

ORGANIC

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Living with the

Tomato Potato Psyllid

BY STEVE MILROY POTATO RESEARCH WA, MURDOCH UNIVERSITY

The incursion of the Tomato Potato Psyllid (TPP) into Australia was a serious setback for horticulture. However, the absence of the zebra chip pathogen (Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum) means that the negative impacts will be much less than would otherwise have been the case.

For growers, it is now a case of adjusting management practices to accommodate the new pest.

Vigilance will be critical.

Adult psyllids can travel up to

100m/day

The introduction of any new pest or disease makes crop management that much more costly and adds another layer of complexity. TPP (Bactericera cockerelli), with its high reproduction rate and wide host range among the potato family (Solanaceae) will be a particular challenge.

The general biology of TPP has been studied in the Americas and in New Zealand. As it was identified in WA less than twelve months ago, there is no local data on population dynamics, movement or behaviour. However, by considering what is already known about the species, a number of important points emerge.

Populations are likely to survive through winter The size of the over-wintering population will have a big influence on how quickly the pest becomes a problem in spring.

TPP originated in Central America and southern USA. It is adapted to warm conditions with an optimum temperature for development (egg to adult) of 27°C.

Where it has spread into Canada and north-west USA, TPP populations die out or decline dramatically in winter, even though various psyllid life stages are able to survive freezing temperatures for some time. In Western Australia the mild winters mean that populations are likely to persist, although reproductive rates will be lower and periods of high rainfall may limit the proportion of eggs that survive to adults. For glasshouse grown tomatoes and capsicums conditions are likely to be near optimum throughout the year.

Survival over WA’s mild winters will be facilitated by the presence of garden, wild and weedy host species. TPP can feed and develop on weeds such as black-berry nightshade (Solanum nigrum) and garden plants such as Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana). Australia is also home to some 200 native species in the potato family (Solanaceae) and 50 species in the bindweed family (Convolvulaceae). The TPP host status has not been determined for all of these species but a number of species, especially in the Solanaceae, are known to be hosts. Given the large areas of pasture and native forest in many areas of the south west, host availability is not likely to be a limitation to survival.

Adult psyllids can travel up to 100m per day, particularly down wind, so will be able to readily move into a crop from neighbouring crops, weeds and native bushland.

In warmer areas, high summer temperatures may suppress survival and reproduction but the actual level of impact in Australia needs to be quantified.

High reproduction necessitates close monitoring TPP populations can increase very rapidly.

The time from egg to adult is temperature dependant but can be as little as two to three weeks. Females can begin to

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reproduce within ten days of emerging as an adult. Egg laying can continue for up to fifty days with each female typically laying between 200 and 500 eggs with a potential to lay over 1000 eggs. Rates of population increase under controlled conditions in the glasshouse can be dramatic but in the field this is moderated by the rate of mortality between egg and adult. Even so, field measurements in Texas show that populations can double as quickly as every ten days on tomato and every seven days on potato.

It is important to ensure that chemical applications are as thorough as possible.

Use optimum application methodology in good conditions. Where practical, using droppers on boom sprays will allow nozzle arrangements that will improve insecticide contact with nymphs as they shelter beneath leaves.

Psyllids enter crops as adults but the The small size of the psyllids and the population quickly becomes mixed, with fact that the nymphs typically live on the a range of life stages present at one underside of leaves make low density time. Depending on the chemistry being populations difficult to detect. Relying on used, systemic insecticides tend to be visual plant damage is not appropriate; more effective on nymphs while contact populations would already be well ‘knockdown’ chemicals are more effective established. Combining this with the high on the adults. Thus repeated applications rate of reproduction means that close of different chemical groups may be needed crop monitoring is a critical component of to ensure all life stages are effectively effective management. Sticky traps in targeted. Agricultural oils have the edge of the crop and regular also been shown to be effective inspection in the crop margins in suppressing population will help identify when TPP development. Ensure that is moving into the crop.

Female TPP's all labels and supplied Inspection should include typically lay between information are read before the edges of breaks within 200 and 500 eggs the application of any the crop, such as along with a potential to lay agrochemicals. access tracks, as initial over 1000 eggs. hot spots can also occur A key strategy in there. When populations minimising the risk are established in an area of resistance is rotating and conditions are favourable, TPP has been seen to colonise the modes of action so that plants immediately after emergence. So, individuals with resistance to one inspection routines must begin early in the chemistry may be controlled by crop cycle.

Care required to avoiding development of resistance There are a range of insecticide options available for the management of TPP. However, it should be noted that some populations of TPP in southern and western USA are already showing the development of resistance to certain insecticides. The high rate of reproduction of the psyllid with multiple generations per season, the moderate level of control of nymphs provided by some chemicals, and the high number of repeated chemical applications that have been required, combine to produce a situation in which individual psyllids with some level of resistance can be effectively selected and multiply rapidly to become a significant proportion of the population. This has a number of implications for management.

the second.

33TPP populations can increase very rapidly.

The time from egg to adult is temperature dependant but can be as little as two to three weeks.

Thus, key aspects of management will be: • Monitor crops regularly to detect invasions as early as possible • Monitoring should start early in crop development • Consider whether both a knockdown and systemic insecticide may be necessary • Rotate modes of action regularly.

TPP was well and truly on the national biosecurity radar before its incursion.

Its introduction in spite of this high profile demonstrate the real challenge of maintaining the country’s and particularly the state’s high phytosanitary status.

At the same time, the disruption to the industry demonstrates the importance of effective systems to minimise the risk of other biosecurity incursions.

As TPP can go through five or more generations in a growing season, the active constituent should be rotated within the season. A maximum of two consecutive applications of the chemical with the same mode of action has been suggested. The use of broad spectrum insecticides should be avoided, particularly early in the season, as negative impacts on beneficial species could exacerbate the psyllid problem.

MORE INFORMATION

The industry will adapt

• www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/45643

Like industries in the north-west of USA and New Zealand, the WA horticultural industry will adapt to the presence of the new pest. However, not only is there likely to be a new input cost, effective management can be expected to require a high level of management. This is particularly important to minimise the risk of insecticide resistance.

Useful general resources relating to TPP and its management can be found on the internet but there is very limit knowledge of the behaviour of the pest in Australia. Some links are provided below.

• www.agric.wa.gov.au/tomato-potatopsyllid-tpp • http://nzacfactsheets.landcareresearch. co.nz/factsheet/InterestingInsects/Tomatopotato-psyllid---Bactericera-cockerelli.html Thanks to Stewart Learmonth (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, WA) and to Jessica Dohmen-Vereijssen (NZ Institute for Plant and Food Research) for reviewing this article.

Potato Research WA is a collaboration between WA Potatoes and Murdoch University.

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Carnarvon growers come together to talk about pests and diseases Over 50 representatives from the Carnarvon horticultural industry attended a special pests and diseases information night held at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Research Station in Carnarvon last month.

Over 50

industry representatives attended

Pests & diseases information session

Local growers, representatives from Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and the Carnarvon Growers Association (CGA) and local consultants all turned up to listen to a series of guest speakers share their knowledge about exotic and invasive pests and diseases.

The three hour information session was an initiative of the Gascoyne Irrigation Innovation Group, which is a subcommittee of the CGA and includes representatives from DPIRD, CGA and local consultants.

The event was chaired by CGA Operations Manager Luke Skender, who provided insight into the associations’ activities as well as ensuring the night progressed smoothly.

33THE three hour information session was an initiative of the Gascoyne Irrigation Innovation Group.

33BLUE eyed fly.

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“It was great to see such a broad crosssection of the Carnarvon horticulture sector at the event. The need to keep new exotic pests and diseases out of the area and manage the pests we already have, cannot be overstated and the agenda was full of interesting and relevant information.

“Events like these help growers to meet other growers and create a sense of unity in the fight against pests and diseases.

“The CGA have been partnering with DPIRD in the effort to eradicate fruit fly from Carnarvon through a combination of baiting, community engagement and Sterile Insect Technology (SIT).

“The project has achieved a lot in the last two years, with fruit fly numbers at a very low level leading into the 2017 mango season. Opportunities like these give us a chance to update growers on the progress, remind them about fruit fly control requirements and talk about the opportunities growers could capitalise on in the future, if eradication is successful,” Luke said.

As part of the agenda, several of DPIRD Carnarvon eradication of fruit fly project team gave information on the progress of the project, including a technical

walk through of the SIT rearing and release facility located at the DPIRD Research Station.

Fruit fly

DPIRD staff presented information on the importance of community surveillance for exotic pests and gave a demonstration of the MyPestGuide Reporter app — a free smart phone tool that allows people to photograph a pest and send the report through to the department for identification.

Fruit fly is a serious horticultural pest. It attacks a range of cultivated fruits, fruiting vegetables, including (chillies and capsicums) and some ornamental plants. It has been recorded to infest more than 200 hosts worldwide.

Attendees also enjoyed demonstrations by DPIRD Development Officer, Christiaan Valentine on smart trapping; new technology designed to provide real time pest movement data.

Piloting new techniques to control and eradicate Mediterranean fruit fly in Carnarvon is partnering with the Carnarvon Growers Association (CGA) to carry out a number of fruit fly control programs to support the Carnarvon horticultural industry.

A number of consultants gave presentations about pests and diseases that are impacting growers locally and possible control options, plant nutrition and sponsored the evening.

33THE Medfly has over 200 hosts worldwide.

MORE INFORMATION Contact Carnarvon Growers Association on (08) 9941 8384 or Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Carnarvon (08) 9956 3322.

Information night The information night was held on the eve of the Gascoyne Food Festival — a week-long event that showcases locally produced fruits, vegetables and seafood, and the unique horticultural area within the Gascoyne region.

The DPIRD fruit fly eradication project team took advantage of the event to shine the spotlight on the need for the wider Carnarvon community to join in the fight against fruit fly by controlling fruit fly in their backyards.

The team welcomed visitors from vegetablesWA, CGA and AUSVEG as well as international delegates interested in Carnarvon produce, to the fruit fly facility. The team also held information displays and stalls at various spots throughout the event.

This work is part of the Boosting Biosecurity Defences project led by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia (DPIRD) and made possible

by Royalties for Regions and Horticulture Innovations Australia.

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Metham Sodium

is not solely herbicide nor nematicide

BY VO THE TRUYEN INDUSTRY EXTENSION OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

Metham Sodium (MS) is important to the vegetable industry in Western Australia since the use of Methyl Bromide as a soil fumigant was phased out in 2005.

This chemical is widely applied by strawberry and vegetable growers to control weeds and a few targeted soil-born pests and diseases. However, as listed on the label, this chemical is broad-spectrum that may kill beneficial soil organisms.

On the other hand, MS is regulated as a volatile organic compound because of its toxicity and mobile nature, minimising emissions is essential in order to maximise the efficacy and to minimise the hazardous effects as well as to maintain its practical use.

A soil wealth article published as a result of a Hort Innovation project1 pointed out a number of disadvantages of this chemical such as being unfriendly to environment, harm to humans and soil wealth, possible decreasing efficacy over time and creates concern to consumers.

MS is highly mobile in the soil and may move through the root zone faster than it is able to convert to its active form.

This can lead to increased leaching and/ or runoff to nearby waterways causing toxicity to fish and other water life. Beside MS applications can result in long-term changes in the composition and activity of soil organisms and has the potential to alter important functions like nutrient cycling and pollutant degradation.

1 http://www.soilwealth.com.au/imagesDB/news/ MethamSodium.pdf

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33ABOVE: Stunted growth of spring onion suspected due to MS residue since no pest or disease were detected in these crops.

33TOP RIGHT: Bacterial canker on tomatoes in Carnarvon.

33BOTTOM RIGHT: Symptoms of root knot nematodes on tomatoes in Carnarvon.

In relation to human health MS exposure may cause respiratory, eye and throat irritation, diarrhoea and rashes.

As consumers are increasingly driving a shift away from broad spectrum pesticide use, tightening international regulations around the use and application of MS may also restrict future trade and exports.

Biodegradation is the process by which organic substances are broken down by living organisms. Repeated application of MS can lead to enhanced biodegradation of the active methyl isothiocyanate (MITC),

substantially reducing the efficacy of MS for control of soil-borne pests and diseases.

This occurs when there is an increase in soil microorganisms that are capable of rapidly degrading MITC which may possibly lead to decreasing its efficacy.

Key practical notes To ensure the efficient use of MS as well as to reduce its unwanted effects it is worthwhile to highlight again those key practical notes on the use of this chemical that were published in the WA Grower Winter 2015 edition.

When to fumigate There are many factors affect the decision to fumigate.

It is observed that some vegetable growers apply soil fumigation a number of times per year before every cropping. It may be essential to fumigate as a regular practice in cases when growing highvalue vegetable crops due to the high risk of losing a crop and large investment in

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production costs. However, by pre-plant pest investigation combining information about pest species and populations, crop value, field history and yield expectations a grower can make treatment decisions most likely to produce the maximum return. Decision to apply soil fumigation can be made when an investigation indicates levels of pest risk likely to cause economic damage.

In contrast, in some areas where a same soil born disease is observed over a period of time where investigation revealed no introduction of inoculum following planting materials and other conventional treatments proved low effective, a soil fumigation may be a solution to ‘sterile’ the entire farm. The valuable remark in this case is that the soil fumigants may control pests in the soil treatment zone at the time of fumigation.

Practicing farm hygiene is essential to prevent introduction of inoculum to maintain the ‘cleanliness’ of the production environment.

Why to fumigate As listed in the label, MS may control a variety of soil-borne agricultural pests, such as nematodes, diseases and weeds.

This broad-spectrum chemical may kill beneficial soil organism too.

Some growers apply soil fumigation mainly to control weeds every time when they work the soil to prepare for a new crop cycle while some do because they see others do. This needs to be reconsidered in terms of cost effective and negative side effects since there are better efficient alternatives. Soil fumigants are not herbicide while its broad-spectrum killing can cause harmful effects on beneficial soil microorganism and atmosphere.

How to fumigate Labels attached to each of every product are legal documents that must be strictly followed when apply soil fumigation.

Application of MS by boom spray is illegal.

Remark number 1: To achieve maximum control of soil borne pests it requires an effective concentration or exposure duration and the uniform distribution of fumigants in soil. To minimise emissions as well as ensure efficacy, it is necessary to contain fumigants in the rhizosphere

where plant roots are present and soil borne pests are dominant. Without proper containment, more than half of fumigants applied can be lost through emissions within a few hours2.

Reducing emissions from soil fumigation is required to comply with environmental regulations. Low emissions can be achieved through the management of application methods such as deep injection and subsurface drip, physical barriers with plastic films, irrigation to form water seals or achieve relatively moist soil conditions, rolling to impact soil surface and the reduction of treatment areas to planting rows or sites.

Efficient use of

Metham Sodium (MS)

33STUNTED growth of brassica suspected due to MS residue since no pest or disease were detected in these crops.

Remark number 2: MS may control pests in the soil treatment zone at the time of fumigation. It will not control pests introduced into the soil treatment zone after fumigation from sources such as contaminated soil, equipment, irrigation water, planting material, and nematodes that migrate up from below and from outside the fumigation zone. Maintaining good hygiene practices is always essential.

particular pest, irrigation design and production history. The fumigants also have their effectiveness specific. Growers should carefully translate the legal recommendations in labels to appropriate practices to ensure safe, effective, and efficient application of soil fumigation.

Other example like using leafy vegetables seedlings such as lettuces as indicator plant for safe transplanting after soil fumigation is a smart additional measure to the recommendation in product labels.

It is proved by a cucumber grower in Geraldton that it is safe (in term of fumigant toxicity) to plant cucumber seedlings on the soil fumigated plot if the lettuce indicator plants stay fine three hours after planted.

Remark number 4: Fumigation for reduction of soil-borne plant diseases cannot be viewed in a vacuum but must be integrated with other measures to be most effective. For example, pathogen-free transplants and optimal cultural practices are essential components in an integrated approach to reducing Fusarium disease in tomato3. Resistance to F. oxysporum f. sp.

Radicislycopersici in a commercial fieldtype tomato and reduction of Fusarium disease by biological control agents have been demonstrated in California .

On the other hand, a farming practice such as increasing the uniform water distribution by the associated irrigation system, which has been proved an issue in Western Australia in an improving water use efficiency project, can also increase the efficiency of soil fumigation.

MORE INFORMATION If you are looking at alternatives for MS use or would like addition information contact Truyen Vo on 0457 457 559 or email Truyen.vo@vegetableswa.com.au or to contact Sam Grubisa phone 0427 373 037 or email sam.grubisa@vegetableswa.com.au

Remark number 3: the growing condition of each farm is specific in terms of soil type, crop type, levels of risk to 2 California Agriculture 65(1):41-46. DOI: 10.3733/ ca.v065n01p41. January-March 2011. http:// californiaagriculture.ucanr.org/landingpage. cfm?article=ca.v065n01p41&fulltext=yes. Retrieved by 10/5/2015.

3 California Agriculture 65(1):41-46. DOI: 10.3733/ ca.v065n01p41. January-March 2011. http:// californiaagriculture.ucanr.org/landingpage. cfm?article=ca.v065n01p41&fulltext=yes. Retrieved by 10/5/2015.

WA Grower SPRING 2017

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YOUR PRODUCTION

An integrated approach to pest suppression

BY PETER CLIFTON SOUTH WEST CATCHMENTS COUNCIL

33DAVID Giumelli, Manager at Eastwind Orchard in Balingup, is trialling biochar, mixing it into soil prior to planting new orchards to maintain soil structure.

With pesticide resistance on the rise, it’s becoming harder for growers to rely solely on chemicals to control disease. And on top of increasing resistance, there are also concerns with the potential impacts of chemicals on water supplies, soil health and the increasing cost of production. So, are there other pest-reduction strategies that could be used in a broader approach to management?

One grower determined to find a better way of doing things is David Giumelli, manager of Eastwind Orchard, in Balingup.

David says that soil-borne diseases are becoming increasingly prevalent and the effectiveness of intensive pesticide programmes is declining.

“The way we deal with these problems is a real issue for me,” David said.

“Everything seems to be evolving around chemical control and less so around biological control. We are using more and more chemicals. The cost is one thing but the damage is another. As far as I’m concerned, the soil is becoming sterile.”

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David has been trialling various non-chemical approaches over the past two years with the support of South West Catchments Council (SWCC).

The partnership has connected David with Queensland-based nematologist, Dr Graham Stirling, a specialist in soil-borne disease and integrated pest management and Fellow of the Australasian Plant Pathology Society. Dr Stirling is the author of several books including Biological Control of Plant-parasitic Nematodes, and has developed tests using pest and beneficial nematodes to assess the biological status of soils.

Dr Stirling is analysing the nematode community in David’s soils prior to visiting the orchard for a field day on 25 October 2017. Preliminary results using soil samples from some of the worst affected areas have confirmed the soil is in pretty bad shape.

“The number of dagger (Xiphinema spp) and ring (Criconematidae) nematodes was high in both samples,” Dr Stirling said.

“These (pest) nematodes will certainly be damaging the root system. Root-lesion is also present, which not only damages root systems but also provides entry points for other pathogens.”

YOUR PRODUCTION

The number of free-living nematodes was also assessed. These beneficial nematodes feed on other soil organisms and don’t damage roots, so healthy populations indicate that a healthy food-web is present in the soil. Results supported conclusions that soil health is poor, possibly reducing nutrient cycling. “(Beneficial) nematode numbers are low and there are few omnivores and predators,” Dr Stirling said.

Low numbers of omnivorous nematodes can indicate that the soil biology is affected by pollutants or excessive fertiliser inputs. Disturbance through tillage can also reduce numbers but is less likely to be the cause in an established orchard.

David says that most growers can’t work without chemicals because they are vital in reducing the fear of crop failure, and he would have a lot to answer for if an outbreak occurred.

“Farmers don’t like to feel vulnerable because we are already vulnerable in so many ways,” David said.

But over the past few years, David has found little ways to adjust his system without putting his head on the chopping block.

“A lot of stuff goes out that doesn’t need to, or it goes out too late. I try not to do any more weed spraying than I have to and try to use the minimal amount,” he said.

“Even with fungicides, if we’ve got the right weather conditions and the numbers are down, I’m not going to spray just

for the sake of it. I might leave it for 25 days if the weather hasn’t been good for spores to form. In winter, you normally put insecticides out, but we are trying to improve timing and precision by monitoring for insects first. So I’m just trying to draw back where I can.

“With nutrition, I’m using more foliar sprays at smaller quantities rather than through the irrigation that is leaching out. I’m doing smaller waters more often as well.”

Most of Dr Stirling’s research has been directed towards the development of non-chemical controls for plant-parasitic nematodes. He found that a soil food web that suppresses bad nematodes can be fostered by eliminating practices that are detrimental to predators, such as aggressive tillage and excessive inputs of fertilisers and pesticides.

Also, using organic inputs from composts and rotation crops can maintain a food supply for beneficial organisms. For example, research into the management of lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus jordanensis) on replanted apple trees suggested that these nematodes could be managed through a combination of allowing more time between the removal of the previous orchard and replanting,

incorporating animal manure or a green manure crop with urea, choosing appropriate rootstock, and maintaining a layer of organic mulch around trees.

Dr Stirling warned against looking for silver bullets, which aligns with David’s approach.

“The more I look, (I realise) it’s more of a whole system and touching up the way of doing things.” David said. “We’ve got to condition the soil and get the organic matter and environment right for microorganisms to thrive.”

Other ways that managers can foster a healthy and diverse community of microorganisms is to manage soil acidity and compaction, maintain permanent groundcover between orchard rows, and increase the diversity of plant residues, including leguminous residues.

David has begun implementing some of these concepts in his orchard. For example, he is now planting mixed leguminous cover crops between orchard rotations, preparing soil by mixing in biochar to retain soil structure, and promoting clover growth beneath trees, which he later sprays out to create a mulch.

“A lot of farmers are worried about soil and waterways and the sustainability of it all, but most are unsure about which way to go with it. I’m trying to figure that out to create a system for my farm that’s more sustainable, profitable and more environmentally friendly.”

MORE INFORMATION Call Peter Clifton at South West Catchment’s Council on (08) 9724 2469.

33DAVID is preparing the ground for a new orchard with a legume based cover crop.

Dr Stirling will be at Eastwind Orchard’s field day on 25 October and near Busselton on 26 October for an event with the Busselton-Marybrook Grower Group. For details, call Peter Clifton at South West Catchment’s Council on (08) 9724 2469, or keep an eye on SWCC’s event calendar at www.swccnrm.org.au/events.

This project is supported by the South West Catchments Council, with funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme.

WA Grower SPRING 2017

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YOUR PRODUCTION

Damping off in spinach What causes damping off?

Usually, one or several of the following soil borne fungal pathogens cause damping off in spinach: Pythium spp, Phytophthora spp, Fusarium spp and Rhizoctonia spp. If more than one pathogen are involved, pathologists talk about a “damping off complex”.

Other fungi such as Verticillium spp can cause spinach to wilt and die off, but generally only in older plants such as in seed crops.

What are the signs and symptoms? What conditions favour the disease?

Symptoms include, poor growth, stunted, yellowing plants, death of seedlings (see Figure 1), wilting of older plants, poor germination and brown or black, rotted roots and crowns. Symptoms can depend on which pathogens are involved (Table 1).

In Figure 2 the lettuce plants on the right are infected with Pythium in a lab experiment; plants on the left are healthy.

Note the difference in roots (colour, number, length and mass). This highlights the importance of assessing roots in the field, rather than just the leaves. Crop leaves might look healthy but be stunted due to root disease.

The conditions that favour damping off can depend on the pathogens causing the disease.

FIGURE 1 Plants wilting and roots rotting 17 days after sowing (typical damping off symptoms) Source: Donna Lucas

TABLE 1 Pathogens causing damping off and symptoms Pathogen causing damping off

Symptoms

Pythium and Phytophthora

Pre-emergence damping off can cause brown, gelatinous rotting within the seed coat. If seeds do germinate, crop emergence is poor.

Seedlings are stunted, yellowing and wilted and they tend to fall over or collapse and die. Water soaked lesions appear on the stem below the cotyledons and the upper part of the tap root, near the soil junction.

Pythium infections of the root growing tips can result in excess branching of the root system above the infection.

Fusarium spp

General plant wilting and associated yellowing, foliage loses colour and eventually dies. Roots and vascular tissues turn black (called ‘browning’).

Rhizoctonia solani

Dry, sunken cankers with a sharply defined margin develop near the soil junction soon after seedlings emerge. Plants wilt and collapse. More advanced seedlings may send out new shoots from below the diseased area.

Source: Ekman, Tesoriero and Grigg, Horticulture Australia, 2014

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YOUR PRODUCTION

Susceptibility and severity All stages of spinach can be infected but emerging plants and young seedlings are most susceptible. The two main types of damping off are pre-emergence and post-emergence.

Damping off can cause stunted growth through to plant death and bare batches in paddock (see Figure 4). It can affect a few plants through to large areas within a crop.

FIGURE 2 Pythium in lettuce

How to diagnose damping off

Source: Dr Len Tesoriero

Seedling plants collapsing or falling over is a typical symptom, often in patches.

Each disease has unique symptoms on the roots and root tips.

TABLE 2 Conditions that favour pathogens causing damping off

Pythium spp

Phytophthora spp

Wet soil conditions above field capacity for extended periods or periodic wetness

Y

Y

Wet and cool soils

Y

Y

Wet and warm soils

Y

Condition

Moist and warm soils e.g. above 15ºC Poor air circulation preventing soil and plant surfaces to dry off

Y

Y

Reduced tillage

Rhizoctonia solani Fusarium spp Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Acidic soils low in organic matter

Y

Physical damage at soil level e.g. wind, transplanting or insect damage — when combined with wet soil conditions

Y

Wet conditions favour damping off caused

by Pythium, Phytophthora and Rhizoctionia (Table 2). These fungi produce spores or sclerotia (hard resting structures) that can survive in the soil for extended periods.

The fungi can also survive on plant trash.

WA Grower SPRING 2017

1. Get site specific advice.

2. Susceptibility is related to soil and environmental conditions. Damping off typically occurs in wet/compacted/ poorly drained soil. Therefore:

a. Sow in well-drained soil

b. Avoid risky paddocks (e.g. a known history of damping off, poorly drained soils, poor soil condition) especially for crops grown during the high risk periods.

4. Use nitrate forms of N fertiliser for management of Fusarium.

Ammonium based N fertilisers can foster Fusarium.

5. Keep soil pH above 6.5 especially to avoid the risk of Pythium.

How do the fungi spread?

32

How to manage damping off

3. Monitor and manage crop nutrition.

Stressed or slow growing crops (especially during establishment) are more susceptible to damping off.

Acidic soils low in organic matter favour damping off caused by Fusarium (Table 2 and Figure 3).

The fungal pathogens associated with damping off are widely distributed in soil and/or water. Both Pythium and Rhizoctonia are spread by irrigation water, rain, contaminated soil on equipment, and movement of infected plant materials.

The most accurate diagnosis is by sending a fresh sample to a pathologist.

Knowing the causal pathogen can aid selection of effective management and control strategies.

FIGURE 3 Fusarium wilt in spinach Source: Dr. Len Tesoriero

6. Optimal irrigation scheduling and soil moisture monitoring. Avoid over-watering. Prevent flooding and saturated soil — particularly for Pythium.

YOUR PRODUCTION

• Optimise fungicide types, application methods and timing. Use different activity group chemicals for each disease to manage fungicide resistance.

• Seed dressing.

• Farm hygiene and sanitation. Minimise soil, water and equipment movement from infested fields to clean sites.

• Seed quality — It may be worthwhile re-grading seed (gravity table) and sowing the larger seed, especially when conditions are not optimal. Older or physiologically aged seed is slower to germinate and therefore more prone/ susceptible to disease.

• Good nursery practices for transplants where seedlings are used rather than direct-seeded crops.

• Enable good drainage (surface drainage and good soil structure).

What to look out for in the future FIGURE 4 Bare patches in spinach, typical of damping off Source: Donna Lucas

7. Rotation with a diverse range of species. Consider diversity in cover crop species as well. Preferably 3–4 years between spinach crops.

8. Look after soil health by maintaining good carbon levels, minimising tillage (except for Rhizoctonia management) and management of soil moisture and drainage.

9. Testing or disinfection of irrigation water.

10. Use a systems approach — limit crop stress, e.g. from poor nutrition, soil compaction etc.

What to try — if economically viable • Cover crops and biofumigants.

• Solarisation.

• Microwave treatment.

• Use of good quality organic amendments.

• Use of approaches and inputs that support good crop establishment.

• Good weed control to avoid hosts.

When weedy paddocks are prepared for sowing spinach the decomposing organic matter can be a host for Rhizoctonia and Pythium. Avoid decomposing plant tissue.

• Biopesticides (some are registered in USA, some may become available in Australia) • New fungicides including seed treatments.

MORE INFORMATION Resources are available on the Soil Wealth — ICP website (www.soilwealth.com.au) including: • Pests, Diseases and Disorders of Babyleaf Vegetables — a field identification guide • Managing soilborne diseases — fact sheet • How to control Pythium in vegetable crops — webinar recording • Summer cover crops — fact sheet • Winter cover crops — fact sheet • Biofumigation — fact sheet • Preharvest effects on the quality of babyleaf spinach — fact sheet.

Hort Innovation, Applied Horticultural Research Pty Ltd (AHR) and RM Consulting Group (RMCG) make no representations and expressly disclaims all warranties (to the extent permitted by law) about the accuracy, completeness, or currency of information in this fact sheet. Users of this material should take independent action before relying on it’s accuracy in any way.

Reliance on any information provided by Hort Innovation, AHR or RMCG is entirely at your own risk. Hort Innovation, AHR or RMCG are not responsible for, and will not be liable for, any loss, damage, claim, expense, cost (including legal costs) or other liability arising in any way (including from Hort Innovation, AHR, RMCG or any other person’s negligence or otherwise) from your use or non-use of information from projects: VG13076 Soil condition management — Extension and capacity building; VG13078 Extension of Integrated Crop Protection or from reliance on information contained in this material or that Hort Innovation, AHR or RMCG provides to you by any other means.

WA Grower SPRING 2017

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Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

When harvesting is finished... you’re not finished!

Stop

For further information visit vegetableswa.com.au

Good Practice Guide/Manure and crop

agric.wa.gov.au search stable fly

TOOL TIME

TOOL

TIME

WA Grower SPRING 2017

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TOOL TIME

Amazon to sell ready meals with a 12-week shelf life and no need for refrigeration

Ready meals

with a 12-week shelf life

“When you shorten cooking time [with MATS], you retain more nutritional value. You produce a product that is more appealing to the consumer.”

Juming Tang, Ph.D., Distinguished Chair of Food Engineering, Washington State University

Muscling further into the grocery and ready meals markets, it is being reported that Amazon will be using new technology to create ready meals that have a shelf life of 12 weeks and do not need to be refrigerated. The logistics savings alone will be huge.

Not only that, the meals are nutritious, taste good, require minimal processing and have clean labels.

The microwave assisted thermal sterilisation, or MATS, technology, originally developed by Washington State University, is being commercialised by US start-up 915 Labs.

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WA Grower SPRING 2017

The patented, FDA-accepted technology is very different from conventional processing systems such as retort, where food is exposed to high temperatures for up to an hour; HPP, which has limited product scope and requires refrigeration; and frozen, which is plagued by food safety, consumer inconvenience and sustainability issues (see Figure 1).

In MATS, packaged foods are simultaneously immersed in pressurised hot water and heated with targeted microwave energy at a frequency of 915MHz, eliminating pathogens and spoilage microorganisms in a matter of minutes (see Figure 2). The unique process allows a wide range of foods to be packaged for the shelf, including many that cannot be conventionally processed today including salmon fillets, chicken breasts, pasta and whole vegetables.

TOOL TIME

MATS and microwave assisted pasteurisation systems manufactured and sold by 915 Labs offer a faster way to sterilise or pasteurise food and beverages. By shortening the time food is exposed to high heat, the microwave technology can preserve nutrients, texture and taste and eliminate the need for additives and additional sodium.

MATS simultaneously immerses packaged food in pressurised hot water and heats with microwave energy at a frequency of 915 megahertz, eliminating pathogens and spoilage microorganisms in a matter of minutes. This patented process preserves the nutrients, colour, texture and flavour of foods — while providing a shelf life equivalent to conventionally processed foods.

FIGURE 2 MATS food processing Source: www.915labs.com

33BY shortening the time food is exposed to high heat, the microwave technology can preserve nutrients, texture and taste and eliminate the need for additives and additional sodium.

By reducing exposure to high heat, MATS allows the natural nutrients and flavours in food to remain intact — and eliminates the need for artificial additives, preservatives and excess sodium.

915 Labs is now building MATS30 commercial production systems capable of processing up to 10 million units annually, including single-serve trays, pouches and foodservice packaging formats.

The MATS-30 complements the company’s small-scale MATS-B systems, which are operating in food innovation centres around the world.

Australian Defence has been an early adopter MATS

Processing food with MATS is dramatically different than conventional food processing, also called ‘retort.’ In conventional processing, packaged foods are placed in pressurised cookers at high temperatures for up to an hour. To mask the damage caused by this prolonged exposure to high heat, salt, flavour, texture and colour enhancers, and other unnatural ingredients must be added.

FIGURE 1 Conventional food processing Source: www.915labs.com

Last October, the Australian government announced a $7.2 million investment into improving food processing technology using the microwave processing systems sold by 915 Labs, beginning with a pilotscale plant to be placed in the Defence Food and Nutrition Centre in Scottsdale, Tasmania.

“Microwave food processing can revolutionise the quality of packaged food,” said Prof Roger Stanley, director of the Centre for Food Innovation at the University of Tasmania. “The technology gives us the ability to deliver food that is much closer to fresh.”

“Microwave sterilised meals have the potential to improve the production and quality of ready-made foods across both Defence rations and the wider commercial market, both nationally and within the Asia-Pacific region,” said Australia’s Senator Marise Payne, Minister for Defence, when announcing the investment.

The Australian investment in MATS followed a feasibility study undertaken by the Defence Science and Technology (DST) Group in cooperation with Australian industry and the Centre for Food Innovation, a collaboration of DST Group, the University of Tasmania and Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO).

The Australian government plans to use the pilot-scale MATS system to develop new and improved ration packs for its Defence forces. The government will also make the MATS pilot-scale machine available to food companies for product development and experimentation.

“It makes sense for the military and industry to work together because it is important to establish an industry base for the new technology before Defence can make use of it,” said Coad.

“Our investment de-risks the capital investment for industry and gives food companies the opportunity to explore the opportunities offered by MATS.” “By giving small to medium-size companies access to this innovation, we can help the regional hospitality and institutional food industries and improve the quality of emergency disaster relief rations,” Prof. Stanley added.

In addition to the Australian sale, 915 Labs has sold MATS systems in the US, India, Singapore and South Korea.

MORE INFORMATION Read more: http://foodprocessing.com. au/content/prepared-food/article/ amazon-to-sell-ready-meals-with-a12-month-shelf-life-and-no-need-forrefrigeration-97998110#ixzz4qXzQPuzi

WA Grower SPRING 2017

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TOOL TIME

Apps

33(L–R) MyPestGuide (reporter), Weed ID: The Ute Guide, Mix Tank, FeralScan and iSOYLscout.

the smarter way of farming

BY REBECCA BLACKMAN FINANCE & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, VEGETABLESWA

As we continue to head into a more technological world there are smarter and more efficient ways of conducting business.

By utilising technology it can help with simple task.

MyPestGuide MyPestGuide lets you quickly identify pests and report your observations instantly to the Department Primary Industries & Regional Development (DPIRD).

By using the MyPestGuide app you will be supporting your local community, defending Western Australia’s agriculture industry and protecting the natural environment from unusual or suspected exotic pests.

• MyPestGuide —— Reporter: A communication tool for everyone to report pests —— Disease: Field guide and disease identification app

Weed ID: The Ute Guide The Weed ID: The Ute Guide is designed to assist growers in the identification of the most common weeds found in paddocks throughout Australia. Where possible, photos have been provided for

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WA Grower SPRING 2017

each stage of the weed’s lifecycle, from seed and seedling through to mature and flowering plants.

These are categorised by plant type, and results for each can be refined by state and lifecycle, and whether they are native, currently flowering or have a distinctive smell.

The application allows users to search, identify, and compare photos of their own paddock weeds to those in the app.

Mix Tank Winner of AgProfessional magazine’s Readers’ Choice 2011 Top Product of the Year award. Mix Tank from Precision Laboratories is an iPhone and Android smartphone app designed to assist agricultural applicators with the proper tank mixing sequence of crop protection products. Mix Tank also captures product use rates and application information with Mix Sheets and conveniently maintains accurate Spray Logs for easy record keeping.

Following the proper mixing sequence helps users prevent product incompatibilities and can save applicators time and money by avoiding product loss and sprayer cleanout problems.

The available Weather Integration feature within the Spray Log helps applicators prevent spray drift risk by displaying weather information, including wind speed and direction, prior to spraying, assisting with documentation and compliance.

FeralScan Do you see ferals on your place while you’re driving about? The FeralScan app allows you to map sightings of pest animals and record the problems they are causing. The information you log can be seen by community groups, pest controllers, local government, catchment groups and individuals managing pest animals. The information can be used to help co-ordinate on-ground control tactics to address the problems the pests are causing.

OYLscout | SOYL iSOYLscout is an easy-to-use, in-field scouting app. Simply record areas or points of interest either by hand, or while on the move on foot or in a vehicle using the built-in GPS. The app can be used to record crop performance and weed infestations, as well as any other feature you want to locate across the farm.

Each logged feature provides an instant area measurement. Points of interest are recorded with a text label such as ‘Broad weed’. Notes and/or a photo can also be added to the point. iSOYLscout files are uploaded to mySOYL, OneDrive, or Dropbox allowing your scouted data to be wirelessly and efficiently transferred between field and office.

MORE INFORMATION For further information speak to the Industry Extension Officers at vegetablesWA, Sam Grubisa or Truyen Vo.

YOUR INDUSTRY

YOUR

INDUSTRY

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YOUR INDUSTRY

Industry Extension update

BY SAM GRUBISA INDUSTRY EXTENSION OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

Since I stepped off the garden and into the boots of the Industry Extension Officer, almost three months ago, it has been a whirlwind of faces, farms, information and many, many kilometres.

In late May the vegetablesWA team attended the Hort Connections Convention in Adelaide. It was a three day fact finding frenzy of activity. The seminars were innovative, interesting and plentiful.

The speakers were from all aspects of the industry and the globe. Meeting the members of VegNET (The National Vegetable Extension Network) has given me and therefore you, the grower, access to Extension Officers and their expertise from all over the country. This kind of networking has been invaluable. The introduction to not only my new position, but a side of the industry I had never experienced, literally took my voice away.

Getting out of the office and onto the farms to visit growers has been the most gratifying and informative piece of the Industry Extension Officer pie. Speaking with growers both young and old, new and established, north and south, has given me an even greater respect for the industry I represent. The knowledge, innovation and plain hard work I am seeing on such a vast and varied scale gives me a sense of optimism in the potential of the agriculture sector.

Attending the NTS — Nutrition Farming course in July has peaked my interest in on-farm biodiversity. Although many growers practice quite intensive cropping, there are aspects of biodiverse growing that may be of benefit if incorporated into our conventional systems. After going to a recent focus group for Integrated Weed Management in Gingin, there seems to be a budding interest in these growing

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Industry Summit

27 October 2017 growers and have access to the whole vegetablesWA team in a ‘grab a drink and have a chat’ atmosphere.

Grower Group Tour and Industry Summit 27 October 2017 33TOP (L-R): Paul Kristiansen, Paul Glavocich, Christine Fyfe and Michael Coleman.

33ABOVE: Breakfast at Nutri-Tech Solutions course.

techniques. This is an area I am eager to speak to growers more about.

Being able to travel from Carnarvon to Karnup (Myalup, Manjimup and Albany you are on my radar next) has afforded me the chance to see the difference between a plantation, a market garden and a farm; growing everything from Asparagus to Zucchini. Travelling to Carnarvon to participate in the Gascoyne Food Festival was an amazing way to not only see the region, but taste the beautiful vegetables coming off the plantations. Knowing that many growers are doing it tough under the cloud of TPP and getting to see the high quality they continue to produce, showcased to national and international guests, made me proud of their hard work and this state.

The vegetablesWA team has held four successful Grower Meet and Greet gatherings in Wanneroo, Geraldton, Carnarvon and Gingin with Albany, Manjimup and Myalup to come on 2nd to 4th October respectively.

I encourage you to come along as it is a great way to network with your fellow

Young growers, north and south, vegetablesWA are inviting you to join this year’s Grower Group Tour and Industry Summit on 27 October. The grower road trip will be heading off from Crown Perth at 9.30am.

The Industry Summit will begin, upon our return, at 2.00pm and end at 6.00pm, which allows ample time in our four sessions for questions and discussion. This day of information will conclude with cocktails, canapes and a lot of networking.

Invitations will be sent out soon and for the first 15 young growers who confirm their attendance, a night at Crown will also be included.

I am looking forward to the next three months of faces, farms, information and many more kilometres.

MORE INFORMATION To contact Sam please call 0427 373 037 or email sam.grubisa@vegetableswa.com.au

INDUSTRY SUMMIT

FRIDAY 27TH OCTOBER

2pm–7.30pm Botanical Room 1 & 2, Crown Perth The Summit held at Crown Perth, Botanical Room 1 & 2, will include four presentations and panel discussions. The topics will include Precision Agriculture, Value Adding, Benchmarking and Biosecurity.

At the conclusion of the Industry Summit, 6pm onwards there will be a networking function.

2.00pm–6.00pm INDUSTRY SUMMIT PRESENTATIONS 2.00pm–2.40pm Precision Agriculture — Presentation & Panel Discussion 2.40pm–3.30pm Value Adding — Presentation & Panel Discussion 3.30pm–4.00pm Afternoon Tea Break 4.00pm–4.45pm Benchmarking — Presentation & Panel Discussion 4.45pm–5.45pm Biosecurity — Presentation & Panel Discussion 6.00pm–7.30pm COCKTAIL/NETWORKING FUNCTION

RSVP BY 13TH OCTOBER REBECCA BLACKMAN: P (08) 9481 0834 E REBECCA.BLACKMAN@VEGETABLESWA.COM.AU

THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN FUNDED BY HORT INNOVATION WITH CO-INVESTMENT FROM APC VEGETABLE PRODUCERS COMMITTEE AND FUNDS FROM THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT.

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33DEADLY Night Shade.

UNE integrated weed management grower focus group

BY SAM GRUBISA INDUSTRY EXTENSION OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

Monday 14th August saw the coming together of WA growers, consultants from Soilzone Solutes, Kelvin Montague from Applied Horticulture Research and Christine Fyfe, Paul Kristiansen and Michael Coleman from the University of New England (UNE) for an Integrated Weed Management focus group.

The Integrated Weed Management project is funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia and facilitated by UNE in Armidale NSW. The proposed outcome of this project is to produce an Integrated Weed Management Manual; with the aim of lowering the use and reliance on herbicides, by planting cover crops with biofumigant properties to aid in the control of weeds. The team at UNE’s School of Environmental & Rural Science is also looking at the cost, efficiency and effectiveness of hand weeding, with possible improvements to the implements used.

This project is taking Christine Fyfe (Research Project Manager — School of Environmental & Rural Science) and her team all over the country. With a focus on nine problematic weeds, from Victoria to Western Australia, Wild Radish, Nut Grass and Fat Hen are three weeds with 33CHRISTINE, Paul and Michael discussing soil samples with Peter Ivankovich.

the highest control priority. Not to be out done, the WA growers in attendance rolled out quite a list of their own.

From Cape Weed to Portulaca, Thistle to Wire Weed, Deadly Night Shade to Stinging Nettle; all input was greatly appreciated by the UNE team.

Christine, Paul and Michael spent the following days taking core soil samples from two farms in Gingin and Myalup regions.

Paul Glavocich from Gingin and Peter & Anthony Ivankovich from Myalup have kindly agreed to make some room for cover crop test sites on their properties.

Having test sites in these two areas will not only be beneficial to the team at UNE, but will provide WA growers with viable, hands on information about what does and does not work for the soil and climate in the west. A site in Tasmania has already shown positive results in weed suppression with Tillage Radish and Buck Wheat cover crops, so hopefully there is an equally encouraging conclusion for the sites in Western Australia.

MORE INFORMATION For more information you can contact Christine Fyfe by email: cfyfe3@une.eda.au, visit the UNE website: www.une.edu.au/iwmvegetables or follow the project on: www.facebook.com/ iwmvegetables

Focussing on

nine problematic weeds

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This project is funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia using the research and development National Vegetable Levy and funds from the Australian Government. Project number: VG15070

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Benchmarking full steam ahead On the 4th July, Hon Alannah MacTiernan MLC, Minister for Regional Development; Agriculture and Food announced that vegetablesWA’ s vegetable benchmarking project had been selected for funding as part of the Agricultural Sciences Research and Development Fund.

“This is a great result for all growers individually and collectively as this will fill a big information gap to provide the data to inform growers where to make improvements to continue to increase competitiveness both domestically and internationally,” says Bryn Edwards the vegetablesWA Benchmarking Lead. vegetablesWA are working closely with WA based benchmarking partners Planfarm, who bring their 40 years of experience in leading the highly recognised ‘Planfarm Bankwest Benchmarks’ in Western Australia; which continues to provide key business performance metrics for over 550 broadacre farmers across the grains industry of Western Australia.

In essence, benchmarking is simply comparing individual costs and usages of key production inputs and yield outputs to the wider industry norms and trends.

In this way, it is possible to identify very quickly the specific target areas that an individual grower can focus on to gain efficiencies and save costs. It also has the potential to strengthen the industry here in WA as a whole.

33(L–R): vegetablesWA’s Bryn Edwards (Benchmark Lead); and Truyen Vo (Industry Extension Officer); Planfarm’s: Graeme McConnell (Director) and Farm Management Consultants Paul Omodei and Alex House.

Benchmarking is a recognised global business management practice across industries including oil and gas, car manufacturing and banking, as well as locally in the wine and citrus industry; there is however currently an absence of such an initiative in the Australian vegetable industry.

The key to a successful vegetable benchmarking facility however is squarely dependent upon participation; the more participants, the more reliable the results, which leads to better outcomes for growers.

The benchmarking will be open to all vegetable growers within Western Australia. Given that this is a new initiative in the industry and region, the funding will also provide for greater proactive extension support to growers both during data gathering stage and then in actually understanding the results.

“We see this as being vital component to educate, coach and support the adoption of benchmarking, and its results and findings, among the vegetable grower community.

There’s no point in doing all this if the data coming in is not reliable and as a result growers don’t have an actionable benefit to their business,” says Bryn.

The first concern of many businesses when considering participation in benchmarking is the perception that one would be ‘giving up secrets and advantages’ for competitors to see. All information submitted is kept strictly confidential and comparisons are made against anonymous averages and trends. This way key individual insights can be obtained while retaining the confidentially of all participants. Before you take part in the benchmarking you will be provided with a grower consent form to complete. This form clearly outlines how the data will be used and forms a formal agreement to protect the confidentiality your data. Once this is signed you will receive a call from one of the benchmarking team.

The benchmarking team consists of Bryn Edwards, vegetablesWA Benchmark Lead, Truyen Vo, vegetablesWA Industry Extension Officer to assist with Vietnamese growers and Rebecca Blackman, Finance & Communications Manager. From Planfarm there are three people involved in the project, Graeme McConnell, Director, Paul Omodei, Farm Management Consultant and Alex House, Farm Management Consultant.

MORE INFORMATION Benchmarking will commence in October.

If you want to get involved or have any questions please contact Bryn Edwards, Benchmarking Lead, at (08) 9481 0834 or bryn.edwards@vegetableswa.com.au

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Agrimaster trial with growers Written by farmers for farmers

BY REBECCA BLACKMAN FINANCE & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, VEGETABLESWA

Getting the most out of your business is as much about planning as it is about growing.

Agrimaster, a software program that has been written by farmers for farmers — easily handles your day-to-day accounts and cash book; but more importantly helps you plan ahead; creating budgets from the data to explore the ‘what if’ options and even intelligently interfaces with your bank.

Agrimaster equips you with the tools and processes necessary in these volatile times we live in, to allow you to make informed decisions for your Agribusiness Enterprise.

Why Agrimaster?

• Agrimaster has been developed specifically for the agricultural industry and has helped farmers successfully manage their finances and budgets for over 35 years.

• The farming industry sees more volatility than most — Agrimaster helps farmers measure and manage the ups and downs seamlessly.

During the next financial year Agrimaster and vegetablesWA have partnered with two businesses to trial the Agrimaster system and provide a case study.

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The Agrimaster Help Centre Learn from the comfort of your own office or home, at any time of the day - whenever suits you. You can read and watch the videos over and over again - readily available for you when you need help.

How to access the Help Centre Step 1 Visit: www.agrimaster.com.au Step 2 Select ‘Help Centre’

Articles

How-to Videos

There are more than a 100 new articles - available 24 hours, 7 days a week.

The new and improved way to learn the Agrimaster program.

Search the Help Centre to find helpful, easy to follow articles that take you step-by-step through all areas of the Agrimaster program.

There are several how-to videos for each area of the program from Getting Started to Advanced features.

We will continue to grow this library with new articles added monthly.

The videos are free and you can watch them anytime and anywhere you like.

33(L–R) Bao Duy Nguyen (Sun City Produce), Paul Glavocich (grower), Ruth Turner (Agrimaster Trainer) and Bao La Nguyen (Sun City Produce).

Glavocich Produce “Agrimaster has taken book work from a nightmare to a dream. No more putting off budgets, books, banking or BAS. Agrimaster makes it understandable and easy.”

Marie O’Neill, J A & M B O’Neill, Watheroo

Sun City Produce Bao Duy Nguyen is based in Geraldton, they grow tomatoes and cucumbers under protected cropping. Bao is hoping to achieve more structure to their finances and ease in getting out the important information to make data driven decisions.

Paul Glavocich is based in Gingin and started his own farm in the last couple of years after working with his father. Paul is in the process of setting up his systems and is looking forward to being able to set routines and see the information easily within the system.

MORE INFORMATION For more information on the case study please contact Rebecca Blackman, (08) 9481 0834 or rebecca@vegetableswa.com.au or for more information on Agrimaster please contact Tegan Pridham, (08) 6380 8800 or email Tegan.Pridham@mastergroup.net.au.

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Protected Cropping Australian

Bi-Annual Conference

BY REBECCA BLACKMAN FINANCE & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, VEGETABLESWA

Technological advances in hydroponic, greenhouse and glasshouse production are set to take global horticulture to new heights and Australia’s industry is poised to rise with it.

In July Protected Cropping Australia hosted their 14th Conference at the Adelaide Convention Centre. The convention bought together protected cropping experts from around the world along with growers and industry members across Australia.

There were a number of speakers who covered a range of topics from lighting technology to integrated pest management. The four day event provided the opportunity for industry to visit one of the largest hydroponic producers, P’Petual Pty Ltd and Yalumba Nursery. Along with sessions over the four days being broken into vine vegetables, leafy greens, berries, flowers and aquaponics there was plenty of information available.

In his opening address PCA chairman Robert Hayes said the estimated 2017 farmgate value of horticulture production utilising some form of protected cropping was nearly $1.5 billion per annum or 12% of the total gross value of production (GVP).

33THE newly elected PCA Board of Directors L-R: PCA Treasurer Folco Faber, Jonathan Eccles, PCA Chair Robert Hayes, Nam Ly, Mark Massey, PCA Deputy Chair Nicky Mann, Matthew Plunkett, PCA Company Secretary and Editor, Saskia Blanch and Charlie Blogna.

• Young Achiever of the Year: Steffen Kraushaar

“Arguably, protected cropping is the most innovative sector in horticulture, having grown some 500 to 600% in the last 20 years”, said Mr Hayes.

• Industry Training of the Year: Greenhouse technical Management Course, Graeme Smith, Leigh Taig and Rick Donnan

In addition to the speakers and breakout sessions the PCA held the 2017 PCA Awards for Excellence where they recognise excellence their respective fields.

• Grower of the Year: Ian Mortlock of Mortlock Hydroponics.

Some of the winners were: • Most Outstanding Contribution to the Protected Cropping Industry: Saskia Blanch

• Best Trade Booth: Grow Systems Australia • Best New Product: Retrack sliding roof system by Apex

MORE INFORMATION For more information on Protected Cropping Australia, email Saskia Blanch at: admin@protectedcroppingaustralia.com or visit the PCA website: www.protectedcroppingaustralia.com

• PCA Chairmans Award: Marcus Brandsema • Researcher of the Year: Len Tesoriero WA Grower SPRING 2017

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Grower profile

Rob & Dan Kuzmicich

Farmer Rob & Dan Kuzmicich Location Carnarvon Soil Heavy clay PERTH

Enterprises Capsicums & eggplant

BY REBECCA BLACKMAN FINANCE & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, VEGETABLESWA

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Dan and his brother Rob run the family owned business which commenced in the 1960s. Their grandfather was farmer in Croatia growing vegetable lines, olives and lavender. The brothers grew up on the farm and both pursued other avenues after leaving school. Dan in telecommunications and football and Rob studied Economics and Horticulture.

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Chef's Paddock Tour

As third generation horticulturists the brothers took over the management of the farm in 2003 to look to upgrade the business and incorporate shade houses. They specialise in capsicums and eggplants and Dan says “it’s our passion, we express ourselves in our farm and our business”.

Gascoyne Food Festival

By being able to grow capsicums and eggplant under shade houses, allows the product to receive the best growing conditions. Rob says “in Carnarvon we are on the latitude of 24.8 and this is the best growing conditions in the world. We are able to utilise the shade house to reduce the harmful UV rays by 23% and cut down the wind. This allows us to be confident we are producing the best quality product.”

In 2015 Rob joined the delegation travelling to Hong Kong as a member of Loveapple. He was able to attend the Ausveg Trade Mission that sent eggplants, capsicum, tomatoes and zucchini. The product travelled well and it was taken up by the Great Food Hall, a premium supermarket in Hong Kong along with other vegetable lines from Australia.

Dan and Rob ensure they are using the latest techniques by taking advantage of projects which are being undertaken in the region such as More Dollars per Drop where they were able to learn about their soil type and structure, effective plant root zone, and water-holding capacity, growers’ irrigation to better match plant demand.

The use of soil moisture monitoring to fine-tune irrigations and identify periods of plant stress provides extra information that can help improve irrigation decisions.

By utilising an approach led by the data, not only led to a 25% reduction in water use under the shade house and a higher proportion of first grade fruit. Soil moisture monitoring was the key, with the right amount of water being applied based on evaporation replacement, but slightly incorrect scheduling for the soil type. The capsicums required twice-daily irrigation due to shallow effective root zone and the heavy clay they were being grown in.

33TOP: Chef's Paddock Tour during the Gascoyne Food Festival.

33ABOVE: Lauren East, Dan Kuzmicich, Bryn Edwards, Rob Kuzmicich and Bao Nguyen under the shade house.

After Cyclone Olwyn hit in March 2015, the brother’s shade houses were destroyed as a result of the storm. They managed to fix one in September 2015 however the other was not fixed until April 2016.

Whilst the following years have been challenging this year has created its own challenges with Tomato Potato Psyllid (TPP). Whilst it has not reached Carnarvon it impacted the seedlings which due to delays were root bound and the quality of the seedlings was not as good. There will be a reduced yield off these seedlings. This has impacted prices and Rob says, “Whilst this has impacted product heading to the local market, we are working through the challenges which TPP has created”.

"We’re learning all the time and it is challenging, so it just pushes all your buttons, so to speak."

As part of the learning process there are a number of different avenues which the Kuzmicich brothers use such as travelling to other countries to see how they are growing under similar conditions.

They will also be taking part in the Benchmarking project which is being run by vegetablesWA with the assistance of the DPIRD grant money, this will provide them with the information they need to see where they can move forward and make more data led decisions.

Being able to take part in industry events such as the Gascoyne Food Festival where we are able to highlight our produce and farms provides us with the connections to chefs and international buyers. The AUSVEG Trade Mission recently saw four buyers attend the farm and this allows us to create relationships which can be beneficial into the future.

MORE INFORMATION Dan Kuzmicich 0408 910 761 or Rob Kuzmicich 0400 542 812.

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Official control of quarantine plant pests and diseases DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND WATER RESOURCES

A Plant Quarantine Pest and Official Control National Policy has been developed to help contain and control new plant pests and diseases, while allowing the Australian Government to continue to regulate imports to prevent pest entry. The policy also facilitates exports, so growers can continue sending their products to overseas markets.

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Chief Plant Health Managers across Australia have agreed to implement the policy.

If you are a grower in Australia’s horticulture, grains or timber industries, you need to be aware of the policy, understand what ‘official control’ means and when it could apply to you.

What official control means and when it applies On occasions, an exotic plant pest or disease may enter Australia that cannot be eradicated. In these circumstances, responsibility for managing the pest or disease rests with industry and the government of the state or territory in which it occurs.

When ‘official control’ is applied, the state or territory government has put in place measures that aim to contain and control the pest or disease.

These mandatory activities include: • containment or suppression activities (mostly involving destruction, disposal and decontamination) • surveillance in the area where the pest or disease could establish • movement restrictions so the pest or disease does not spread to an area that is not affected.

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Official control can be applied at a regional or national level. If it is applied nationally, it must be consistent across all states and territories.

Official control protects Australia and helps trade continue Australia is both an importer and exporter of plants and plant products. There are conditions in place at Australia’s international border for products coming into Australia, and for those being exported. Plants and products which are exported need to meet the conditions set by the country that is importing them.

When an exotic pest or disease enters and is officially confirmed in Australia, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has an obligation to notify the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).

When other countries become aware of the presence of the pest or disease in Australia, it can trigger trade bans or restrictions on

our exports, and requests for Australia to review its current import conditions.

If we can provide our trading partners with evidence that we have the pest or disease under official control, the department can continue to justify regulating international imports to prevent pest entry. Official control may also underpin negotiations for export with concerned trading partners to accept plants or products that have been produced in areas of Australia that are not affected by the pest or disease and/or are treated to IPPC standards to manage the biosecurity risk.

If an established pest is not under official control, the department cannot justify continuing to prevent the pest’s entry by regulating imported goods and conveyances.

State and territory governments, in consultation with peak industry bodies, must determine whether official control is cost-beneficial or whether other management options are more appropriate.

MORE INFORMATION General inquiry 1800 900 090, GPO Box 858, Canberra ACT 2601 agriculture.gov.au or outbreak.gov.au • The Plant Quarantine Pest and Official Control National Policy is available on the website: outbreak.gov.au.

• If you need further information contact your peak industry body or the Office of the Chief Plant Protection Officer in the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources: email acppo@agriculture.gov.au or phone 1800 900 090.

While there are numerous benefits in implementing official control, there are also costs associated with containment, surveillance and movement restrictions.

Water Fall-Q

IRRIGATION TAPE - Micro chip dripper - Extensive flow rates - Various emitter spacings - Matches current Irrigation set ups - Not sensetive to blockage Competative prices

GROWERS’ AND DISTRIBUTORS’ ENQUIRIES WELCOMED

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An integrated approach to business

BY VO THE TRUYEN INDUSTRY EXTENSION OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

With the higher pressure of pests and diseases and the fluctuation of market prices with tomatoes and capsicum in the last couple of years, it’s becoming harder for Carnarvon growers to rely only on those two major crops to secure a profitable season.

33CUU Van Giang’s integrated approach includes tightening farm biosecurity, crop diversification, crop and land rotation and constantly learning, reviewing and modifying the strategic plan.

(Meloidogyne sp.) and/or root lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus neglectus and Pratylenchus sp.). The occurrence of Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus (CGMMV) in 2016 and then Tomato Potato Psyllid (TPP) in 2017 created more serious threats to the region.

PERTH

Farmer Cuu Van Giang Location Carnarvon, WA Size 16 acres Enterprises Capsicums, tomatoes, melons

The benchmarking project on tomato nutrition, irrigation and pests and diseases of the ten tomato farms in Carnarvon in 20161 showed high pressure of pests and diseases on the crops. All farms investigated were infested with either bacterial canker (Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis) or bacterial speck (Pseudomonas syringae) or both whilst 8/10 farms suffered from Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum) or a combination of Rhizoctonia and Fuarium root rot (Rhizoctonia sp. and Fusarium sp.). Moreover 7/10 farms got root knot nematodes 1 The project was managed by Carnarvon Growers Association and has been funded by Gascoyne Development Commission and the Department of Primary Industry & Regional Development with assistance from vegetablesWA

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On the other hand, the fluctuation of vegetable prices makes the business profit become unstable. For example, the market price of the top-class gourmet tomatoes in June this year was over $5 per kilo then there was a free-fall to less than a dollar per kilo a few weeks later2.

One grower determined to pursue an integrated approach to secure a steady income flow is Cuu Van Giang, the manager of a vegetable business in Carnarvon.

His integrated approach includes tightening farm biosecurity, crop diversification, crop and land rotation and constantly learning, reviewing and modifying the strategic plan.

2 http://pricing.marketwest.com.au/report/pricing/ monthly/?category=2&year=2017&month=08

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Giang arrived Australia from Vietnam in 1991 as a refugee and started in the vegetable industry as a field worker for his uncle, a vegetable grower in Carnarvon, in 1996. Like most other Vietnamese vegetables growers in Carnarvon, Giang has gone through the ‘field worker — share farmer — farm tenant’ process before starting his own farm in 2006.

Farm biosecurity is one of Giang’s highest priorities among other practices to control pests and disease. Entry into the farm is prohibited without his presence. He organises the field into a number of plots with the gravel road as the boundary from entry to gravel parking. Visitors are always required to park cars in a devoted area. A change of clothing is also required if visitors such as agents from seeds companies visit his farm. Giang does not exchange workers with other growers to avoid cross infection of pests and diseases.

He says that since chemicals do not always help once the crops are infected, its better try preventing them from entry.

“Agents from seed companies used to give me and other grower’s seeds of new varieties for trials and then return to inspect them, I always ask them to change their clothes before entering to my farm,” said Giang.

Giang applies land and crop rotation to maintain soil fertility and to reduce the pests and diseases accumulation.

He observes that the soil becomes less productive if it is cultivated year after year while the crop of any type does not perform well if it is grown on the same plot over a number of years. He says it is recommended by agronomists that a rotation of crop and land will help to control pests and diseases that can become established in the soil over time.

The changing of crops in a sequence decreases the population level of pests by interrupting pest life cycles and interrupting the pest habitat. Giang grows crops only on half of his land leaving other land plot rest for 12 months. In contrast, Giang noted that he could not provide the best care to the crop and land, when he runs a full farm. Scaling the crop volume down to a manageable level allows Giang to provide the best in terms of crop caring and pests and disease monitoring.

16 acres

“Although other smallunder “I do not win big money scale growers make use of shade net like half million dollars the entire land area, I like to other growers do, ensure the best care is taken to however I manage a a manageable crop volume. This steady flow of income means I can produce higher quality vegetables, thus gain the best possible every year from different crop market price,” said Giang types,” said Giang.

Growing capsicums under a contract is Giang’s main income source. He devotes 16 acres under shade net to grow capsicums.

He says that the capsicum under shade net always do better as compared to those grown in an open field. Under the net house a capsicum crop can last for the whole year which helps to save labour and production costs.

Beside capsicums, Giang grows other crops such as tomatoes, melons, eggplants as a backup. Giang says that diversifying crop types helps to spread the risk of low price of a line of produce. He believes that the increasing volume of tomato and capsicum production in Carnarvon severely influences the market prices.

“It’s risky to invest all my resources into one crop. More crop types help to maintain steady income flow because an income deficit due to low price of one crop type can be complimented by better price of the other.

Planning an effective rotation requires weighing lot of production circumstances such as market, farm size, labour supply, climate, soil type, growing practices. Giang is always keen to learn information of those factors from either grower friends or other information transferrers like agronomists from Carnarvon Growers Association, field officers of Department of Primary Industry & Regional Development and vegetablesWA. “You can’t stand idle in the vegetable production industry, you need always stay alert to changes of circumstance to learn and to upgrade yourself to survive,” stated Giang.

MORE INFORMATION Contact Truyen Vo on 0457 457 559 or email truyen.vo@vegetablesWA.com.au

33GIANG’S capsicum under shade net.

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Round 2 Research and Development Grants

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Grants support research to grow food potential Twelve priority projects worth $4.5 million have been funded for industry-driven research and development to grow Western Australia’s food production potential.

The twelve priority projects across the grains, pastoral, horticultural, apiculture and irrigated agriculture sectors have been successful in securing grant funding through Round 2 of the Grower Group Grants Research and Development Fund.

The grants are administered through the Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development’s Agricultural Sciences Research and Development Fund, supported by Royalties for Regions.

These are high-priority, industrydriven projects aimed at generating long-term agricultural productivity improvements and increasing our international competitiveness.

These projects combine funding support through the grants program with substantial industry co-investment.

In the far north, the Northern Australia Crop Research Alliance aims to develop health food crops in the Ord region including chickpea, corn, chia, quinoa and teff.

Grower Group Round 2:

Research and Development Grants 1 Fruit West Co-operative — investigate the global marketing potential of Western Australia’s BRAVOTM apple.

2 Gascoyne Catchments Group — build supply chain relationships and improve productivity in the central and southern rangelands.

3 Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen’s Association — analyse mosaic irrigation feeding systems for WA rangelands beef.

4 Northern Australia Crop Research Alliance — improve current crops and develop new crops for northern agriculture.

5 Ord River Co-operative — funding will be towards the Ord River Irrigation Area pulse project stage two, focused on efficient primary and value-added processing close to production areas.

6 Pork Innovation WA — assess new opportunities for WA’s pork industry and assess the feasibility of producing pork raised without antibiotics.

7 Stirlings to Coast Farmers — funding will be towards developing a multi-purpose grain processing co-operative in the Great Southern region.

8 South East Premium Wheatgrowers Association — to establish an integrated collaboration of supply chain participants for pulses, including export logistics service providers and international end users.

9 WA Citrus — for developing new market-focused products for WA citrus fruit in export markets.

10 WAFarmers — to support industry standards for optimising storage and supply volume of WA monofloral honey.

11 WAFarmers — for development of harvest rainfall risk management tools for WA wheat farmers.

12 WA Vegetable Growers Association — funding will be towards an internationally-comparable vegetable production benchmarking capability to help drive business improvement.

In the south, grower groups and their research partners will examine establishment of a new farmer-owned grain processing co-operative in the Great Southern, with the capacity to process grain and open up new highervalue markets.

Other projects include expanding citrus exports to Asia and benchmarking vegetable production to help improve businesses.”

MORE INFORMATION For more information about these grants, please visit: www.agric.wa.gov.au/agricultural-exports/ grower-group-research-and-development-rd-grants-round-2

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Fresh from Carnarvon

Enhanced commercial focus brings opportunities for industry

Images courtesy Anton Blume

GASCOYNE FOOD FESTIVAL 2017

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YOUR INDUSTRY

Minister for Regional Development; Agriculture and Food, the Hon Alannah MacTiernan, joined a raft of top level industry and government stakeholders in attendance at key events at this year’s Gascoyne Food Festival. Organisers were delighted to host Kyle McGinn MLC, Vince Catania MP, Melissa Price MP, Gascoyne Shire President Karl Brandenburg and CEO of vegetablesWA John Shannon in Carnarvon.

FARMERS MARKET

Visitors also included an international fresh produce buyer delegation from Thailand, Japan and Hong Kong brought to the region by AUSVEG CEO James Whiteside and his team under the AUSVEG Export Development program which is supported by Horticulture Innovation Australia.

Also at the table were buyers from large catering and events businesses in Western Australia, opening up new opportunities for regional suppliers.

Demand for events during the festival has remained strong over its eight years.

This year the Gascoyne Food Council, in partnership with the Carnarvon Visitor Centre, managed to sell more tickets than ever before, with over 900 paying guests plus those who joined the free Gascoyne Growers Market. All accommodation in Carnarvon was sold out during the festival dates.

Carnarvon native and Executive Chef of Don Tapa in Fremantle, Stuart Laws, returned this year for his second festival to cook at Carnarvon’s Long Table Lunch and Mt Augustus’ Australia’s Biggest BBQ under Australia’s Biggest Rock.

“I am passionate about supporting agriculture and sourcing the best of local supply for my kitchen. The Gascoyne region has an incredible abundance of sun-kissed fresh fruit and veg, seafood, beef and goat meats — the more chefs that can support this region the better it is for everyone,” said Stuart.

Gascoyne Growers Markets in Carnarvon

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MEETING THE GROWERS

Carnarvon Plantation Tour Michael Nixon Chairman of the Gascoyne Food Council said that the festival is critical to maintaining the regions place in consumers hearts and minds.

“Each year the festival brings people from across the State to work together to create an incredible event. It is always a community effort, with volunteers from the horticultural, pastoral and fishing sector working together to deliver a great result.

“We also have enormous engagement and support from Carnarvon Community College, the hospitality students, Clontarf academy and Shooting Stars program.

Providing students with the opportunity to work with top level chefs and be part of this prestigious event is just one of the many benefits of holding the Gascoyne Food Festival each year,” he said.

BBQ ON THE BEACH

“The festival has been successful not only in celebrating Gascoyne Food and bringing visitors to our region but has been key in securing support from consumers, retailers, chefs and industry stakeholders to further the growth of the industry,” Michael added.

The festival offered something for everyone, from kids to adults, at a range of price points and locations. Events at Dirk Hartog Island, Exmouth, Mount Augustus and Carnarvon showcased the best meat, seafood, fresh fruit, vegetables and indigenous ingredients available.

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BBQ on the Beach in Carnarvon with Panorama Catering

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LONG TABLE LUNCH

THIS YEARS EVENTS INCLUDED:

Long Table Lunch in Carnarvon with over 12 top WA chefs

• 6–12th August

A Gourmet Island Escape with Chef Russell Blaikie, Dirk Hartog Island • 10th August Carnarvon Plantation Tour (trade only) • 10th August BBQ on the Beach in Carnarvon with Panorama Catering • 11th August Long Table Lunch in Carnarvon with over 12 top WA chefs • 12th August Gascoyne Growers Markets in Carnarvon • 13th August Surf and Turf on Sunrise Beach in Exmouth with Chefs’ Peter Manifis & Melissa Palinkas • 19th August Australia's Biggest BBQ under Australia's Biggest Rock at Mount Augustus with Chef Stuart Laws With a waitlist already underway for the 9th Gascoyne Food Festival in 2018, the momentum and success of the festival looks set to continue. To keep up to date follow Gascoyne Food Council on Facebook (www.facebook.com/GascoyneFoodCouncil) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/ gascoynefood).

MORE INFORMATION For further information contact the Gascoyne Food Council Doriana Mangili on 0400 867 632 email: admin@gascoynefood.com.au or go to www.gascoynefood.com.au

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Can precision agriculture

add value in vegetable production systems?

33PRECISION Agriculture is an agricultural management approach based on measuring and responding to crop variability.

2

project sites in WA

58

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BY JULIE O’HALLORAN 1 , IAN LAYDEN 1 , ALLAN MCKAY 2 AND LUZ ANGELICA SUAREZ 3 1 Q UEENSLAND DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES 2 H ORTICULTURAL CONSULTANT, VEGETABLESWA 3 UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND

The national Horticulture Innovation Australia funded project ‘Adoption of precision systems technologies in vegetable production’ (VG16009) is evaluating a range of precision agriculture technologies. The project will demonstrate how these technologies can be used to make management decisions and manage crop uniformity.

This project: The Horticulture Innovation Australia funded project Adoption of precision systems technology in vegetable production (VG16009), led by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF Queensland), commenced in early 2017.

The aim of the project is to support the vegetable industry with the adoption of precision agriculture technologies. The project will develop case-study farms in each state for research and extension, to showcase the potential applications of relevant precision technologies.

The project has a number of collaborators across Australia including the University of New England (UNE), Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA), Harvest Moon, Primary Industries and Regions SA, Vegetables WA and the Society of Precision Agriculture Australia (SPAA).

The key areas of investigation centre on the following questions: • Is there farm/block variability?

So what is Precision Agriculture?

Precision Agriculture (PA) is an agricultural management approach based on measuring and responding to crop variability. PA relies on information technologies such as tractor based guidance systems, crop biomass sensing (either through satellite, drones or ground based systems) soil mapping, variable rate applications and yield monitoring all of which are commercially available and can be adapted or applied to vegetable production. Variable Rate or Site Specific Crop Management, is a PA approach for the management of crop variability to optimise input placement and productivity.

• Is the observed/quantified variation having an economic impact?

• Can this variability be understood and managed?

• Are current management practices/equipment suitable for addressing any variation?

• Will a precision approach elicit a yield/quality response?

• What is the return on investment?

The project team is working with Francis to implement a range of PA technologies and practices. Electro-magnetic (EM38) and radiometric soil mapping has been undertaken to identify differences in soil characteristics. These characteristics could impact on production and will be further investigated by targeted soil sampling.

High resolution satellite imagery of carrot crops has also been captured as part of the project.

This imagery is dual purpose: 1) to identify crop variability and 2) to determine if crop biomass imagery can be used to predict final yield.

Center West’s Sun City Farm, 80km north of Perth is one of two project demonstration sites in WA (see WA Grower Winter 2017 pp 52-53 for report on Capel Farms site). Center West’s field production is managed by Francis Tedesco with a focus on high quality carrot production for international markets.

33RIGHT: Carrots from low vigour zone (left) and high NDVI zone (right).

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FIGURE 1 NDVI map indicating crop biomass and vigour within a field. Red and yellow areas indicate poorer growth and pink and purple areas of higher plant biomass. Black dots indicate sampling sites Source: PARG

NDVI (Normalised Difference Vegetation Index), calculated from light absorption and reflectance characteristics of plants, is used to indicate differences in crop growth (Figure 1). This data allows Francis to identify potential underperforming areas and target management actions to address these where possible.

Ground truthing of this imagery by project staff, Celia Van Sprang (DAF Queensland), Angelica Suarez (University of New England) and Allan McKay, included spectral measurements and yield and quality assessments. Spectral data at each sampling point was extracted and several indices were tested to generate a predicted yield map. Preliminary predicted yields were close to the commercial harvested yields (e.g. 63 tonnes/ha c.f.

61.8 tonnes/ha) suggesting that the

development of a predictive yield model for carrots might be possible.

The predicted yield data can be further analysed to provide Francis with more information about the potential impact of underperforming areas on his productivity and ultimately profitability.

Table 1 provides a breakdown of what area and predicted yield values occur across an individual field. With gross margin information this data can be used to quantify the potential impact of underperforming areas on profitability or to generate a profit/loss map.

“Precision agriculture looks an interesting approach”, says Francis. “Often we know there is variability in our crops, sometimes we know what might be causing it, but aren’t really sure what the impact on yield is in particular areas of a planting so we

TABLE 1 Predicted yields for carrots growing under centre-pivot

Predicted yield zone

Area of pivot in each yield zone (ha)

Predicted yield

%

(tonnes/ha)

(tonnes)

%

Low

0.3

5

30

9

2

Low-medium

1.4

21

53

73

17

Medium-high

2.7

40

64

172

40

High

2.3

34

74

172

40

* Predicted total tonnages for each zone in this field ^ Percentage of the total predicted tonnes from this field for each zone

60

Total predicted tonnages from each yield zone* and % of total field tonnage^

WA Grower SPRING 2017

33TOP: Angelica Suarez and Celia van Sprang ground truthing at Center West.

33ABOVE: Kieran Coupe installing Wildeye® soil moisture monitors.

don’t really know what the impact on our bottom line is. The idea that we will be able to measure the variability and the financial impact using satellite imagery and other technology is pretty exciting. It looks like the future of crop management from what I’ve seen already”, commented Francis.

Wildeye® soil moisture monitoring equipment has been installed by Kieran Coupe of Outpost Central as irrigation uniformity, or lack of it, may be an important source of variability.

Also plans include retro-fitting a yield monitor to Center West’s new 4-row carrot harvester to map yield over the extensive production areas.

There will be an opportunity for vegetable growers to find out more about available precision agriculture technologies and results from the demonstration sites through future workshops and field day events. Keep an eye out for notification of these events.

MORE INFORMATION For more information contact Rebecca Blackman at vegetablesWA on (08) 9481 0834 or rebecca.blackman@vegetableswa.com.au

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Calcium Bentonite Clay Increases soil moisture retention Locally sourced, stable, inorganic product

0418 140 929

BentoniteWA

info@bentonitewa.com.au www.bentonitewa.com.au

YOUR INDUSTRY

e h t r o f g Plannin

Planning for the proposed Peel Food Zone report The proposed Peel Food Zone initially covered about 28,000ha between the Kwinana Freeway and the South West Highway and pivoted around the planned Peel Business Park in Nambeelup (see Figure 1).

As an outcome of the study, the Peel Food Zone area increased to 42,000ha to include high quality soils on the footslopes of the Darling Scarp and established agribusinesses in the Shire of SerpentineJarrahdale. Although a large area, not all the land within the Peel Food Zone is suitable for agricultural development.

BY HEATHER PERCY DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

A major milestone of the Peel Food Zone project has been reached with the release of a new report, Planning for the Proposed Peel Food Zone.

The Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development (previously the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia) worked collaboratively with consultants, GHD, for six months on the study which reviewed the extent of the proposed Peel Food Zone, and identified suitable locations for more intensive agriculture. The study researched ‘food zones’ across Australia and internationally, and delved into the land use planning framework for agriculture for the area.

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About the Peel Food Zone The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is leading the high level planning of the Peel Food Zone.

The proposed Peel Food Zone covers about 42,000 hectares (ha) across the Shires of Murray and Serpentine-Jarrahdale, north east of Mandurah and aims to be one of Western Australia’s leading agribusiness hubs for research, science and innovative food production enterprises and processing facilities.

GHD used their multi-criteria analysis software to assess the suitability of six agricultural development scenarios: • Dryland pasture and grazing of cattle, sheep and horses (current use)

The Peel Food Zone is one of three strategic elements of the $49 million Transform Peel initiative, led by the Peel Development Commission (PDC).

Collaboration with PDC, the Shires of Murray and Serpentine-Jarrahdale, Department of Water and Environmental Regulation and LandCorp have been vital to progress on the project. The department is also consulting with local landholders and community groups as part of the planning process.

FIGURE 1 Proposed location of the Peel Food Zone Source: DPIRD

YOUR INDUSTRY

$49m Transform Peel initiative

The Western Australian Planning Commission has specific naming conventions for zonings and special control areas for specific purposes, such as priority agriculture.

• Soil-based irrigated annual horticulture such as leafy vegetables • Soil-based irrigated perennial horticulture such as fruit trees and vines • Soil-based covered irrigated horticulture such as tunnel houses for strawberries

The DPRID team will be discussing the most appropriate way to recognise the Peel Food Zone in the planning system with local and state government in coming months.

• Closed loop protected horticulture such as vegetables grown in glasshouses • Closed loop livestock systems such as sheds housing poultry or pigs Each land use scenario was assessed against a range of environmental, social, infrastructure and physical data sets relevant to each land use. The data were scored and weighted in a workshop in January with members of the Transform Peel and Peel Food Zone teams. The approach generated more than fifty individual maps of scored criteria such as land capability, groundwater availability, road, internet and power supply networks and distances from residential areas and major waterways.

GHD used its multiple criteria software to analyse each land use scenario and generated six land suitability maps. The maps and the underlying criteria were reviewed at a stakeholder workshop in April and adjusted according to feedback from participants.

The eastern Peel Food Zone is suitable for a wide range of agriculture but western areas which are closer to the Peel-Yalgorup wetlands, have high risk of nutrient export and are better suited to closed production such as hydroponics.

Over coming months, the team from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development will organise meetings with landholders and other interested groups.

Support for food industry transition

33THE zone will include closed loop protected horticulture such as vegetables grown in glasshouses.

As well as presenting the study findings, the team are keen to hear from local residents about living and farming in the Peel, and to explore opportunities and challenges that arise as the Transform Peel Initiative is implemented over the next 35 years. Combining the technical studies with local knowledge will improve future land use planning and investment.

The best way to identify the Peel Food Zone in planning strategies and schemes is still being considered with the GHD study highlighting the need to manage land use conflicts. These typically arise when intensive agricultural activities negatively impact on the amenity of adjoining residents, via excessive odour, noise or visual impact. Land use conflicts can also occur between agricultural enterprises, due to production issues such as biosecurity risk, spray drift from chemical applications and potential loss of organic or other certification.

The department has commissioned consulting firm GHD to identify agrifood businesses in the Perth metro region under development pressure which may consider relocating into the Peel Business Park, to determine their land, infrastructure and servicing needs. We are working closely with LandCorp in this work.

Laying the groundwork for investment The department is working with our project partners to develop an understanding of investor needs, to better target and attract capital to the Peel Food Zone.

MORE INFORMATION To find out more visit: www.agric.wa.gov.au/peelfoodzone Heather Percy, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development E: heather.percy@agric.wa.gov.au

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Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

Planning the Peel Food Zone What is the Peel Food Zone?

• The Peel Food Zone is part of the Transform Peel Initiative supported by Royalties for Regions

• The Peel Food Zone aims to attract innovative agricultural businesses into the Peel region.

• The proposed Peel Food Zone is located north east of Mandurah and covers more than 40 000 hectares across the Shires of Murray and Serpentine-Jarrahdale

Proposed Peel Food Zone

• The Peel Food Zone focuses on opportunities to develop innovative food production and drive production of high quality produce which isn’t climate dependent

M ndu Mandu urah a

Planning the Peel Food Zone • A new independent report assessed a range of agricultural industries including free range grazing, irrigated horticulture, glasshouse and hydroponics, and intensive animal production in the Peel Food Zone

• Investing in planning means future food production can be developed in the most suitable areas

• Ensuring new job opportunities and investment to support the region’s growing population while protecting the Peel’s wetlands systems are priorities for planning the Peel Food Zone

Peel Inlet

hw a Hig th W est Sou

Kwinana win Freeway

y

Kw ina

na

Free

way

Perth

Are you a landholder or community group in the Peel region?

Contact Heather Percy, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development to learn more about the Peel Food Zone.

heather.percy@agric.wa.gov.au agric.wa.gov.au transformpeel.com.au

YOUR INDUSTRY

Flicking the switch far from

‘bore-ing’

A switch was flicked to mark the completion of the groundwork of the Gascoyne Food Bowl initiative in Carnarvon.

33MINISTER MacTiernan flicking the switch to one of the 35 new bores.

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WA Grower SPRING 2017

YOUR INDUSTRY

35

new production bores

The infrastructure stage of the initiative has concluded, paving the way for the release of 400 hectares (ha) of land for agricultural development, backed by a guaranteed supply of high-quality water.

The Gascoyne Food Bowl initiative, delivered by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) in association with other WA departments, has laid the foundations for potential developers to invest in irrigated agriculture and create new jobs.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is the new amalgamated department of the former Departments of Agriculture and Food; Fisheries and Regional Development which will provide a strong and unified service for Western Australia’s vital primary industries and regions.

The Gascoyne Food Bowl Initiative was established in 2012 to increase horticultural production in Carnarvon by developing an additional 400ha of new land, sourcing four gigalitres of new water and developing the water and power infrastructure to deliver the new water to growers.

Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan visited the borefield in July to flick the switch on one of the area's 35 new production bores.

Executive Director, Irrigated Agriculture, John Ruprecht said the bores were powered by a new electricity grid to help pump four gigalitres of water per year through a purpose-built 25 kilometre pipeline, drawn from the Gascoyne River's aquifers.

33LOCAL growers will reap benefits from the project, which has doubled the existing water supply.

“The project has relied on new technology to reduce costs and improve sustainability,” John said.

“This has included the use of airborne electromagnetic surveillance to identify exploration bores and the installation of four sand spears to harvest water when the Gascoyne River flows.”

Once completed, the project will boost the Gascoyne’s capacity to supply to existing customers, currently worth more than $85 million per annum and capture new domestic and export market opportunities.

MORE INFORMATION For further information please check the website www.agric.wa.gov.au/r4r/gascoynefood-bowl-initiative or contact Kirrily Palmer on (08) 9368 3620 or email kirrily.palmer@ agric.wa.gov.au

“Local growers will also reap benefits from the project, which has doubled the existing water supply, while the new electric power supply has reduced operating costs,” John said.

DPIRD will work with Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage on land release over the next two years, including liaising with traditional owners, local industry and the community.

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Biosecurity Blitz 2017 33ASIAN long-horned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) — an exotic pest to Australia.

33TOP: Light brown apple moth (Epiphyas postvittana) larvae — a pest of citrus and other fruit crops, such as apple.

33ABOVE: European wasp.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development are preparing to announce the third annual Biosecurity Blitz — an event to support community surveillance for pests and diseases using the MyPestGuide Reporter app.

The Biosecurity Blitz 2017 will run from 18–30 September.

The event is just one of numerous events the MyPestGuide team have initiated to increase the uptake of the popular app and encourages people to look and report insects, weeds and signs of diseases back to the department for expert identification.

Thanks to these promotional activities, MyPestGuide Reporter app has been downloaded over almost 8,000 times since its launch in 2015.

The increased downloads have resulted in over 30,000 valuable surveillance reports received by the department via the app.

These reports support Western Australia’s access to premium markets and claims of area freedom of certain pests and diseases.

Recent pest incursions in WA, such as Tomato Potato Psyllid (TPP) highlight the importance of early detection.

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WA Grower SPRING 2017

MyPestGuide Reporter app The MyPestGuide Reporter app is a reporting tool that allows anyone to take up to four photographs and then sends the report directly to DPIRD experts for identification, who in turn respond back to the user via an email and/or the device.

Participants without a smart device can also submit reports using the department’s online MyPestGuide reporting tool.

All your reports of pests or diseases, as well as absence reports and beneficial organism reports, help safeguard Australia’s biosecurity status, therefore each report you make supports WA’s access to high quality, safe food products and a clean agricultural supply chain ensuring Australia continued access into international markets.

Recent reports made by the public of European wasp and Green snail via the MyPestGuide Reporter app, have proved it to be an invaluable tool to support WA’s biosecurity status.

To participate in Biosecurity Blitz 2017, all you need to do is download the free MyPestGuide Reporter app onto your smart device, have a look around your house, garden or local bushland for any insect, weed, animal or disease symptom and report it back to us using MyPestGuide Reporter or online tool.

Biosecurity Blitz 2017 is part of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s Boosting Biosecurity Defences project and made possible by Royalties for Regions.

During Biosecurity Blitz 2017, department staff will identify the organisms reported and collate the data online for the reporting community. A summary report on the Biosecurity Blitz finding will also be published on the website later in the year.

MORE INFORMATION Contact Anna Micha, Department of Primary Industry & Regional Development, at anna.micha@agric.wa.gov.au

YOUR PRODUCTION POMEWEST

WA Grower SPRING 2017

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POMEWEST

Pomewest Committee and Officers Harvey Giblett, Chair E: newtonbros@wn.com.au Mario Casotti

E: mario@casottigroup.com

Wayne Ghilarducci E: strathspey@modnet.com.au Jason Jarvis

E: twinpack@bigpond.com

Sam Licciardello

E: sam@orchard1sixty.com.au

Mark Scott

E: markpscott@bigpond.com

From the Pomewest Executive Manager

Susie Murphy White, Project Manager E: susan.murphy-white@agric.wa.gov.au Nardia Stacy, Executive Manager E: nardia@fruitwest.org.au

BY NARDIA STACY EXECUTIVE MANAGER, POMEWEST

APC–Pomewest FFS Income 2016–17 Project General Account Budget

$ 450,000

Biosecurity Account Budget

60,000

APC-Pomewest major projects 2017–18 Project Commercialisation for WA (FW Co-operative Ltd)

$ 120,000

Note less 50% salary reimbursed for professional services of Nardia Stacy as executive officer as in 16–17 financial year.

New Technology Project (Susie Murphy White)

52,000

Study Tour to NZ

31,000

Flavonoid Project

40,000

Market Access Project

50,000

Annual Meetings and Communications

14,500

Medfly Surveillance Trapping Network (Ashmere Consulting)

60,000

Codling Moth (DPIRD)

35,000

Maturity Standards Legislation and Compliance

45,000

Industry Sponsorships and Association Memberships

12,500

Promotion & Publicity Local Project (Fresh Finesse)

24,000

Administration

148,060

APC Administration Charge

45,000

APC fee for service charge POME fruit effective from 1 January 2015

70

Type of fruit

$/kg

Fresh fruit — apples, pears, Nashi, other

0.015

Processing fruit

0.005

Biosecurity FFS for fresh fruit

0.002

Biosecurity FFS for processing fruit

0.001

WA Grower SPRING 2017

Spring on its way, it will be the chill hours and rain that will form the foundations for the next season. 2017 looks set to be a very low chill hour year.

The hours started to accumulate in late March and is so far is tracking in line with some of the warmest years on record. A snapshot in mid-August, shows that Manjimup have accumulated 50 chill portions, Donnybrook 35 and Bickley 43. From this information we can expect to see a long and protracted flowering season.

Good rain in July and August have turned the season around a little and created a little more positive outlook for water supply.

The Committee has approved funding of 2017–18 projects (see column to the left of this article). Chosen under the guidance of the Pomewest strategic and biosecurity plans, the Committee has directed activities for the continued development and benefit of the apple and pear industry. It is acknowledged that the sale prices this year for this category have been challenging and the focus remains to lifting production and efficiency systems, quality management, variety development, addressing market access and minimising biosecurity risk. This will develop and build markets and the return to the grower. We continue look to export as the golden ticket.

33A weather snapshot in mid-August, shows that we can expect to see a long and protracted flowering season.

POMEWEST

Other planned activities for 2017–18 funding year Study Tour NZ Planning is in full swing for a study tour to NZ in February and is open to all members for the opportunity to visit orchards in New Zealand and encourage the transfer of orchard technology. We are also excited to offer 5 x $1000 scholarships for young growers or orchard staff to take advantage of this opportunity. We believe that study tours are an essential part of the orchard technology transfer process necessary in the WA Pome fruit industry. It will influence participants on the impact of important decision making, feeding conversations and changing practices in the industry.

At present there is a generational shift in some WA orchards, this is an opportunity to encourage the future orchardists to identify and develop new skills and techniques which can be adapted to suit their own circumstances. Details are available by contacting Susie Murphy White see this edition for more information.

BRAVO™ trialled in Singapore

33ABOVE L-R: Jenny Mercer, Steele Jacob and the Hon Alannah MacTiernan MLC. 33RIGHT: Southern Forest apple grower Nick Markovski.

Minimum maturity standards — Royal Gala, Pink Lady™ and Granny Smith

that growers support the event by making time to coming contribute their expertise and so the public can ‘Meet the Grower’ a very important aspect in connecting with our eaters.

Inch by inch we grow closer to our attempt to legislate the standards for the 2018 season. Industry has supported this and been involved in the approval of this activity. Pomewest will continue to fund compliance through the value chain to give our customers the very best of a taste experience when they taste our WA apples, and we will support our growers to make sure this is achievable.

Our social media on Facebook and Instagram continues for WA Apples and Pears which is a great medium to share positive stories about our products. In the coming year we will look to increase activities to include competitions, and sport sponsorships.

Fruit fly surveillance trapping

Export news

This project continues this year and makes good progress to date. This project identifies industry driven surveillance.

Key data collection is an important tool in proving region, area or state freedom from pests of quarantine concern and in turn for us to use to open and retain market access. Data obtained to date shows low medfly numbers in some orchards in Donnybrook, Kirup, Manjimup and Pemberton this potentially can support a future market access protocol.

Great news that the BRAVO™ branded apple is being trialled in Singapore under marketer Jenny Mercer of WA Farm Direct and will make its international debut at the 2017 Asia Fruit Logistica in September this year. From humble beginnings this apple is set to make is mark on the global market.

Promotion With Noelene Swain from Fresh Finesse we continue to support fruit in various activities, including school programs, seasonal media and various field days and shows including our major event for the year the Perth Royal Show. Hort Innovation have committed funds of $10,000 to support this activity and we ask

More news is that this month a shipment of 1,200 cartons of Granny Smith apples ex Manjimup are on their way to Hong Kong.

Branded under the Genuinely Southern Forest with the marketing partnership of Allstates — this is again welcomed news for industry.

It’s wonderful to see the quality of WA produce is starting to be recognised by the Asian export markets. This news should give growers confidence that export opportunities do exist and there are avenues available. Exciting times ahead!

In addition, the pome industry applauds the Fruit West Co-operative Ltd who has just been announced as recipients being awarded Grower Grant Research and Development for $380,000 and an Industry Grants for International Competitiveness grant for $60,000. The benefits for industry is that means funding to fast track export activities for BRAVO™ being conducting a cost benefit analysis for an investment prospectus, developing a best practice manual for the supply chain, customer profiling activities, brand awareness and value adding all objectives of the project.

Biosecurity We continue to talk and progress our biosecurity risk management and planning with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Agriculture and Food.

Finally, as we always advise, our door is open; we welcome any queries or suggestions from our members. Please feel free to contact me any time for a chat.

MORE INFORMATION Contact Nardia Stacy on (08) 9368 3869 or nardia@pomewest.net.au

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POMEWEST

New committee members We welcome Jason Jarvis and Wayne Ghilarducci as new members of the Pomewest committee. The committee recently met on Wednesday 2 August. Minutes of the meeting are available to Pomewest members on request.

involved with wider industry issues. Apple and pear growing in WA has a strong future as long as producers can exceed customer expectations and so does Pomewest. This is achievable with good communication at all levels and an understanding of what the expectations are with some creative thinking and measured actions is the key.

Jason Jarvis Jason is a third generation fruit grower, his family farm ‘Happy Valley’ in Donnybrook was cleared by his grandfather in 1939.

He has been part of the fruit industry since leaving university in 1993. He is well accomplished, completing his Diploma of Horticultural Business in NZ and in 2007 he won a Nuffield Scholarship. On his return from completing his degree, he partnered with his parents, purchased a compact grader and started and managed a contract packing business. He then travelled the world studying organic fruit production and converted the business to certified organic trading as Prime Organics and supplying fruit, some vegetables, eggs and beef Australia wide.

Jason, through his father Henry, has always had an interest in industry and has joined the committee — as he says ‘rather than sit back and complain he should get involved and make changes if necessary.’ Jason sees Pomewest as a structure to stabilise and collect resources that allows commercial producers to do business in a competitive environment without the added stress of dealing with bureaucracy and politics

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WA Grower SPRING 2017

He believes that fruit growing is challenging at the best of times — Organics especially — but it is very rewarding. His goal is to have a successful farming business that his children are eager to be involved with and see as a noble and financially rewarding career.

Wayne Ghilarducci Wayne is a third generation fruit grower and you could say growing fruit is in his blood. It has been a passion for him since he left school in 2000 and his career ever since. The Ghilarducci Orchard is a family business located in Karragullen in the Perth Hills area and has been established for around 50 years.

33L–R: Harvey Giblett, Mark Scott, Sam Licciardello, Mario Casotti, Wayne Ghilarducci and Jason Jarvis.

Why did he put up his hand for the Pomewest Committee? Well Wayne is keen to do his part for industry and be a part of making some positive changes.

He believes that the industry has been doing things a little tough in recent years.

He hopes by joining Pomewest he can bring a younger generation’s perspective and he hopes make a difference and some improvements.

Wayne is extremely enthusiastic about growing fruit. He understands the value of trialling new varieties and the importance of being innovative. Again his fundamental goal is about growing a prosperous and sustainable business for his family for the future. He also cares about his fellow growers. He also sees export as a huge opportunity, especially to Asia, and the importance of providing quality fruit to all our consumers to stabilise and build market demand for the benefit of the next generations.

MORE INFORMATION Contact Nardia Stacy on (08) 9368 3869 or nardia@pomewest.net.au

POMEWEST

Future Orchards Walk

Winter 2017 Manjimup

BY SUSIE MURPHY WHITE PROJECT MANAGER, POMEWEST

Thank you to our June Orchard Walk hosts Joe and Lucy Fontanini in Manjimup, another successful orchard walk.

33MAIN IMAGE: Artificial Spur Extension method of pruning to the number of buds demonstrated by Ross Wilson.

33ABOVE: Pruning demonstration by Steve Spark.

The theme of ‘Future Trees’ continued with presentations focusing on selecting new varieties to plant and considering the options with club varieties by AgFirst’s Steve Spark. The varietal mix in the orchard can affect the profitability of the orchard, so choosing a club variety that can make good returns is essential.

During the orchard walk pruning demonstrations were given by Ross and Steve. The Future Orchard trials were also seen by participants. The SNAP (Simple Narrow Accessible and Productive) trial provided much discussion on pruning styles and timing. At the Apples on Apples pre-planting treatment trial the biofumigation seed mixes of mustard, rocket and Ethiopian cabbage had germinated well and were looking impressive to all.

Researching the variety and making sure that it can fit within your orchard business and grow well on your orchard location will ensure good decisions pay well into the future.

An update on the research that has been undertaken by the PIPS program (Productivity, Irrigation Pests and Soils) was given by AgFirst’s Ross Wilson.

This included updates on each of the five projects; tree structure comparing artificial spur extension with chemical thinning, biennial bearing in apples, apple tree and fruit nutrition, profitable new pears and the release of biocontrol agent against codling moth.

Thank you to all growers who attended the day and we look forward to seeing you again at the next Future Orchards Walk is in late November 2017.

33BIOFUMIGATION pre planting treatments at the Apples on Apples trial on 31 August 2017; David Grays’ Green Fume mustard and rocket (TOP) and PGG Wrightson Ethiopian cabbage and mustard (BOTTOM).

MORE INFORMATION Call Susie Murphy White, Project Manager — Pomewest, phone (08) 9777 0151 or email susan.murphy-white@agric.wa.gov.au.

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POMEWEST

Time to take steps to manage apple scab

BY SUSIE MURPHY WHITE 1 AND JOHN SUTTON 2 1 POMEWEST 2 DPIRD MANJIMUP

Apple scab (Venturia inaequalis) or black spot is caused by the fungus Venturia inaequalis and can have significant impact on apple production and will affect the West Australian apple industry if left unmanaged. Apple scab is present in WA and needs to be controlled to prevent it from becoming a widespread disease.

Winter orchard clean up must become a routine practice for the control of apple scab as it is for the management of other pests and diseases such as pear scab, Mediterranean fruit flies and Alternaria spp.

Apple scab or black spot disease can infect the aerial parts of apple trees including leaves, petioles, flowers, fruits, pedicels, young shoots and bud scales.

It is favoured by cool, rainy and humid spring and summer conditions. Leaves and fruits are highly susceptible to apple scab in their early stages of development.

The disease spreads when plant tissues remain wet for a certain period of time at a particular temperature. This wetness/ temperature combination is often referred to as ‘Mills period’ after the scientist who first defined the relationship (Table 1).

Apple scab has a predictable life cycle that starts in winter. The fungus survives winter primarily in fallen leaves.

Microscopic flask–shaped black fruiting

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bodies called pseudothecia will develop in infected leaves which have fallen on the orchard floor. Occasionally, in certain regions and on certain cultivars, the fungus can survive in infected bud scales and on twigs, as mycelium or conidia.

In spring the ascospores (sexual spores) contained in the pseudothecia reach maturity by September. When leaves on the orchard floor become wet, the ascospores are forcibly ejected into the air mostly during daylight hours. This discharge continues after rain events until late November to early December, by which time all the ascospores have been released. Most are discharged between the pink bud and petal fall stages. At this time of rapid growth, young plant tissues are highly susceptible to infection.

Apple scab control

TABLE 1 Mills chart for predicting occurrence of apple scab Wetting time Time required Average required for for scab lesions temperature infection in spring to appear (°C) (hours) (days) 5.6

30.0

>17

7.2

20.0

>17

8.3

17.0

>17

9.4

14.5

17

10.0

14.0

16

12.2

11.5

14

13.0

11.0

14

13.9–15.0

10.0

12–13

15.5

9.5

11

16–24.0

9.0

8–10

24.5

9.5

9

25.0

11.0

9

25.6

13.0

10

Source: Adapted from Mills and Laplante 1954, Cornell Extension Bulletin No. 711

33TOP: Severe apple scab infection as seen on apple fruit.

33ABOVE: Apple leaves infected with apple scab spores as seen on the upper surface of apple leaves.

Air currents carry the ascospores into the trees and onto developing flowers, leaves and fruitlets where they adhere quickly on contact and resist removal by more rain. Stronger wind can transport them throughout the orchard as well as to adjoining orchards.

If the leaves and fruitlets remain wet long enough, the ascospores germinate and grow into the tissue.

Olive–green, velvety scab lesions will appear after 9 to 17 days, depending on temperatures. Infection is rare above average temperatures of 26°C. These

POMEWEST

TABLE 2 Suggested spray schedule for controlling apple scab under Western Australian conditions Fungicide program/options

Control comments

September to October/early November 1F irst spray at early green tip with protectant spray

Apply to the whole block within orchard at first signs of green tip in any part of an orchard block

2S econd spray 10 days later with protectant spray

Apply to the whole orchard

3T hird and subsequent spray at 7–10 day intervals with a postinfection plus protectant spray

Reduce the interval to 7 days when heavy rain (15–20mm) or persistent showers fall 5–6 days after the previous spray

Mid-November to end December 4S ubsequent sprays at 10 day intervals with protectant

Effectiveness of a protectant spray is reduced by 1 day for every 5mm of rain When rain is forecast between days 7 and 10, re-apply protectant before it falls. If the protective period is interrupted by rain or overhead irrigation, then a postinfection plus protectant must be applied at first opportunity

January to harvest

33LATE season apple scab infection as seen on the underside and petioles of apple leaves.

5 If required, subsequent sprays at 14–21 day intervals (postinfection and/or protectant)

Only spray if the disease is present and weather conditions favour secondary infections Respect withholding periods and export restrictions

After leaf fall

spots are the result of primary infections and bear masses of dark conidia or summer spores.

Successful management of apple scab relies on a series of practices which target the disease at various stages of its life cycle. Creating conditions unsuitable to development of the disease will lower the need for chemical applications.

Orchard sanitation The ascospores which mature in infected leaves on the orchard floor are the source of primary infections in spring. A high number of matured ascospores will lead to high risk of infection. Sanitation measures which reduce the winter inoculum will lower incidence of the disease in spring and include: • postharvest autumn application of foliar urea to prevent the formation of pseudothecia and hasten the breakdown of leaves. Spray thoroughly on both sides of leaves in late autumn/early winter (May/June) but not too early prior to leaf fall to avoid excessive nitrogen being translocated into the tree.

• collection and destruction of leaf litter and fallen fruit. Fallen leaves and

6 Apply urea at 5%

This is to prevent development of pseudothecia (winter– fruiting bodies) and to assist with breakdown of leaf litter

fruit are swept into the middle of the row and mulched with a flail mower.

Mulching can be combined with a ground application of urea.

• pruning to increase air flow for quicker canopy drying time and to improve spray penetration.

These techniques alone will not control apple scab and should be used with other measures.

Fungicides Chemical control aims to prevent primary infections early in the season. Without primary infections, no subsequent secondary infections can prolong the cycle of disease over summer. Without summer spores from secondary infections there is little chance of a build-up of ascospores in fallen leaves during winter.

An effective control program relies on using protectant (pre-infection) fungicides, post–infection fungicides or a combination of both. Spray programs start at the green tip stage to correspond with the early release of the ascospores from the

previous season's carryover. Spraying should continue if weather conditions are suitable for infection (Table 2).

Some active ingredients registered for control of apple scab are also registered for control of powdery mildew. A list of chemical options for controlling apple scab pre and post infection can be found within the Pome and summer fruit orchard spray guide 2014–15. The chemical resistance strategy in place for this disease is available from the CropLife Australia website.

MORE INFORMATION Call Susie Murphy White, Project Manager — Pomewest, phone (08) 9777 0151 or email susan.murphy-white@agric.wa.gov.au • www.agric.wa.gov.au/pome-fruit/ managing-apple-scab-western-australia • www.agric.wa.gov.au/pome-fruit/pomeand-summer-fruit-orchard-spray-guidewestern-australia-2014-15

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POMEWEST

Dormancy breakers in low chill years

The use of dormancy breaking sprays is a potential adaptation for the apple and pear industry to warmer years as they have been shown to stimulate earlier, more homogenous bud burst and flowering in a number of crops grown in mild climates worldwide.

The two national climate change projects undertaken for the pome fruit industry have highlighted that Western Australia is vulnerable to low winter chill and strategies to manage winter chill are going to be an important part of the pome fruit industry.

The trial set out to compare three dormancy breaking products; Dormex® (Cyanamide), Waiken® (Methyl esters of fatty acids) and Erger® (Decanol alkoxylate fertiliser adjuvant) on four apple cultivars (Cripps Pink, Granny Smith, Fuji and Cripps Red). Two methods of timing the application of dormancy breakers were used; the first treatment applied after receiving 70% of the average winter chill (49 chill portions) and second timing at 35 days before expected bud burst (BEBB).

Label rates were used on all products.

All four cultivars (Cripps Pink, Granny Smith, Fuji and Cripps Red) were sprayed after receiving 57 chill portions on 2 August 2016 this was 75% of the actual chill portions received at Manjimup. In 2016 Manjimup accumulated 76 chill portions from 1 March to 31 August which was one of the highest chill accumulating years (Figure 1).

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60

Warmest 10% Coolest 10%

40 20

06 Sep

17 Aug

28 Jul

08 Jul

18 Jun

29 May

09 May

19 Apr

30 Mar

10 Mar

19 Feb

0 30 Jan

A Pomewest funded trial was set up in 2016 to test the effect of dormancy breaking sprays in a low chill environment.

80

2016 Average (1981–2010)

10 Jan

BY SUSIE MURPHY WHITE 1 , JOHN SUTTON 2 AND LISA STARKIE 2 1 POMEWEST MANJIMUP 2 DPIRD MANJIMUP

Chill portions

100

Date FIGURE 1 Winter chill accumulation for Manjimup 1st March to 31st August 2016

To determine the 35 days BEBB historical flowering records and chill accumulation records were used to predict the timing for all cultivars.

tip, then first flower recorded and lastly number of flowers counted until full bloom (80% flowering) was reached. No toxicity was observed in any trees treated with dormancy breakers.

The predicted chill accumulation resulted in the following treatment timing; Cripps Pink was sprayed at 21 days, Fuji 28 days, Granny Smith 32 days and Cripps Red 38 days before actual green tip (Table 1).

What did we see in the orchard during spring?

From the 1st September through to November 32 trees of each cultivar (four trees per treatment at both timings) were monitored three times a week, green tips counted until 5% of the tree was in green

Green tip was observed early (1st September) in Dormex® treated trees in Cripps Pink at the 70% timing. All trees treated with Dormex® except the Cripps Pink 35 days BEBB and Fuji days 35 BEBB reached green tip first. The dormancy breakers applied at the 70% timing were sprayed at 43 days before green tip for Cripps Pink, Fuji 57 days and Granny Smith 45 days. Green tip was delayed in the trees treated with Waiken® at 35 days BEBB, Cripps Pink and Fuji trees were sprayed at 21 days and 28 days respectively.

TABLE 1 Timing of dormancy-breaking spray application on Cripps Red, Cripps Pink, Fuji and Granny Smith

Green tip date

Spray timing (days before green tip)

Chill portions @ spraying

2/08/2016

9/09/2016

38

57 (75%)

Cripps Pink 70%

2/08/2016

14/09/2016

43

57 (75%)

Fuji 70%

2/08/2016

28/09/2016

57

57 (75%)

Granny Smith 70%

2/08/2016

16/09/2016

45

57 (75%)

Actual spray date Cripps Red 70%

Cripps Red 35 BEBB

2/08/2016

9/09/2016

38

57 (75%)

Cripps Pink 35 BEBB

24/08/2016

14/09/2016

21

71 (93%)

Fuji 35 BEBB

24/08/2016

21/09/2016

28

71 (93%)

Granny Smith 35 BEBB

18/08/2016

19/09/2016

32

64 (84%)

POMEWEST

Yield per tree (kg)

120

Flowering was compacted to 7 days from 18 days in the Cripps Pink 35 days BEBB, Granny Smith 70% and 8 days Cripps Pink 70% and Fuji 70% timing trees treated with Dormex®. Flowering was extended in Fuji 70% sprayed at 57 days before green tip treated with Erger® and all treatments for the Fuji 35 days BEBB. Difficulty in predicting the season can mean sometimes product could be applied too late as not enough chill has been received and instead of advancing green tip it is delayed. As expected, Waiken® set back green tip when applied at 20 days BEBB, as seen in the Cripps Pink 35 days BEBB sprayed at 21 days before green tip and Fuji 35 days BEBB sprayed at 28 days before green tip. But when applied at 35-50 days BEBB green tip was advanced as seen in all cultivars treated at the 70% timing.

However the Dormex® response was always earlier than the Waiken® treatments.

What effect was observed on fruit set?

The Fuji trees treated with Waiken® 70% had the highest fruit set with 95% of the flower clusters setting fruit (Figure 2).

The overall fruit set in the Waiken® trees was higher than the Dormex® followed by Erger® and the trees treated at 70% had a better fruit set than the trees treated at 35 days BEBB. Fruit set was not impacted by the compaction of the flowering period for cultivars treated at 70% timing. The Cripps Pink 35 days BEBB showed a reduced fruit set and this treatment also had a compacted flowering.

Control Dormex Erger Wakien

100 80 60 40 20 0

70%

35 BEBB

Cripps Red

70%

a

b

35 BEBB

Red Fuji

70%

35 BEBB

Cripps Pink

c

FIGURE 4 Red Fuji trees on 19 October 2016 treated with dormancy breakers sprays 35 days before expected bud burst a b c d

Control treatment — full bloom 21 Oct Dormex treatment — end petal fall Erger treatment — 50% flowering Waiken treatment — first flowers

Did the dormancy breakers effect yield and variability of maturity at harvest?

There was no measurable reduction in the variability of fruit maturity at harvest with any of the sprays (assessed by looking at colour and SPI), despite the effect on compaction of flowering. There were no differences in harvest timing or variability of maturity at harvest between treatments.

Estimated yields were not impacted by any of the dormancy-breaking sprays on most Control Dormex Erger Wakien

90 80 70 60

d

treatments. But maybe Erger® treated Cripps Pink trees at both timings did result in lower yields (Figure 3).

A very obvious response was observed for flowering in the field after the application of Dormex® with compacted flowering seen in all cultivars except Fuji treated with Dormex® at 70% timing. Although, fruit set in the Waiken® treated trees performed better resulting in a better yield in this trial.

In 2016 Manjimup received the most chill it had in a long time tracking along the coolest 10% of years, most old timers said winter was like the old days cold and wet. This is in contrast to 2017, where we are just below the warmest 10% of years. Our trial did not test a low chill year for Manjimup. But from our results we can conclude that dormancy breaking sprays can compact flowering making the progression from green tip through to full bloom more homogenous, resulting in a shorter flowering time making management in the orchard at flowering easier.

For the 2016–17 season estimating the application timing of dormancy breakers was more effective in advancing green tip and compacting flowering after receiving 75% (57) of the chill portions.

50 40 30 20 10 0

70%

FIGURE 3 Estimated yield using number of fruit per tree and average fruit weight of a sample of 30

100 Percentage of flower clusters that set fruit

35 BEBB

Granny Smith

Fuji

Granny Smith 70%

Cripps Pink

Fuji

Granny Cripps Pink Smith 35 BEBB

MORE INFORMATION Call Susie Murphy White, Project Manager — Pomewest, phone (08) 9777 0151 or email susan.murphy-white@agric.wa.gov.au.

FIGURE 2 Fruit set for all cultivars across all treatments applied after reaching 70% of average winter chill and 35 days BEBB

WA Grower SPRING 2017

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POMEWEST

Auckland

Tauranga

Hamilton

Expression of interest

for New Zealand Study Tour

Hawke’s Bay

Nelson

Wellington

Christchurch

Dunedin Invercargill

BY SUSIE MURPHY WHITE PROJECT MANAGER, POMEWEST

West Australian Pome fruit growers and orchard managers are invited to submit an expression of interest to attend a study tour to New Zealand for late January 2018.

In four years New Zealand’s apple industry grew from producing 16 million cartons in 2012 to 19.5 million cartons in 2016 and an expected 21.5 million cartons this year worth $800 million NZD. New Zealand is making progress to meet the government’s export goal of $1 billion NZD by 2020. They are growing premium produce to sell at premium prices. New Zealand is known for taking risks developing and marketing new varieties. Gala and Braeburn were developed in New Zealand decades ago but the country remains on the cutting edge with development of many club varieties such as Dazzle™, JAZZ™, Envy™, Rockit® and Smitten®.

The study tour would involve visiting leading New Zealand pome fruit orchards in the Hawkes Bay and Nelson growing regions hosted by AgFirst Horticulture Consultants Steve Spark and Ross Wilson.

Hawkes Bay in the North Island is home to most of New Zealand’s apple production.

Two days will be spent visiting modern orchard systems, new varieties, and integration of new technologies. A visit to the Prevar Research Centre in Hawkes Bay to see the selection process involved in the development of new varieties such as Sweetie™, Smitten®, Rock it® and Piqa® brand interspecific pears. Followed by a visit to Plant & Food NZ Hawkes Bay research centre to see the Orchards of the Future planting systems trial coming into its 4th Leaf.

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Register your interest!

The next two days will be spent in the Nelson region of the South Island visiting orchards in Moteuka and Richmond.

Orchardist will have the chance to meet leading local orchardists and who will be able to exchange ideas with the group.

Participants of the study tour will gain an understanding of the New Zealand pip fruit industry; tree architecture and type of plantings, varieties of pome fruit grown, most common orchard practices, through to the marketing/exporting of the fruit.

The study tour is timed to see fruit on the trees in New Zealand as close to the Gala harvest as possible but still only have five days away from the orchard and to be back into WA ready for the Gala harvest at home.

Participants pay the cost of participating this includes airfares, accommodation and some meals, necessary for the trip.

Organization and delivery of this study tour is funded by Pomewest.

There are five young grower scholarships of $1,000 each to be awarded to eligible pomefruit growers and orchard managers to reduce the cost of participating to $1,250.

MORE INFORMATION Please register your interest with Susie Murphy White: P: (08) 9777 0151 E: susan.murphy-white@agric.wa.gov.au

YOUR BUSINESS

YOUR

BUSINESS

WA Grower SPRING 2017

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YOUR BUSINESS

A food safety culture is that combination of individual and group values, attitudes, competencies, and behaviours that determine the commitment to deliver safe food.

The challenge of a food safety culture

BY DIANNE FULLELOVE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, AUSTRALIAN MELON INDUSTRY

Food safety is one of the most important challenges for fruit and vegetable growers today. Having a quality food safety system based on HACCP is only the start of ensuring that product is safe to eat.

Food safety requires more than this.

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WA Grower SPRING 2017

YOUR BUSINESS

It needs a food safety culture in the entire business, influencing how everyone from owners to employees thinks and acts in their daily job to make sure that the product is safe. It requires commitment to doing whatever it takes, every time.

A good food safety culture can protect not only consumers from foodborne illness but the business from financial loss through protection of a brand reputation.

Unfortunately, many mangers suffer from optimistic bias, “It will not happen to me” or an illusion of control, “Nothing has gone wrong.” Or it maybe they know that food safety practices are not ideal but “There is a reason” or even “There are more important matters.”

Every business or workplace has a culture — good and bad. Having a strong food safety culture is a choice. It is a value for the business. In his book Behavior-Based Safety and Occupational Risk Management (2005), E. Scott Geller wrote that “Priorities can change; values do not”. A business has a strong food safety culture because it values the safety of its product and ultimately its customers.

Creating a good food safety culture is not easy because it often requires change to longheld beliefs and behaviours.

A good food safety culture is about having pride in producing safe food every time, recognising that a good quality product must be safe to eat. Food safety becomes a top priority.

33FOOD Safety Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) have put together a short questionnaire for a ‘health check’ of a business’s food safety culture.

Food safety is not something that happens when a business is audited. Every business should be audit-ready every day, operating to the same standards as expected when they are audited for their food safety system. Food safety culture is what happens when management or auditors are not there.

33A good food safety culture can protect not only consumers from foodborne illness but the business from financial loss through protection of a brand reputation.

A robust food safety culture must be built on the vision and values of the business’s leadership and their commitment to the production of safe food and includes the commitment and support of all employees. It starts at the top but must filter across the whole business. It requires management to openly commit to abiding by the regulations governing the way food is produced and processed.

Next, the business must build a workforce of well-trained and motivated staff, who are suitably rewarded for their commitment to food safety. Businesses need to focus on people as well as processes: especially what the people who handle product know and what they do in the workplaces.

Food Safety Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) have put together a short questionnaire for a ‘health check’ of a business’s food safety culture. It gives a picture of how the decision makers and team members rank the business’s overall approach to food safety — from the general philosophy in the workplace, to training and monitoring arrangements, to the relationship with food regulators. The survey is available at www.foodstandards. gov.au/foodsafety/culture/Documents/ food-safety-culture-questionnaire.pdf Building a strong food safety culture takes time and effort but small changes can make a big difference.

MORE INFORMATION Dianne Fullelove, Industry Development Manager, phone 0413 101 646 or email idp@melonsaustralia.org.au

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81

Growers urged to comply with HARPS for harmonised food safety standards

AUSVEG is calling all direct suppliers to Australia’s major retailers, including growers, to ensure they comply with the new Harmonised Australian Retailer Produce Scheme (HARPS) before the deadline of 1 January 2018.

“There seems to be confusion among some growers about who needs to comply with HARPS and the timeframe for achieving compliance,” said AUSVEG Environment Coordinator Andrew Shaw.

“Direct suppliers who have a direct commercial relationship with one or more of the major Australian retailers need to achieve compliance to one of four base schemes plus the elements of HARPS by 1 January 2018.

The call to action comes as the deadline approaches and to help growers along with the wider industry understand about the rollout of HARPS and “Furthermore, a subcontractor the requirements of direct or co-packer who packs to a suppliers to comply with the retailer specification for another new streamlined food safety business that then supplies Compliance date scheme. one or more of the five chain 1 January retailers, is also a direct HARPS is an industry-funded 2018 supplier and is required to be initiative to align the food safety compliant to one of the base requirements of Australia’s schemes plus HARPS by 1 major retailers. It aims to reduce January 2018. the costs and stress associated with the adoption, maintenance and auditing of “Indirect suppliers, who are growers multiple food safety systems by individual supplying product for further handling and/ direct suppliers to multiple retail or packing by a direct supplier and then customers in Australia. It has been funded to one or more of the five chain retailers,

by Hort Innovation using horticulture are not required to implement HARPS. industry levies and Government funds and However, indirect suppliers are required is managed by a Project Team, including to be certified to one of the four base the Produce Marketing Association schemes a year later, by 1 January 2019.”

Australia-New Zealand (PMA A-NZ).

The base schemes are all Global Food The retailers that have developed and Safety Initiative (GFSI) benchmarked recognise HARPS are ALDI, Coles, Costco, standards (GLOBALG.A.P., BRC or SQF) Metcash (IGA) and Woolworths. and Freshcare, which is in the process of achieving a GFSI benchmarked status.

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HARPS

YOUR BUSINESS

GFSI represents global best-practice in managing food safety hazards. Direct suppliers commenced transitioning to their chosen base scheme plus HARPS from October 2016 and over 400 audits have now been undertaken.

“HARPS will benefit the entire Australian fresh produce industry, including growers and the supply chain. Reducing the time and cost burden of multiple food safety audits for different retailers will allow growers to focus on supplying the highest quality and safe fresh produce with less onerous compliance requirements,” said Mr Shaw.

“It is important to have quality assurance in place in order to maintain the safe, high quality standards of Australian producers and it is important for direct suppliers to comply with HARPS before next January.”

MORE INFORMATION Growers looking for more information on HARPS should go to www.harpsonline.com.au, contact the HARPS Helpline on 1300 852 219, or send an email to harps@harpsonline.com.au. vegetablesWA will have a Quality Assurance Coordinator as part of the team from October to assist you with any queries you may have and to help with transitioning to HARPS and any other QA related matter. Contact the office on (08) 9481 0834 to find out more.

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Large, uniform fruit size, very firm & well-shaped lobes Strong plant, ideal for trellising Even colour transition from green to bright yellow Early maturity & continous fruit setting ability resulting in higher yields HR: TMV / PMMoV:1,2,3 IR: TSWV:P0

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For more information, contact: Kevin Swan – Sales & Development Manager – Tel: 0400 622 314 – kevin.swan@hmclause.com Important: The descriptions, illustrations, photographs, advice, suggestions and vegetation cycles that may be presented herein are aimed at experienced professionals and are derived from observations made in defined conditions on various trials. They are offered in all good faith, for purely informational purposes, and shall not therefore, under any circumstances, be held to be exhaustive, be taken as any form of guarantee of harvest or performance, prejudge specific factors or circumstances (either current or future), and more generally, form any kind of contractual undertaking whatsoever. The user must first and foremost ensure that his exploitation conditions, local geographical conditions, his planned growing period, his soil, the means at his disposal (such as technical knowledge and experience and cultural techniques and operations), his resources (such as tests and control methods) and his equipment, and more generally his agronomical, climatic, sanitary, environmental and economic context are suitable for the crops, techniques and varieties that are presented herein. All the varieties illustrated in this publication were photographed in favourable conditions and no guarantee can be provided that results will be identical under different conditions. All reproductions, whether in part or in whole, of this publication (of the medium and/or the contents), in any form whatsoever, are strictly forbidden, unless specific prior permission is granted. Non contractual photographs - All rights reserved - © 2017 HM.CLAUSE

Clause Pacific - P.O. Box 475 - Bulleen - VIC 3105 - AUSTRALIA Tel: +61 (0)3 8850 5400 - Fax: +61 (0)3 8850 5444

YOUR BUSINESS

Growers meeting the challenge of changing markets

BY CHRIS PUCKRIDGE RURAL FINANCIAL COUNSELLING SERVICE

Some fruit and vegetable growers, impacted by falling prices for some products, are seizing the moment to change to crops with better long-term markets and lower disease risks.

Crop changes can be a major disruption, often costing years of income and even more, but nimble growers are managing the impact with improved business and financial planning — and some government help.

33RFCS WA has developed an effective model based on hands-on, Western Australian rural experience.

“We’re going to go through a low return period anyway,” one grower explained, “so instead of just hanging on hoping to get back to where we were two years ago, we’re restructuring so we come out of it two years in front.

“We’re going to end up not just with more valuable and reliable crops but with better business structures.

No-one welcomes a disaster, but I wish something had pushed us into this a couple of years ago.”

Growers daunted by the difficulties and costs of making a transition can really benefit from services delivered free by Rural Financial Counselling Service WA.

RFCS WA is community-based and independent, but funded by state and federal governments to provide extra resources to rural businesses doing it tough. The program has been around 25 years, has a great track record of success and the service is free to primary producers.

“There are two big things growers need that we can help with,” explains RFCS counsellor for South West and Mid-West Region, Chris Puckridge.

“The first is accessing government funds to help with transition costs including temporary loss of income. Most useful is the Federal Farm Household Allowance that can be used to meet basic family living expenses for up to three years while a grower restructures, but we are experienced with a wide range of programs that may be drawn on depending on individual circumstances. We can navigate people through that,” Chris said.

The RFCS WA program has been around for

25 years

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WA Grower SPRING 2017

YOUR BUSINESS

“The second gets to the real core of what RFCS WA does, which is help people better plan for their future, so they regain some control and get a better outcome for themselves and their families.

maintain confidentiality and provide you with professional options. We don’t tell anyone what to do, we present information and options for people to decide on the best solution for themselves”, says Chris.

“Export is certainly not an option for everyone but even for growers who don’t export, it’s going to drive up demand and create and sustain more viable prices,” Chris concluded.

“We can help producers set up a program for their year ahead and plan for expenses and income so that cashflow can be monitored closely.”

“This challenge to viability and sustainability isn’t going to go away until the underlying issues are fixed, and that means restructuring to meet the market and stronger business management through effective planning.

Many growers haven’t been trained in developing business plans, but RFCS WA has developed an effective model based on hands-on, Western Australian rural experience.

“It’s going to be tough for a while for a lot of growers but the future is excellent: the demand for quality, safe food from the rapidly expanding middle classes in Asia and especially China is going to drive the future. It’s happening already in beef and it’s going to happen in the broader food sector. Australia is in an excellent position, we have a reputation for clean safe produce, we already have trade infrastructure in place and the new ChinaAustralia free trade agreement gives us an inside track.

RFCS WA services are free of charge, practically oriented and delivered on-farm, so the counsellor can get a real understanding of the business.

Counsellors are all professionally qualified, senior people from rural backgrounds with extensive experience in rural businesses and-or finance.

“We can also help in negotiations with banks and lenders,” Chris added. But he emphasised the need to act quickly. “Don’t leave it too late”, Chris says, “contact us as soon as you can to have a talk, it often relieves a lot of worry and distress just to speak with someone who you know will

MORE INFORMATION Growers can contact RFCS WA on 1800 612 004 or visit www.rfcswa.com.au.

Regain Focus, Create Solutions Rural Financial Counselling Service

Is this a good look for your industry?

Burn or bury those

emical waste!

not your ch . .. g in cl cy re n o s e ld attitud

o

You can’t ignore it any more, most QA programs require responsible waste management.

On our websites you can locate your nearest drumMUSTER collection site with an interactive map. You can also find out the status of the next ChemClear collection in each state. It’s quick and simple. Contact your WA consultant, Graeme Passmore: 0429 933 307 1800 008 707 | www.drummuster.org.au 1800 008 182 | www.chemclear.org.au WA Grower SPRING 2017

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Illegal phoenix activity what to watch out for The agriculture industry is heavily affected by illegal phoenix labour hire firms deliberately going into liquidation, leaving debts behind, harming honest contractors and ripping off workers by not paying their entitlements and super. If a business uses a labour hire firm operating under a phoenix structure to hire their staff, they could be liable for the company’s debts and may face criminal sanctions.

Illegal phoenix activity occurs when a company has been deliberately liquidated to avoid paying its debts, including taxes, creditors and employee entitlements, and then continues to operate under a new company name.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and the Phoenix Taskforce are currently targeting illegal phoenix businesses to protect honest businesses and workers in the agriculture industry.

If you use a labour hire firm to hire your staff, you should be on the lookout for illegal phoenix warning signs. Some of the most common warning signs include: • If you are dealing with the same contact as last year, but they are now trading under a different company name.

• If the controller of the company is not the director.

• If the controller of the company has been associated with liquidations or de-registrations.

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Case study: Agriculture business gets stung by phoenix labour hire operator The below scenario outlines the consequences of engaging a phoenix company: A banana grower from Northern Queensland relies on labour hire firm, Staff4You, to provide him with seasonal staff to assist in peak periods. Recently Staff4You changed their name to Staff For You, but as the director remained the same and the price was extremely competitive, the grower was happy to continue using them.

The grower soon notices a number of his contracted staff complaining about their salary being lower than expected and that their superannuation has not been paid.

The grower soon receives a garnishee notice from the ATO relating to payments made to the labour hire company and discovers that the labour hire company has not been paying the staff correctly and has not paid payroll tax to the ATO. The grower could now be held liable for the phoenix labour hire company’s debts, and face criminal sanctions that include: • Fines of up to $54,000 per breach and liability for shortfalls in employee entitlements where contract workers employed by the phoenix labour hire operator are underpaid in your workplace.

• Liability for allowing or referring foreign workers who do not hold a visa or who are working in breach of their visa conditions even if the person was sourced from a referral agent, labour supply company, contractor or subcontractor providing the services. This can include fines for aggravated criminal offences of up to $54,000 and five years’ imprisonment for individuals and $270,000 for body corporate; all fines are per illegal worker.

The grower is concerned about the potential consequences to him so he reports Staff4You to the ATO to investigate.

• If they ask you to direct payments to different bank accounts.

control have ever been bankrupt or in receivership.

• If their tax and super lodgements are not up-to-date.

MORE INFORMATION

• If their quote is unrealistically low.

Before engaging a labour hire firm, ensure they have a proven record of paying debts and employee entitlements. You can ask them for proof that the company is compliant with their tax obligations and check if any directors or persons in

If you suspect a labour hire firm is promoting illegal phoenix activity, you can report suspicious behaviour by completing an online tax evasion reporting form, emailing phoenix@ ato.gov.au, or calling 1800 060 062.

Find out more about illegal phoenix activity by visiting ato.gov.au/Phoenix.

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13 12 49 Small Business Development Corporation

Effective dispute resolution important for sound contracts

BY DI GRAHAM SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Changes introduced to the Horticulture Code of Conduct in April this year are expected to improve business dealings for many fruit and vegetable growers in Western Australia, but the issue of dispute resolution remains a problem area.

Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC), Martin Hasselbacher agreed with the independent reviewers of the Code who recommended the Horticulture Mediation Advisor be replaced by an improved system of dispute resolution that included faster, more easily accessible, independent expert conciliation, provided on-site.

“Although the Government didn’t go ahead with these changes, there is still the option for growers and traders to establish their own dispute resolution procedures as part of their horticulture produce agreements,” Mr Hasselbacher said.

“In light of this decision, and with more contracts being brought under the Code’s coverage, we’re encouraging growers and traders to review the dispute resolution provisions in their agreements to make sure they include fair and effective processes that reflect the nature of their trading relationships.”

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According to the SBDC, even the best business operators can find themselves at odds with suppliers or agents, and court proceedings are time consuming and costly and often end in bad feelings.

For the past five years, the SBDC has operated an effective dispute resolution service which is a low cost, convenient way to resolve disputes without the need to go to court. The early stages of the service are free of charge, with a small subsidised fee if the dispute requires mediation.

Small Business Commissioner, David Eaton oversees the service, and says the aim is to resolve the dispute as quickly as possible and get businesses back on track with work relationships intact.

“Since the service began, we’ve been able to resolve disputes that had been ongoing for up to two years.

“What the parties needed was the opportunity to sit down together and reach a sensible solution,” Mr Eaton said.

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“Our dispute resolution service has been an outstanding success right from the start.”

The service is provided in stages, with more than 80% success achieved in the first stages of the resolution process. The SBDC advisory service assists disputing parties by providing advice and guidance on their rights and obligations as well as practical tools to help the parties resolve the dispute themselves.

If they don’t succeed through this process, the matter can be escalated to more intensive case management that includes bringing the parties together. At this stage, a case manager will contact the parties to clarify the issues, identify solutions and facilitate an agreement.

The SBDC cannot force parties to do anything. At any time, either party may decide to proceed to court, a State tribunal or other service, or to abandon the process altogether. (Clients are encouraged to engage their own independent legal advice if they are considering this option.)

In the last financial year, the SBDC’s dispute resolution service has finalised cases worth a total of more than $25 million, based on client estimations.

The Small Business Development Corporation regularly handles disputes concerning: contracts debt collection non-supply or nonperformance of goods motor vehicles licensing and other red tape issues local government utility services

SBDC research shows this process not only reduces the amount of time and money associated with resolving disputes, it also reduces the number of disputes that go unaddressed because people are reluctant to pursue a matter they believe will be too expensive or too time-consuming.

a a a a a a a

Other benefits include a reduction in the stress and loss of productivity associated with an unresolved dispute.

Mr Eaton says the SBDC’s dispute resolution service is a practical, inexpensive and effective way to resolve the problem, and keep important business relationships intact.

“Whether the dispute involves a small amount of money or a million dollar contract, the service has proved to be a very economical and efficient way to resolve difficult situations, and get back to work sooner,” Mr Eaton said.

MORE INFORMATION Whether you’re just starting out in business, or you’ve had a business of your own for years, the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) is an organisation you need to know about. SBDC is a State Government agency. For more information, visit www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au, or call 13 12 49.

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Seasonal Work Incentives Trial Growers in the horticultural industry are often in need of short term labour during peak times, particularly during harvest. The Australian Government is undertaking the Seasonal Work Incentives Trial help address this need.

Key points • From 1 July 2017, this Trial offers financial incentives to encourage participants to take up short term seasonal work opportunities in the horticultural industry by providing them with an opportunity to earn more income without affecting their income support payment.

• Participants placed under the Trial can also receive a Living Away and Travel Allowance if the work they are place in is located more than 120km from their home.

• The Trial is being managed by jobactive, Transition to Work and Disability Employment Services providers.

Support for Australian horticultural growers to find seasonal workers Growers in the horticultural industry who need workers on a short-term basis during peak times, can access the Australian Government’s new Seasonal Work Incentives Trial from 1 July 2017 to help meet their needs.

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This two year Trial aims to encourage participants to take up short term seasonal work opportunities in the horticultural industry by providing them with an opportunity to earn more income, without affecting their income support payment.

Participants placed under the Trial can also receive a Living Away and Travel Allowance if the work they are placed in is located more than 120km from their home.

Jobactive will work closely with growers and the participant to ensure they know what growers need and that they get the right person who is willing to work and understands the job to be done.

Employment services providers will receive a weekly incentive payment for up to six weeks, depending on the duration of the job, to support growers and workers under the Trial.

Growers should contact their nearest employment services provider to discuss their labour needs. Employment services providers are located across Australia, and their contact details are available at jobsearch.gov.au/providers

Frequently asked questions

Q

What is the Seasonal Work Incentives Trial?

Growers in the horticultural industry are often in need of short term labour during peak times, particularly during harvest.

The Australian Government’s new two year Seasonal Work Incentives Trial aims to address this need.

From 1 July 2017, this Trial offers financial incentives to support participants to take up short term work opportunities in the horticultural industry.

A maximum of 3,800 placements can be supported in each year of the Trial.

Q

What is Qualifying Seasonal Horticultural Work?

Under the Trial, employment service providers will be expected to engage with employers in the seasonal horticultural industry and place eligible participants into qualifying seasonal horticultural work.

Qualifying seasonal horticultural work for the purposes of the Trial is considered to be seasonal, short term employment in the horticultural industry including picking and packing fruit, nuts or other crops in rural or regional Australia.

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Q

Q

To be eligible for the Trial, participants must be receiving Newstart or Youth Allowance (other) and have been receiving that payment for a minimum of three continuous months. They also must be receiving services through a jobactive, Transition to Work or Disability Employment Services provider.

The Trial is being managed by jobactive, Transition to Work and Disability Employment Services providers.

Who is eligible for the Seasonal Work Incentives Trial?

How can I participate in the Seasonal Work Incentives Trial?

They will work closely with growers and the participant to ensure they know what growers need and that they get the right person who is willing to work and understands the job to be done.

Employment services providers will receive a weekly incentive payment for up to six weeks, depending on the duration of the job, to support growers and workers under the Trial.

There are two incentives to encourage people to participate in the Trial: • They can earn an extra $5,000 without it affecting their income support payments.

• They are also eligible to receive a Living Away and Travel Allowance of up to $300 per year if the work they take up under the Trial is located more than 120km from their home.

Q

What is the role of employment services providers?

The Trial is being delivered through jobactive, Transition to Work and Disability Employment Services providers from 1

July 2017. Providers are expected to work with growers in the horticultural industry to identify their labour needs and place eligible participants with them under the Trial to meet those needs.

MORE INFORMATION Growers should contact their nearest employment services provider to discuss their labour needs. Providers are located across Australia, and their contact details are available at jobsearch.gov.au/providers

Employment services providers will receive a weekly incentive payment for up to six weeks, depending on the duration of the job, to support growers and workers under the Trial.

NEED HARVEST WORKERS? A no cost Australian Government suitable workers, manage enquiries and provide information on your rights and responsibilities as an employer.

WA Grower SPRING 2017

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Cancer risks on the job and on the farm

Each day most of us get up, get ready, farewell our family and head off to work; we don’t expect that our job could increase the risk of being told “you have cancer” twenty to forty years down the track.

3.6 million

Australians are exposed to cancer causing agents in the workplace each year

5,000

cancer cases are diagnosed each year

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Unfortunately, however, it’s estimated that around 3.6 million Australians are exposed to cancer causing agents (carcinogens) in the workplace and around 5,000 cancer cases are diagnosed each year as a result.

So what does that mean for Australians working on the land? It’s important to understand the hazards you may face and how to lower your risk of getting cancer.

Diesel engine exhaust About 1.2 million Australian workers or 14% of the workforce are exposed to diesel engine exhaust (DEE) at work and around 130 Australians develop lung cancer each year as a result.

DEE is a common hazard farmers need to be aware of; a recent survey found that around 94% of agriculture workers are exposed to DEE in their workplace.

DEE is created by burning diesel fuels. It contains a mixture of airborne chemicals and particles including gases, vapours and soot. When inhaled, diesel exhaust fumes can cause irritation in the airways within

just a few minutes of exposure. High levels of exposure over many years can be even more harmful and can result in lung cancer. Research has also found that diesel fumes may cause bladder cancer.

While people may occasionally be exposed to DEE when driving, cycling or walking along a busy road, those working with diesel-powder equipment or vehicles are at the greatest cancer risk because of their higher levels of exposure.

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Solar UV radiation The most obvious workplace cancer risk for farmers is UV. A survey in 2016 found 99% of farmers and agriculture workers interviewed were exposed to UV on the job.

If you are exposed to solar UV radiation at work you are at greater risk of developing skin cancer. Each year in Australia, about 200 melanomas and 34,000 nonmelanomas are caused by exposure to solar UV radiation at work. Those who spend the longest periods of time outside are at greatest risk.

Because no one wants to clock off and head home at the end of the day knowing that their risk of cancer has increased.

33ABOUT 1.2 million Australian workers are exposed to diesel engine exhaust (DEE) at work.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (part of the World Health Organization) upgraded their classification of DEE to a 'Group 1' carcinogen in 2012 and estimated that people regularly exposed to diesel exhaust fumes at work can be up to 40% more likely to develop lung cancer.

You can be exposed to DEE wherever diesel fuelled motor vehicles like trucks, tractors and forklifts are running or being used, especially in enclosed spaces such as workshops, sheds and garages. Workers using diesel fuelled power sources (for instance compressors, generators or power plants) may also be exposed to diesel fumes.

No matter what the job — if you are in a confined space with diesel fumes, you need to be aware and take action.

Whether it’s sunny, grey or cloudy, proper sun protection is always required.

There is some good news. There are things you can do to reduce your risk, and some of these steps can be quite simple.

Make sure whenever working outside you slip on clothing; slop on SPF30 or higher, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen; slap on a broad-brimmed hat; seek shade; and slide on sunglasses.

To reduce DEE, taking simple steps such as: • Engine selection: Replace diesel powered engines with other energy sources.

• Fuel selection: Use low sulphur & other low-emission diesel fuels.

• Emission control devices.

• Ventilation: Natural ventilation is NOT adequate. Both local exhaust and forced dilution ventilation should be used.

• Share activities: Rotate job tasks between your employees to reduce the amount of time exposed to DEE. • PPE: Wear air supplied or air purifying respiratory protection that filters particulates. They should be fitted to each worker individually. If it doesn’t fit it doesn’t work.

Where can I get more info?

To help Australian employers and workers understand and reduce their workplace cancer risk, Cancer Council has developed a range of free resources outlining workplace risks for employers and employees. They cover DEE and solar UV radiation and other common workplace carcinogens including asbestos, welding fumes and second hand tobacco smoke.

You can find them at cancer.org.au/ workcancer.

Remember without adequate controls DEE and solar UV radiation can cause cancer. Take the steps to protect yourself from occupational cancer risks and ‘kNOw workplace cancer’.

MORE INFORMATION If you have any other concerns you can also contact Cancer Council on 13 11 20.

• Wind up the window and turn on the air-conditioner when inside diesel powered vehicles.

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ABCDE checking method

Why an annual skin check may not be enough Some people like to get an annual skin check with their doctor or at a skin check clinic, and some workplaces even offer these free checks to their staff. However, this may not be enough when it comes to identifying and treating skin cancer in time. And checking for skin cancer is important because it is the most common cancer diagnosed in Australia, with close to 1 million treatments and over 2,000 deaths resulting each year.

Having professional skin checks is definitely a good idea, though we should all take responsibility for our health on an ongoing basis. We know that finding skin cancer at an early stage significantly increases the chance of successful treatment.

The reason is that some types of skin cancer, like aggressive melanoma, can appear and grow very quickly. Therefore you might find that waiting until your next skin check-up is leaving it too late for a successful treatment outcome.

Research into skin cancer prevention and treatment shows that the best approach is for everyone to check their own skin

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regularly (around every three months) and thoroughly.

The key is learning what your skin looks like and identifying anything that is new, has changed or generally looks suspicious.

This can be done using the ABCDE checking method.

In doing a skin check you should check all parts of your body, including those not exposed to the sun such as the soles of your feet and the palms of your hands.

You might find it easier with the assistance of a full length or hand held mirror, or even getting a friend to check areas that

The ABCDE method is a simple way of identifying spots on your skin that may be suspicious or indicating a problem. You should follow this approach when checking any spots on your skin, and if you find a spot fits one or more of the below criteria, you should make an appointment with your doctor and have it checked out. Your doctor can determine if the spot is cancerous or not, so it is important you see them as soon as possible if you find something suspicious.

A

Asymmetry — if the spot is divided in half, the two halves are not a mirror image

B

Border — a spot with spreading or irregular edge

C

Colour — a spot with a number of different colours through it

D

Diameter — a spot that is greater than 6mm across

E

Evolving — a spot that has changed over time

you can’t see, like your scalp. Checking your skin in good light will also make it easier to identify spots. With a bit of practice, you will find that a complete skin check will only take about 15 minutes.

If you do find something suspicious, talk to your doctor straight away. Delaying this could have serious repercussions because the longer skin cancers are left, the harder they may be to treat (especially if they have started to spread).

MORE INFORMATION If you would like more information about skin checks, talk to your doctor, call Cancer Council on 13 11 20, or go to www.myuv.com.au/skincancer/

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Tomato Potato Psyllid (TPP) was found in Western Australia in February 2017. This was the first report of the exotic pest in Australia and triggered a national biosecurity response.

TPP is a plant pest which feeds on tomato, potato, capsicum, chilli, goji berry, tamarillo, eggplant and sweet potato, leading to loss of plant vigour and yield.

TPP can also vector a bacterium called Candidatus Liberibacter solanaceum (CLso) which is associated with the potato disease “zebra chip�. At the time of writing (August 2017), there has been no detection of the CLso bacterium in Western Australia

Interstate movement conditions

Tomato Potato Psyllid interstate movement conditions MARKET ACCESS DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES & REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

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All states and territories can apply movement conditions to interstate produce that could pose a quarantine risk to their jurisdiction.

These conditions may apply to the movement of fruit, vegetables, nursery stock, cut flowers, plants, and seeds, or other risk pathways such as soil, timber, vehicles and machinery Movement conditions are applied to manage the quarantine risk of any pest or disease that may be present on produce.

They can include specified treatments (e.g. washing procedures or chemical treatments), inspection of produce, state or area freedom certification, or other requirements. If a suitable treatment is not available, produce may be prohibited entry into that state or territory.

Interstate movement conditions (also called requirements or quarantine /entry conditions) are set by the jurisdiction that is receiving the goods. For example, the South Australian government sets the movement conditions for the entry of produce being sent to South Australia. If you intend to export produce into more than one state or territory, you must check the movement conditions for each.

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TPP movement conditions

The benefits obtained by individual businesses accredited under an ICA arrangement vary according to the type of operation and the produce covered by the ICA.

New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria have applied varying interstate movement conditions to fruit, vegetables, nursery stock, cut flowers and plants, and used machinery and equipment from WA in response to the detection of TPP. When exporting quarantine risk material to another state or territory, it is the responsibility of the exporter to ensure they have met the movement conditions of the jurisdiction they are exporting to.

How you do check movement conditions?

There are two ways to check what movement conditions apply to your produce: 1. C ontacting or checking the website of the plant quarantine regulator in the state or territory that the produce is being exported to. Contact details and links to websites are provided on the Australian Interstate Quarantine’s domestic plant quarantine regulators contacts page: www.interstatequarantine.org.au/ producers/committees/quarantineregulators 2. Contacting Quarantine WA (QWA): (08) 9334 1800 or qa@agric.wa.gov.au

Certification of movement conditions Growers wanting to send produce to interstate markets will require certification that any specific movement conditions for the produce have been met.

There are two ways that certification can be demonstrated—by a Plant Health Certificate (PHC) or a Plant Health Assurance Certificate (PHAC).

It is important to note that a PHAC is only available if there is an Interstate Certification Assurance (ICA) or Certification Assurance (CA) arrangement available for the required movement conditions and the exporting business is accredited under the arrangement.

Benefits are likely to include: • increased flexibility of operations (businesses can plan and schedule operations without the need to arrange for a QWA Inspector to be present); 33TPP is a plant pest which feeds on tomato, potato, capsicum, chilli, goji berry, tamarillo, eggplant and sweet potato.

1. Plant Health Certificate (PHC) — certification by Quarantine WA (QWA) Produce will need to be verified by a QWA Inspector as meeting any relevant movement conditions. If the movement conditions have been met, QWA will issue a PHC that accompanies the produce to its destination. This provides proof to the destination jurisdiction that their movement conditions have been satisfied.

Inspections must be booked at least 24 hours prior to inspection.

Inspection charges will include the supervision of any treatments, physical inspection and issuance of certification.

To book an inspection, please contact Quarantine WA (QWA): (08) 9334 1800 or qa@agric.wa.gov.au.

2. Plant Health Assurance Certificate (PHAC) — certification by an Accredited Business The Interstate Certification Assurance (ICA) scheme enables businesses to be accredited by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development to assume responsibility for specified treatments, inspections or other processes, and to issue a PHAC for its produce.

• improved awareness of quality issues (documented staff responsibilities and duties); • improved operational control (procedures well documented); • improved staff participation through structured and documented training; and • reduced certification costs.

The following ICAs are available in Western Australia for TPP movement conditions: • ICA-60 — Inspection of Strawberry Fruit for Tomato Potato Psyllid • ICA-61 — Pack-house Washing and Inspection of Tomato Potato Psyllid Carrier Produce

Growers wanting to send produce under either of these ICA arrangements will need to apply to QWA for accreditation.

Quarantine WA will carry out audits on the business to ensure it meets the ICA requirements before accreditation is granted. Ongoing audits of the business will also be required for the business to maintain accreditation.

MORE INFORMATION For further information or to apply for accreditation please contact the Quality Assurance Officer at QWA on (08) 9334 1800 or qa@agric.wa.gov.au

The PHAC provides proof to the destination jurisdiction that their movement conditions have been met.

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NIELSEN FRESH FACTS

Broccolini captures the hearts of lovers When it comes to veggies, broccoli and it’s younger sibling broccolini, are a firm family favourite in Australia. Nielsen Homescan data shows that dollar sales for the broccoli and broccolini category increased by 7% in the year ending 15 July 2017, and consumption also grew steadily with volume sales up by 2%.

33IN Western Australia, growth was better than market where volume is up by 7% and dollar sales gain by 8% as more buyers purchased the vegetable.

In Western Australia, growth was better than market where volume is up by 7% and dollar sales gain by 8% as more buyers purchased the vegetable.

Around $163 million was spent on broccoli and broccolini in the past year.

Broccoli can be found in the fridge of 74% of Aussie homes; it is purchased nine times per year on average, with shoppers spending around $2 for a 500g bunch per occasion. Among states, Victoria has the most number of broccoli buyers at 77% followed by Western Australia at 75%. Households in both of these states are also purchasing more often (10x a year) than the average

Within broccoli’s large consumer base, six-in-10 also purchase broccolini — around three times per year and spending $2.60 for 360 grams per occasion.

With broccolini representing just 20% of category sales, a lucrative opportunity

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exists for growers to encourage consumers of regular broccoli to add broccolini to their repertoire.

Broccolini buyers tend to come from more affluent households and usually from young and/or bustling families.

Broccolini is particularly popular along the Eastern Seaboard with NSW, VIC and QLD accounting for 77% of dollar sales.

Promoting Broccolini’s succulent taste, health benefits and reduced wastage (because stems can be consumed as well) is an avenue to attract not only broccoli lovers but also other vegetable buyers.

MORE INFORMATION Contact Sarah Mckee, Nielsen, at: sarah.mckee@nielsen.com

C-Wise has been working with Sam Calameri at Baldivis farms for the past 10 years.

“In the compost treated crops I have not used the fumigants metham sodium or Telone® [1,3 dichloropropene] before a crop. I have also reduced the fertiliser rate by 10%. I reduced the fertiliser rate slowly, over several crops, as the amount of compost in the soil increased with each application” said Sam

Do you want to gain the same benefits as Sam?

Do you want a long term partner?

“You have to build your soils up. Many growers are used to fertilisers with a quick action but compost doesn’t work like that at all. Expect some benefits after the first couple of years but you have to apply compost consistently, before every crop. There is no benefit in applying a large amount of compost all at once and then not doing it for a few years.“ said Sam

www.youtube.com/watch?v=rP9mN4wcly8&feature=youtu.be

Please contact Justin Wolfgang on 0419 904 001 or justin.wolfgang@cwise.com.au for more details cwise.com.au

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Freshcare Forum + GLOBALG.A.P. Tour Stop — partnering for global assurance A number of underpinning research initiatives were also discussed at the Forum, including the Hort Innovation funded ‘Pathogen Persistence from Paddock to Plate’ and a major collaborative project through Sydney University ‘Food Safety in the Fresh Produce Industry’; research projects that the industry ‘has been waiting for 20 years’, Freshcare General Manager Clare Hamilton-Bate told the Forum.

BY TOM GILLING

The 2017 Freshcare Forum in Sydney showed the industry focussed host organisation at the forefront of several major initiatives in Australia’s horticulture industry.

Outlining the organisation’s achievements over the past year and its goals for the future, Freshcare Business Manager Jo McCloskey pointed to improvements in customer service, increased participation and a range of new programs including e-learning, an interactive platform owned and developed by Freshcare intended to complement its extensive face-to-face training system. The feedback to date on e-learning has been positive.

In keeping with its policy of streamlining and harmonising certification programs, Freshcare is focussed on collaboration on training initiatives; on finalising their benchmarking to the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI); and to working closely with GLOBALG.A.P. to align Australian standards for export market access. With GLOBALG.A.P.’s Ignacio Antequera among the keynote speakers, the Freshcare Forum gave members of the Australian horticulture industry a valuable opportunity to find out how the partnership with GLOBALG.A.P. might work for exporters.

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With master of ceremonies Tristan Kitchener an engaging host, the 2017 forum continued with sessions on: • ‘Single use plastics, a bigger issue than climate change?’ — an interactive debate between Tristan Kitchener of Kitchener Partners; Andy Chambers of Seed Consulting; Andrew Monk of Australian Organic; and Brendan Hayes of Coles that analysed consumer habits and highlighted stark differences between the industry in Australia and the UK.

Photos: Mike Lamond (Fairfax media)

The event, co-badged with a GLOBALG.A.P. Tour Stop, facilitated the coming together of 138 attendees from across Australia, New Zealand and Spain, representing a cross section of industry; Auditors/ Certification Bodies, Government, Industry Associations, Industry Service Providers, Primary Producers, Research and Development, Training Providers, Retail, Students, Supply Chain and Wholesalers.

Other key projects in the pipeline include the Fair Farms Initiative, the launch of new fertiliser standard developed by the salad producers’ group and the development of a Freshcare standard for the extended supply chain, all initiatives scheduled to be available to industry in late 2017.

• Ongoing efforts to stop worker exploitation, including the Fair Farms Initiative, a joint project between Freshcare, Growcom and the Fair Work Ombudsman; and the Recruitment 33FAIR Farm Initiative at Freshcare conference in Sydney.

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and Consulting Services Association’s StaffSure initiative, a workforce services certification program designed to enable business’ to engage ‘labour hire’ and workforce contracting firms that treat workers well and with integrity; and • Opportunities through the proposed partnership between Freshcare and GLOBALG.A.P., both to align Australian food safety standards with those in the global marketplace and to access broader resources through a session entitled ‘GlobalG.A.P. — a world of solutions’.

The forum wound up with a lively ‘open forum’ to debate questions sent in by attendees via the Conference App. Most of the sessions had focussed on the market driven need for certification, whilst recognising the burden of compliance generally fell on the grower. The open forum was a chance for growers to have their say, and some were not happy. ‘One more certification — no thank you,’ was the gist of the complaint.

“You can sit around and say what growers should do and what they shouldn’t do, but at the end of the day everyone in this room comes at the expense of a grower,” said one grower.

33L–R: Clare Hamilton-Bate, Angela Steain, Jacinta Fong, Dorothy Theore, Jo McCloskey and Bonnie Cannings.

“If we don’t make it easier for growers and more cost-effective, and maybe get some government involvement to help with subsidies, not only will I be out of a job, but so will everyone else. I’ve been growing since 1959 and I don’t know whether my son will still be growing in 2059.”

It was a sobering comment — ‘an important reality check’, in the words of Andrew Monk, Chair of Australian Organic, who stressed the need to ‘keep our minds on the real customer, which is the grower’.

‘Value’ versus ‘values’ remained a critical issue — would consumers pay more for certification or would they always look for the cheapest price? On the subject of environmental standards, Tristan Kitchener said, ‘We don’t know whether the burning platform is hot enough for consumers to say they are ready to pay for it.’

It was a New Zealander who had the final word in what became a heated debate on the rights and obligations of certifiers, growers and consumers. ‘I was working with an 83-year old farmer,’ she said.

‘He had been growing for 60 years with no compliance systems on farm and now he wanted to sell his mandarins to the supermarket. He didn’t waste time saying “Why do I have to do this? I’ve been growing for 60 years.” He just said, “What do I have to do to sell my product? Tell me and I’ll do it.”’

Not everyone in the room seemed to appreciate the Kiwi farmer’s wisdom, but after an absorbing day looking at the Australian horticulture industry from every angle, it was certainly food for thought.

MORE INFORMATION Find out more about Freshcare on their website www.freshcare.com.au or by contacting their office on 1300 853 508.

TOTALLY INTEGRATED PREPARATION AND PACKAGING SOLUTIONS FOR AUSTRALIA’S FRESH PRODUCE MARKET. From packaging shed to retail outlet, edp australia can supply everything needed for the handling and packaging of your fresh fruit and vegetables.

33–37 O’Brien Street Mooroopna VIC 3629 Phone: (03) 5820 5337 Email: sales@edp.com.au

www.edp.com.au

KEEPING AUSTRALIA MANUFACTURING WA Grower SPRING 2017

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Hort Innovation is investing

Export markets to

$10.5m

taste Australia through massive trade drive

33TARGETS to increase the value of vegetable exports to $315 million, or by 40%, by 2020.

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WA Grower SPRING 2017

Hort Innovation launched the biggest ever trade push in Australian horticulture’s history with an ambitious plan to significantly grow exports by 2025, complementing an investment of more than $10.5 million into trade activities over the next year.

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Officially announced by Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Anne Ruston, a key component of the initiative is the new ‘Taste Australia’ in-market export activity, which will help promote premium Australian produce in current and future markets.

The plan will also see more research and development (R&D) to grow market access, and increased support for current and aspiring exporters. Hort Innovation chair Selwyn Snell said the potential for growth is significant given Australia’s solid reputation for producing high-quality produce, wide untapped opportunities, and the industry’s appetite for trade.

“Australia is known for delivering highend produce that has undergone the most rigorous food safety inspections along all stages of the supply chain,” he said.

“We want to build upon that. The first way we are doing this is through Taste Australia, which tells the unique story of Australian horticulture products.”

“Our country is known for our great lifestyle with our sunshine, appealing farms, beaches and landscapes, all of which is conveyed through this new in-market activity giving international consumers a sense of Australia every time they buy and eat Australian fruit, vegetable and nuts.”

Developed in consultation with growers, State and Federal Government agencies and other trade stakeholders, Taste Australia will be launched with more than 200 industry representatives at Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong early September.

That will kick off a six-month tour of trade show events in Dubai, Beijing, Shanghai and Tokyo.

Mr Snell said this year, Hort Innovation will invest 40% more on trade show efforts than last year and growers and industry representative participation in overseas promotional activities will rise by 30%.

“The focus will be on getting Australian produce and growers, exporters and other industry representatives in front of potential buyers, and building on those networks,” he said.

Hort Innovation will also continue to collectively work with a number of Research and Development Corporations

including Dairy Australia, Wine Australia and Meat and Livestock Australia to showcase premium food and beverages at events overseas under the ‘Taste Australia’ banner.

33TOBY Smith (Olam Almonds), Anne Ruston, Meg Mason (Fresh Produce Group), Selwyn Snell (Hort Innovation Chair), Brett Jackson (Sevenfields), and Ed Fagan (Mulyan Farms).

Back home in Australia, Hort Innovation is investing more than $10.5 million in trade-related R&D activities over the next year and is set to boost its investment across areas such as biosecurity, preexport produce treatments, and supply chain efficiencies.

• Increase almond export sales from 64,000 tonnes in 2016 to 110,000 tonnes in 2022 through the development of improved harvesting techniques and pest management, novel technology to reduce labour costs and more

As part of this new export push, Hort Innovation has worked with industry to set trade targets, which were developed in consideration of future production forecasts, building industry capacity and a growing middle class across Asia. A snapshot includes: • Increase the value of vegetable exports to $315 million, or by 40%, by 2020 through relationship building, working with industry to get export ready, boosting supply chain efficiencies and overseas activities • Invest an estimated $31.48 million over the next five years into avocado research and development, to create a potential impact of $212 million. By 2021, over 10% of production will be exported to markets who are willing to pay a premium for quality Australian avocados • Export 12,000 tonnes of cherries by 2020–21, an increase of 340% over the 2015 levels. This equates to a 16.5% year-on-year growth over a five-year period. Industry reports that the bulk of this development is expected to occur in Tasmania and Victoria

• In olives, continue to support established and growing high-margin export market opportunities in China and Asia for high-quality olive oil through an anticipated $2.75 million over the next five years in R&D and extension activities • By 2021, increase exports of Australian strawberries from 4% to at least 8% of national production by volume, in selected markets with a capacity and willingness to pay a premium for quality fruit.

MORE INFORMATION See more information about trade data and individual sectors’ export plans on the Hort Innovation website.

This trade push is funded by Hort Innovation using industry research, development and marketing levies and funds from the Australian Government with some activities supported by co-investment from research and trade partners.

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Western Australia

lead exporter of fresh vegetables Fast facts

A few highlights on the major vegetable industries is provided below.

BY MANJU RADHAKRISHNAN RESEARCH ECONOMIST, DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Western Australia is the

leading exporter of fresh vegetables from Australia, with a share of 35%

Carrots

Western Australia’s horticulture industries are well positioned to capture the growing demand and opportunities in the overseas market. However, understanding the strength and weakness of each industry, and addressing the issues is important in capitalising on this opportunity.

Vegetables are around 50% of

the total horticulture exports from WA Value of WA vegetable exports

has grown by 49% between 2013 and 2016 WA received a global price

premium for all major vegetable exports China is the major competitor

for Western Australian vegetable exports intended for human consumption

• Carrots are the major vegetable export from WA, with a share of 81% of the total vegetable exports by value • WA carrot production was 120,000 tonnes in 2015–16. Of this, 71% were exported, 12% were sent to Eastern states and 17% were consumed in WA. (Data source: Fresh logic) • WA sent carrots to more than 20 destinations, with UAE (32%), Saudi Arabia (15%) and Malaysia (15%) the top three destinations by value. (Data source: Global Trade Atlas)

A new report — Horticulture exports: where we can make a difference — released by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, formerly the Department of Agriculture and Food, WA, has analysed major vegetable, fruit and wine industries on different indicators and ranked them (see Figure 1).

Australia has a reasonable

share in WA’s major export markets for most of the analysed vegetables, except for potato other than seed Carrots are the major

vegetable exported from WA.

• Real value (after accounting for inflation) of carrot exports have increased by 39% between 2013 and 2016 • The industry is horizontally integrated, with the top ten growers forming 91% of the industry • Carrots have the lowest unit value of vegetable exports • The industry will benefit from expanding the supply base and by identifying value adding opportunities.

Industries and indicators

1

14

Horizontal integration

13

Comparative price

Market access

7. Melons 8. Oranges

4. Cauliflower

10. Seed

and broccoli

5. Celery

11

Value growth in exports

6. Grapes

10

Percentage growth in exports

9

Share in specific market

Source: WA horticulture export markets Where we can make a difference

WA Grower SPRING 2017

• Third largest vegetable export after carrots and truffles

Unit value of exports

• Singapore is our major destination market, where Australia has a share of only 10% of the total imports

5

14. Wine

National share

potatoes

8

4

(except seed)

11. Strawberries 12. Truffles

Specific market price premium

Potatoes (excluding seed potatoes)

Value of exports

13. Potatoes

9. Plums

FIGURE 1 Industries and indicators

104

3

Global import growth

1. Apples 2. Avocados 3. Carrots

12

2

Global import value

• Domestic and export prices are comparable

6

• Globally, ware potatoes have the lowest growth in imports among the analysed vegetables

National price premium

7

Global price premium

WA horticulture export markets — Where we can make a difference

7

• WA does not have access to South Korea which is the major destination for Australian potatoes. Therefore, the industry may benefit from resolving the market access issues to South Korea and expanding the market destinations.

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33VALUE of Western Australian vegetable exports has grown by 49% between 2013 and 2016.

Seed potatoes

Celery

• WA has received a market premium nationally and globally

• Celery is the fourth major vegetable exported from WA

• Mauritius was the major export destination — Australia had a share of 75% of the total seed potato imports in Mauritius

• Exported product received a premium; the domestic wholesale price was 75% less than the export price received in 2016

• WA has a reputation for quality and a good seasonal advantage. However, the real value of exports has declined by 27% from 2013

• Not a heavily imported vegetable globally, even though there is good growth in imports

• Industry may benefit from diversifying export markets • Further details on export markets are given in the department’s report Export markets for WA seed potato available to download from: www.agric.wa.gov.au/ export-markets-wa-seed-potato

Department of Agriculture and Food

• WA has a share of 37% in celery exports nationally, second only to Victoria • The industry is highly horizontally integrated with the top 10% of growers forming 99% of the industry • The UAE was a premium Australian destination where export price was $3.29 per kg in 2016. However this is not a destination for WA celeries

• Average export price of WA produce was $1.3/kg in 2016, with Malaysia the prime destination • WA may benefit from diversifying the export markets to include high value markets, and by focusing on the premium segment of the existing markets.

Cauliflower and broccoli • Good growth in exports during the past three years • Reasonable growth in global imports, less market access issues prevailing • WA is not a major exporter on the national front, with a share of only 6% • Singapore was the major export destination in 2016.

MORE INFORMATION

WA horticulture export markets

Access the full report at www.agric.wa.gov. au/horticulture/wa-horticulture-exportswhere-we-can-make-difference or contact the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development on (08) 9368 3333.

Where we can make a difference

WA horticulture export markets — Where we can make a difference

1

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METHAM SODIUM IS NOT SOLELY HERBICIDE NOR NEMATICIDE — VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION

Metham Sodium không phải là thuốc chuyên dụng diệt cỏ hay diệt tuyến trùng VÕ THẾ TRUYỀN CHUYÊN VIÊN KHUYẾN NÔNG, HIỆP HỘI RAU CẢI TÂY ÚC

Metham Sodium (MS) được xác định có vai trò quan trọng trong ngành trồng rai cải tại Tây Úc khi Methyl Bromide bị cấm sừ dụng vào năm 2005. Hóa chất này được nông dân trồng dâu tây và rau vải áp dụng rộng rãi để diệt cỏ và một vài loiaj bệnh có tác nhân trong đất.

Tuy nhiên nhản thuốc chỉ rỏ MS là loại nông dược phổ rộng có thể giết cả các loại sinh vật và vi sinh vật có lợi. Ngoài ra MS được kiểm soát như là một hợp chất hữu cơ bốc hơi mạnh do tính độc và khả năng di chuyển trên diện rộng trong tự nhiên, chính vì vậy việc giảm thiểu sự bay hơi của MS để gia tăng hiệu lực, giảm sự độc hại cho môi trường, và duy trì sự lưu hành của thuốc này cho ngành trồng trọt là yêu cầu thiết yếu.

Từ kết quả nghiên cứu trong một dự án của HIA một tài liệu về sức khỏe đất đai được xuất bản gần đây đã liệt kê một số tác hại của MS như không thân thiện với môi trường, gây tổn hại sức khỏe con người và độ phì nhiêu đất đai, giảm dần hiệu lực sau một thời gian sử dụng.

MS di chuyển rất mạnh trong đất và có khả năng lan tỏa khắp vùng rể trước khi biến thành hoạt chất. Điều này có thể dẫn đến tình trạng thấm lậu sâu xuống phía dưới hay xâm nhập và nguồn nước xung quanh gây hại cho cá và các loại thủy sinh khác.

Ngoài ra sử dụng MS nhiều lần dẫn đến biến đổi lâu dài thành phần và hoạt tính của hệ vi sinh vật trong đất gây ra hệ quả là thay đổi các tính năng có lợi của chúng như biến chuyển chất dinh dưỡng và khử độc trong đất.

Liên quan đến sức khỏe con người, nếu phơi nhiểm chất MS có thể gây ra hậu quả như cay mắt, bỏng rát họng, nóng rát da, tiêu chảy. Trong thực tế đã có báo cáo ngộ độc do MS tại Wanneroo vào năm 2015 từ khoảng cách tương đối xa nơi sử dụng. Người tiêu dùng ngày càng

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WA Grower SPRING 2017

33 HÌNH TRÊN: Triệu chứng sinh trưởng kém trên hành lá nghi ngờ do tàn tích của Metham Sodium trong khi các xét nghiêm không phát hiện bất kỳ sâu bệnh hại nào.

33 HÌNH BÊN PHÍA TRÊN: Bệnh vi khuẩn trên cà chua tại Carnarvon tháng 9/2017.

33 HÌNH BÊN PHÍA DƯỚI: Triệu chứng “rể chùm” do tuyến trùng trên cà chua tại Carnarvon tháng 9/2017.

có khuynh hướng tránh xa các loại nông dược phổ rộng. Vì vậy các qui định ngày càng xiết chặc trên quốc tế xung quanh việc sử dụng MS có khả năng dẫn đến việc cấm vận thương mại và xuất khẩu.

Phân hủy sinh học là một quá trình trong đó các hợp chất hữu cơ bị các loại vi sinh vật phân hủy thành các thành tố đơn giản. Áp dụng MS lặp đi lặp lại nhiều lần có thể dẫn đến hiện tượng phân hủy sinh học tăng tiến của hoạt chất methyl isothiocyanate (MITC), loại hoạt chất do MS sinh ra trong đất để thể hiện hoạt tính, dẫn đến tình trạng giảm hiệu lực của thuốc MS.

Một số lưu ý chính trong thực hành Để đảm bảo hiệu quả cũng như giảm thiểu tác hại của việc sử dụng MS, một lần nữa các lưu ý chính trong thực hành mà chúng tôi đã đăng trong ấn bản mùa đông năm 2015 của tạp chí này vẫn xứng đáng được nhắc lại Khi nào nên sử dụng MS

Có nhiều yếu tố cần phải cân nhắc trước khi quyết định khử trùng đất.

Quan sát cho thấy một số nông dân áp dụng MS nhiều lần trong năm trước mỗi vụ gieo trồng. Thật ra điều này chỉ phù hợp trong trường hợp canh tác các loiaj hoa màu ó giá trị cao, đầu tư lớn và có nhiều rủi ro. Tuy nhiên bằng cách xem xét kết hợp thông tin về mật độ và chủng loại sâu bệnh hại, giá trị hoa màu, tiền sử canh tác của khu đất và ước tính năng xuất nông dân có thể đưa ra quyết định tối ưu để có hiệu quả cao nhất. Biện pháp khử trùng đất bằng MS chỉ nên được áp dụng một khi các thông tin cho thấy có rủi ro sâu bệnh hại cao đến mức gây thiệt hại kinh tế.

YOUR PRODUCTION

METHAM SODIUM IS NOT SOLELY HERBICIDE NOR NEMATICIDE — VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION

Ngoài ra, khi có sự hiện diện của dịch hại trong đất mà điều tra cho thấy không phải do từ nguồn bên ngoài xâm nhập vào và khi các biện pháp khống chế khác không mang lại kết quả cao thì khử trùng đất bằng MS là biện pháp khả dĩ. Tuy nhiên nên lưu ý rằng biện pháp này chỉ tiêu diệt sâu bệnh hại tại thời điểm áp dụng và tại các diện tích được áp dụng mà thôi. Thực hành biện pháp an ninh sinh học trang trại mới là biện pháp căn cơ có tác dụng phòng chống dịch hại lâu dài và giử cho môi trường an toàn.

Tại sao phải sử dụng MS

Như trong nhản thuốc ghi rỏ MS có tác dụng khống chế một số loại dịch hại trong đất như tuyến trùng, nấm bệnh và cỏ dại.

Tuy nhiên loại thuốc phổ rộng này cũng giết cả các loại sinh vi vật có lợi trong đất.

Một số nông dân sử dụng MS khi làm đất trước mỗi vụ gieo sạ vói mục đích duy nhất là diệt cỏ trong khi một số khác cũng bắt chước làm theo cách này. Vấn đề này nên được đánh gá lại về hiệu quả sử dụng cũng như tác hại lâu dài bởi vì còn có nhiều biện pháp diệt cỏ hửu hiệu hơn.

Cách sử dụng MS

Nhản thuốc là tài liệu pháp lý hướng dẫn cách thứu sử dụng đúng nên được tuyệt đối tuân thủ. Sử dụng MS bằng biện pháp phun tiếp trên mặt đất là bất hợp pháp.

Ghi nhớ số 1: Thuốc MS chỉ phát huy hiệu quả tiêu diệt dịch hại tối đa khi đảm bảo duy trì đủ nộng độ, đủ thời gian tác động và lan tỏa đều trong phạm vi mong muốn.

Dể đạt hiệu quả cao thì phải giử cho thuốc trong vùng rreer đủ lâu nơi mầm sâu bệnh hại tập trung. Nếu không che đậy đúng cách thì hơn phân nửa lượng thuốc MS bốc thoát mất trong vòng vài giờ sai khi áp dụng1.

Giảm thiểu thuốc bốc hơi trong khi sử lý đất là yêu cầu bắt buộc để tuân thủ các qui định về môi trường. Có thể giảm thiểu thuốc bốc hơi mất bằng cách áp dụng với các thiết bị phù hợp, áp dụng qua hệ thống tưới nhỏ giọt dưới màng phủ 1 California Agriculture 65(1):41-46. DOI: 10.3733/ ca.v065n01p41. January-March 2011. http:// californiaagriculture.ucanr.org/landingpage. cfm?article=ca.v065n01p41&fulltext=yes. Retrieved by 10/5/2015.

33 Triệu chứng sinh trưởng kém trên cải rổ nghi ngờ do tàn tích của Metham Sodium trong khi các xét nghiêm không phát hiện bất kỳ sâu bệnh hại nào.

ni-lon, tưới ẩm mặt đất để hạn chế bốc hơi, chạy trống lăn nén mặt đất và chỉ áp dụng trong phạm vi trồng trọt.

Ghi nhớ số 2: MS chỉ diệt mầm dịch hại tại thời điểm áp dụng thuốc. Thuốc không có tác dụng lâu dài hoặc ngăn chặn mầm bệnh mới xâm nhập theo các nguồn như đất, cây giống, nhân công mang vào. Duy trì biện pháp an ninh sinh học trang trại luôn là phương pháp thiết yếu.

Ghi nhớ số 3: Mỗi trang trại đều có đặc điểm riêng biệt về tính chất đất đai, loại mầm dịch hại, loại cây trồng, thiết kế các hệ thống tưới, bảo vệ, tiền sử canh tác… trong khi việc khử trùng đất cũng có tác dụng chuyên biệt. Chính vì vậy nông dân nên hiểu biết thông tin hương dẫn tren nhãn thuốc và áp dụng thận trọng cho phù hợp với hoàn cảnh của mình để đảm bảo mang lại hiệu quả cao.

Ghi nhớ số 4: không nên xem khử trùng đất bằng MS là biện pháp duy nhất để không chế mầm djch hại trong đất mà phải xem xét nhiều biện pháp tổng hợp

để đạt hiệu quả tối đa. Chẳng hạn như sử dụng cây giống chất lượng và bảo đảm biện pháp canh tác tối hảo đã được chứng minh đạt hiệu quả cao trong phòng trừ bệnh vàng là do Fusarium trên cây cà2. Sử dụng giống kháng Fusarium kết hợp với biện pháp phòng trừ sinh học đã được chứng minh có tác dụng tại California3.

THÊM THÔNG TIN

Võ Thế Truyền tại Hiệp hội rau cải Tây Úc số 0457 457 559, truyen.vo@ vegetableswa.com.au

2 California Agriculture 65(1):41-46. DOI: 10.3733/ ca.v065n01p41. January-March 2011. http:// californiaagriculture.ucanr.org/landingpage. cfm?article=ca.v065n01p41&fulltext=yes. Retrieved by 10/5/2015.

3 www.researchgate.net/publication/249303162_ Evaluation_of_Application_Methods_of_Metam_ Sodium_for_Management_of_Fusarium_Crown_ and_Root_Rot_in_Tomato_in_Southwest_Florida

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AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO PEST SUPPRESSION — VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION

Một phương tổng hợp khống chế dịch hại trên hoa màu PETER CLIFTON HỘI ĐỒNG LƯU VỰC TÂY NAM (SOUTH WEST CATCHMENTS COUNCIL) NGƯỜI DỊCH: VÕ THẾ TRUYỀN — CHUYÊN VIÊN KHUYẾN NÔNG, HIÊP HỘI RAU CẢI TÂY ÚC.

Với tình trạng kháng thuốc ngày càng tăng nông dân ngày càng khó khan hơn trong việc sử dụng thuốc để đối phó với bệnh hại. Ngoài vấn đè kháng thuốc ra còn có các quan ngại về ảnh hưởng của thuốc đối với nguốn nước, sức khỏe, và sự gia tăng chi phí sản xuất. Vậy liệu có chiến lược nào khác trong khuôn khổ quản lý toàn diện hơn để có thể áp dụng nhằm giảm thiểu dịch hại ?

Một nông gia quyết định tìm cách tốt hơn để đạt mục đích — đó là David Giumelli, quản lý Eastwind Orchard ở Balingup.

David cho rằng các loại bệnh có mầm mống trong đất ngày càng nhiều trong khi hiệu quả của các biện pháp áp dụng thuốc để phòng trừ ngày càng giảm.

David nói rằng “ Cách đối phó với các khó khăn này thực sự là vấn đề quan tâm của tôi”

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“Mọi thứ có vẻ như ngày càng đi theo hướng đối phó bằng thuốc và ít chú ý đến các biện pháp sinh học. Chúng ta càng ngày càng xài nhiều thuốc hơn. Chi phí là một chuyện nhưng thiệt hại kèm theo lại là chuyện khác. Vấn đề quan tâm nhất cra tôi hiện nay là đất đai trỏ nên “sạch bóng” hệ vi sinh vật.”

David đã và đang thực nghiệm nhiều biện pháp không dùng thuốc trong 2 năm qua với sự hổ trợ của Hội đồng lưu vực Tây Nam — South West Catchments Council (SWCC).

Mối quan hệ trong việc này đã giúp David kết nối với một nhà tuyến trùng học ở Queensland, tiến sỳ Graham Stirling, một chuyên gia về các loại dịch hại trong đất và biện pháp quản lý dich hại tổng hợp và là thanh viên của Hội bệnh học Úc (Australasian Plant Pathology Society). Tiến sỹ Stirling là tác giả của nhiều quyển sách bao gồm quyển Phòng trừ sinh học các loai tuyến trùng gây hại cây trồng (Biological Control of Plant-parasitic Nematodes) và ông cũng đã phát triển các phương pháp xét nghiệm sử dụng chính mầm dịch hại

33 DAVID Giumelli — Quản lý của trang trại Eastwind Orchard tại Balingup đang thử nghiệm trộn than sinh học với đất để duy trì cấu trúc đất trước khi trồng vườn mới.

và các loại tuyến trùng có lợi để đánh giá tình trạng sinh hoc của đất.

Tiến sỹ Stirling đang phân tích quần thể tuyến trùng trong đất của David trước khi đến trang trại tổ chức ngày hội thảo ngoài đồng vào 25 tháng 10 năm 2017. Kết quả khảo sát ban đầu cho thấy tình trạng đất ờ dây khá tệ.

“Mật số tuyến trùng hại rể “ring nematodes” (Criconematidae) và “dagger nematodes” (Xiphinema spp) trong mẩu đất cao. Các đối tượng này chắc chắn gây hại bộ rể. Loại tuyến trùng “root-lesion” cũng có hiện diện, loại này không chỉ gây hại bộ rể mà còn mở đường cho các loại bệnh xâm nhập”.

Mật số các loại tuyến trùng tự do cũng được khảo sát. Các loại này thương dung các loại vi sinh vật khác trong đất làm thức ăn mà không gây hại bộ rể, vì thế khi chúng có mật số cao cũng có nghĩa là trong đất có một hệ phức hợp trao đổi thức ăn tốt. Các kết quả khảo sát ủng hộ các kết luận rằng tình trạng “sức khỏe” của đất yếu có thể dẫn đến suy giảm chu trình biến đổi dinh dưỡng trong đất.

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Tiến sỹ Stirling nói rằng: “ Lượng tuyến trùng có lợi (trong mẩu đất) thấp và có sự hiện diện của một số loài “đa thực” (ăn cả thứ ăn có nguồn gốc thực vật và động vật) và một số loài (tuyến trùng) bắt mồi” Mật số các loài đa thực thấp có thể cho thấy rằng hệ sinh vật đất bi ảnh hưởng do ô nhiểm hay lạm dụng phân bón. Phá vở cấu trúc đất do cày xới cũng có thể làm giảm mật số nhưng thương ít xảy ra đối với các vườn cây trưởng thành.

David cho rằng đa số nông dân không thể canh tác mà không dung thuốc bởi vì chúng giúp họ bớt lo sợ vể tình trạng mất mùa và anh ấy có nhiều lý giải cho tình trạng này nhất là khi xảy ra dịch hại.

David nói: “Nông dân không thích cảm giác dể bị tôn hại bởi vì chúng tôi đã dể bị tổn hại vì nhiều nguyên do khác rồi”

Tuy nhiên trong vài năm qua David đã tìm ra một số phương cách nho nhỏ để điều chỉnh tình trang đất mà không gây ra nguy hại.

Anh ấy nói rằng: “Có nhiều thứ chúng ta cho vào đất mà không cần thiết phải làm như vậy, hoặc là áp dụng quá trể. Tôi cố gắng không phun thuốc cỏ nếu không thật sự cần thiết trể và khi cần thì chỉ áp dụng số lượng ít.”

“Thậm chí với thuốc trừ bệnh cũng vậy, nết thời tiết tốt và mật độ bệnh không nhiều tôi không phun thuốc chỉ để cho có phun (theo thói quen). Tôi bỏ qua 25 ngày nếu thời tiết không thuần lợi cho mầm bệnh phát triển. Trong mùa đông thường nông dân ngưng phun thuốc nhưng cood gắng theo dõi sâu bệnh để can thiệp chính xác và đúng thời điểm. Tôi có gắng phun càng ít càng tốt.”

“về phân bón, tôi thường dùng phân bón lá mỗi lần chỉ với liểu lượng nhỏ hơn là đi phân theo nước tưới vì như vậy phân dễ thấm mất. Tôi cũng tưới nước nhiều lần mỗi lần một lượng ít hơn.”

Hầu hết các nghiên cứu của tiến sỹ Stirling đều nghiêng về khuyng hướng không dùng thuốc đề không chế các loài tuyến trùng gây hại. Ông phát hiện ra rằng hệ phức hợp trao đổi thức ăn trong đất — loại phức hệ trấn áp các loài tuyến trùng gây hại — có thể được tăng cường bằng cách loại bớt các biện pháp có khả năng gây tổn thương các loài bắt mồi chẳng hạn như cày xới nhiều, hay lạm dụng thuốc sâu và phân bón.

Hơn nữa, sử dụng các loại phân ủ và luân canh hoa màu có thể giúp duy trì nguồn thức ăn cho vi sinh vật có lợi. Thí vụ như các nghiên cứu quản lý bệnh rể do lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus jordanensis) trên các cây táo trồng lại cho thấy rằng các loại tuyến trùng này có thể bị quản lý bằng sự kết hợp nhiều yếu tố như giản thời gian từ lúc dọn cây củ đến khi trồng cây mới vào, trộn phân chuồng cùng với u-rê, chọn gốc ghép phù hợp, và duy trì lớp che phủ hửu cơ quanh gốc cây.

Tiến sỹ Stirling cảnh báo không nên chỉ cố tìm cách áp dụng duy nhất một biện pháp

được cho là tốt nhất nào đó. Điều này cũng trùng hợp với cách tiếp cận của David.

David nói: “Càng nhìn vào vấn đề (càng nhận ra rằng) nó giống như là cả một hệ thống và nhận ra cách hợp lý để giải quyết.” “Chúng ta phải tao điều kiện tốt cho đất và làm cho chất hửu cơ và môi trường phù hợp để vi sinh vật phát triển”.

Các cách khác mà những người quản lý có thể tăng cường một quần thể vi sinh vật phong phú và khỏe mạnh là quản lý độ pH (độ chua) và độ nén chặc của đất, duy trì thảm thực vật che phủ đất giửa các hàng cây và tăng thêm các loại rác thải thực vật bao gồm các loiaj cây họ đậu.

David đã bắt đầu thực hiện một số các khái niệm này vào trang trại của mình.

Chẳng hạn như anh ấy trồng các loại cây họ đậu luân phiên trong vườn, chuẩn bị đất bằng cách trộn thêm than sinh học để cải tạo cấu trúc (độ xốp) đất và cho cỏ clover mọc dưới gốc cây rồi sau đó diệt chết để phủ gốc.

“Nhiều người quan tâm đến đất đai và nguồn nước và tính bền vững, nhưng đa số lai không biết chắc nên đi huuwosng nào cho đúng. Tôi đang cố tìm câu trả lời để tạo ra hệ thống làm cho trang trại tôi bền vững, có lời, và thân thiện với môi trường”.

THÊM THÔNG TIN

Võ Thế Truyền tại Hiệp hội rau cải Tây Úc số 0457 457 559, truyen.vo@ vegetableswa.com.au

33 David đang chuẩn bị đất với loại cây họ đậu che phủ đất cho khu vườn mới.

Tiến sỳ Stirling sẽ có mặt tại ngày hội thảo đồng ruộng tại Eastwind Orchard vào ngày 25 tháng 10 năm 2017 và gần Buselton vào ngày 26/10 trong một sự kiện với nhóm nông dân Busselton-Marybrook. Để biết thêm thông tin vui lòng gọi cho Clifton tại South West Catchment’s Council theo số (08) 9724 2469, hoặc lưu ý đến lịch sự kiện của SWCC trên trang mạng internet www.swccnrm.org.au/events.)

Dự án này được hổ trợ bởi Hội đồng lưu vực Tây Nam (South West Catchments Council) với nguồn tài trợ của chương trình Chăm sóc đất đai của cính phủ Úc — Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme.

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Duy trì Một biện pháp tổng hợp nhiều yếu tố của nông dân để duy trì thu nhập ổn định

VÕ THẾ TRUYỀN CHUYÊN VIÊN KHUYẾN NÔNG, HIỆP HỘI RAU CẢI TÂY ÚC

Với áp lực sâu bệnh hại ngày càng cao trong khi giá cả sản phẩm cà chua và ớt chuông bấp bệnh mấy năm qua làm cho nông dân Carnarvon đối mặt nhiều thách thức để duy trì thu nhập.

PERTH

Nông dân Cừu Văn Giang Diện tích đất 14ha

Cây trồng Ớt Capsicum, Cà chua, các loại dưa

Cuộc điều tra sử dụng nước, phân bón và hiện trang sâu bệnh hại tại Carnarvon trong năm 20161 cho thấy áp lực sâu bệnh rất cao trên loại cây trồng này.

Toàn bộ 10 trang trại tham gia trong cuộc điều tra đều bị nhiểm bệnh do vi khuẩn canker (Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis) hoặc bacterial speck (Pseudomonas syringae) hoặc 1 The project was managed by Carnarvon Growers Association and has been funded by Gascoyne Development Commission and the Department of Agriculture and Food with assistance from vegetablesWA

33 Phương án tổng hợp của anh Cừu Văn Giang bao gồm biện pháp xiết chặt an ninh sinh học trang trại, đa dạng hóa cây trồng, luân canh đất đai và hoa màu, và thường xuyên tiếp cận thông tin để rà xét lại kế hoạch hàng năm.

cả hai loại, 8/10 trang trai trong số đó được phát hiện bệnh Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum) hoặc là cả hai bệnh Rhizoctonia và Fuarium root rot (Rhizoctonia sp. and Fusarium sp.). Ngoài ra 7/10 trang trại trên còn hiểm bệnh rể chum do tuyến trùng (Meloidogyne sp.) hoặc cả hai loại (Pratylenchus neglectus and Pratylenchus sp.).

Mặt khác, giả cả bấp bênh làm cho lợi tức canh tác khó bảo đảm. Chẳng hạn như giá ca chua giảm từ hơn 5 dô-la/kg trong tháng 6/2017 xuống còn dưới 1 dô-la chỉ sau vài tuần2.

Một nông dân gốc Việt Nam tên Cừu Văn Giang tại carnarvon đã xác định phải áp dụng nhiều phương cách trong canh tác để duy trì nguồn thu nhập ổn định, Các biện pháp bao gồm áp dụng vệ sinh trang trại, đa dạng hóa cây trồng, luân canh cây trồng và luân cach đất đai và liên tục nắm bắt thông tin mới để kịp thời có những thay đổi hướng đi cần thiết.

2 http://pricing.marketwest.com.au/report/pricing/ monthly/?category=2&year=2017&month=08

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Anh Giang là người nhập cư đến nước Úc năm 1991 và bắt đầu làm công nhân trong ngành nông nghiệp cho chú anh từ năm 1996. Như hầu hết những người Việt Nam làm nông nghiệp ờ đây, anh cũng trãi qua quá trình “nhân công — làm hùng — mướn đất” trước khi mua đất để sở hửu trang trại của chính anh vào năm 2006.

Giử gìn vệ sinh trang trại là lưu ý trọng tâm của anh Giang trong các biện pháp phòng ngừa sâu bệnh hại. Ngoài việc hạn chế người lạ vào trang trại, anh Giang phân chia đất thành các khu vực có đường ra vào và chổ đậu xe được trãi đá để phần nào hạn chế bụi cũng như hạn chế mang đất từ nơi khác vào. Khách viếng được yêu cầu đậu xe đúng nơi. Đôi khi có trường hợp khách, ví dụ như những người của công ty giống đi thăm điểm thử nghiệm, được đề nghi thay quần áo trước khi vào nếu đã đi thăm các trang trại khác trước đó. Anh Giang giải thích rằng các biện pháp phun thuốc không phải lúc nào cũng mang lại hiệu quả, nên kết hợp ngừa bệnh từ nơi khác mang đến.

Anh Gianh nói “Các công ty giống đôi khi cho nhiều loại giống trồng thử nghiệm và họ thường quay lại quan sát, tôi yêu cầu họ thay quần áo trước khi vào vì sợ rằng có thể họ đã vào các vườn khác trước đó rồi họ có thể mang mầm bênh vào vườn mình” Mặc dù diện tích đất không lớn lắm nhưng anh Giang luôn chủ trương cho đất “nghỉ” luân phiên từng lô mỗi năm đề đất phục hồi và giảm bớt mầm sâu bệnh hại. Anh nhận xét thấy nếu đất được canh tác liên tục thì hoa màu không phát triển tốt trong khi sâu bệnh hại có vẻ nhiều hơn.

Hơn nữa nếu canh tác cùng một loại hoa màu trên cùng một lô đất qua nhiều vụ thì năng xuất và hiệu quả các vụ sau ngày càng giảm. Anh học được từ các nhà nông học của các công ty thuốc hay “kỹ sư” rằng luân canh đất đai và luân canh hoa màu giúp cho đất hồi phục độ phì nhiêu và mầm sâu bệnh hại không tích lủy qua thời gian. Luân canh hoa màu còn giúp cắt đứt nguồn thức ăn cũng như chu trình phát triển của mầm sâu bệnh hại. Anh Giang thường chỉ canh tác phân nửa diện tích đất. phân nửa diện dích còn lại được bỏ trống cho đất phục hồi 12 tháng trước khi “xoay vòng” canh tác lại vào năm sau.

Anh cũng tự nhận thấy rằng nếu canh tác nhiều hơn thì không thể chăm sóc cây trồng “như ý”, vì vậy năng suất và chất

lượng không bảo đảm để bán được giá cao. Canh tác với số lương vừa phải giúp anh quan sát chăm sóc cây trồng chu đáo hơn, phát hiện sâu bệnh kịp thời hơn.

Anh nói rằng: “Đất đai là nguồn vốn quí, đặc biệt với nhừng trang trại nhỏ đất ít.

Nhiều nông dân tranh thủ tận dụng toàn bộ diện tích đất quanh năm, nhưng tôi chỉ muốn trồng số lượng vừa sức mình chăm sóc cho tốt, chất lượng bảo đảm để dể bán được giá cao”.

Anh Giang dành 6 ha đất trong hà lưới trồng ớt chuông theo hợp đồng để giử nguồn thu nhập chính. Anh nhận thấy rằng mặc dù phải bỏ ra đầu tư lớn ban đầu làm nhà lưới, nhưng cây ớt trong nhà lươi luôn luôn phát triển tốt hơn trồng bên ngoài, ít sâu bệnh, cho thu hoạch kéo dài suốt năm, chất lương cũng tốt hơn và ít tốn hân công hơn trông cà.

Bên cạnh cây ớt chuông, anh Giang cũng đa dạng nguồn thu nhập bằng các loại hoa màu khác như cà chua và các loại dưa như là một biện pháp dự phòng đề tránh mất thu nhập khi cây trồng chính giá thấp. Anh Giang cho rằng cách này giúp chia rủi ro ra nhiều mặt, nếu loại này mất giá thì loại khác sẽ giúp duy trì thu nhập đều.

loại này thất bại do giá thấp thì có thể có loại khác bổ xung”

“Tôi không thắng lớn như nhiều nông dân khác, nhưng tôi hài lòng với thu nhập ổn định hàng năm”.

Thiết lập kế hoạch luân canh hàng năm cần phải cân nhắc nhiều yếu tố tùy theo tình hình thay đổi như giá chợ, tình hình nhân công, đất đai, thời tiết, khả năng canh tác của mình, lượng trồng của người khác, vùng khác…Chính vì vậy anh Giang cố gắng thương xuyên thu nhập kinh nghiệm và thông tin từ nhiều nguồn khác nhau như từ anh em nông dân trong địa phương, “kỹ sư”, các cơ quan như Bộ Nông nghiệp, Hiệp hội Rau cải…

Anh cho rằng: “Làm nghề nông này không thể đứng một mình mà thành công được, mình cần phải luôn chú ý tìm hiểu và tìm cách thay đổi theo hoàn cảnh để sống được.”

THÊM THÔNG TIN

Võ Thế Truyền tại Hiệp hội rau cải Tây Úc số 0457 457 559, truyen.vo@ vegetableswa.com.au

Anh nói: “Dồn hết đầu tư hàng năm vào một loại cây trồng sẽ rất rủi ro. Nhiều loại cây trồng sẽ giúp duy trì thu nhập bởi vì 33 Vườn ớt capsicum trong nhà mùng của anh Giang.

WA Grower SPRING 2017

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TOMATO POTATO ////////// — VIETNAMESE PSYLLID:TRANSLATION INTERSTATE MOVEMENT CONDITIONS — VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION

Rầy cà chua khoai tây (TPP) đã được phát hiện tại tiểu bang Tây úc hồi tháng 2, 2017. Đây là báo cáo đầu tiên về loại dịch hại ngoại lai trên nước Úc và đã kích hoạt hệ thống đối phó an ninh sinh học cấp quốc gia.

Rầy TPP là loại dịch hại thực vật tấn công các loại cây trồng như cà chua, khoai tây, ớt capsicum, ớt cay, tamarillo, dâu Goji, cà tím, và khoai lang làm ảnh hưởng đến sinh trưởng và giảm năng suất. Rầy TPP còn là côn trùng lây truyền vi khuẩn Candidatus Liberibacter solanaceum (CLso) có liên quan đến bệnh sọc nâu “Zebra chip” trên khoai tây. Cho đến thời điểm ra báo cáo này (8/2017) chưa có phát hiện vi khuẩn gây bệnh sọc nâu nào tại Tây Úc.

Các điều kiện di chuyển xuyên bang

Rầy cà chua khoai tây (TPP) Các điều kiện vận chuyển xuyên bang NHÓM CÔNG TÁC TIẾP CẬN THỊ TRƯỜNG BỘ NÔNG-LƯƠNG-NGƯ NGHIỆP VÀ PHÁT TRIỂN NÔNG THÔN (DPIRD) NGƯỜI DỊCH: VÕ THẾ TRUYỀN CHUYÊN VIÊN KHUYẾN NÔNG, HIỆP HỘI RAU CẢI TÂY ÚC.

112

WA Grower SPRING 2017

Tất cả các tiểu bang đều có quyền áp dụng các biện pháp kiểm dịch cần thiết trong khuôn khổ quyền hạn pháp lý đối với sản phẩm giao thương xuyên bang có khả năng gây nguy cơ. Các biện pháp này có thể được áp dụng trên các loại sản phẩm rau, quả, hoa cắt cành, cây giống, hột giống, các loại thực vật, và các loại có nguy cơ khác như đất, gổ, phương tiện vận chuyển và máy móc.

Các yêu cầu di chuyển được áp dụng để quản lý rủi ro sâu bệnh hại có thể mang theo trên sản phẩm. Các yêu cầu này có thể là cách thức xử lý sản phẩm chuyên biệt (chẳng hạn như các qui trình tẩy rửa, xử lý hóa chất), thanh tra sản phẩm, chứng nhận vùng hay tiểu bang không có nguy cơ, hay nhiều loại yêu cầu khác. Nếu các yêu cầu này không được đáp ứng thì sản phẩm có thể bị cấm di chuyển vào tiểu bang hay vùng lảnh thổ.

Các điều kiện vận chuyển xuyên bang (có khi còn gọi là yêu cầu kiểm dịch/các điều kiện nhập khẩu) được thiết lập dựa trên các quyền hạn pháp lý của nơi nhập hàng hóa. Thí dụ chính phủ tiểu bang South Australia thiết lập yêu cầu kiểm dịch cho các sản phẩm nhập vào South Australia.

Nếu quí vị muốn xuất hàng hóa đi nhiều tiểu bang thì quí vị phải xem xét yêu cầu kiểm dịch của từng nơi.

YOUR MARKET

TOMATO POTATO PSYLLID: INTERSTATE MOVEMENT CONDITIONS — VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION

Lợi ích có được chứng nhận thông qua ICA thay đổi theo mỗi doanh nghiệp tùy thuộc vào cách thức vận hành và loại sản phẩm có ghi trong ICA.

Yêu cầu kiểm dịch đối với rầy TPP Nhằm đối phó để kiêm soát rầy TPP, các nơi như New South Wales, Northern Teritory, Queensland, South Australia, và Victoria đã áp dụng các yêu cầu di chuyển xuyên bang khác nhau đối với các loiaj sản phẩm rau, quả, hoa cắt cành, cây giống, hột giống, các loại thực vật, và phương tiện vận chuyển và máy móc đã qua sử dụng đến từ Western Australia.

Khi xuất khẩu các loại nuyên liệu, hàng hóa có nguy cơ đến các tiểu bang hay vùng lảnh thổ khác, nhà xuất khẩu có trách nhiệm phải đảm bảo rằng mình đáp ứng yêu cầu kiểm dịch của nơi mà mình muốn xuất đến.

Làm sao quí vị tra cứu các yêu cầu kiểm dịch?

Có 2 cách tra cứu các yêu cầu kiểm dịch áp dụng cho sảm phẩm của mình:

1. Liên hệ hoặc xem trang thông tin mạng (internet) quản lý kiểm dịch thực vật của nơi mà quí vị muốn chuyển hoàng hóa đến. Địa chỉ liện hệ và các đường dẫn đến các trang thông tin có trong trang mạng của Cơ quan quản lý kiểm dịch thực vật của tổ chức kiểm dịch xuyên bang www.interstatequarantine. org.au/producers/committees/ quarantine-regulators/ 2. Liên hệ cơ quan kiểm dịch Western Australia (QWA) (08) 9334 1800 hoặc qa@agric.wa.gov.au

Chứng nhận các điều kiện di chuyển Các nông gia muốn gởi sản phẩm đến các thị trường xuyên bang buộc phải có chứng nhận rằng sản phẩm của mình đáp ứng mọi yêu cầu kiểm dịch.

Các 2 cách chứng minh rằng sản phẩm được chứng nhận — Giấy chứng nhận sức khỏe thực vật (Plant Health Certificate — PHC) hoặc Chứng nhận đảm bảo sưc khỏe thực vật (Plant Health Assurance Certificate — PHAC). Nên lưu ý rằng chứng nhận PHAC chỉ có được một khi chứng nhận ICA hoặc CA (Certification Assurance) đã được thông qua đối với các yêu cầu kiểm dịch và doanh nghiệp xuất khẩu cũng được chứng nhận theo các thỏa thuận trên.

Các lợi ích có thể bao gồm:

–– Mức độ linh hoạt trong hoạt động được gia tăng ( Các doanh nghiệp có thể lập kế hoạch và lên lịch hoạt động không cần phải yêu cần thanh tra ICA có mặt).

–– Các lo ngại vấn đề chất lượng sản phẩm được cải thiện (Thông qua tài liệu về trách nhiệm và bổn phận của đội ngủ nhân công)

33TPP is a plant pest which feeds on tomato, potato, capsicum, chilli, goji berry, tamarillo, eggplant and sweet potato.

–– Tăng cương khả năng kiểm soát hoạt động (Các qui tình đều được ghi chép)

1. Giấy chứng nhận sức khỏe thực vật (Plant Health Certificate — PHC) — giấy chứng nhận do cơ quan kiểm dịch WA (Quarantine WA — QWA) cấp.

Sản phẩm phải được thanh tra của QWA xác nhận đáp ứng mọi yêu cầu kiểm dịch. Một khi các yêu cầu được thỏa mản QWA sẽ ra giấy chứng nhận cùng với lô hàng đi đến nơi được xác định.

Giấy này chứng minh cho cơ quan công quyền của điểm đến rằng lô hàng đáp ứng mọi yêu cầu kiểm dịch.

Cần phải đăng ký với thanh tra viện ít nhất 24 giờ trước khi thanh tra hàng.

Phí thanh tra sẽ bao gồm phí giám sát khi xử lý hàng, công việc thanh tra và công việc chứng nhận.

Để đăng ký thanh tra xin liên hệ cơ quan kiểm dịch Western Australia (QWA) (08) 9334 1800 hoặc qa@agric. wa.gov.au 2. Chứng nhận đảm bảo sưc khỏe thực vật (Plant Health Assurance Certificate — PHAC)

Qui trình chứng nhận bảo đảm xuyên bang (ICA) giúp các doanh nghiệp được chứng nhận bởi Bộ Nông-lương-ngư nghiệp và phát triển nông thôn (DPIRD) để thừa nhận trách nhiệm đối với các cách thức xử lý chuyên biệt, thanh tra, hay các biện pháp khác cũng như để xuast giấy chứng nhận PHAC cho sản phẩm.

–– Tăng cường sự tham gia của đội ngủ nhân viên thông qua các cuộc tập huấn có bài bản.

–– Và giảm chi phí chứng nhận

Các loại chứng nhận ICA đối với rầy TPP có ở Western Australia:

• ICA-60: Thanh tra dâu tây của Western Australia đối với rầy TPP

• ICA-61: Thanh tra và qui trì rửa sản phẩm trong nhà đối với các sản phẩm liệt vào loại “có thể mang” rầy TPP.

Nông gia muốn gới sản phẩm theo qui trình chứng nhận ICA nào đều phải nộp hồ sơ đăng ký chứng nhận cho QWA. QWA sẽ tiến hành kiểm tra dánh giá các doanh nghiệp xem có đảm bảo thỏa mãn xã yêu cầu kiểm dịch hay không trước khi chứng nhận. Thanh tra cũng sẽ kiểm tra đánh giá trong quá trình hoạt động để duy trì tình trạng chứng nhận.

THÊM THÔNG TIN

Để biết thêm thông tin hoặc nộp hồ sơ yêu cầu chứng nhận xin vui lòng liên hệ cơ quan kiểm dịch Western Australia (QWA) (08) 9334 1800 hoặc qa@agric. wa.gov.au

Giấy này chứng minh cho cơ quan công quyền của điểm đến rằng lô hàng đáp ứng mọi yêu cầu kiểm dịch.

WA Grower SPRING 2017

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Permits Permit No.

Minor Use Permits can also be searched by specific crop or pest types at https://portal.apvma.gov.au/permits

Description

Disease

Avatar (indoxacarb)

Garden weevil

Status

Issued date

Expiry date

CURRENT

15-May-17

31-May-22

Asparagus PER82992 Beans PER81196

Bifenthrin

Specified whitefly and mite species

CURRENT

8-Feb-16

31-Mar-21

PER14701

Pyriproxyfen

Silverleaf whitefly

CURRENT

4-Feb-15

30-Jun-20

Beetroot PER14184

Phosphorous (phosphonic) acid

Damping off and downy mildew

CURRENT

1-Jul-13

30-Jun-22

PER14456

Tebuconazole

Sclerotonia rot

CURRENT

1-Apr-14

30-Jun-19

PER81260

Imidacloprid

Aphids & thrips

CURRENT

1-Dec-15

30-Sep-20

PER82811

S-METOLACHLOR

Blackberry nightshade

CURRENT

25-Jan-17

1-Feb-20

PER14891

Trifloxystrobin

Alternaria leaf spot

CURRENT

1-Jan-15

30-Sep-19

Acramite Miticide (bifenazate)

Two-spotted mite

CURRENT

29-Mar-16

31-Mar-21

Bitter melon PER82341

Brassica leafy vegetables PER12008

PROPACHLOR

Annual grasses and broadleaf weeds

CURRENT

18-Jun-12

30-Nov-25

PER14958

Dimethomorph & Mancozeb (Acrobat Fungicide)

Downy mildew and other diseases

CURRENT

21-Dec-14

31-Oct-19 31-Aug-18

PER14127

Pendimethalin

Weeds

CURRENT

31-Oct-13

PER14864

Pirimicarb

Aphids

CURRENT

11-Nov-14

30-Jun-19

PER13154

Dual Gold Herbicide

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

CURRENT

20-Feb-12

31-Mar-22

PER14907

Emamectin

Various pests

CURRENT

9-Dec-14

30-Nov-19

PER14584

Imidacloprid

Aphids, whitefly and thrips

CURRENT

1-Apr-14

31-Mar-19 30-Jun-22

PER14184

Phosphorous (phosphonic) acid

Damping off and downy mildew

CURRENT

1-Jul-13

PER81876

ABAMECTIN

Leaf miner

CURRENT

24-Jun-16

30-Apr-19

PER81196

Bifenthrin

Specified whitefly and mite species

CURRENT

8-Feb-16

31-Mar-21

PER14596

Chlorpyrifos

Vegetable beetle adults

CURRENT

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

PER82459

CLETHODIM

Various grass weeds

CURRENT

19-Apr-17

30-Sep-21

Admiral Insect Growth Regulator (pyriproxyfen)

Silverleaf whitefly

CURRENT

13-Jul-14

30-Jun-18

Broccoli PER14384

Brussel sprouts PER14432

Pendimethalin

Weeds

CURRENT

23-May-14

30-Jun-19

PER14384

Admiral Insect Growth Regulator (pyriproxyfen)

Silverleaf whitefly

CURRENT

13-Jul-14

30-Jun-18

PER80910

Iprodione

Grey mould

CURRENT

1-Aug-15

31-Jul-20

Leaf miner

CURRENT

24-Jun-16

30-Apr-19

Bulb vegetables PER81876

ABAMECTIN

Cabbage PER82039

BIFENTHRIN

Symphyla

CURRENT

20-Nov-15

31-Oct-18

PER14384

Admiral Insect Growth Regulator (pyriproxyfen)

Silverleaf whitefly

CURRENT

13-Jul-14

30-Jun-18

Abamectin

Tomato red spider mite

CURRENT

17-Feb-15

30-Sep-20 30-Nov-21

Capsicum PER14722 PER14326

Captan

Grey mould

CURRENT

19-Dec-13

PER84245

Movento 240 SC

Tomato Potato Psyllid

CURRENT

7-Apr-17

28-Feb-20

PER81408

PHOSPHOROUS ACID

Phytophthora soil fungus

CURRENT

7-Sep-15

30-Sep-20

PER13031

Maldison

Fruit fly

CURRENT

6-Oct-11

30-Nov-18

PER14725

Paramite Selective Miticide

Tomato spider mites

CURRENT

22-Oct-14

30-Jun-18

Carrot PER14184

Phosphorous (phosphonic) acid

Damping off and downy mildew

CURRENT

1-Jul-13

30-Jun-22

PER14816

Azoxystrobin

P owdery mildew, sclerotinia rot (white mould), black rot

CURRENT

1-Jun-14

30-Jun-19

PER80169

Metribuzin

Grass and broadleaf weeds

CURRENT

3-Mar-15

31-Mar-18

Cauliflower

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YOUR PRODUCTION

Permit No.

Description

Disease

Status

Issued date

Expiry date

PER14384

Admiral Insect Growth Regulator (pyriproxyfen)

Silverleaf whitefly

CURRENT

13-Jul-14

30-Jun-18

PER82039

BIFENTHRIN

Symphyla

CURRENT

20-Nov-15

31-Oct-18

Success Neo Insecticide (spinetoram)

Various insect pests

CURRENT

29-Mar-12

31-Mar-22

PER81914

EMAMECTIN

Heliothis, light brown apple moth and cluster caterpillar

CURRENT

19-Apr-17

31-Oct-19

PER83203

FIPRONIL (REGENT 200 SC)

Western flower thrips, onion thrips

CURRENT

16-Mar-17

13-Mar-22

Celeriac PER13088 Celery

PER14494

Trifloxystrobin

DM, cercospora & septoria

CURRENT

1-Oct-14

30-Jun-19

PER14436

Applaud Insecticide (buprofezin)

Greenhouse whitefly

CURRENT

9-May-14

30-Jun-19

PER14341

Chess Insecticide (pymetrozine)

Aphids

CURRENT

30-May-14

30-Jun-17

PER82358

Esfenvalerate

Helicoverpa armigera

CURRENT

5-Feb-16

31-Mar-21

PER14843

Indoxacarb (Avatar Insecticide)

H eliothis, lightbrown apple moth, lucerne leaf roller and vegetable weevil

CURRENT

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

PER13496

Linuron

Range of weeds

CURRENT

4-May-12

30-Apr-22

Chicory PER14457

Alpha-cypermethrin

Red-legged earth mite, onion thrips

CURRENT

19-Mar-14

30-Jun-19

PER80282

Alpha-cypermethrin

Red-legged earth mite, onion thrips

CURRENT

16-Dec-14

30-Nov-17

PER81241

Phenmedipham (Betanal)

Broadleaf weeds

CURRENT

29-May-15

31-May-20

PER14456

Tebuconazole

Sclerotonia rot

CURRENT

1-Apr-14

30-Jun-19

PER14841

Walabi Fungicide

Botrytis and alternaria

CURRENT

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

PER14494

Trifloxystrobin

DM, cercospora & septoria

CURRENT

1-Oct-14

30-Jun-19

PER14864

Pirimicarb

Aphids

CURRENT

11-Nov-14

30-Jun-19

PER14864

Pirimicarb

Aphids

CURRENT

11-Nov-14

30-Jun-19

Chillies PER14722

Abamectin

Tomato red spider mite

CURRENT

17-Feb-15

30-Sep-20

PER84245

Movento 240 SC

Tomato Potato Psyllid

CURRENT

7-Apr-17

28-Feb-20

PER14326

Captan

Grey mould

CURRENT

19-Dec-13

30-Nov-21

PER14536

Abamectin

Two-spotted mite

CURRENT

30-May-14

31-Dec-18

BIFENTHRIN

Symphyla

CURRENT

20-Nov-15

31-Oct-18

Triadimenol

White rot (sclerotium)

CURRENT

22-Oct-14

31-Oct-19

Chinese cabbage PER82039 Chives PER14906 Cucumber PER14722

Abamectin

Tomato red spider mite

CURRENT

17-Feb-15

30-Sep-20

PER82341

Acramite Miticide (bifenazate)

Two-spotted mite

CURRENT

29-Mar-16

31-Mar-21 31-Mar-21

PER81196

Bifenthrin

Specified whitefly and mite species

CURRENT

8-Feb-16

PER14326

Captan

Grey mould

CURRENT

19-Dec-13

30-Nov-21

PER81702

DOMINEX DUO EC INSECTICIDE

Loopers

CURRENT

24-Mar-16

31-Mar-21

PER13031

Maldison

Fruit fly

CURRENT

6-Oct-11

30-Nov-18

PER80891

Pyranica Miticide

Two-spotted mite & European red mite

CURRENT

30-Sep-15

30-Sep-20

Hexythiazox (Calibre 100 EC miticide)

T omato spider mite, two-spotted mite, broad mite, tomato russet mite

CURRENT

21-Feb-15

31-Mar-18 31-Mar-20

Cucurbits PER14765 PER80138

Alpha-cypermethrin

Cucumber fruit fly

CURRENT

26-Feb-15

PER14725

Paramite Selective Miticide

Tomato spider mites

CURRENT

22-Oct-14

30-Jun-18

PER80101

SUMITOMO SAMURAI SYSTEMIC INSECTICIDE

Cucumber fruit fly

CURRENT

10-Nov-15

30-Sep-18

PER14840

Bupirimate

Powdery mildew

CURRENT

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

Custard apple PER14743

Trichlorfon

Various insect pests

CURRENT

1-Jun-14

30-Jun-20

PER83212

Octave WP Fungicide (prochloraz)

Anthracnose

CURRENT

1-Sep-16

31-Aug-18

PER14227

Paramite (etoxazole)

Two-spotted mite

CURRENT

31-Oct-13

30-Jun-18

PER14894

Clothianidin (Samurai Systemic Insecticide)

Citrus mealy bug

CURRENT

24-Feb-15

31-Aug-18

PER14905

Sulfoxaflor (Transform Insecticide)

Citrus mealy bug

CURRENT

29-Mar-15

31-Mar-18

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Permits (cont.)

Permit No.

Description

Disease

Status

Issued date

Expiry date

Eggplant PER14722

Abamectin

Tomato red spider mite

CURRENT

17-Feb-15

30-Sep-20

PER82341

Acramite Miticide (bifenazate)

Two-spotted mite

CURRENT

29-Mar-16

31-Mar-21 31-Mar-18

PER14484

Fluazifop

Grass weeds

CURRENT

16-Apr-14

PER80717

Trichlorfon

Fruit fly

CURRENT

28-Oct-15

31-Oct-20

PER14839

Zineb

Anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.)

CURRENT

1-Aug-14

30-Sep-19 31-Mar-21

PER81196

Bifenthrin

Specified whitefly and mite species

CURRENT

8-Feb-16

PER81914

EMAMECTIN

Heliothis, light brown apple month and cluster caterpillar

CURRENT

19-Apr-17

31-Oct-19

PER84245

Movento 240 SC

Tomato Potato Psyllid

CURRENT

7-Apr-17

28-Feb-20

PER14186

Success Neo (spinetoram)

Melon thrips

CURRENT

3-Oct-13

30-Sep-18 31-May-20

Endive PER81241

Phenmedipham (Betanal)

Broadleaf weeds

CURRENT

29-May-15

PER14456

Tebuconazole

Sclerotonia rot

CURRENT

1-Apr-14

30-Jun-19

PER14841

Walabi Fungicide

Botrytis and alternaria

CURRENT

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

PER14494

Trifloxystrobin

DM, cercospora & septoria

CURRENT

1-Oct-14

30-Jun-19

FIPRONIL (REGENT 200 SC)

Western flower thrips, onions thrips

CURRENT

16-Mar-17

13-Mar-22

Terbutryn

Broad leaf weeds

CURRENT

1-Sep-14

30-Sep-19

CURRENT

12-May-17

30-Jun-19

CURRENT

14-Aug-15

31-Aug-20

Field lettuce PER83203 Field peas PER14937

Fresh fruit and vegetables PER84555

VAPORMATE (ETHYL FORMATE)

PER81637

Chlorpyrifos & maldison

Tomato Potato Psyllid

PER80099

Alpha-Cypermethrin

Mediterrean fruit fly and Queeensland fruit fly

CURRENT

26-Feb-15

31-Mar-20

PER14765

Hexythiazox (Calibre 100 EC miticide)

T omato spider mite,two-spotted mite, broad mite, tomato russet mite

CURRENT

21-Feb-15

31-Mar-18

PER80100

Sumitomo Samurai Systematic Insecticide

Mediterranean fruit fly & Queensland fruit fly

CURRENT

10-Nov-15

30-Sep-18

PER80101

SUMITOMO SAMURAI SYSTEMIC INSECTICIDE

Cucumber fruit fly

CURRENT

10-Nov-15

30-Sep-18

PER81876

ABAMECTIN

Leaf miner

CURRENT

24-Jun-16

30-Apr-19

Fruit tree PER80719

Naturalure Fruit Fly Bait Concentrate

Mediterranean fruit fly and Queensland fruit fly

CURRENT

9-Apr-15

31-Mar-20

PER14680

Naturalure Fruit Fly Bait Concentrate

Mediterranean fruit fly and Queensland fruit fly

CURRENT

31-Mar-14

31-Mar-19

Garlic PER14484

Fluazifop

Grass weeds

CURRENT

16-Apr-14

31-Mar-18

PER82053

BROMOXYNIL

Broadleaf weeds

CURRENT

14-Sep-16

31-Mar-21

PER82054

CARBENDAZIM

Botrytis

CURRENT

14-Sep-16

31-Mar-21

PER82015

Clethodim

Winter grass

CURRENT

14-Sep-16

31-Mar-21

PER14626

Copper as tribasic copper sulphate

Downy mildew

CURRENT

10-Jul-14

30-Jun-19

PER14628

IOXYNIL (TOTRIL)

Broadleaf weeds

CURRENT

17-Feb-15

31-Jul-20

PER82087

IPRODIONE

Botrytis

CURRENT

1-Aug-16

31-Jul-21

PER14604

Lambda-cyhalothrin

Selected insect pests

CURRENT

1-Apr-14

31-Mar-22 31-Mar-21

PER82055

METHABENZTHIAZURON

Annual grass and broadleaf weeds

CURRENT

14-Sep-16

PER14886

Pendimethalin

Grass and broadleaf weeds

CURRENT

1-Aug-14

30-Sep-19

PER82063

TEBUCONAZOLE

Orange rust

CURRENT

14-Sep-16

31-Mar-21

Metolachlor

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

CURRENT

23-Jul-12

30-Jun-22

Broadleaf weeds

CURRENT

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

Green beans PER13626

Green peas (processing) PER14896

Bentazone (Basagran)

Leafy lettuce PER14959

Haloxyfop

Storksbill

CURRENT

21-Dec-14

30-Nov-19

PER14326

Captan

Grey mould

CURRENT

19-Dec-13

30-Nov-21

PER14958

Dimethomorph & Mancozeb (Acrobat Fungicide)

Downy mildew and other diseases

CURRENT

21-Dec-14

31-Oct-19

Leek

116

PER14906

Triadimenol

White rot (Sclerotium)

CURRENT

22-Oct-14

31-Oct-19

PER14457

Alpha-cypermethrin

Red-legged earth mite, onion thrips

CURRENT

19-Mar-14

30-Jun-19

WA Grower SPRING 2017

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permit No.

Description

Disease

Status

Issued date

Expiry date

PER80282

Alpha-cypermethrin

Red-legged earth mite, onion thrips

CURRENT

16-Dec-14

30-Nov-17

PER14473

Dimethomorph & Mancozeb

Downy mildew, purple blotch and botrytis rots

CURRENT

18-Dec-13

30-Jun-18

PER14484

Fluazifop

Grass weeds

CURRENT

16-Apr-14

31-Mar-18

PER14742

Methabenzthiazuron (Tribunil Herbicide)

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

CURRENT

1-Jul-14

30-Jun-21

PER82551

diazinon

Onion fly and onion seedling maggot

CURRENT

23-May-16

31-Mar-21

Lettuce PER81196

Bifenthrin

Specified whitefly and mite species

CURRENT

8-Feb-16

31-Mar-21

PER81241

Phenmedipham (Betanal)

Broadleaf weeds

CURRENT

29-May-15

31-May-20

PER14696

Abamectin

Two-spotted mite

CURRENT

1-Apr-14

31-Mar-19

PER14210

Acramite Miticide

Two-spotted (red spider) mite

CURRENT

17-Oct-13

30-Sep-18

PER14430

Azoxystrobin (Amistar 250 SC)

Bottom rot

CURRENT

21-Mar-14

30-Jun-22

PER14257

BALAN (benfluralin)

Grass and broadleaf weed control

CURRENT

29-Oct-13

31-Mar-18

PER14351

DC-Tron Plus

Various bugs

CURRENT

24-Dec-13

31-Mar-21

PER14318

Metalaxyl-M

Damping off

CURRENT

23-Dec-13

30-Sep-22

PER14431

Rizolex Liquid

Bottom rot

CURRENT

21-Mar-14

30-Jun-22

PER81136

SWITCH FUNGICIDE

Anthracnose

CURRENT

12-Oct-15

30-Sep-18

PER14964

Chlorothalonil

Antracnose (shot hole)

CURRENT

21-Dec-14

30-Nov-19

PER14336

Prodigy

Cluster caterpillar, looper and light brown apple moth

CURRENT

17-Dec-13

30-Sep-17

Melons PER14650

Paramite (etoxazole)

Two-spotted mite

CURRENT

7-Nov-14

31-May-18

PER13170

Dimethoate

Various fruit fly species

CURRENT

13-Oct-11

30-Sep-20

Onions PER14602

Boscalid, Iprodione & Chlorothalonil

Botrytis neck-rot

CURRENT

24-Jul-14

30-Sep-18

PER80282

Alpha-cypermethrin

Red-legged earth mite, onion thrips

CURRENT

16-Dec-14

30-Nov-17

PER14773

Basagran (bentazone-sodium)

Broadleaf weeds

CURRENT

16-Apr-14

30-Jun-18

PER13119

Diazinon

Onion thrips

CURRENT

6-Mar-12

31-Jul-18

Paprika PER14722

Abamectin

Tomato red spider mite

CURRENT

17-Feb-15

30-Sep-20

PER14536

Abamectin

Two-spotted mite

CURRENT

30-May-14

31-Dec-18 31-Mar-20

Parsnip PER14858

Pendimethalin

Grasses and broadleaf weeds

CURRENT

1-Apr-15

PER14184

Phosphorous (phosphonic) acid

Damping off and downy mildew

CURRENT

1-Jul-13

30-Jun-22

PER11935

Triadimenol

Powdery mildew

CURRENT

5-Feb-10

30-Jun-22

PER14484

Fluazifop

Grass weeds

CURRENT

16-Apr-14

31-Mar-18

Peas PER81196

Bifenthrin

Specified whitefly and mite species

CURRENT

8-Feb-16

31-Mar-21

PER81196

Bifenthrin

Specified whitefly and mite species

CURRENT

8-Feb-16

31-Mar-21

Bifenthrin

Specified whitefly and mite species

CURRENT

8-Feb-16

31-Mar-21

Peppers PER81196 PER84245

Movento 240 SC

Tomato Potato Psyllid

CURRENT

7-Apr-17

28-Feb-20

PER14840

Bupirimate

Powdery mildew

CURRENT

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

PER82359

Pirimor (pirimicarb)

Aphids

CURRENT

5-Feb-16

31-Mar-21

PER14353

Rovral Aquaflo Fungicide (iprodione)

Sclerotinia rot

CURRENT

1-Jul-14

31-Mar-22

PER14454

Ridomil Gold MZ

Downy mildew

CURRENT

10-Mar-14

30-Jun-19

PER82341

Acramite Miticide (bifenazate)

Two-spotted mite

CURRENT

29-Mar-16

31-Mar-21

Calypso Insecticide

Mediterranean fruit fly

CURRENT

13-Dec-13

30-Nov-18 30-Sep-20

Pome fruit PER14562 Potatoes PER14722

Abamectin

Tomato red spider mite

CURRENT

17-Feb-15

PER84245

Movento 240 SC

Tomato Potato Psyllid

CURRENT

7-Apr-17

28-Feb-20

PER80344

Chlorpyrifos

Black beetle, wingless grasshopper, red-legged earth mite CURRENT

2-Jan-15

30-Sep-20

PER14765

Hexythiazox (Calibre 100 EC miticide)

T omato spider mite, two-spotted mite, broad mite, tomato russet mite

21-Feb-15

31-Mar-18

CURRENT

WA Grower SPRING 2017

117

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permits (cont.)

Permit No.

Description

Disease

PER10822

Sodium hypochlorite

Various insect and fungal pests

Status

Issued date

Expiry date

CURRENT

30-Jan-09

30-Nov-25 31-May-20

Radicchio PER81241

Phenmedipham (Betanal)

Broadleaf weeds

CURRENT

29-May-15

PER14864

Pirimicarb

Aphids

CURRENT

11-Nov-14

30-Jun-19

PER14841

Walabi Fungicide

Botrytis and alternaria

CURRENT

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

Radish PER14456

Tebuconazole

Sclerotonia rot

CURRENT

1-Apr-14

30-Jun-19

PER11935

Triadimenol

Powdery mildew

CURRENT

5-Feb-10

30-Jun-22

PER13444

Propiconazole

Cercospora

CURRENT

1-Apr-12

31-May-22

PER13441

Ambush Emulsifiable Concentrate Insecticide

reen peach aphid, green looper, light brown apple G moth and budworms

CURRENT

11-Apr-12

31-Mar-27

PER13300

Abamectin

Broad mite

CURRENT

11-Oct-13

31-Dec-21

Rhubarb

PER14212

Imidacloprid

Aphids

CURRENT

31-Oct-13

30-Jun-18

PER13152

MCPA 250 Selective Herbicide

Broadleaf weeds

CURRENT

4-Dec-11

30-Sep-21

PER14493

Phos acid

Downy mildew

CURRENT

1-Jul-14

31-Jan-19

Rocket PER14864

Pirimicarb

Aphids

CURRENT

11-Nov-14

30-Jun-19

PER12008

PROPACHLOR

Annual grasses and broadleaf weeds

CURRENT

18-Jun-12

30-Nov-25

Shallots PER14906

Triadimenol

White rot (Sclerotium)

CURRENT

22-Oct-14

31-Oct-19

PER14484

Fluazifop

Grass weeds

CURRENT

16-Apr-14

31-Mar-18

PER13626

Metolachlor

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

CURRENT

23-Jul-12

30-Jun-22

PER12008

PROPACHLOR

Annual grasses and broadleaf weeds

CURRENT

18-Jun-12

30-Nov-25

PER14457

Alpha-cypermethrin

Red-legged earth mite, onion thrips

CURRENT

19-Mar-14

30-Jun-19

PER14471

Lambda-cyhalothrin

Various pests

CURRENT

30-May-14

31-Mar-19

PER14142

Ioxynil

Broad leaf and grass weeds

CURRENT

17-Oct-13

31-Mar-19

Silverbeet PER13626

Metolachlor

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

CURRENT

23-Jul-12

30-Jun-22

PER12008

PROPACHLOR

Annual grasses and broadleaf weeds

CURRENT

18-Jun-12

30-Nov-25

PER14494

Trifloxystrobin

DM, cercospora and septoria

CURRENT

1-Oct-14

30-Jun-19

PER14841

Walabi Fungicide

Botrytis and alternaria

CURRENT

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

PER14456

Tebuconazole

Sclerotonia rot

CURRENT

1-Apr-14

30-Jun-19

omato spider mite, two-spotted mite, broad mite, T tomato russet mite

CURRENT

21-Feb-15

31-Mar-18

Snow peas and sugar snap peas PER14765

Hexythiazox (Calibre 100 EC miticide)

PER14722

Abamectin

Tomato red spider mite

CURRENT

17-Feb-15

30-Sep-20

PER14470

Mancozeb & Dimethomorph

Downy mildew

CURRENT

1-May-14

30-Apr-22

PER80954

METHOXYFENOZIDE

Native budworm, tomato grub and cluster caterpillar

CURRENT

1-Oct-15

30-Sep-20

PER14892

Use registered\Pymetrozine (Chess Insecticide)

Aphid pests

CURRENT

6-Jan-15

31-May-22

PER14725

Paramite Selective Miticide

Tomato spider mites

CURRENT

22-Oct-14

30-Jun-18

PER14505

Pyrimethanil

Grey mould (botrytis)

CURRENT

1-Jul-14

30-Jun-19

Various insect pests

CURRENT

29-Mar-12

31-Mar-22

Potato moth

CURRENT

12-Jun-12

31-May-22

Various insect pests

CURRENT

29-Mar-12

31-Mar-22

Specified alliums PER13088

Success Neo Insecticide (spinetoram)

Specified leafy vegetables PER13322

Success Neo (spinetoram)

Specified root vegetables PER13088

Success Neo Insecticide (spinetoram)

Spinach

118

PER13626

Metolachlor

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

CURRENT

23-Jul-12

30-Jun-22

PER12008

PROPACHLOR

Annual grasses and broadleaf weeds

CURRENT

18-Jun-12

30-Nov-25

PER14456

Tebuconazole

Sclerotonia rot

CURRENT

1-Apr-14

30-Jun-19

PER14494

Trifloxystrobin

DM, cercospora & septoria

CURRENT

1-Oct-14

30-Jun-19

WA Grower SPRING 2017

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permit No.

Description

Disease

Status

Issued date

Expiry date

PER81241

Phenmedipham (Betanal)

Broadleaf weeds

CURRENT

29-May-15

31-May-20

PER14841

Walabi Fungicide

Botrytis and alternaria

CURRENT

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

PER14839

Zineb

Anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.)

CURRENT

1-Aug-14

30-Sep-19

Tramat 500 SC Selective Herbicide (ethofumesate)

Various weeds

CURRENT

1-Aug-14

31-Jul-19

Spring onions PER14703 PER14906

Triadimenol

White rot (Sclerotium)

CURRENT

22-Oct-14

31-Oct-19

PER14457

Alpha-cypermethrin

Red-legged earth mite, onion thrips

CURRENT

19-Mar-14

30-Jun-19

PER14484

Fluazifop

Grass weeds

CURRENT

16-Apr-14

31-Mar-18

PER14142

Ioxynil

Broad leaf and grass weeds

CURRENT

17-Oct-13

31-Mar-19

PER13626

Metolachlor

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

CURRENT

23-Jul-12

30-Jun-22

PER12008

PROPACHLOR

Annual grasses and broadleaf weeds

CURRENT

18-Jun-12

30-Nov-25

PER80282

Alpha-cypermethrin

Red-legged earth mite, onion thrips

CURRENT

16-Dec-14

30-Nov-17

PER14536

Abamectin

Two-spotted mite

CURRENT

30-May-14

31-Dec-18

PER14842

Copper Oxychloride, Cuprous Oxide or Cupric Hydroxide

Downy mildew

CURRENT

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

PER14473

Dimethomorph & Mancozeb

Downy mildew, purple blotch & botrytis rots

CURRENT

18-Dec-13

30-Jun-18

PER14742

Methabenzthiazuron (Tribunil Herbicide)

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

CURRENT

1-Jul-14

30-Jun-21

PER14890

Methomyl (Lannate-L)

Western flower thrips

CURRENT

25-Nov-14

31-Oct-19

Swede PER11935

Triadimenol

Powdery mildew

CURRENT

5-Feb-10

30-Jun-22

PER14337

Trifluralin

Weeds

CURRENT

10-Mar-14

30-Jun-20

Sweet corn PER14722

Abamectin

Tomato red spider mite

CURRENT

17-Feb-15

30-Sep-20

PER14536

Abamectin

Two-spotted mite

CURRENT

30-May-14

31-Dec-18

PER14474

Methoxyfenozide

Lepidopteran pests

CURRENT

25-Nov-14

31-Mar-19 28-Feb-20

Sweet potato PER84245

Movento 240 SC

Tomato Potato Psyllid

CURRENT

7-Apr-17

PER82572

NIMITZ 480 EC NEMATICIDE

Root know nematode

CURRENT

15-Apr-16

31-Jan-20

PER14864

Pirimicarb

Aphids

CURRENT

11-Nov-14

30-Jun-19

PER14484

Fluazifop

Grass weeds

CURRENT

16-Apr-14

31-Mar-18

PER13153

Regent 200 SC

White fringed weevil and wireworm

CURRENT

14-Dec-11

31-Dec-21

PER12047

Thiabendazole

Field rots caused by scurf and root rot

CURRENT

29-Jun-11

30-Sep-21 30-Sep-20

Tomatoes PER14722

Abamectin

Tomato red spider mite

CURRENT

17-Feb-15

PER84245

Movento 240 SC

Tomato Potato Psyllid

CURRENT

7-Apr-17

28-Feb-20

PER82341

Acramite Miticide (bifenazate)

Two-spotted mite

CURRENT

29-Mar-16

31-Mar-21

PER82509

APPLAUD INSECTICIDE

Greenhouse whitefly

CURRENT

13-Apr-16

31-May-17

PER81713

MAINMAN 500WG INSECTICIDE

Silverleaf whitefly

CURRENT

24-Mar-16

31-Mar-21

PER83990

METALAXYL-M

Fungal root rot

CURRENT

28-Feb-17

31-Dec-17

PER14725

Paramite Selective Miticide

Tomato spider mites

CURRENT

22-Oct-14

30-Jun-18

Tomatoes (protected) PER80219

Apollo Miticide (clofentezine)

Two-spotted mite

CURRENT

18-Aug-15

31-Oct-19

PER80210

Pyrimethanil

Botrytis

CURRENT

13-Nov-14

30-Jun-20

PER80216

Torque Insecticide (fenbutatin oxide)

Two-spotted mite

CURRENT

17-Feb-15

31-Mar-18

PER14337

Trifluralin

Weeds

CURRENT

10-Mar-14

30-Jun-20

PER11935

Triadimenol

Powdery mildew

CURRENT

5-Feb-10

30-Jun-22

PYRETHRINS

Tomato Potato Psyllid

CURRENT

17-May-17

31-May-19

Turnip

Vegetables PER84442 Zucchini PER14722

Abamectin

Tomato red spider mite

CURRENT

17-Feb-15

30-Sep-20

PER82341

Acramite Miticide (bifenazate)

Two-spotted mite

CURRENT

29-Mar-16

31-Mar-21

WA Grower SPRING 2017

119

WA Grower ADVERTISING SPECIFICATIONS

Preferred format: press ready PDF

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vegetablesWA Horticultural House 103 Outram Street, West Perth 6005

t: (08) 9481 0834 e: finance@vegetableswa.com.au

ONE THIRD PAGE One third page without bleed 190mm(W) x 80mm(H) or 60mm(W) x 254mm(H) WA Grower advertiser contacts Name Bentonite WA (p61)

Website/Email

Address

Contact name

Contact number

PO Box 636, Balcatta WA 6914

Gavin Statham

08 9439 7900

Kevin Swan

0400 622 314

Nambeelup Rod, Nambeelup WA 6207

David Howey

08 9581 9582

www.bentonitewa.com.au

Centrewest Insurance Brokers (p87) www.centrewest.com.au Clause Pacific (p83)

kevin.swan@hmclause.com

C-Wise (p99)

www.cwise.com.au

0418 140 929

Department of Primary Industries & https://dpird.wa.gov.au/ Regional Development (p34, 64–65) Dobmac Ag Machinery (pOBC)

www.dobmac.com.au

drumMUSTER (p85)

www.drummuster.org.au

edp australia pty ltd (p101)

www.edp.com.au

Growise (pIFC)

www.growise.com.au

Hort Innovation (pIBC)

www.horticulture.com.au

Madec (p91)

www.harvesttrail.gov.au

08 9368 3333 36-38 Industrial Drive, Ulverstone, TAS 7315 Mark Dobson

03 6425 5533 1800 008 707

31-37 OBrien Street, Mooroopna VIC 3269

Mick Schirmer

0437 252 122 0411 086 292

Level 8, 1 Chifley Square, Sydney NSW 2000

02 8295 2300 1800 062 332

Mirco (p26-27)

www.mircobros.com.au

54 Hurst Road Henderson WA 6166

08 9410 2233

Neutrog Australia Pty Ltd (p89)

www.neutrog.com.au

288 Mine Road, Kanmantoo, South Australia 5252

08 8538 3500

Organic 2000 (p19)

www.organic2000.com.au

59 Safari Place, Carabooda, WA 6033

Paliz Agriculture (p49)

www.paliz.com.au

21/110 Inspiration Drive Wangara WA 6065

WA Crates (p30)

service@wacrates.com.au

Crate Yard, Market City

120

WA Grower SPRING 2017

08 9407 5182 Hossein Darvish

08 9303 9638 08 9456 4092

O T K N I L R YOU N O I T A V O N IN CONNECT WITH INDUSTRY, COLLABORATE AND CULTIVATE IDEAS. BECOME A MEMBER NOW. Membership is free and it only takes a few minutes to apply online at horticulture.com.au/membership.

Call 1300 880 981 for more information.

ONION GRADING & PACKING SOLUTIONS M & P Onion Peelers • Small Peeler for 18-45mm Onions or Shallots • Large Peeler for Onions over 45mm • Stainless Steel Construction • Variable Speed Drive • Dry Peeling Process

• Manual Orientation of Onions • Adjustable Operator Station • 415v 3 Phase 50 Hz • Unique Peeling System

Baxmatic®

Fully automated Bagging System Combination Weighing Scale (Optional)

• High capacity (up to 1200 bags/hr) • Quick start-up & changes • Automatic bag placement • Automatic sewing & closing • Bag sizes from 2.5kg to 50kg • Heavy duty construction • Integrated labelling • Online support system • 12 & 16 Head Combination Scales • Up to 1500 scale movements per hour

Turn Key Pack House Solutions • Onion Toppers • Pre Sizers • Intake Hoppers • Dirt Separation • Inspection Tables • Box/Big Bag Fillers • 5-25kg Baggers • Semi & Fully Automatic Palletisers

36-38 Industrial Drive (PO Box 93) Ulverstone TASMANIA. 7315 AUSTRALIA Phone: (03) 6425 5533 Fax: (03) 6425 5847

PO Box 1021, Pukekohe.

New Zealand Phone: 0272 907 281

Email: dobmac@dobmac.com.au Website: www.dobmac.com.au A leader in the design, manufacture & supply of specialised agricultural machinery