WA Grower Summer 13 by vegetablesWA

$25.00 (inc GST)

WA Grower Potato Growers Association Inc.

Agricultural Produce Commission

APC-VPC APC-PPC

SINCE 1948 Vol. 48 No 4. Summer 2013

Next generation innovation Tool time

Produced by

vegetablesWA

Management Committees

Cover photo: Danny, Steven, Michael and Peter Dimitrovich

Vegetable Growers Association

Contact details for Horticulture House vegetablesWA, Potato Growers Association, Western Potatoes Horticulture House 103 Outram Street West Perth 6005 t: (08) 9481 0834 f: (08) 9481 0024 e: office@vegetableswa.com.au

President

Executive Officer John Shannon m: 0488 111 526 e: john.shannon@vegetableswa.com.au Finance/Administrator/Magazine Advertising Rebecca Blackman t: (08) 9481 0834 e: finance@vegetableswa.com.au Communications Officer Hayley Wilson t: (08) 9481 0834 e: hayley.wilson@vegetableswa.com.au Export Development Manager Gavin Foord m: 0435 018 189 e: gavin.foord@vegetableswa.com.au

Maureen Dobra t: (08) 9575 2086 m: 0417 174 110

Vice President Ken Sue m: 0417 986 467

Busselton

Anthony Marinovich m: 0417 907 910

Myalup/Bunbury

Treasurer

Committee H. Shapland K. Edwards M. Le T. Le D. Rigali M. Grubisa S. Calameri P. Wauchope P. Shain D. Kuzmicich

t: (08) 9845 1064 Albany m: 0427 724 243 Manjimup m: 0417 962 427 Metro m: 0408 910 761 Metro m: 0407 447 524 Metro m: 0413 050 182 Metro North m: 0418 957 236 Metro South m: 0400 717 600 Gingin m: 0419 041 045 Carnarvon m: 0408 910 761 Carnarvon

Potato Growers Association Executive Officer Jim Turley m: 0410 697 842

Field Extentsion Officer Sarah Houston m: 0427 373 037 e: sarah.houston@vegetableswa.com.au

President

Vietnamese Field Extension Officer Truyen Vo m: 0457 457 559 e: truyen.vo@vegetableswa.com.au

Andrew Tempra m: 0417 097 729

Life Members A.J. Anderson*, D.J. Arbuckle, J. Arbuckle Snr*, J.H. Arbuckle* (M.B.E.J.P), S. Calameri, G. Kiriros*, R.G.Leach*, F. Natoli, S. Sawle*, R.M. Schultz, C.P. Stevens, W.R. Stevens* (M.B.E.J.P), HR. Ashby*, Amy Harris*, A. Ingrilli. * deceased

Gingin

Dean Ryan m: 0427 731 066

Metro

Pemberton

Vice President Manjimup

Treasurer Mia Rose m: 0409 112 245

Myalup

Committee C. Ayres S. Calameri V. Carter G. Bendotti B. Russell D. Ryan

m: 0428 451 014 m: 0418 957 236 m: 0417 092 505 m: 0427 569 903 m: 0429 318 216 m: 0427 731 066

Albany Metro Busselton Pemberton Donnybrook Pemberton

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

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

WA Grower 22 YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

Vol. 48 No 4. Summer 2013

36 3

Biosecurity a priority to protect WA

Executive Officer’s Report

Grower profile — Mitri Hydroponics

Vietnamese growers on board with chemical training

Utilising export information links

Out and about with vegetablesWA staff

Growers take steps to fight stable fly

Fresh Potatoes update

Supporting water needs of growers

vegetablesWA President’s Report

Taste master experiences Gascoyne produce

Potato Growers Association President’s Report

YOUR PRODUCTION

YOUR BUSINESS

Innovation pays but only when it’s everyone’s job

Multipurpose vegetables

Small Business Development Corporation

Fibre from vegetables

Energy efficiency workshops

Continuing progress in tomato disinfestation research

Planning is the key to a profitable business

Integrated approach to weed management

On-farm hygiene to control pests and diseases

New pilot potato project with Indonesia

Thrip control tips: a review of literature

Be alert for tomato spotted wilt virus

Investigations into summer root rot in parsley

WA seed potato grower plantings

Permits

TOOL TIME

YOUR INDUSTRY

Big-hearted salad growers share their love

The national Melon Industry Conference

Visiting onion scientist

Southern Forest Food Council

Stable fly

YOUR MARKET

Successful collaboration

Australian garlic fights back

YOUR ENVIRONMENT

Climate change impact on vegetable production in WA

One beekeeping issue that has consequences

New alert for water hyacinth in Fremantle

New EnviroVeg sustainability app for farmers

Nitrous oxide a lost opportunity for growers?

European wasp on the move

YOUR SELF

Be SunSmart at work!

Recipes

VIETNAMESE TRANSLATIONS

WA Grower SUMMER 2013

United Crate directors, management and staff thank you our valued customers for your ongoing support throughout the year. Wishing you and your families a happy festive season and a safe and prosperous new year.

At United Crates we aim to provide   

Efficient and friendly service Low deposit and crate hire prices Competitive pricing on sale products

Perth Office: 1 Zanni Street Canning Vale WA 6155 Phone: (08) 9455 1540 Fax: (08) 9455 2376 Email: info@unitedcrate.com.au Web: www.unicrate.com.au

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YOUR

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WA Grower SUMMER 2013

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Executive Officer’s Report BY JOHN SHANNON EXECUTIVE OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

The run-up to Christmas is always an extremely busy time for growers and it’s no different for vegetablesWA. We have been rolling out a range of important initiatives which will benefit our industry, including energy efficiency workshops in the metro and Carnarvon districts, water use efficiency and planning assistance and working with government to solve some serious problems. An area where we continue to work is in helping growers reduce the incidence of stable fly. Growers must be commended for the steps they’ve taken to combat this livestock and community pest. I know that by implementing to correct steps they have seen significant reductions and the benefits of retaining mulch on the surface has actually improved their crop performance. However, stable fly management requires constant vigilance because small lapses can spawn millions of flies. This edition provides more information about grower responsibilities under the law and if you require any advice or assistance of course our Field Extension Officers are all too willing to help. I understand that not everyone’s may like it, but our industry must face the reality that we are increasingly operating in a community which has certain expectations about the way we conduct our business and how this impacts the broader populace. This is often referred to as a ‘social license to

WA Grower SUMMER 2013

farm’. Growers will find that it is not just a loose concept but that our markets, such as supermarkets, are driven by the ‘customer always being right’ and are looking to enforce this social licence and give it an economic value. We must therefore all strive to undertake good practice wherever possible. I was also very honoured to recently welcome Mr Thang Le to the vegetablesWA Committee of Management. Mr Le is a highly respected grower and leader within our Vietnamese growing community. I look forward to his knowledge and experience contributing. West Australia is already this nation’s powerhouse in terms of vegetable exports and I’m pleased to see the steady progress that our new Export Development Manager, Gavin Foord, has already been able to achieve. It’s Gavin’s job to complement existing export activities as well as develop new opportunities. I have continued the close engagement that vegetablesWA has had with the WA government and welcome progress made with water policy in particular. I was also pleased to see an industry proposal for a onestop shop for land development approvals to limit red and green tape receiving a good hearing by Agriculture and Food Minister, the Hon Ken Baston MLC, at a grower meeting at Ivankovich Farms in Myalup. We will continue to work to ensure this idea is progressed across all the government departments that are involved in irrigated land development as part of the government’s drive to reduce red-tape in agriculture.

The Committee of Management is continuing its work developing a new Strategic Plan for vegetablesWA, and now it’s time for members to also have their say in shaping what vegetablesWA does and the way we do it. Enclosed with this magazine is a feedback form and I would welcome contributions from all growers about what sorts of services you want from your peak industry body to assist with their businesses. As Jim Turley continues his semi-retirement from industry he recently resigned his position as Executive Officer of Horticulture WA, the organisation which supports all horticulture peak industry bodies in West Australia. I was appointed as interim Executive Officer until February 2014 so I look forward to working with our broader horticulture family to improve our entire sector in this role until further arrangements can be made. As another year builds to a busy close, I wish all the best to vegetablesWA growers and friends over the Christmas season and for a prosperous and happy 2014.

s from all a m t is r h C y r Mer ! egetablesWA v t a f f a t s the

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Vietnamese growers on board with chemical training

Rebecca Blackman on maternity leave vegetablesWA Vietnamese Field Officer, Truyen Vo has recently been assisting Vietnamese growers obtain their AusChem accreditation.

AusChem TrainingWA training courses assist growers to manage risks associated with chemical use, and to understand their obligations in the areas of duty of care, quality assurance and environmental management. On a practical level growers learn how to improve their integrated pest management (IPM) programmes, to better choose the right chemical for the job and to apply them more accurately with the best efficacy. Care is taken to ensure that growers understand how to calibrate spray equipment, and how to ensure safe working conditions for workers, family and themselves. They are also shown the importance of on-farm policies and procedures and the value of record keeping. vegetablesWA Vietnamese Field Officer, Truyen Vo has recently been assisting Vietnamese growers obtain their AusChem accreditation. Truyen has helped nine growers to sign up for the courses, three of them renewing their certificates while six of these growers were brand new to the training.

“The Vietnamese growers understand that chemical training is important to have a certificate for the market agents. Having a certificate gives them more power to choose their markets and negotiate better prices,” says Truyen. When out on his routine grower visits, Truyen has been informing growers about the training and then assisting them to fill in the relevant paper work when required. He also attends the courses with them to assist in translating the written and oral information between the training conductor and the grower.

“Many of the growers have had a certificate but they may have expired ten years ago and were unable to complete the course due to language barrier.” Truyen will continue to help the Vietnamese growers to obtain chemical training, while the training is also available to all growers who would like to gain or refresh their skills in chemical handling. MORE INFORMATION If you would like assistance regarding chemical courses or information, please contact Truyen on 0457 457 559 or at: truyen.vo@vegetableswa.com.au.

Finance and Administration Manager, Rebecca Blackman, is currently on maternity leave after having a baby girl, Marlee Paige, on the 10th of November 2013. Whilst Rebecca is on leave, Morena Tarbotton, will be filling the position. Morena has worked in accounts for over 20 years.

Coming from a construction and manufacturing background she is finding that this is a refreshing new industry. She has two daughters who have excelled in their sport of swimming and netball and Morena enjoys the many challenges of being a working mum. Being able to speak fluent Croatian Morena has passed this into her daughters keeping in touch with their heritage. Morena also enjoys the theatre and going to the movies, watching the occasional game of soccer, football and to travel and see as much of the world is a goal. Morena recently returned from a holiday in Borneo with her partner Rob. Keeping balance in life with goals in mind is one of Morena’s key motivations to success. WA Grower SUMMER 2013

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WA Grower SUMMER 2013

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Out and about

with vegetablesWA staff vegetablesWA staff spend much of their time out and about visiting growers and meeting with industry professionals to maintain the strong communication lines within the vegetable industry. This is one of the key roles for Field Extension Officers Sarah Houston and Truyen Vo, while it is also for Executive Officer John Shannon and HorticultureWA Export Development Manager Gavin Foord. Some recent trips for Field Extension Officer Sarah Houston have included travelling with private consultants to see growers around Gingin, Perth and Manjimup, attending the Warren Cauliflower Group AGM in Manjimup, and a trip to Carnarvon to speak with growers and the Carnarvon Growers Association.

During on farm visits, Sarah has been speaking with growers about their business development over the years and the importance of business and strategic planning. This includes aspects such as marketing, expansion, cash-flow budgets and succession planning. There are some valuable workshops available to growers which can help owners and managers of vegetable operations to improve their businesses and become more efficient. At the Warren Cauliflower Group AGM in Manjimup, Sarah spoke with growers about the ongoing work of vegetablesWA as well as national R&D. It was a great chance for the growers in the south west region to ask questions and give feedback about industry and local matters such as water management, funding opportunities and current and future projects.

It is important for vegetablesWA Field Extension Officers to spend time with growers and industry in Carnarvon. During Sarah’s trip in November, the most important topics discussed included the impact of the Mediterranean fruit fly for growers, and water management. The Medfly issue is a regional issue which is very difficult to control, however as a region it is possible to use on-farm biosecurity and hygiene practices to ensure the best possible control is achieved. Management of water recourses in Carnarvon very complex, however more and more growers are beginning to utilise new and innovative technologies in irrigation scheduling and soil moisture monitoring to ensure their operations are as efficient as possible in using the water available to them. The vegetablesWA Field Extension Officers have also been working at length on the stable fly issue in the Gingin area, ensuring that best practice management of vegetable crop residues are known by all growers and working together across industries and with local councils to do the best we can to minimise the problem. Since beginning his role with HorticultureWA, Gavin Foord has spent some quality time with vegetablesWA staff and members. This has included meetings with growers from Myalup and Carnarvon. Myalup carrot growers are no strangers to the trials and tribulations of fresh produce exports. Production of carrots for export is becoming well established in the area. This has seen serious investment in infrastructure at Myalup in recent years. “With Myalup growers I am taking the approach that if it is not broken, don’t try and fix it,” Gavin said. “However I think it is important to keep in touch and as the project develops, we

Field Extension Officer, Sarah Houston discussing soil moisture monitoring with Carnarvon growers.

may well be able to provide some positive assistance. Meanwhile it is great to see Myalup growers getting on with it in such a positive fashion.” In Carnarvon, many of the production issues that are important locally are also important from an export perspective. Carnarvon growers have a tradition of cooperation in marketing and two shining examples are Sweeter Banana’s and Love Apple. The same principles successfully employed to coordinate transport and marketing from Carnarvon to domestic markets can also be used as a base to export. “Given the current uncertainty around water in the region, it may seem odd to be talking about export. However, the positive mindset to be ‘export ready’ is an encouraging sign for the future of the industry in Carnarvon,” Gavin said. “It was also suggested that developing exports from Carnarvon to Vietnam was a really interesting concept for a range of reasons. This is something that we can start on with a desk-top study and see where we go from there. As the domestic price of products like tomatoes and capsicums have traditionally suffered during seasonal peaks, the people we spoke to were very keen to explore all opportunities to place those products in a more favourable market place.” WA Grower SUMMER 2013

m 8 . 1 $ ing

t e k r a M paign Cam

• Grower funded • Multi media • Started October 1st

The purpose of the campaign is to drive consumption of fresh potatoes in WA. Our research shows the average West Australian consumes potatoes 1.5 times per week, with older age groups consuming with far more frequency than younger age groups. Younger consumers have a perception that potatoes are unhealthy (that they make you fat); and that they are too inconvenient to cook (that they take too long to prepare and make). Our challenge is to make consumers use potatoes more often in their cooking. Based on that challenge we are giving them simple, easy, everyday ways of preparing their favourite potato dishes. We have chosen a creative strategy that mixes inspiration (stunning food cinematography and photography) with permission (removing the barriers to further consumption). The core target market are consumers under the age of 45, with a particular focus on families with young children.

CAMPAIGN OBJECTIVE Drive Fresh Potato Consumption From 1.5 to 2 times / week

EAT POTATOES

TWICE

MORE PER MONTH

For more information and media enquiries please contact rebecca@freshpotatoes.com.au

TELEVISION

• 7 commercials produced • Focus on chips, mash and roast recipes • 85% of target market to see 15 times in ﬁrst 2 months • All commercials can be found on YouTube by searching freshpotatoesau

PRESS

• Tactical – as required

DIGITAL

• World class website freshpotatoes.com.au • Huge tips, potato selection and recipe database • Lifestyle and recipe ad campaign

SOCIAL MEDIA

• Facebook and Instagram community being built • Pinterest recipes from around world • #freshpotatoesau

POINT OF SALE

• 18 page recipe booklets • POS in major retailers • Brings campaign instore

For more information and media enquiries please contact rebecca@freshpotatoes.com.au

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Fresh Potatoes update

Fresh Potatoes campaign has launched

CAMPAIGN OBJECTIVE

EAT POTATOES

TWICE

Drive Fresh Potato Consumption From 1.5 to 2 times / week

MORE PER MONTH TELEVISION

PRESS

$1.8mng

ti Markpeaign Cam

• Grower funded

• Tactical – as required

• Multi media

DIGITAL

• Started October 1st

CAMPAIGN OBJECTIVE Drive Fresh Potato Consumption From 1.5 to 2 times / week

• World class website freshpotatoes.com.au • Huge tips, potato selection and recipe database • Lifestyle and recipe ad campaign

SOCIAL MEDIA

• Facebook and Instagram community being built • Pinterest recipes from around world • #freshpotatoesau

POINT OF SALE

EAT POTATOES

• 18 page recipe booklets • POS in major retailers • Brings campaign instore

TWICE

MORE PER MONTH

For more information and media enquiries please contact rebecca@freshpotatoes.com.au

Get involved The Fresh Potatoes Marketing Team would love all growers to get behind the campaign as together, can get West Australians to fall back in love with potatoes!

Point-of-sale Does you local store have our recipe brochures? If not, speak to your store and get them behind the campaign.

Social media

Areas to get involved...

Are you linked with our Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram pages?

Brand

Find us by searching freshpotatoesau

Use the Fresh Potatoes logo in all your communication such as email signatures or packaging.

Hints & tips

Website grower profile Provide marketing with the following information: • Grower picture • Growing region • Varieties grown • Favourite potato • Favourite potato recipe

Do you have any to share? If so we’d love to hear them!

Watch this space Read out weekly Friday E-Newsletter that outlines where your adverts will appear and what to look out for.

Seed for school Find out if your local school is involved with the Seed for Schools program? Registrations for Seed For Schools 2014 is now open via the website.

Contact Marketing: Laura Clarke: 0400 996 153 Email: laura@freshpotatoes.com.au

WA Grower SUMMER 2013

$1.8ming

t e k r a M paign Cam

Fresh Potatoes page rank #1 in Google! Since the website launched in October, the Marketing team have been optimizing our website and in just five weeks freshpotatoes.com.au ranks #1 in Google when a user searches 'Fresh Potatoes' or 'Serve up some goodness'. This is a fantastic sign the content on our site is relevant and working to our advantage.

Did you know? PageRank is an algorithm used by the Google web search engine to rank websites in their search engine results. PageRank works by counting the number and quality of links to a page to determine a rough estimate of how important the website is. PageRank is earned not bought so the more quality links the higher your page will rank.

Monthly highlights Each month there are activities to support the campaign. Here are monthly highlights for December and January.

December • Cinema advertising introduced • Online digital pre-rolls • Christmas themed recipes

January • Public Relations activity promoting health messaging • Heavy online digital pre-rolls • Summer themed recipes

February • TV restarts; My Kitchen Rules focus • Tonight My Kitchen Rules Cook Off • Foodservice Chef Sundowner.

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Behind the scenes filming television commercials Take a behind the scenes look at the filming of the Fresh Potatoes television commercials. Filming was over two days in Perth at a large family home with two kitchens.

Joint venture with Sony Fresh Potatoes and Sony have partnered up and will be undertaking a cross promotion with the release of Cloudy with a change of Meatballs 2. The movie is all about a young inventor who invents a machine that creates food from water. In this sequel, the machine has gone crazy creating ‘foodimals’ (food animals) and there is a potato themed foodimal called a Hippotatomus! This tactical partnership is a digital venture with the objective to grow subscribers of our consumer newsletter and social media audience. Our website will also host a range of games and movie downloads so visit freshpotatoes.com.au in December and take a look.

Tour Over 10th & 11th November, Fresh Potatoes invited 10 top West Australian chefs (including five Potatodors) on a tour to the Busselton growing region for an up-close and in-depth look into potato farming. Chefs who attended were: • Don Hancey, Panorama Catering (Potatodor) • Ian Leaning, Figjam Catering (Potatodor) • Raj, Own Manjimup Pemberton Catering and Restaurant Company • Peter Manifis, Incontro (Potatodor) • Shane Saunders, Head Chef Incontro • Dan Masters, Rockpool (Potatodor) • Mohammed Islam, Junior Sous Chef Rockpool • Dan Sharp, Sharp Infusion (Potatodor) • Allison Teed, Vancouver Café • Blair Allen, Studio Bistro Yallingup

The first day the group attended a farm tour and lunch at Keith and Paula Taylor’s farm. The family welcomed the chefs with a potato tasting of three potato varieties, a visit to one of the potato fields to see Royal Blue and Nadine crops and served up an incredible three-course lunch featuring plenty of potatoes and James’ freerange pork. Sunday night Fresh Potatoes hosted a BBQ at Abbey Beach Resort, which provided growers the opportunity to talk direct to chefs passionate about their industry. All up approximately 40 people attended including 25 growers so a big thank you to those who made it. The final day the group headed to Vaughn and Elizabeth Carter’s farm where we saw plenty more fields of potatoes and took a ride on the back of a potato harvester. The group then headed back to the Taylors to see Royal Blue seed and

Kipfler crops plus check out their brand new harvester that Paula hopes will aid in her retirement plan. The final stop was lunch at the Carters where Vaughn cooked a BBQ and Elizabeth prepared a wonderful spread of potato salad, baked potatoes, royal blue chips and her famous, naughty potato bake! Elizabeth also spoilt the guests with a chocolate and wine tasting showcasing produce from the region. Fresh Potatoes would just like to send a special thank you to the Taylor and families your time and generosity truly made this a wonderful event. Also bus driver Larry Hegarty, you were an invaluable source of knowledge and kept everyone safe. If you would like any more information on the tour, please contact Laura Clarke at: laura@freshpotatoes.com.au

WA Grower SUMMER 2013

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Potato Growers Association Inc.

President’s Report We all think we are invincible or even at times immortal until one day when that something happens and its wake up time! At the Plan, Prepare, Prosper five day Department of Agriculture training course this year one of the modules was Work-Life Balance. The objective of this module was to consider our families, our social and our health factors, then to strategically plan our objectives and also to plan our succession. We needed to identify opportunities to stay fit and healthy.

We needed to understand the role as a farm leader and how to make changes in the business and also to appreciate the role of family members in the business now and in the future. It soon will be Christmas and this is the time of the year that we spend the most with our families. This is our family time! This is our social time! And most importantly — we should take our health into consideration. Our medical practitioners and facilities are the best in the world. It’s time to take advantage of them!

Merry Christmas

BY MAUREEN DOBRA PRESIDENT, VEGETABLESWA

Summer is readily approaching and along with it the stable flies! These are not just the common bush fly, these flies bite! Regulations are now in place and growers should adhere to these regulations. There are four mains steps to take when a crop has been harvested. For this information and to help reduce the stable fly, check out the Good Practice Guide on the vegetablesWA website at www.vegetableswa.com.au. If you have any questions on what to do and how to do any of these practices, don’t hesitate to contact Sarah or Truyen at Horticulture House. The result in not complying with these regulations could result in prosecution. As I said, it soon will be Christmas and during this season, the Christmas tree or the Nuytsia floribunda is displaying its glorious bright orange flowers. Even though this tree is a hemi parasitic plant and only found in Western Australia it is stunningly beautiful and we all know that Christmas is just around the corner. I would like to say thank you to all the staff at Horticulture House for a fantastic year. I would like to wish them and of course all the growers a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year.

President’s Report BY DEAN RYAN PRESIDENT, POTATO GROWERS ASSOCIATION

I am looking forward to my new role representing all potato growers in Western Australia as the President of the Potato Growers Association. I am passionate about the potato industry having been born and bred into it through my family farm in Pemberton. I’d like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Sam Calameri for doing a great job for the past two years. Only now do I fully appreciate how much work this role actually involves.

Unfortunately the growing season in the past three months has not been kind to growers in Busselton and Myalup. These two districts combined, have lost close to 2000 tonnes due to excessive wind and rain. A shortage of good quality Royal Blue and yellow flesh varieties has forced the PMC to test commercial ware crops to see if they are suitable for seed. As a result a portion of those tests have indicated some level of virus. This is a problem that the whole industry must address quickly to ensure the future production is not compromised by potato virus. I will endeavour to ensure that the potato industry in WA is fairly represented from the grower’s perspective, to ensure that we continue to have a viable Industry.

WA Grower SUMMER 2013

YOUR PRODUCTION

YOUR

PRODUCTION

WA Grower SUMMER 2013

YOUR PRODUCTION

Multipurpose

Case studies

vegetables

Black carrots

At an estimated 93kt annually, more carrots are wasted than any of the other vegetables studied. However, carrots have qualities that make them ideally suited to other uses.

In general, the vegetables with the least waste are those for which there are multiple different uses, and where these different uses have been anticipated and planned for. Products with a ‘Plan B’ Lettuce provides an example where careful crop scheduling, predicting market demand, and vertical integration with freshcut product manufacturing have reduced wastage to as little as five per cent for some grower/processors.

Freshcut

Achieving such low levels of waste assumes a positive growing environment, high level of understanding of both the crop and its markets, and a range of strategies to deal with different outcomes; not just a Plan B, but a Plan C and even Plan D! It can be useful to think of the different uses of waste on a hierarchy; most valuable at the top and least at the base. Products that can be used at all levels of the pyramid may be considered truly multipurpose.

Corn cobettes, coleslaw, cookready veg, novel salads

Processed

Juice, pickles, chilled soups

Supplements

Bio-active extracts, dietary fibre

Bulk industrial products

Biofuel / soil amendment

WA Grower SUMMER 2013

Processing — black carrot juice Black carrot juice is a product with great market potential. The juice can be extracted, concentrated and sold in bulk domestically or to export markets in the same way as standard varieties. However, there is good evidence for additional nutritional benefits for juice produced from black carrots due to potential anticarcinogenic effects. Supplements — dietary fibre

Bulk food products

A recent HAL project defined the production methods necessary for growing black carrots. These varieties are rich in anthocyanins, a potent antioxidant associated with a wide range of benefits for human health. Black carrots could be used to produce a range of different products while also adding significant extra value.

Starch, natural colourants Insect/stock feed, fibres Energy, compost

Soluble dietary fibre containing anthocyanins could be derived from black carrots, in addition to a significant content of insoluble fibre. These products could prove valuable additions to many manufactured products. As fibre could be extracted using the pomace left over fruit juice production, this would provide an additional use for the same crop. Bulk food products — anthocyanins There is wide interest in incorporating natural anthocyanins in a range of different food and drink products. However, there are a number of issues with these pigments. One is that

YOUR PRODUCTION

their colour changes according to pH. Another is that high concentrations of other phenolics can cause hazing and precipitation when added to fruit juices. Anthocyanins from black carrots are more stable over a wider pH range than anthocyanins from other sources. They can provide an excellent bright strawberry red shade at acidic pH values, making them an ideal choice for colouring fruit juices, soft drinks, conserves, jellies and confectionery as well as low pH foods such as yoghurt and dairy products. They also contain only low levels of the phenolics that can cause issues with juice clarity and, as a natural colourant, do not to be declared with an E-number on the food label. Bulk industrial products — animal/ insect feed Any remaining carrots could also be used in animal feeds, particularly those developed for the high-value companion animal market. The addition of colour as well as fibre, starch and natural sugars would make them an ideal high quality ingredient in feed pellets.

Sweetcorn

Sweet corn in some ways appears to be a relatively inefficient crop; only a small percentage of the total plant is actually edible. However, sweet corn has the advantage that it can be sold fresh or processed, and that fresh-market corn can be sold in a variety of different formats to maximize use of the crop. Freshcut Most corn is no longer sold whole in husk, but as trimmed partially dehusked prepacks. Some packers are able to also sell ‘microwave ready cobettes’.

Nobette Cobette

Trimmed cob

Whole cob

Processed Despite the downturn in processing generally, more than a third of sweetcorn produced still goes to processing into either frozen whole cobs or kernels. Processing into cobs and kernels results in 32–45% and 50–55% waste respectively. Supplements

Capsicums Capsicums are a major vegetable crop in Australia, grown both in the open and, increasingly, under protected cropping. About 46% of the fruit are suitable for 1st grade fresh market, 29% go for 2nd grade markets or processing and the remainder (~25%) are waste. Waste is estimated to cost industry nearly $14 million annually. Freshcut Capsicums can be sold sliced or diced in freshcut salads, stir-fry mixes or soup packs. They add colour and texture and have adequate shelf life relative to other ingredients. There may be scope to increase this usage.

Corn cores contain around 23% solid materials, most of which is composed of insoluble dietary fibre. This can be reasonably easily processed into a dietary supplement worth at least $1.85/kg. There is strong demand for natural sources of dietary fibre, with economic calculations suggesting that a new processing plant would break even within four years.

Processed

Bulk industrial products

Capsicums are rich in many different carotenoids, including lutein, zeaxanthin, β-carotene and capsanthin. The activity of these compounds can be retained during processing into powder. Capsicums could therefore be suitable for production of whole vegetable powders to add flavour and nutritional value to many different foods.

Nobettes and corn cob trimmings are excellent animal feed, already saleable for around $8/t. Alternatively, all of the crop residues can be turned into silage for livestock. This is done by finely shredding the materials, ensuring there is 50–60% moisture content, inoculating with bacteria and storing under anaerobic conditions for about two weeks. Corn cores can be turned into a highly microporous activated carbon by a process of pyrolysis (heating without oxygen). Activated carbons have a huge number of applications in water and air purification, metal extraction, decaffeination and medical uses. Biofuel Corn wastes are highly suitable for anaerobic digestion to produce biogas. As with silage, finely chopped materials are incubated under anaerobic conditions with specific bacteria, although in this case a higher moisture content is needed. Biogas can be used to replace LPG, generate electricity or provide heat directly. The process also produces liquid and solid digestate, used as high nitrogen soil amendments.

Red and coloured capsicums are particularly suitable for pickling, semidrying and preserving in oil. They can also be processed into pastes, sauces and other products for either home use or food service applications. Supplements

Bulk industrial products The Spinning Cone Column is a relatively new piece of technology used to extract volatile flavour components from different raw materials. These concentrated extracts can be used to add natural flavour and aroma to soups, sauces, processed foods and many other uses. Capsicums are likely to be highly suitable for this process due to their strong flavour and high moisture content.

This project (VG12046) has been funded by HAL using levy funds from the Australian vegetable industry and matched funds from the Australian Government.

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Fibre

from vegetables Dietary fibre (DF) is defined as “the remnants of plant cells resistant to hydrolysis (digestion) by the alimentary enzymes of man”. DF is classified as either soluble or insoluble according to how readily it can be extracted from the plant cells. The beneficial effects of fibre to human health have been known as far back as Hippocrates in 400BC. Diets rich in DF have been associated with reduced rates of cancer (especially colon cancer), cardiovascular disease, constipation, irritable colon and diabetes. The main effects of insoluble fibre come from bulking faeces and moving food faster through the digestive system. Soluble fibre can decrease cholesterol, lower blood glucose and affect metabolism of fats. Both types of DF have been shown to absorb carcinogens and potentially increase the effects of anti-oxidants. In addition to its effects on human health, DF is a useful ingredient in many processed foods. It can be used as a calorie free-bulking agent, to increase moisture content, to add structure to foods or improve stability, as a fat replacer and as a gelling agent. As DF promotes a feeling of fullness it is a useful part of weight loss programs.

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Modern diets are often deficient in dietary fibre. The average recommended intakes of DF are 25g/day for women and 30g/day for men, approximately 25% of which should be soluble fibre . Most people only consume half this amount, while young people may consume as little as 20% of the recommended intake As a result, there is great interest in fortifying foods with additional DF. The Australian Food Standards Code allows the following claims with regard to dietary fibre; “A good source of dietary fibre” Contains at least 4g DF per serving “An excellent source of dietary fibre” Contains at least 7g DF per serving “Contains increased dietary fibre” Contains at least 25% more DF than a reference food, which itself contains at least 2g DF per serving

In 2011 the global demand for DF reached 96,400t with a total value of $1,440 million. This is expected to increase to 216,000t by 2017, a corrected annual growth approaching 14%. The greatest demand is for soluble fibre, which can be worth 2–3 times more than insoluble fibre.

What is the benefit to vegetable growers? As public understanding of the health benefits of DF has increased, so has demand for natural sources with healthy properties.

Many vegetables are high in DF, containing levels similar to those found in pulses such as lentils and kidney beans and even that in cereals (see Table 1).

Crop residues and product trimmings can be especially good sources of fibre. For example, corn cores contain around 15–20% DF.

TABLE 1 Content of dietary fibre Total DF (g/100g dry weight) Vegetable Beans

Beetroot

Broccoli

Brussels sprouts

Cabbage

Carrot

Cauliflower

Kale

Lettuce

Peas

Spinach

Sweet potato

Pulses Kidney beans (canned)

Lentils (dried, cooked)

Cereals Rolled oats Whole wheat bread

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FIGURE 1 Example of a process for recovering DF from vegetables

finely chopped, 1st press

washed, blanched, 2nd press

juice

biological extracts

Most of the fibre products currently on the market come from cereal crops. Bulk quantities of these products are available cheaply as the DF is extracted from what is effectively waste. However, most DF extracted from these sources is insoluble fibre, mainly useful for increasing the rate at which food passes through the digestive system. Fruit and vegetables, in contrast, contain more soluble fibres such as pectins. Soluble fibres are the most valuable type of DF for food fortification. For example, carrot pomace (the material left after juicing) contains 63% DF, of which 13.5% is soluble fibre. Other good sources of soluble fibre include beetroot, beans and bitter melon, which contain 2.4g, 2.1g and 3.1g soluble fibre per 100g portion (fresh weight) respectively. In the case of beetroot, this means that 31% of its DF content is soluble.

Fibre extracted from some vegetable waste sources can have additional advantages due to their content of other bio-active compounds. These include sulforafane in cabbage, carotenoids in carrots, betalains in beetroot and glucosinolates in cauliflower (see Figure 1).

Economic viability Economic viability will vary between different crops. For example, if beetroot wastes were used as feedstock, their total DF content of 7.7g/100g fresh weight would be split between soluble and insoluble fibre production.

blended, sieved, spun

enzymes added, incubated

ethanol extraction

drying

TABLE 2 Indicative economics for processing corn core waste into DF Capital costs Total equipment budget

$1,800,000

Installation, engineering and electrical costs

$810,000

Contingency budget

$360,000 Total

$2,970,000

Operating costs Labour

$220,000

Drying and power

$210,000

Overheads, maintenance, lab analysis Packaging and sales

$56,000 $100,000

Total

$586,000

Income Total corn fibre produced

1,080 t

Total value (@$1.85/kg)

$1,998,000

Gross return assuming 80% of product sold

$1,598,400

Annual profit

$1,012,400 Break even point

3-4 years

Source: HAL report MT06053 Innovative approaches to adding value to vegetable waste — Phase II, M. Heap, Simplot Australia 2008.

Although costs of recovering the soluble fraction are likely to be higher, they are worth significantly more on the international market. Moreover, they would likely contain betalains, a potent (soluble) antioxidant. This could further enhance their market value as an additive to functional foods. Simplot recently conducted a study on the feasibility of extracting DF from corn cores. In this case, they only aimed to recover insoluble DF so the process was relatively simple. Based on capital costs

drying

insoluble fibre

soluble fibre

and sale prices for DF at the time, it was conservatively estimated that the project would be cash positive after 3–4 years operation (see Table 2). There is good evidence that the market for natural DF remains strong. An Australian Company “Kfibre” recently opened a plant in Ayr, Queensland producing insoluble DF from sugar cane. A key point of difference for this product is that it is totally natural, whereas wheat fibre is chemically modified to enable extraction. The company currently sells the product for $4.50/kg wholesale and claims a 39% return on investment.

Materials and equipment required In general, the process to extract dietary fibre from plant materials is relatively simple and inexpensive. However, more complex methods may be required if it is important to preserve particular phytochemicals or to extract both soluble and insoluble DF. Recovery of soluble fibre can be increased by adding specific enzyme preparations under controlled pH and temperature. Insoluble fibre is essentially the cell wall materials left after all other processes.

This project (VG12046) has been funded by HAL using levy funds from the Australian vegetable industry and matched funds from the Australian Government.

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Continuing progress in tomato disinfestation research BY SHIRANI POOGODA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD

Researchers are continuing to investigate alternative treatments for disinfestation of tomatoes against Medfly, partfunded by grower contributions through the VPC/APC Committee. This project began in 2012 following the decision of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) to ban fenthion as a post-harvest dipping treatment used to control Medfly for interstate sales.

We greatly appreciate the donation of round and cherry tomatoes for this stage of the work by Trandos Hydroponic Growers and roma tomatoes for the first stage by WesGrowers. During our very detailed research process, fruits are infested by pin-pricking the fruit and placing them on trays which are placed inside fly cages for natural infesting for periods of 3–6 hours at 26°C. Fruits are then placed on mesh-covered boxes over sand until the larvae pupate.

The work is led by Dr Francis De Lima at the Department of Agriculture and Food and co-funded by Horticulture Australia Limited.

Infested fruit is held at about 26°C until pupation and assessed on a daily basis to monitor the fruit fly’s development through its life cycle stages within the fruit.

Trial protocols have now been established for infestation of test fruits for testing the treatments and dosages of treatments considered least damaging to round, roma and cherry tomatoes.

The egg stage lasts 1–3 days, first instar 3–7 days, second instar 5–8 days and third instar 6–10 days. The lengths of these stages vary in different types of tomatoes.

Cold treatments were trialled first with infested fruit because tomatoes are not affected by cold storage at 2°C. In round and cherry tomatoes all larval stages were killed by the tenth day after cold treatment at 2°C. Work on roma tomatoes is still in progress and due to be completed by the end of the year. Cold treatment offers a good base for interstate and overseas markets either alone or in combination with fumigation to reduce treatment time. Trials to establish the most tolerant stages of the fly’s life cycle using the fumigants phosphine and methyl bromide have commenced.

Tomatoes are very tolerant of cold treatment and phosphine is the best alternative to methyl bromide but requires exposure of 4–6 days to be successful.

DAFWA technical officer, Caroline Lee, places cherry tomatoes in a fly cage for infesting.

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There is good potential to reduce the cold treatment time and the phosphine dose by combining these treatments. Another possibility is to combine both gases with carbon dioxide to reduce the dosage required.

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DAFWA technical officer Joanne Yap assesses larval instars during life history studies.

We will continue to explore these treatments as the work continues to find the most effective and practical disinfestation alternative treatment to fenthion dipping so that access to important interstate markets can continue.

Above: Pupation 2 weeks after infesting (at 26ยบC).

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Integrated approach to weed management

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BY SARAH HOUSTON FIELD EXTENSION OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

A weed is any plant growing where we don’t want it. These plants cause harm or economic loss in a cropping system due to competing with the crops for water, soil nutrients and light, therefore lowering crop yields and quality. Weeds can also harbour crop diseases and pests as well as contaminating food product lines and so it is best practice to keep them under control at all times. However, weeds are not all bad all the time, and can even have a place in a farming system. For example, most weeds will quickly colonise bare soil and so prevent erosion, while their roots can help loosen hard soil and even bring up nutrients from the subsoil. Some plants classified as weeds will scavenge and conserve excess nitrogen that might otherwise leach away. And when weeds die, they are a source of organic matter that can be incorporated back into the soil. The worst weeds to cause problems in horticultural systems are introduced species, of which infestations can be brought on by circumstances such as excessive weather, poor soil conditions (e.g. too wet, poor structure etc) or out of balance soil fertility (e.g. very high calcium). As such, it is important to look at the symptoms of the problem, rather than just the weeds themselves, and analyse why the problem is occurring in the first place. If there is an underlying issue, knocking the weeds down with herbicide may not always be the answer, and will only delay the infestation until the following year or next crop rotation. Use of excessive herbicides can even increase weed occurrence if they start to become resistant to the chemicals. Weed control doesn’t necessarily mean eradication. It is important to decide whether weeds are going to cause a significant loss in crop yield, and hence

weigh up the necessity to control them. There is always an ‘economic threshold’, or certain level of weed infestation that will seriously harm crops and this will vary between crops and with different weeds. Knowing the economic threshold of a crop is important for making management decisions about weed control.

weed species due to fertilisers, irrigation practices and degraded soils. Rotating crops can help improve soil structure and reduce the pressure from certain weed species. By planning crop rotations, some crops can also work to suppress weed growth by shading or through their toxic effects on young weeds (e.g. some brassicas).

The most critical time to control weeds is early in the life of the crop when the plants are establishing their root systems.

Correcting soil conditions can be an extremely valuable tool in the management of weed problems. Because incorrect fertilization or tillage practices can encourage weeds to grow, finding the correct soil conditions for a particular crop will support crop growth and depress weed growth. A vigorously growing crop above ground will shade out the weeds, while below ground a vigorous root system can outcompete weeds for water and nutrients.

A large root system is critical for drought resistance, better yields and crop quality. Timing is therefore critical to weed control and the most effective way to control them is when they are most vulnerable which is generally as early as possible. If the weeds do get to a more mature age, it is important to kill them off before they go to seed. For successful long-term management of weeds, regularly monitor crops to see where the problem areas are and which weeds are most common. Try to correlate weedy spots with soil conditions (nutrient deficiencies, water logged areas etc) and particular management practices (certain crops, tillage, fertilisers etc). This can help in planning to do whatever is necessary to correct the problem such as improving drainage, deep tillage or amending nutrient deficiencies. Through good, integrated weed management practices, weed pressure can be reduced significantly and crop growth and quality will therefore increase. These practices might include careful selection and application of fertilisers based on soil analysis, appropriate tillage for specific soil types, and incorporation of organic matter back into the soil. These practices should be used in conjunction with herbicide use to reduce chemical expenses and ultimately achieve a more sustainable approach to weed management. Crop rotation cycles are an important consideration in the occurrence of weeds in a vegetable crop. Growing the same crop year after year will result in problems with certain

Ideal soil structure to promote crop growth and discourage weeds from germinating is loose, granulated, well-drained soil. Seeds of many weeds are programmed to germinate when the soil is poorly aerated or is too wet. They often grow best in poor, infertile soils with nutrient deficiencies or excesses, high salts or too low or too high pH levels. Crop plants grow best when all essential nutrients are available in amounts sufficient for that species and in proper balance. Maintaining a high fertility, balanced soil will eliminate a lot of troublesome weeds. Mechanical control of weeds such as cultivation, mowing and hand weeding are also important methods used in a vegetable production system, and of course the use of herbicides are a useful and often essential part of an integrated weed management system. MORE INFORMATION For further information about weed management in vegetable production systems, you can refer to the vegetablesWA Good Practice Guide which provides basic information and useful links for growers to follow up. Much of the information contained in the above article has been sourced from The Biological Farmer by Gary F. Zimmer (Acres USA Publishers, 2000).

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On-farm hygiene

to control pests and diseases BY VO THE TRUYEN FIELD EXTENSION OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

Field sanitation tips In addition to the usual strategies used to keep vegetable fields clean, here are a few new tips to consider: â&#x20AC;˘ Chemical fallowing is a twist on the traditional method of fallowing that depends on disking fields throughout the summer to reduce weed pressure in subsequent crops. One approach uses Roundup (glyphosate) to kill weeds during the crop-free period. â&#x20AC;˘ Cover crops planted prior to the main cash crop can also improve soil fertility and provide a valuable source of organic matter. When devising a crop rotation strategy, a grower should also be aware of which crops and cover crops might increase disease problems. Sunn hemp can increase soil populations of Pythium and Rhizoctonia damping-off fungi. Some varieties of cowpea may host root-knot nematode. These factors should be considered before selecting a cover crop. â&#x20AC;˘ Soil solarisation is the use of plastic tarps placed on the soil surface to increase soil temperatures to a level that kills soilborne pathogens, weeds, and other crop pests. It works best when summer temperatures are uniformly high. This technique will not eradicate a pathogen from a field, but it may lower pathogen populations.

It is common for small scale vegetable growers to focus on chemical application as the main tool for control of pest and disease problems in vegetable crops. However, field sanitation or on-farm hygiene is also an extremely important consideration and has been recommended in many studies as one of the most important tactics in vegetable pest and disease management. This includes any practice that eradicates or reduces the amount of pathogen inoculum, pests, or weed seeds present and thus helps reduce or eliminate subsequent pest and disease outbreaks.

One of the best things growers can do to protect their business is to clean up crop residues promptly after harvest. Prompt crop incorporation or removal after harvesting will reduce the chance of disease inoculum and insects and eliminate the spread of diseases and pests to other host plants in the vicinity. Removal or incorporation of crop waste has recently been included in the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management (BAM) Act as a compulsory practice to minimise the breeding of stable fly in vegetable residues in many shires around Perth. In beans, rust can spread via wind from older, diseased plants to plants in surrounding fields that are still maturing. These diseases are obligate parasites. This means they can only grow and multiply on living host tissue. Some plant pathogens, such as the bacterium that causes halo blight and common bacterial blight, are unable to survive for

extended periods of time outside of the host tissue. Plowing or disking under infected plant debris helps not only by covering up the inoculum but also speeds up the disintegration of plant tissue and kills the pathogen. Good sanitation will help control a number of important vegetable pathogens. Destruction of crop debris after harvest by timely disking will help kill off aphids, thrips, and whitefly populations and eliminate transmission of the bean mosaic and other viruses to subsequent crops and also eliminate inoculum from rust and other fungal diseases. This is particularly important in the case of virus diseases, as sanitation and control of insect vectors are the major tools currently available for their management. A crop-free period is also considered necessary for the control of a number of important pests such as thrips and is recommended for management of all vegetable pests. Weeds can act as hosts to pests and diseases, and hence weed management a crucial practice. Growers should check field margins to make sure that pest species are not building up there and migrating out into cropping areas. Many insects such as thrips and mites over-summer on weeds, so efforts to control them can be profitable by reducing their movement into the crops. Weeds are also known reservoirs of nematodes as well as a number of viral, fungal, and bacterial pathogens. Weeds and volunteers should be removed to prevent the survival and over-summering of pathogens that could serve as inoculum reservoirs for the next crop.

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New pilot potato project with Indonesia BY PETER DAWSON POTATO ACTIVITY LEADER, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD

A new pilot project due to start early in 2014 could pave the way for important development of the Western Australian seed potato industry. This will be a sequel to a major project financed through the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) that began in 2005 to help improve the productivity of potato and brassica cropping in parts of Indonesia. That earlier project enabled a team from Western Australia with interstate collaborators to provide assistance with agronomy, handling, pests and diseases to growers in Central and West Java and Lombok. It also showed up a major shortage of quality potato seed there and inadequate protection against the spread of potato cyst nematode (PCN). Indonesia has attempted to produce its own certified seed but can only supply about 5 per cent of the need, partly because its scheme requires four generations of field bulking which is a major challenge in the tropical conditions without substantial degeneration. This means that most of the seed used by individual farmers is non-certified, not protected against PCN, and generally of low quality. In our final report for that ACIAR project we suggested that a new partial seed scheme might provide major assistance to reduce the non-certified seed being used. We identified the Sembalun Valley on Lombok as a potential half-way house in Indonesia for bulking up seed from Australia before distribution to individual Indonesian growers.

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Peter Dawson (second from left) and Kon Peos discussing the new pilot project with Indonesian seed potato producers Wildan and Bunyan of Hikmah arms.

This would augment the Indonesian Government certified seed supply at comparatively low cost. Granola is the main potato variety grown in Indonesia for fresh production comprising about 95 per cent of the market. Demand for Granola seed totals about 100,000 tonnes each year. Granola seed from PCN-free areas of Australia, such as WA, could be cool-stored on arrival during quarantine checks and then multiplied once in the Sembalun Valley. Here cool, highland paddy fields are used to grow potatoes after the rice crop, giving good protection against PCN because wet season flooding kills the nematodes.

Such a program should provide quality seed at lower prices than imported seed if supported by national and provincial governments. During the six-month pilot project, a DAFWA team comprising myself, economist Julie Warren and plant pathologist Andrew Taylor will be collecting information on the various seed potato supply chains in Indonesia. We will be assisted by ViCSPA Certified Seed Potatoes and Indonesian partners. Executive Director of DAFWA’s Irrigated Agriculture and Diversification directorate, Terry Hill, will be involved in high level policy discussions.

This work should enable us to find the best avenues to pursue to improve the availability and affordability of quality seed potatoes for Indonesian farmers. If our recommendations are accepted this should lead to four-year ACIAR project worth about $1 million. Currently, Indonesia imports about 3,000 tonnes of seed potatoes from Australia each year, mostly from WA. This is the Atlantic variety for crisps. No import permits have been issued for Granola from Australia recently. For our proposed scheme to become a commercial success, the Sembalun Valley farmers will need: • Import permits from the Indonesian Government for Granola seed • Establishment of an appropriate seed potato system • Training in seed potato production and marketing • Assistance in obtaining credit to support the new venture. A lot of work needs to be done, but the potential gains are massive for growers in both countries — giving the Indonesians better quality seed at more affordable price, and expanding the market for our seed potato production.

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Thrip control tips:

a review of literature

BY VO THE TRUYEN FIELD EXTENSION OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

Western flower thrips (WFT) (Franklinella occidentalis) is considered the most destructive insect pest of several crop types including vegetables and ornamental due to direct feeding damage to plant parts such as foliage and flowers, and indirect damage by vectoring the tospoviruses; impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV) and tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). Since most of vegetables growers take chemical application as the first hand to confront thrips, several literature such as Sonya et al. (2004)1 and Raymond (2009)2 recommended that dealing with WFT requires a complex approach by scouting, cultural, physical, insecticidal, and/or biological management strategies. Knowledge of thrips biology and damage are important in understanding the challenges associated with developing a sound pest management program. This requires understanding of the key biological characteristics of thrips such as life cycles and habitate, breeding and eating habits and factors influencing thrip biology.

Scouting using colour traps Scouting or monitoring is important in order to determine the numbers of WFT present. Additionally, scouting will detect seasonal trends in WFT populations throughout the year and assess the effectiveness of management strategies implemented. The main technique used to scout for WFT adults is to place either blue or yellow sticky cards above the crop canopy, although there is still disagreement on which colour is the most attractive to WFT. The cards are counted weekly and the numbers of WFT adults are recorded. Visual inspection such as

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looking into open flowers, and/or shaking open flowers over a white sheet of paper are additional methods that may be used to scout for WFT nymphs and adults. Thrips respond to colour, UV reflectance, and scent. Be careful what colours you wear when working in your crop. WFT are particularly attracted to yellow, white, and blue.

Protection from wind-borne thrips Thrips are poor fliers and their main methods of dispersal are by wind, on plants, people, or on equipment. To some extent, thrips can control where they will land and artificial or natural windbreaks can provide some protection from wind-borne thrips.

Control thrips before flowering where possible Females typically lay eggs underneath the epidermal layer of the leaf surface, which protects them from exposure to contact insecticides or in flower tissues. Control thrips before flowering where possible. When thrips enter the flowers they are difficult to reach with insecticides as they are hidden3.

Scheduling spray depending on temperature There are six economically important thrips species found in Western Australia4 including western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis), tomato thrips (Frankliniella schultzei), onion thrips (Thrips tabaci), greenhouse thrips (Heliothrips haemmorhoidalis), plague thrips (Thrips imaginis), melon thrips (Thrips palmi). Among them the western flower thrips is identified most destructive. In general, the life cycle (egg to adult) takes two to three weeks to complete however, development or the generation time from egg to adult is temperature dependent, with the optimum range between 26 and 29°C (about October-November period in WA). Under these temperatures, the life cycle from egg to adult may be completed in seven to 13 days. This requires a shorter length of

time between sprays. For instant, it require a spray every 6 days when the temperature range between 10–20 degree Celsius, but the time interval is shorten to 3–5 days when temperature reach 20–30 degree Celsius5.

Eradicating the food sources and reservoirs Females can live up to 45 days and lay between 150 and 300 eggs during their life-time, primarily feeding on flower pollen, which may contain nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, sterols, and vitamins that enhance their development rate and reproductive ability. So, weeds act as reservoirs for TSWV and thrips. Thrips are particularly attracted to flowering weeds as they feed on the pollen.

Thrips feed on and reproduce in weeds, particularly if there are no cultivated crops being grown. When a new crop is planted the thrips move off the weeds and onto the new crop. Try to keep a weed-free area of at least 10 metres around the crop. This can be bare ground, closely mown grass, concrete, stones, or some other hard surface. Care should be taken when spray weeds with herbicide. As the weeds die off, thrips can move off the weeds onto your crop. Treating weeds with insecticide at the same time should be considered. WFT spend winters in broadleaved weeds and orchard trees, thus winter fallow and pruning of orchard trees are of recommended practices to eradicating the food sources and reservoirs. In conclusion, sanitation practices such as removing weeds, old plant material particularly those in the Compositae and Solanaceae families, and those with yellow flowers and growing medium debris are the ‘first line of defense’6 in minimizing problems with WFT.

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REFERENCES 1 www.agric.wa.gov.au/objtwr/imported_assets/ content/pw/ins/pp/hort/fn069_2004.pdf Retrieved by 24/4/2013

Grower question

2 Raymond A. Cloyd, 2009. Western Flower Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) Management on Ornamental Crops Grown in Greenhouses: Have We Reached an Impasse?. Pest technology: Global Science Book, 2009. http://globalsciencebooks.info/ JournalsSup/images/0906/PT_3%281%291-9o.pdf. Retrieved by 14/3/2013. 3 www.agric.wa.gov.au/objtwr/imported_assets/ content/pw/ins/pp/hort/fn069_2004.pdf Retrieved by 24/4/2013 4 www.agric.wa.gov.au/objtwr/imported_assets/ content/pw/ins/pp/hort/fn069_2004.pdf Retrieved by 24/4/2013 5 w ww.agric.wa.gov.au/objtwr/imported_assets/ content/pw/ins/pp/hort/fn069_2004.pdf Retrieved by 24/4/2013 6 Raymond A. Cloyd, 2009. Western Flower Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) Management on Ornamental Crops Grown in Greenhouses: Have We Reached an Impasse?. Pest technology: Global Science Book, 2009. http://globalsciencebooks.info/ JournalsSup/images/0906/PT_3%281%291-9o.pdf Retrieved by 14/3/2013.

Q: Does soil pH provide nutrition to crop growth? Why is it important? A: No, the soil pH is not a chemical

element like N, P, K, but rather it is a measurement of the acidity or basicity in soils (more exactly in the liquid contained in soils). Therefore it does not provide nutrition to plant growth. However soil pH is very important because pH is considered a master variable in soils which controls many chemical processes that take place. It specifically affects plant nutrient availability by controlling the chemical forms of the nutrient. The optimum pH range for most plants is between 5.5 and 7.0, however many plants have adapted to thrive at pH values outside this range.

MORE INFORMATION For further information see soil health articles in the 2013 summer and autumn editions of the WA Grower magazine written by vegetablesWA Field Extension Officer Sarah Houston.

Thrips are particularly attracted to flowering weeds as they feed on the pollen.

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Be alert

for tomato spotted wilt virus BY BRENDA COUTTS PLANT VIROLOGIST, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

One of the most common diseases affecting tomato, capsicum and lettuce crops in Western Australia is caused by Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). Outbreaks in the Perth area are commonly experienced from late spring and into early summer and again in early spring, so now is a vulnerable time. The virus is spread from infected plants to healthy ones by Western flower thrips and tomato thrips. Warm dry weather favours the build-up of thrips populations. The thrips can only acquire the virus in the larval stage, and are then able to transmit the virus for life. The virus can replicate within the thrips, as well as in the host plant.

TSWV has a wide host range including ornamentals and many weeds. These often act as a source of the virus and thrips to spread to nearby crops. TSWV is not spread in seed or on equipment, and is not spread by handling plants. Visible symptoms vary depending on the crop and the age of the plant at the time of infection. If infection occurs as the fruit matures then symptoms may only appear on the fruit and not on the leaves. Infected tomatoes have new leaves that are bronze in colour and distorted in shape. Fruit is often small with yellow blotches or patches on the skin.

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Infected capsicum plants are stunted and fruit are often small, distorted and fail to colour evenly.

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Capsicum plants have leaf mottle, line patterns and distortion. Plants are stunted and fruit are often small, distorted and fail to colour evenly. Lettuce plants are stunted with brown spots on leaves. If plants are infected early then they may collapse and die.

Infected plants cannot be cured. Management should aim to reduce the level of disease in crops by removing sources of virus infection and minimising spread by thrips. An integrated approach involving different control measures that work in different ways should be used to maximise success.

Control measures • Practise good farm hygiene — destroy and remove old crops immediately they are finished and destroy weeds in paddocks and surrounding areas so that they are not reservoirs of disease and thrips vectors. • Avoid overlapping sowing or sequential plantings of susceptible crops. • Use healthy virus-tested seedlings. • Use resistant varieties where available.

Lettuce plant infected with tomato spotted wilt virus are stunted with brown spots on leaves (left).

• Thrips populations can be controlled with appropriate insecticides, but this has limited value if there are other outside sources of virus and thrips. Importantly, thrips can develop resistance to insecticides with repeated and frequent use.

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Investigations into summer root rot in parsley

BY SARAH HOUSTON FIELD EXTENSION OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

Root rot disease in parsley crops have been a significant problem for parsley growers in WA and around Australia, with crop losses of up to 90% occurring when a crop succumbs to summer and winter root rots.

Summer root rots often occur during or shortly following periods of extreme temperature spikes or after higher than normal irrigation applications.

Winter root rots is a problem that has previously been investigated, particularly in Victoria and Queensland, with studies finding a range of factors seeming to affect the extent to which the root rot develops. These factors include environmental conditions, production systems and cultural practices, range of microorganisms around the root system, plant variety and management options. However summer root rots have not been significantly investigated.

Fusarium was the common pathogen identified in all root rot affected samples taken across geographically diverse Victorian growing regions during this investigation.

HAL project VG12102 Summer Root Rot in Parsley â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a scoping study was undertaken by Agronomist Stuart Grigg from Stuart Grigg Ag-Hort Consulting. The project was funded through the national vegetable levy system to provide a better understanding of the immediate issues associated with recent outbreaks of summer root rot in parsley crops and to give recommendations on further activities to address the issue.

Other recommendations resulting from the work included consideration of chemical alternatives for the control of soil pathogens, biological control agents and inoculants, nutrient management, variety selection, integrity of irrigation water sources, impact of herbicide applications on plant health and previous cropping cycles and field history.

The project consisted firstly of a literature review on the topic, as well as consultation with growers, a seed company rep and an agronomist working in the vegetable industry. Plant and soil samples were then taken from a range of growers in Victoria and analysed for the pathogens present.

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The project recommendations are therefore to focus future work for management of parsley root rots on the control of this difficult to manage pathogen.

normal irrigation applications. Similarly, its occurrence can increase during or shortly following significant summer rain events. Effective management of summer root rot in parsley is likely to be a complex and integrated approach which requires further investigation to more clearly understand the pathogens involved, the environmental conditions that support its development and a better understanding of plant and soil health and interactions. MORE INFORMATION For more information please contact Sarah Houston, vegetablesWA Field Extension Officer on 0427 373 037 or email: sarah.houston@vegetableswa.com.au

Further investigation into irrigation scheduling and soil moisture monitoring is also recommended for future research in relation to root rot management. Summer root rots appear to mostly occur either during or shortly following periods of extreme temperature spikes where irrigation practices result in higher than

This project has been funded by HAL using the vegetable industry levy and matched funds from the Australian Government.

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AUSVEG Emerging Technologies Seminar 2013

HAL report VG12050 by AUSVEG CEO Richard Mulcahy, is available to all vegetable levy payers through the InfoVeg page on the AUSVEG website. The purpose of this report was to collate seminar feedback and develop recommendations intended to guide and improve the design of future Emerging Technologies seminars.

Synthetic biology

The 2013 Emerging Technologies in Horticulture Seminar was held at the AUSVEG National Convention on the Gold Coast in June as part of HAL project VG12050. The Seminar was designed to identify, demonstrate and expand upon advancements in technologies from around the world relating to vegetable production. The technologies and innovations showcased during the seminar were carefully selected to address current and future issues in the Australian vegetable industry and which have the potential to have a positive impact on vegetable production over the next decade or so.

Synthetic biology is an emerging area of research that can broadly be described as the design and construction of novel artificial biological pathways, organisms or devices, or the redesign of existing natural biological systems. The applications of synthetic biology in vegetable production are extremely varied, from producing plants with enhanced photosynthetic capabilities, plants which are tolerant to environmental stressors or plants that produce useful products. Professor Lars Neilsen, Head of the Systems and Synthetic Biology at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, presented his work at the seminar which involves advancement of bioengineering science and its application to specific problems.

Israel’s biotechnological innovator Morflora presented on its technologies at the seminar, explaining its revolutionary non-transgenic platform for trait introduction into seeds enabling immediate expression of traits in plants. For further information about this technology, go to their website at www.morflora.com.

John Deere technology

Insect sterilisation Recently, insect sterilisation has become an interesting option to help with pest management in horticultural production. The most common form of sterilization is through an irradiative process which then prevents the insects from further breeding. However, the insects subject to this irradiative process typically exhibit a reduction in fitness compared to unaffected individuals and therefore are less likely to compete which limits the effectiveness of the whole system.

For more information on this technology, go to the Oxitec website at www.oxitec.com

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Biotechnology covers a wide array of procedures that uses biological systems, living organisms or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use. Useful plant traits such as increased tolerance to salt, heat, cold, drought and nutrient deficiency can be conferred to plants of interest. It is a controversial topic raising many biosecurity and ethical concerns, however recent advances in biotechnology may have the potential to dramatically increase the area on which vegetables can be grown in Australia due to introduction of beneficial traits into crops.

For more information, go to the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology website at www.aibn.uq.edu.au

Dr Luke Alphey from Oxitec Ltd, the research arm of Oxford University in the UK, has devised an alternative method, which consists of a heritable lethal gene being inserted into the target pest. Offspring that inherit the lethal gene die before reaching sexual maturity resulting in population decline. The approach avoids impacting on the insect’s fitness, making it more likely that they will reproduce and pass on the lethal gene.

Biotechnology

John Deere presented at the Emerging Technologies seminar, discussing their latest technological advancements, including the new farm management suite Farmsight. This technology consists of a number of components which together provide an all encompassing management solution for growers, and is made up of the following: • Machine optimization — get the most out of your machine using precision technology and wireless, mobile data networks for higher levels of productivity and increased uptime • Logistics optimization — better manage logistics and machinery use from remote locations through fleet management solutions and increased machine to machine communication

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• Ag decision support — user-friendly monitors, sensors, and wireless, mobile networks to provide easy access to machinery and agronomic data essential to making proactive management decisions for your operation.

For more information go to www.deere.com

Liquid air energy Mr Jeremy North of The Dearman Engine Company in the UK presented to delegates on the emerging “Liquid Air Engine” technology. The Dearman Engine Company was formed in 2011 to develop and commercialise an innovative heat engine that uses liquid air (nitrogen) as a working fluid. The technology works by chilling the air to -196°C, turning it into a liquid that is then stored in a vacuum flask. The liquid air is then turned back into a gas with the addition of an ambient temperature heat exchange fluid. The resulting worming process produces energy by means of a rapid and efficient “regasification”, and essentially replicates the mechanism of a combustion engine. The Liquid Air Engine can be used in conjunction with conventional combustion engines while significantly reducing emissions, fuel consumption and losses associated with heat rejection. It is likely that technology which enhances the efficiency of internal combustion engines combined with reducing emissions is likely to have widespread applications in horticulture in the future. For further information, go to: www.dearmanengine.com For further information on the Emerging Technologies in Horticulture Seminar please see HAL project VG12050, the websites provided above or contact vegetablesWA Field Extension Officer Sarah Houston on sarah.houston@vegetableswa.com.au or 0427 373 037

This project was funded by HAL using the National Vegetable Levy and matched funds from the Australian Government.

LED lighting for controlled, year round greenhouse production

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have tremendous potential as supplemental or sole-source lighting systems for crop production in protected cropping environments. The small size of the lights along with their durability, long operating lifetime, wavelength specificity, relatively cool emitting surfaces, and linear photon output with electrical input current make these light sources ideal for use in plant lighting designs. They enable precisely controlled and highly efficient lighting within the glasshouse system making it possible to create the best possible conditions for the plants while retaining maximum control. Because the output waveband of LEDs (single colour, nonphosphor-coated) is much narrower than that of traditional sources of electric lighting used for plant growth, one challenge in designing an optimum plant lighting system is to determine wavelengths essential for specific crops. Recent work has focused on the proportion of blue light required for normal plant growth as well as the optimum wavelength of red and the red/far-red ratio. The addition of green wavelengths for improved plant growth as well as for visual monitoring of plant status is well known.

Like with other light sources, spectral quality of LEDs can have dramatic effects on crop anatomy and morphology as well as nutrient uptake and pathogen development. Work at Purdue University in Indiana USA has focused on geometry of light delivery to improve energy use efficiency of a crop lighting system. Additionally, foliar intumescence developing in the absence of ultraviolet light or other less understood stimuli could become a serious limitation for some crops lighted solely by narrow-band LEDs. Ways to prevent this condition are being investigated. Potential LED benefits to the controlled environment agriculture industry are numerous. Work continues to be done to position horticulture at the forefront of this promising technology.

Information sourced from Plant Productivity in Response to LED Lighting by Massa, G.D. et al, HortScience December 2008 vol. 43 no. 7 1951–1956. For further information or to access the report, please contact vegetablesWA Field Extension Officer Sarah Houston at: sarah.houston@vegetableswa.com.au or on 0427 373 037.

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Power plants — Benara Nurseries install 133kW of solar

Benara Nurseries are Australia’s largest wholesale nursery with two major sites in the northern suburbs of Perth, in Wanneroo and Carabooda.

Power usage Benara Nurseries are a larger user of electricity due to the many pumps they must use to water the plants they grow. Luckily for them, their main Carabooda site has several electricity meters allowing them to install multiple smaller systems to cumulatively acquire the 103kW of system capacity they requested. Systems with inverter capacity up to 30kW in size do not require the costly electrical engineering expertise and Western Power protection requirements associated with installing systems larger than 30kW onto a single meter. The 103kW system Solargain installed was therefore split up among the four electricity meters at the site. The Wanneroo site has one main meter and a 30kW system has been installed at that location. The electricity usage at both locations will warrant expansion of a number of the systems in the future and Solargain look forward to working with Benara with appropriately expanding their solar capacity in the years ahead.

Financial considerations As with most growers Benara are on a peak and off peak tariffs with their energy provider and therefore pay higher rates for the electricity provided during peak times Monday to Friday

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Solar panels The solar panels chosen by Benara for this project were the Suntech 250w panels. Suntech are one of the world’s largest manufacturers of solar PV and for years have been among the most recognised brands in Australia. One of the benefits Solargain offers customers is a choice of brands with all of the likes of Suntech, ReneSola, Trina and SunPower being among the Top 10 largest manufacturers in the world.

and then receive discounted rates during the evening and on weekends. Given that solar PV is effective during daylight hours the system is therefore producing the majority of its energy during the times when Benara are paying the highest rate for their electricity supply. Financial estimates indicate that the system will have recouped its capital outlay in approximately four years and given that the panels have a warranted output expectancy of 25 years, they are guaranteed to enjoy many years of free electricity from the system.

Environmental considerations Given that growers livelihoods depend upon the environment which they harness to grow their produce the sector is among the most environmentally conscious that Solargain has come across. Given this connection to the land Benara were very keen to demonstrate that their decision was not only one of a financial consideration but that also of an environmentally aware company with a clear corporate social contract. They are proud to be one of the early adopters of large scale commercial solar PV in the state and hope that other growers will add to the CO2 savings which are estimated at 178 tonnes abated in the first year. Depending upon the system size and the tariff the grower is on the system will generally pay back its own purchase price with 3–5 years, providing a 20–30% return tax free and given the panels have a warranted output of 25 years the return is even higher over the lifespan of the system.

Solargain recommends customers purchase brands that are in the Top 10 largest panels by market share and that they have representation supporting their product here locally in Australia. Smaller brands are often at risk of not being around for the long term to support their warranty obligations. Many brands only enter the Australian market through wholesale distributors or directly through retailers and therefore have no local presence supporting their product. This provides security and certainty not only to Solargain as a retailer but also to our clients as the end user.

Solar inverters The inverters used at Benara were the commercial 3 phase SMA Tripower units. They are the largest manufacturer of inverters in the world with some 25% global market share. SMA’s reliability and after sales service is second to none. Their inverters include a 5 year warranty and again they have their own offices based here in Australia to support their product locally.

More on the way Currently Solargain is installing/has sold systems to a number of well known names within the growers community and we look forward to showcasing their systems in future issues of vegetable WA as they are commissioned.

If you would like to discuss how you too can be provided with a professional, honest and reliable solar feasibility study to see if solar is right for you, then please contact the dedicated experts at the Solargain Commercial Sales team on (08) 9337 3344.

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Big-hearted salad growers

share their love

Local Western Australian growers shared their freshly harvested produce and salads daily with thousands through Love my Salad — the social salad network,during the Perth Royal Show in Western Australia. Amongst the bustling enthusiastic crowd of salad lovers in the Greenfingers Garden, Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett paid a visit to the exhibition and chatted with AUSVEG Young Grower of the Year Danny Trandos of Trandos Hydroponics. “It was great to visit the Greenfingers Garden and see some of the initiatives being promoted around healthy eating and selfsufficiency,” Mr Barnett said.

“I was also particularly interested to see the way the vegetable garden was landscaped. The gardens were quite inspiring.”

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Love my Salad hosted various local growers during the Showâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s duration and provided an interactive platform. Growers shared their salads, gave away packs of spinach seeds and cherry tomato plants and encouraged children to learn about growing edible plants so they can experience the fun joy and vitality associated with establishing a home vegetable garden and eating healthily. The Love my Salad community acknowledges the generous support of growers Maureen Dobra of the Loose Leaf Lettuce Company, Aaron Natoli of Natoli Produce, Jim Trandos of Trandos Farms, Denyse Zalsman of Zaldeesh, Lachlan Grierson of Supa Fresh, Danny Trandos of Trandos Hydroponics, and Damien Rigali of Gourmet Fresh Farm, as well as the Garden Gurus for organising the Greenfingers Garden. Anyone with a passion for salads is welcome to join Love my Salad and share in a healthy future. Visit Facebook, or at: www.lovemysalad.com. MORE INFORMATION Frances Tolson, Product Development/Account Manager Retail and Trade Oceania, Rijk Zwaan Australia. Phone 0488 183 588 or email: f.tolson@rijkzwaan.com.au

4 1 Aaron Natoli making salads. 2 Dusanka Milunovic, Harry Trandos, Danny Trandos, Colin Barnett and Jesinta Burton. 3 Lachlan Grierson and Trevor Cochrane of Garden Gurus and Greenfingers Garden. 4 Maureen Dobra with Jesinta Burton.

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The national Melon Industry Conference

and field days

Australia's melon growers were beachbound for their national conference in Bundaberg, Queensland in September. The conference and field days were hosted on-farm at the Marten family property over two days. It brought together growers, researchers and supply chain representatives from across the industry for an innovative on-farm event. Mark Daunt, Chairman AMA said “With profit margins tighter than ever, it's not an easy time to succeed in horticulture, but the Australian Melon Association hopes that the practical nature of the conference gave growers a vital edge.” “We just wanted to give growers the chance to really hone their knowledge and skills and to expose them to new ideas and opportunities,” he said.

“It was also a great chance for key industry stakeholders to engage with growers, and find out what they're looking for.” “Hosting the conference on-farm allowed us to do all that and to make sure that the experience was a valuable and practical one.” The conference featured presentations by speakers covering such diverse fields as agronomy, varieties, pest control, food safety and melon quality. There were displays of new varieties, biodegradable plastic mulch and spray demonstrations. A new solar powered fertigator unit was launched by a local company. The conference attracted strong interest from growers and exhibitors alike. Western Australians who attended were Wes Copeland who receive a young grower sponsorship and Matt and Melanie Gray from Kununurra. John McBride from David Gray also attended. MORE INFORMATION For more information the Australian melon industry, go to www.melonsaustralia.org.au Become a member and receive twice weekly market reports from all the Central Markets www.melonsaustralia.org.au/growers/login

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Visiting onion scientist

gives an eye opening insight to the scale of production in the US Simon Anstis also gave a talk on onion root disease management that has been done in recent years at SARDI. Root diseases caused by pathogens such as nematodes, pink root and other fungi often cause yield loss, however this is often ascribed to other causes as the damage is occurring below the soil and cannot be easily seen.

BY LECHELLE EARL ACTING CEO, ONIONS AUSTRALIA

International onion production information took centre stage at a recent Queensland gathering. About 50 local onion growers and packers from the Gatton area gathered to hear Dr Bill Dean Director of Research, Technology and Quality Control from River Point Farms located in the Columbia basin USA, speak. He was joined by Simon Anstis from the South Australian Research & Development Institute (SARDI), and the group was hosted by Michael Sippel from Terranova Seeds as part of a three day tour of the region.

The group discussed local issues and compared notes with how things were done back in the US. During their visit, a workshop was held at the Gatton Department of Primary Industries with 50 representatives from different areas of the onion industry. The workshop incorporated a series of presentations. These included Clinton McGrath, Queensland DPI, who ran a series of questions aimed at increasing the awareness of what the major issues were for this season. Dennis Persley, also from QDPI, gave a rundown of a current Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) research project investigating iris yellow spot virus (IYSV) and bacterial yellowing that was identified in Queensland onion crops in recent years. While IYSV has not been formally identified in the Gatton region, the widespread incidence of leaf spots typical of the disease suggests that crop losses may be occurring due to IYSV.

Dr Bill Dean gave a rundown on the extensive operations that occur at River Point Farms. With more than 5,000 acres under onion production at the River Point Farms with all storage, packaging and processing done on site, the operations need to be done as efficiently as possible to ensure production goals are met. Dr Dean also provided an insight into how his company managed their onion nutrition requirements. By comparing onion yield to fertiliser application rates, Dr Dean has been able to significantly cut back fertiliser use and suggested that excessive fertiliser use was apparent in Australian production.

This represented one area of streamlining costs which could help to curb the rising cost of onion production. Onions Australia Chairman Andrew Moon commended organisers for the highly informative and successful event. “It is a credit to SARDI and Michael Sippel from Terranova that this event was so well attended,” he said. “What is even more heartening is that, following several years of hardship on onion farms, so many growers and packers made the effort to attend.”

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Southern Forest Food Council regional brand launch

The Southern Forests Food Council, which represents some of the best fresh food producers in Western Australia, is proud to launch its new brand: Genuinely Southern Forests. The Genuinely Southern Forests brand is a commitment from our growers to provide the best quality, locally-grown produce available to our consumers. We believe in genuine fresh local produce from genuine down-toearth locals. “It is a great reflection on our people and our community; there are a lot of down-toearth producers who have passion and love growing the produce they do,” said SFFC Chair Bevan Eatts. “The Genuinely brand really encompasses what we do down here; we have an authentic, genuine multicultural and multi-generational community of growers who pride themselves on producing the best food possible. They continue to involve and innovate; they are very adaptable. The beauty of this area is you can grow just about anything and there’s such an incredible variety.”

The Southern Forests Food Council was founded in 2010 by a group of passionate local producers who recognised that the wealth and abundance of produce grown in the region made it perfect for food tourism. In 2012 the council was formalised by a $5 million State Government investment under the Royalties for Regions SuperTowns scheme. The SFFC Management Committee comprises ten local growers and industry professionals, who between them have hundreds of years’ experience and are committed to driving the region forward and believe in the unique opportunities it offers to the State, Australia and the rest of the world. The SFFC is committed to unifying the area’s world-class diverse producers to strengthen the region’s economy, attract investment and export opportunities, promote regional pride and create sustainable long-term jobs for future generations. It represents local producers, culinary and agricultural operators who live and work in what is WA’s premier food bowl, aiming to ultimately establish the Southern Forests region as an internationally-recognised culinary tourism destination. “We want to strengthen regional pride; we want people, when they go to the supermarket, to know our brand and know that the produce from this region is well grown, with care and to an extremely high standard,” Mr Eatts said.

Potato grower Glen Ryan.

“We will be telling consumers they can trust the growers who supply produce from the Southern Forests region as we have some of the highest growing standards in the world and all our growers meet and exceed these standards. The produce has a fresher taste and flavour; sometimes it is harvested and arrives in Perth markets the very next day.

A lot of people don’t realise what we have down here. It really is a hidden gem and we want to introduce it to the world.” The Southern Forests Region takes in the towns of Manjimup, Pemberton, Northcliffe and Walpole and the beautiful surrounding areas. With a pristine environment, fertile soils, the clearest water and a temperate climate, and with more than 300 growing days a year, our producers grow an incredible variety of primary produce, from fruit, vegetables, nuts and honey, to truffles, marron, wine, sheep, beef cattle and dairy.

Many of them are third and fourth generation farmers who have innovated and diversified over the years, expanding the region’s repertoire of incredible food. The Southern Forests region has 80,000 hectares of agricultural land and about 8,000 hectares of crop plantings. Its producers grow more than 50 varieties of fruit and vegetables and a quarter of the population is involved in agriculture, forestry and fishing. The region’s gross agricultural value is more than $127 million PA and it produces 50% of the State’s apples, 70% of its avocados, 90% of its broccoli, most of its marron and 100% of its potatoes at certain seasonal times of the year. The Southern Forests region produces 85% of the southern hemisphere’s black truffles. Over the last year, the SFFC has conducted comprehensive research and analysis to better understand and promote everything, from the region, people and producers to the produce, supply chain and market demand. WA Grower SUMMER 2013

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The development and launch of the Genuinely Southern Forests brand is a key step in establishing and marketing the region’s reputation as the nation’s premier food bowl for consumers, chefs and tourists, who are increasingly demanding highquality, genuine, local produce. “You can create a banquet fit for a king with all the produce we have here and there are not many regions that can say that,” Mr Eatts said. “These days people want to know where their food comes from, how it is grown and who grows it. It’s been said that farmers are the next TV cooking show stars.” The SFFC is developing a Quality Assurance program which top-quality local producers can join and use the regional food brand on their marketing and packaging to promote their products and give consumers a guarantee they are buying only the best quality produce.

Initially our key focus will be promoting our producers, their incredible foods and the beautiful, pristine Southern Forest region of WA. Moving forward, we want to take the message our world-class produce to the rest of Australia and to the export market. Our aim is to let people know what we grow, how we grow it and why it is some of the best produce in the world. We want to create long-term employment opportunities and establish the Southern Forests as a top culinary tourism area, where visitors can explore the beautiful surrounds, meet our growers, buy fresh from the farm gate and indulge in gourmet locally-sourced meals. Rob Taylor, a Southern Forests feijoa grower and SFFC member, said he hoped this lush, beautiful agriculturally diverse, region would finally achieve the recognition it deserved. “This is the place where some of the best agricultural produce in the world is grown. No one knows about it – it’s still a hidden gem, but I hope it will encourage people to come down and meet the farmers and buy from the farm gate and see what we have here,” he said

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Genuinely Southern Forests cauliflower grower Ian Ryan.

The Southern Forests Food Council and many of our producers will be attending the Margaret River Gourmet Escape to highlight the amazing produce we have in the region and promote the Genuinely Southern Forests brand. From there the SFFC will develop a range of promotions, highlighting the quality of its produce and connecting consumers with Genuinely Southern Forests suppliers, with a major campaign taking place from February to May in 2014. The Southern Forests region is already home to an enviable calendar of events celebrating its wonderful produce. In winter the annual

Truffle Kerfuffle centres around our region’s ‘black truffle’, while in December the Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival pays homage to one of our most incredible fruits. Both feature gourmet dinners, master class experiences with Australia’s top chefs and local producer stalls. There are bi-monthly fresh farmers’ markets in Manjimup and more local festivals planned for next year. Allen Burtenshaw, the Southern Forests Food Council Executive Officer, said: “It is a very exciting time for the council and for all our Southern Forests producers. We are looking forward to showing the world what Genuine, fresh local produce, grown by Genuine down-to-earth people really means. And that means Genuinely Southern Forests.”

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Stable fly The stable fly has severely impacted on livestock producers and rural residents in many Shires around Perth, particularly where horticultural and livestock are alongside each other.

BY DR DAVID COOK 1 AND DR IAN MCPHARLIN 2 1 UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA 2 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD

Managing stable fly in vegetable production Stable flies develop from the residues of vegetable crops grown around Perth. This material left on the ground after harvest supports stable fly breeding if it is left to rot and/or is rotary hoed into the soil. STEP 1 Keep the harvesting period as short as possible. STEP 2 H igh speed mulch, flail mow or slash the crop residues left within three days after harvest. STEP 3 Apply an approved pesticide to the broken down crop residues.

Stable fly (left) house fly (right).

STEP 4 Leave the residues undisturbed with no overhead watering for at least seven days before incorporation into the soil.

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Biosecurity

a priority to protect WA Key messages • The State Government invests more than $30 million annually in biosecurity, to protect the State’s $6 billion agriculture and food sector from plant and animal pests and diseases • A biosecurity incursion can result in multi-million dollar production losses, eradication costs, control costs and trade restrictions — all impacting on livelihoods • WA agricultural produce is highly desired by international markets, due to the State’s enviable biosecurity status, which enables cleaner production systems.

Western Australia boasts one of the world’s most rigorous quarantine systems, backed by a $30 million annual investment from the State Government. Biosecurity is an integral cornerstone of the Department of Agriculture and Food’s commitment to the Western Australian agriculture and food sector to ensure the State is protected from plant and animal pests and diseases. In doing so, it also reduces operating costs and underpins trade, paving the way for market access.

The 52 significant intercepts included coffee bean weevil, banana weevil, Queensland fruit fly, codling moth and orchid bacterial disease — all of which could have had a serious impact on a range of agricultural industries. Transportation throughput has increased dramatically in the past decade. Last financial year more than 120,000 vehicles, 2.7 million airline passengers and 142,826 lines of produce and seed were inspected.

The department also invests in guarding against invasive species like starlings and sparrows, camels and Queensland and Mediterranean fruit flies across the State. It has injected $13.82 million into wild dog control since 2010, including an upgrade and extension of the State Barrier Fence, with $5 million of Royalties for Regions funding, and $8.82 million directed towards materials and doggers. Invasive weed surveillance and eradication programs is another biosecurity priority, currently focused on controlling gamba grass, mimosa pigra, rubber vine, threehorned bedstraw, gorse and skeleton weed. DAFWA’s Pest and Disease Information Service is on the frontline of community engagement, which receives 800 monthly requests for pest identification and advice by email, letter and phone.

The department works closely with industry through GrainGuard and HortGuard programs on surveillance and to build incident response capacity. Its animal health surveillance program is also essential to detect emergency animal diseases early, such as avian influenza and foot-and-mouth disease. Data collected from surveillance programs supports national reports to international trading partners to verify the State’s animal health status, including the National Arbovirus Monitoring Program that underpins the bluetongue-free zone and access to beef markets worth $134.6 million in 2012–13. DAFWA also works closely with private veterinarians on surveillance and supports the operation of the National Livestock Identification System animal traceability requirements. Staff from across the department are also trained in emergency preparedness and some are members of a National Rapid Response Team. MORE INFORMATION For more information contact: Dr Melanie Strawbridge, A/Agricultural Resource Risk Management, Executive Director, phone (08) 9368 3020 or email melanie.strawbridge@agric.wa.gov.au

The system is based on an extensive monitoring and surveillance program, policy development, education and awareness, research and extension, as well as incident response. Quarantine Western Australia (QWA), operated by the department, is responsible for border biosecurity. QWA does inspections at the Canning Vale Markets, the Perth Domestic Airport, seaports, rail depots, mail centres and metropolitan and regional registered premises. In 2012–13 41,611 kilograms of risk material was seized at the State’s main entry points.

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Quarantine Western Australia (QWA) is responsible for border biosecurity.

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Grower profile Name Mitri Hydroponics Location Carabooda PERTH

Property size 24ha Enterprises Tomatoes

Grower profile Mitri Hydroponics BY HAYLEY WILSON COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

Mitri Hydroponics is the newly established business stemming from the Dimitrovich family in Carabooda, WA. The new business venture has been the result of many years of hard work from this very tight knit family who have been involved in the WA growing industry since the 1950s. The family have been growing outdoor fresh tomatoes during the summer and brassicas during the winter months on 60 acres and continue with some outdoor production as their hydroponic business takes off.

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The business as a whole is owned by two brothers Jim and Steve Dimitrovich, with their sons Michael, Danny, Pete and Steven now stepping up to take over management responsibilities of the business and in particular Mitri Hydroponics. The father of Jim and Steve started the business back in 1957, renting some land just down the road from the current property. In 1962 he bought a block next door to the rental property and the family has continued to expand the land and production area over the last 50 years. Danny, one of the third generation growers now running the business, emphasised how different things were done on the farm 50 years ago compared to today. “When our grandfathers started everything was done by hand and foot, then our fathers began incorporating machinery. Now, in our generation, the work is done a lot by computers and other technology.”

After Michael, Danny and Steven came back to the business in the mid to late 90s, the number of families that depended on the success of the operation increased. The business was forced to rapidly grow from 65,000 tomato plants to 250,000 plants in just five years.

“We had started growing tomatoes from day one, they had got into our blood, but this was when we started to grow them big time,” says second generation grower Jim. The younger generation proved to have the drive, energy and determination to incorporate new technology such as the introduction of drip-tape irrigation which supported a lot of the initial intensification achieved on the property. “Our whole family has always accepted that you need to evolve to be successful, so we were always looking at ways to implement change and new technology,” says third generation grower Steve.

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a whole family. The aim was to achieve improved economies of scale, provide a reliable high quality product all year, with the potential to establish stronger relationships with customers and markets, and to build a business that would support the needs of all the families involved. Brothers Jim and Steve Dimitrovich have been fully supportive of the decision to intensify and invest in the new business venture, and have now handed over the decision making and key responsibilities to their sons. It is a responsibility that the boys do not take lightly and are totally committed to making it successful.

(Left to right): Peter, Michael, Steve, Jim, Danny and Steven.

Prior to the decision to further intensify through hydroponics, the export of cauliflowers to SE Asia provided the growers with an additional market for their crops. However, production ceased when the diamond-back moth (DBM) increased in numbers and became a problem over a longer period, making it unviable to continue.

“Failure is not an option! We were putting our whole families livelihoods on the line here,” said Michael, emphasising the passion they all have for the business. Collectively the boys all agreed, “We cannot thank our fathers enough for showing belief and trust in us. It’s like they are starting again but they are stepping back and letting us take the reins.” After researching and investigating the greenhouse option for many months, they realised that it was going to be essential to ensure they used high quality equipment and

importantly that they would need to seek continual advice from experts in the industry. Ongoing communication and support with experienced advisors would also be a key to the success of the new operation. “We travelled extensively to the Eastern States and New Zealand to research and learn as much as we could about greenhouses, growing hydroponically and the industry as a whole. We also had a great deal of help from Danny Trandos and the team at Trandos Hydroponic Growers.” Construction of the new greenhouse began in March 2013 and was fully completed by September. One of the major challenges they had with the building of the greenhouse was successfully communicating with all the different suppliers from all over the world in different time zones, and Michael recalls, “There were lots of very late nights involved in the process.” The Dimitrovich family are excited about their plans for the future and will continue to evolve and expand to meet the demands from industry. “It’s all about our children now,” says third generation grower Steven. “They will be the next generation of growers and we want to give them the best start that we can.”

In early 2011, there was a light-bulb moment for the boys when the work involved in producing the tomatoes was not giving them the return they needed to continue as a successful business. Steven remembers, “The prices for the leaf lines were terrible and we were working very hard for very little returns. We realised that something needed to change, something had to be done or we would not have a future in the industry.” The business was not a big player in the cauliflower and cabbage markets, so the decision was made to focus on developing the tomato production side of the business. “We decided to do something different and to do it well, and eventually decided we wanted to grow tomatoes all year round,” said Danny. The decision to intensify their business by moving into hydroponics and to specialise in tomatoes only was made together and

Construction of the new greenhouse began in March 2013 and was fully completed by September.

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Utilising

export information links BY GAVIN FOORD EXPORT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, HORTICULTUREWA

In the Spring 2013 edition of WA Grower, the Australian Government Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) provided the article ‘Exporting from Australia – now even easier’.This directed us, via their website, to two very useful resources: 1. Exporting plants and plant products: A step-by-step guide for Australian Exporters www.daff.gov.au/biosecurity/ export/plants-plant-products/ exportersguide

2. Manual of Importing Country Requirements (MICoR) www.daff.gov.au/ micor/plants

For anyone who wants a better understanding of export processes and requirements, these are essential reading. The step- by-step guide can be viewed online or downloaded as a PDF and printed.

There is also a comprehensive users guide to help you get the most out of the MICorR system. This too can be viewed online or downloaded as a PDF and printed for easy access. More information can be found at the Australian Government Austrade website. If we are to gain a workable understanding of our export potential and global opportunities, we really should learn from those who have experience in that space. DAFF and Austrade are obvious first stops that we sometimes overlook. The following notes are adapted from the Austrade website www.austrade.gov.au

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Who is Austrade? The Australian Trade Commission — Austrade — is the Australian Government’s trade, investment and education promotion agency. Through a global network of offices, Austrade assists Australian companies to grow their international business, attract productive foreign direct investment into Australia and promote Australia’s education sector internationally. Austrade’s network of advisers in Australia and overseas offer practical advice to exporters on how to do business in international markets. • General market briefings on what to expect in international markets • Cultural tips on doing business overseas • Information about local commercial practices and requirements • Local industry insights and contexts • Referrals to specialist legal, tax or business advisory firms, both in Australia and overseas • General marketing and promotional advice Austrade can guide you through the process of selecting suitable export markets for your product or service, advise you on upcoming overseas promotions for Australian organisations such as trade missions, and alert you to the potential financial assistance and government grants available for Australian exporters. Before contacting Austrade, explore our free online resources to learn more about exporting and doing business in various countries overseas.

Tailored services including marketentry and expansion assistance Austradeoffers tailored services to individual Australian organisations seeking to export or expand their export markets in growth and emerging markets. While tailored services for exporters

are not always available in markets where language and cultural barriers are minimal, Austrade can, upon request, refer you to other organisations that can help you develop your market plans. Tailored services provide customised information specific to your company’s requirements. We deliver these through our Advisers network across key trade markets around the world. We can assist you by compiling key information on the market you are targeting and talking directly to local industry players to gauge their interest in meeting you and reviewing your products or services — saving you valuable time. Austrade’s tailored services include: • Market or country research — Help with specific export issues such as gathering data on market trends and statistics, identifying market barriers and regulations, assessing market potential or gathering information and advice on the suitability of a product or service. We do this by accessing databases, information resources and local networks to gather primary and secondary information or feedback for you. • Potential partner and customer identification — Help with identifying local contacts in international markets that can import, distribute or support your product or service locally. We do this by researching key market players, competitors and other contacts to identify the industry structure and in consultation with you, approach those that best meet your criteria to introduce your products or services to. • Appointments during your market visit — Once potential partners or customers are identified, with sufficient notice, Austrade can set up a visit program to help you maximise your time in-market. We do this by approaching those contacts you specify and setting up appointments for you to meet and present your business capabilities. In some markets, Austrade staff may be available to join your meetings and provide language support. WA Grower SUMMER 2013

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• Follow-up to initial introductions — After a market visit or an introduction via a trade or education opportunity, you may ask Austrade to follow-up with the local contacts to gather their assessment on your products or services and/or potential fit for you to do business with their organisation. Through this follow-up, we can advise you on the real potential with these customers and help you determine next steps. • Market promotions — To expand your international business, you may choose to participate in a range of offshore marketing activities such as overseas exhibitions or trade missions organised by Austrade, state or territory governments or in-market event companies. During these activities you may ask Austrade to facilitate introductions to potential business partners overseas. Tailored services are provided for a uniform fee of A$190 per hour in all overseas markets. When services are commissioned, a proposal outlining anticipated costs will be prepared for your agreement prior to commencing the work.

Getting ready for export

What does it take to be ready for international business? To have a successful international business, you need a product or service which is in demand in overseas markets, as well as the necessary commitment, resources, skills and information to support sustained exporting activities over the longer term. The following are key signs your business is well on its way to being export ready: • Significant management time and strong management commitment Developing an international business is no different to starting and building your domestic business; in fact, you can expect it to consume more management time than developing business at home. Exporting requires substantial commitment from management across the business, not just from the CEO or sales manager. • Strength in the domestic market In most cases, solid domestic sales form the basis of a good exporting business.

Austrade’s International Readiness Indicator is an online tool for new exporters and has been designed to help Australian businesses determine whether their business is ready for exporting.

A successful domestic business gives overseas buyers confidence in you as a supplier and will ensure that your business processes are in place and well tested.

It’s important to consider if your business is ready and to be sure that you understand exactly what exporting entails before you start.

Importantly, strength in the domestic market will also provide you with cash flow and the working capital you need to invest in developing your export markets.

Exporting consumes time and money, and requires strong management commitment. In the initial stages management are usually diverted from existing domestic business but for many companies, this short term stress will provide longer term rewards. To achieve success, you need to have a plan and remain in control of your business, and not let the business control you.

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• The resources to succeed Exporters find they need strong financial resources to expand overseas to cover the costs of product modifications, travel and international marketing, to name just a few of the additional costs you might face. You also need to have the right people in place to run the export side of your business, and that may mean additional staff.

• Business and export planning Many smaller companies don’t get around to formal business planning, but once you start exporting you are moving your business to a different level, so it is wise to consider putting these plans in place. If you do not have an Export Plan, the information available in Austrade’s Export Strategy and Planning guide (www.austrade.gov.au/exportstrategy/default.aspx) will take you through the key elements. • Export knowledge and skills To export successfully you will need to learn about a wide range of issues such as how foreign markets operate, export documentation and foreign currency management. Read Austrade’s information about markets (www.austrade.gov.au/ Country/default.aspx) around the world (and use the ‘How to Export’ guides (www.austrade.gov.au/How-toexport/default.aspx) to help increase your export knowledge and skills.

Your business While the information on this site does not specifically target horticulture, it certainly makes good sense on a range of levels. You will find: • A YouTube video about the International Readiness Indicator • Planning tools and check lists • Marketing, pricing and risk management advice • A comprehensive list of frequently asked questions The bottom line is, export is not something we should enter into half heartedly. We need to do our homework, build relationships, plan sound strategies and commit to the process.

Two centuries of innovation. A lifetime of success. Quattro + + +

High quality, dark red, firm fruit with high gloss, thick walls and smooth shoulders Strong, well-covered, compact, rigid plant HR: TMV; PVY: 0,1,1-2; PepMov; PepYMV; Xv: 1,2,3 and IR: CMV; Pc

Yellow Dragon + + + +

Large, high-quality, bright yellow fruit Strong plant with a high yield potential Even colour change from green to yellow with excellent firmness at full yellow HR: TMV; PMMoV: 1,2,3 and IR: TSWV

Genio + + + + +

Firm, uniform fruit with a very good shelf life Deep red colour at full maturity Excellent tolerance to cracking or splitting High brix and flavour HR: ToMV; Fol: 1,2 and IR: TYLCV; M

Lipso + + + + +

Sensational flavour Excellent yield due to fruit numbers/size Great firmness for good shelf life Strong splitting resistance in wet conditions HR: ToMV; Fol:1 and IR: Ss

For more information, contact: Kevin Swan - Sales & Development Manager - T: 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 - ÂŠ 2013 HM.CLAUSE

Clause Pacific - P.O. Box 475 - Bulleen - VIC 3105 - AUSTRALIA Tel: +61 (0)3 8850 5400 - Fax: +61 (0)3 8850 5444

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Growers take steps to fight stable fly BY IAN MCPHARLIN 1 AND DAVID COOK 2 1 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD,

UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

With the stable fly in full flight due to the warmer weather, numerous reports from owners of commercial and domestic animals being bitten have been received by DAFWA as well as local government staff across the Swan Coastal Plain. Vegetable growers have acted to reduce stable fly breeding on their properties to minimise its impact on adjacent animal enterprises and residential areas. Although not the only source of stable fly breeding (they can also breed in feedlots, wet and rotting hay and grain, olive waste, and raw, poorly composted or otherwise poorly treated manures) growers are often a target of community frustration over stable fly impacts. In this respect growers need to adhere to the new Biosecurity and Agricultural Management Act (BAMA) regulations and put the provisions of the Stable Fly Management Plan into practice on their properties as it relates to vegetable production.

Growers have found the brochure outlining the four basic steps in managing crop residue after harvest in the field easy to follow and implement.

Basic steps to manage crop residue: 1. Minimising the harvest period 2. Mulching, high speed preferred, within three days after harvest is complete 3. Spraying mulched residue with appropriate insecticide 4. Incorporating residue with hoe after allowing to dry out for a week. The effectiveness of this approach was emphasised at a field day at the Bogdanich Farms in Neergabby in October 2013 where results of the HAL project (Managing stable fly in vegetable crop residues, see previous WA Grower Vol. 48 No 3. pages 66 and 67) reinforced the need especially to mulch and dry the residue as soon as possible after harvest to greatly reduce stable fly numbers.

Top: Growers speaking at stable fly meeting. Above: Ian McPharlin speaking about stable fly.

One grower reported adoption of high speed mulching of crop residues had reduced the number of rotary hoeings needed so he can see the benefits for both general crop agronomy as well as stable fly management. Applying the insecticides to smaller pieces of crop residue on the soil surface after mulching is much more effective than to non-mulched residue or to residue after rotary hoeing where it is mostly buried in larger pieces. This is backed up by much lower fly numbers when the residue is mulched and dried, compared to rotary hoeing wet residue into the soil. Growers need to be aware that the penalties for non-compliance with the regulations under BAMA are potentially much higher (from $1,000 to $20,000) than the under the previous Health Regulations. While not expected to eradicate stable fly (zero numbers), growers are expected to manage crop residues as effectively as possible as outlined in the management plan to minimise stable fly breeding on their properties. The test will be if their actions reduce impacts on adjacent animal enterprises or residential areas to tolerable levels at peak periods. MORE INFORMATION

Ian McPharlin and David Cook discuss management of stable fly with Ali Al-Boraich, Farm Manager at T & C Do and Sons, Woodridge.

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DAFWA staff will make an effort to visit as many growers in the declared areas as possible over the next few weeks. The purpose will be to explain the implications for them of the new BAMA declaration and the steps they can take as outlined in the Management Plan to minimise stable fly breeding on their properties.

Increased returns in tomatoes, capsicums and watermelons with Awaken & NutriSync D The products at a glance A return on investment (ROI) ratio of 2:1 is a sound investment; spending one dollar to make two is clearly a profitable exercise. What then about a 185:1 ROI ratio? You’d have to be mad to not invest that dollar surely? Independent trial work conducted by Peracto in 2012 in Bowen Qld showed that one application of Awaken through the drip tape and two foliar applications of NutriSync D applied to their tomato crop returned the grower an extra $22,588/ha yet those applications only cost $122/ha. This equates to a return on investment of 185:1! This was not achieved by replacing all or part of the grower’s normal nutritional program, but was driven by the introduction of new yieldincreasing and quality-improving products. What’s more, these exciting new products from US-based Loveland Agri Products have produced similar beneficial results in a range of high-value horticultural crops such as potatoes, capsicums, watermelon and sweet corn. See the results table for more information. Awaken is a 20-0-2 nutritional product containing ACA technology (zinc ammonium acetate). Products containing ACA technology such as Awaken have been shown to have PGR (plant growth regulator) properties and crops treated with it will often exhibit better photosynthetic efficiency as a result of it increasing chlorophyll and carotenoid density within the leaf tissue. They will generally benefit from increased metabolism due to greater synthetic auxin production (auxin regulates growth). It also has been shown to improve cell elongation which can assist with root growth and development resulting in increased nutrient uptake.

Tomatoes - marketable fruit

NutriSync D is a foliar product that drives nutrient mobility within the plant ensuring that is continually available where it is needed. This is achieved via its key component Inositol which is a proven nutrient uptake and transport synergist. Inositol is an optically inactive alcohol that is a component of the Vitamin B complex. Inositol is widely used in pharmaceutical products for its ability to improve the mobility and utility of the respective products active ingredient.

What customers say? When Loveland products Awaken and NutriSync D were introduced into the horticultural market of the Gumlu/Burdekin region in Queensland in early 2012, Raymond and Andrew Totorica (Totorica Bros) put their hands up to trial these products on their capsicum farm. The decision was made to trial 6 bays out of a 12 bay planting. After transplant Awaken was applied at 4.7L/ ha through the drip tape at first watering. The response was evident after 5 days as the bays, which had the Awaken applied, had very minimal plant loss due to plant-back shock; presumably because the Awaken treated plants had become more resilient to stress through improved nutrient assimilation in the period prior to transplant. The untreated bays had a far more severe plant-back response. Over the next 4-5 weeks the crop establishment in the Awaken treated bays was superior and improved budding was evident. This is when NutriSync D was applied at 730mL/ha as a foliar application only on the Awaken treated plants. This was followed up by another NutriSync D application 4 weeks later.

Peracto capsicum trial in Bowen Qld 2012 When it came to the fruiting stage, the fruit count was near double that of the untreated plants. The fruit retention was also greater which showed that the plant was healthy enough to carry more fruit. These Loveland Products have mixing compatibility with most insecticides and fungicides, which makes it very simple to incorporate them into spray programs. Totorica Brothers grow approx 40 – 50 hectares of capsicums and now use the Loveland Products on the entire farm.

The range of Loveland Agri Products is available exclusively through Landmark. For more information on the range of products and to view trial results go to loveland.landmark.com.au

Capsicums - marketable fruit

Watermelons - marketable fruit

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Supporting water needs of growers

BY CHARLOTTE DUDLEY DEPARTMENT OF WATER

A reliable water supply is essential to the continued growth and development of Western Australia’s agricultural sector. The Department of Water (DoW) supports this growth through a range of mechanisms, including allocation and licensing, to ensure the sustainable use of water across the state. The department sets sustainable allocation limits based on the best available science and through consultation with stakeholders. These limits inform the department’s licensing decisions, together with water allocation plans which describe how the available water will be allocated for use through water licensing. “Water is the catalyst for growth of the irrigated agricultural sector in Western Australia, and the department is committed to helping growers get reliable access to the resource and assist them in using it sustainably,” Department of Water Regulation Director John Connolly said.

While allocation and licensing are the primary ways water is managed in Western Australia, the department uses a number of other mechanisms to support the needs of water users. First-in first-served guides how unallocated water is released to potential water users, with licence applications assessed in the order in which they are received.

DoW uses a number of targeted, localised approaches to help irrigators meet their water needs.

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Water trading lets licensees sell part or all of their water allocation on a permanent or temporary basis within the water resource management area to which the licence is attached. This allows the resource to be made available for other uses or users.

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Trading is particularly useful for licensees operating in heavily allocated areas and is supported by the department’s water register which lets users access information about licensing and water availability. The department also uses a number of targeted, localised approaches to help irrigators meet their water needs. In in the Warren-Donnelly catchment area of the South West, the department is working with irrigators to investigate the impact of taking extra water from waterways during high rainfall periods. The innovative trial gives growers a temporary licence to take water above their regular entitlement, allowing them to reap the benefits of good rainfall periods. In the Gascoyne, the government recently announced it will make 1.5 gigalitres of relief water available to local growers to assist them in the face of low river flows and recharge. This is the second round of relief water issued to Gascoyne irrigators following the 2GL of relief water made available last year. “Whichever approach to allocation is used, helping irrigators and other licensees stay within their allocations is paramount to the department’s water management role,” Mr Connolly said. “Key to this is engaging with our stakeholders, listening to their concerns and learning about their priorities so that we can reduce confusion and promote equity and transparency in our approach to sustainable allocation and licensing.”

efficiency measures to help them comply with their licensing conditions and get the most out of their allocation.” Compliance is also critical to facilitating the fair, transparent and sustainable use of the state’s water resources with compliance efforts more keenly focus on areas considered to be of high risk, for example, where demand is high and approaching over-allocation. “This gives greater security to water users operating in these areas,” Mr Connolly said. As well as supporting the water needs of growers through allocation and licensing, the government is working to further improve water resource management in Western Australia with a proposal to reform the existing water management legislation. The government recently released a water reform position paper — which is open for public comment until 31 December — which aims to modernise the nearly century-old water management regulations, boost industry confidence and address future demand and climate challenges. “The proposed reform framework is designed to give more flexible options and will help growers and other water users make decisions about the best and most productive use of water resources,” Mr Connolly said. “The proposed reform will give water users more options for managing water and provide greater transparency and clarity of regulations.

“There will be more secure entitlements for licence holders and simplified processes for licence applications, while no additional fees and charges will be introduced and the existing water licence arrangements for farm dams will remain.”

The proposed reform has been developed in consultation with key water users in horticulture, agriculture, mining, urban development and local government. It will be reflected in new legislation which will replace several existing Acts including the primary piece of water legislation, the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914. “The Department of Water has travelled from the top to the bottom of Western Australia, consulting with irrigators and other stakeholders about the proposed reform,” Mr Connolly said. “We want to facilitate the best outcomes for stakeholders and we really encourage irrigators to take this opportunity and have their say.” MORE INFORMATION For more information on the water reform process go to www.water.wa.gov.au. Comments on the position paper Securing Western Australia’s water future — a position paper close December 31 2013.

Mr Connolly encouraged licensees to contact the department if they need help with understanding licensing conditions and for information about staying within allocation limits. “As well as doing things such as compliance monitoring, auditing and inspections, our staff can assist with advice about licensing matters. We are here to help,” he said. “We can help licensees better understand the terms of their licence, advise on meter reading and provide information about

Licensees are encouraged to contact the DoW if they need help to understand licensing conditions.

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The West Australian ‘Taste Master’ visited Carnarvon for a whirlwind local foodie experience last week. Hailed as one of the best jobs in the world, Rich Keam is on a six month mission from England to experience WA food heaven and blog about it, as part of a Tourism WA campaign.

Taste master experiences Gascoyne produce first hand

Whilst he was here Rich was treated to meeting and dining with local growers, visiting Nor West Seafoods and Abacus Fisheries and doing a hot lap in a buggy as part of the Kickstarters Gascoyne Dash. The Carnarvon Tourism Alliance and the Carnarvon Chamber of Commerce and Industry put on a dinner for the visiting Taste Master along with Tourism WA and Australia's Coral Coast.

The Gascoyne Food Council contributed to this event by supplying menus and menu cards to showcase the amazing food that was cooked up. Joyce from Loveapple was instrumental in assisting with bringing together the fresh produce that was provided. The Gascoyne Food Council would like to thank very much to the growers who provided the fantastic produce that made the evening such a success. MORE INFORMATION If you would like to read more and follow Rich’s journey please visit tastewesternaustralia.com

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YOUR

BUSINESS

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Innovation pays

but only when it’s everyone’s job BY MARRIANNE GLOET AND DANIEL SAMPSON THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

Innovation pays, and the benefits are even greater when organisations develop ‘systematic innovation’ capability, according to a recent study by The University of Melbourne and the Australian Institute of Management. This large-scale survey of professional managers across Australia found organisations perform better when management embrace a structured, planned, and organisation-wide approach to innovation.

What is ‘systematic innovation’? Systematic innovation equates to sustained innovation, rather than haphazard or unplanned activities, that create value and secure competitive advantage for organisations.

Organisations that successfully undertake systematic innovation generate a series of innovations that deliver business value. The development of systematic innovation capability requires a holistic and integrated approach to innovation across the entire organisation.

This means managers get involved in innovation projects, and innovation is prioritised in the business strategy, which is strongly aligned with technology. It also requires organisations to take calculated risks, and for them to involve customers in the innovation process. Finally, it’s essential that employees are rewarded financially for innovation contributions, and competitors are benchmarked. Innovation can occur as the occasional ‘lucky break’, but no business should rely on such an approach.

Systematic innovation capability is the ultimate competitive weapon for organisations, as it has no ceiling on it, and can be applied in a broad range of ways, from achieving cost reduction through innovation in process management, to creating new streams of revenue. Australia faces challenges in achieving and maintaining global competitiveness in terms of cost, service and quality. As Australia looks to build its future beyond the resources boom, the research findings make it clear innovation is a means of achieving competitive advantage, and a key profit driver for successful organisations. “We found that firms with proven innovation performance were three times more likely to have higher revenue growth, profitability and productivity. Such firms were also three times more likely to report higher levels of cash flow, cost advantages and long-term competitive advantage,” said Tony Gleeson, CEO of the Victorian and Tasmanian arms of the Australian Institute of Management. “The findings also confirmed organisations that failed to embrace innovation as a systematic performance tool were likely to be chronic under-achievers. Such under achievement translates into lower levels of growth than innovative competitors, fewer development pathways for employees and greater difficulty in attracting, developing and retaining skilled people.” The survey showed that revenue growth; profitability, productivity, cash flow, and other elements of business performance were higher for innovation “leaders”. And innovation performance is strongly linked to business performance. Sustainable and systematic innovation requires a holistic approach across a range of innovation activities in order to maximise innovation performance, from leadership through innovation, strategy and process management.

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Small Business Development Corporation a great resource for your business The survey revealed specific innovation practices that are significant predictors of innovation performance including aspects of strategy and leadership, a strong customer focus, the embracing of risk and change, human resource management and a culture that supports innovation, strong innovation process management and a focus on sustainability.

So who should take responsibility for innovation? Although 46% of managers surveyed reported that specific responsibility for innovation rested with an assigned individual or group, the development of systematic innovation capability is best served if everyone in the organisation takes responsibility for innovation.

Systems and structures, as well as the organisational culture, should reflect a joint commitment to developing and sustaining innovation throughout the organisation. It is important for organisations to create a workplace culture where everyone feels they have an opportunity, if not an obligation to contribute to the innovation process. Therefore, to galvanise the collective brain power of an organisation, the report findings advocate that innovation should be viewed as a shared opportunity for all employees. This finding has two important implications. Firstly, all employees can and should be given the skills and incentives to exercise their creativity on opportunities from process innovation to product and service enhancements. And second, organisations should have robust processes in place to evaluate and channel the best creative ideas and inventions to where they can create value: in scaling them up to the marketplace.

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. The SBDC is the primary provider of advice and guidance to small business operators throughout Western Australia, and since 1984 has been supporting the establishment, growth and development of small businesses across all industries. Small Business Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the SBDC, Mr David Eaton, says the Corporation provides information and advice on everything from starting a new business to developing an existing business, exporting, marketing, reading financial statements or even preparing your business for sale. “We work directly with individual small business owners and operators, as well as collectively through business and industry associations, to exchange information and provide support and assistance to their members,” Mr Eaton said. “Through these avenues, we help to raise public awareness of the importance of small business to the economy and the community.” The SBDC also provides advice and support to the Minister for Small Business on matters impacting the sector, including on the effect of government policy and legislation on small businesses. The SBDC has a range of services tailored specifically to the small business sector, most of which are free of charge. In March 2012, the Small Business Commissioner role and an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service for small businesses was established at the SBDC. The Commissioner and the ADR service were established to facilitate and

Small Business Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the SBDC, David Eaton.

encourage the fair treatment of small businesses in their commercial dealings with other businesses and to promote informed decision making by small businesses. Over the past two years, the ADR service has been very successful in assisting small businesses to resolve disputes without the need to go to court. MORE INFORMATION In coming issues of the WA Grower, we’ll be sharing more information on the services available through the SBDC, and tips and hints to help you, and your small business.

In a nutshell In Western Australia, there are more than 211,000 small businesses, representing 95 per cent of all businesses in the State. Of these, 18,543 are involved in the agriculture, forestry and fishing industries, representing almost 11 per cent of all businesses in the State.

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Energy efficiency workshops: Energy efficiency is smart business BY SARAH HOUSTON FIELD EXTENSION OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

The rising cost of energy is becoming a significant operational expense for WA agriculture. Increasing the energy efficiency could be one of the fastest, cheapest and easiest ways to cut a producer’s energy expenditure and greenhouse gas emissions. The main sources of energy involved in horticultural production are diesel, electricity, ULP (unleaded petrol) and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), with diesel and electricity being making up the majority. Hence, increasingly high fuel prices and rising electricity affect operational expenses significantly. To address the importance of energy efficiency in the agricultural sector, the North East Farming Futures Group Inc.

(NEFF) based in Geraldton WA developed ‘The Farm Energy Project’ using funding from the through the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism’s the Energy Efficiency Information Grant. This project resulted in a number of industry specific energy efficiency training programs which were designed to increase knowledge and adoption of energy saving initiatives amongst farming enterprises. Through the Farm Energy Project, workshops were delivered to farmers around WA, suggesting energy saving opportunities and technologies in different farming industries and promoting best practice energy management on farm.

Collection of reliable energy use data on farm is essential information to help make energy efficiency decisions. The monitoring process involves a number of steps to help with the decision making process, starting with collecting the energy use data regularly, understanding the data including having benchmarks and auditing processes in place, and then using your data to identify, address and plan areas of focus. Monitoring can involve keeping a diesel logbook, electrical meters of varies levels of complexity, use of farm fuel calculators, pump meters and other technology monitoring technology.

Best practice management is about knowing and understanding the inputs of energy costs to the bottom line, how energy is used in the business and ways to reduce energy consumption, purchase price and greenhouse emissions.

Growers attending the Farm Energy Project workshops were each provided with an Energy Plan booklet to work through options and ideas for their own businesses as well as give examples of monitoring logbook templates to use in their day-to-day operations.

Three workshops have been held around WA for horticulture producers in Myalup, Wanneroo and Carnarvon (for Vietnamese speaking growers).

Once of the most informative tools to come out of the workshop for the growers who attended was the Horticulture Ideas Warehouse. The Ideas Warehouse is a spread sheet with a list of energy saving ideas for on-farm energy use. Each row of the file lists a different idea for saving energy and then contains information about the technology, the typical application and relevant industries, costs and benefits and other critical factors. Complete details and external links are provided for further research, and there is the ability to search using key words.

The workshops focused on improving growers knowledge of energy management and how they use energy in their business, options for increased energy efficiency, learning simple monitoring techniques and developing an energy plan for their business moving forward. A more complex section of the workshop looked at financial modelling and looking at the benefits of better energy management on the farm by using quantitative figures and potential savings.

The workshops focused on improving growers knowledge of energy management and how they use energy in their business.

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match plant requirements and researching electricity Tariff options.

Some major areas with potential savings that were found during horticultural case studies include LPG Diesel Injection to reduce diesel consumption, using water pumps during off-peak periods, keeping pumps well maintained, scheduling of irrigation to

MORE INFORMATION For further information on the Farm Energy Project, you can go to the NEFF webpage at www.neffprojects.com.au. From there you can register to the online program and to be able to access the tools such as the Ideas Warehouse.

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Planning

is the key to a profitable business BY SARAH HOUSTON FIELD EXTENSION OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

All farms are a business, and every business needs a plan to set goals and help guide it through difficult times. Growing and marketing vegetables is a complex business, and it is important to plan to make sure the operation can support the people it needs to support through both the good times and the bad. Planning looks at where the business is heading in the future, the important decisions that need to be made to get there, takes into account the opportunities and strengths as well as the risks and threats that may occur. Changes to climate, markets, farm practices and consumer demand for produce all need to be taken into account for the business to be confident that they are on the right track and can manage these changes as necessary. Making a farm business plan can be daunting but there are many highly trained professionals that help point you in the right direction. At the end of the day, a solid business plan will be an asset to your business as it will provide a common direction for everyone involved to work towards. As well as many current issues that a plan will deal with, it also outlines a timeline for your retirement or exit from the business and a well thought out succession plan. A number of business planning workshops have been run across WA as part of the Department of Agriculture (DAFWA) Plan, Prepare, Prosper project over the past few years. A number of growers from the vegetable industry have taken part in these workshops focusing on topics such as financial planning and budgeting, creating a marketing plan, developing a succession plan, working with your bank, and work/ life balance considerations. Growers who have participated in these workshops all gave exceptional feedback about the opportunity

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to focus on the business side of their farm and complete a solid plan that will help them focus on the future of their business. One participant in the Plan, Prepare, Prosper workshops during 2013 was David Ashburner of Farmland Greens in Bullsbrook, WA. “Having a business plan that clearly identifies your vision and goals is vital to any business. However just having a vision or goal is not always enough — you also need to analyse risks, come up with strategies and put actions in place with completion dates,” said David of the importance of having an up to date business plan in any business.

The business David is involved in has had many ideas over the years that always seem great at first, but once they go through all the planning steps and analysis they may often find too many risk factors involved. An example situation was a product they were considering which was in high demand and could be grown, packed and distributed using existing practices. However, after looking at the figures, the margins just weren’t there. “If we’d gone ahead without doing our maths, production would have used up valuable time, energy, machinery and storage space all to produce a product that would make less and might have even put our existing profitable lines at risk.” Completing a business plan takes time. Growers are very busy and there are so many important things to focus on, especially the day to day running and operating of the farm. “Time is definitely a limiting factor,” says David. “A trick we have come up with to ensure time is always set aside for business planning is to set clear actions and completion dates, whether this be for reports, actions on financials, operational tasks or sales and marketing.” Finding tools that work in your business to ensure things are done on time are important when it comes to business

planning. They might include regular meetings, giving staff ownership or responsibility for completion of tasks, displaying to-do lists where all staff can see them or other visual cues. The planning process also allows business managers to look at controlling margins by focusing on variable costs to the business, rather than relying on prices which may not be predictable or controllable. Suitable marketing techniques, branding ideas and business direction will also come about during a good business planning session. Growers involved in business planning workshops or who work with professional consultants to set out a robust business plan will always find that the process not only gives them direction and new ideas for developing their business, but they also find that they learn so much about how their business has been performing and many other facts about the operation that they have not noticed before. “The ultimate goal of any business is to increase profit through a better working environment. Business planning workshops give you the tools needed to achieve this,” said David after participating in the Plan, Prepare, Prosper workshop series in Perth. “All growers should seriously consider setting time outside of the normal day to day operations to attend a planning course”. MORE INFORMATION vegetablesWA and DAFWA are hoping to run further business planning workshops specifically designed for the horticultural industry in the near future. If you are interested in attending such workshops or finding out more information, please contact vegetablesWA Field Extension Officer, Sarah Houston on 0427 373 037 or email: sarah.houston@vegetableswa.com.au. For private business planning advice or services, there are many options to be found by looking up in the telephone directory or online for various industry organisations, agricultural consultants, accountants, financial planners or you could also speak with your bank. It can be worth talking to friends, family and neighbours to see whether they can recommend someone in particular.

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Successful collaboration

of small scale growers to secure market control and profits BY VO THE TRUYEN FIELD EXTENSION OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

Once of the biggest concerns for Vietnamese vegetable growers in Western Australia is the lack of control they have in the marketplace, and the difficulty in securing a sustainable business that will survive decreasing market prices and increasing production costs. There are a number of ways to overcome these issues and remain competitive, such as grower collaborations and marketing groups. A good example of a successful grower collaboration can be found among a group of small scale mango growers in Mekong river delta of Vietnam. Although dealing with the fruit industry in Vietnam, this example shows a way of dealing with such problems. The example outlines various success factors and challenges encountered during the establishment and maintenance of grower groups in Vietnam, and also highlights the similarity between the contextual characteristics of the descripting case and of the situation of Vietnamese vegetables growers in Western Australia.

Successful collaboration of small scale mango growers in Mekong river delta of Vietnam to extend market and to secure profitability In September 2001, The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia, and the Southern Fruit Research Institute (SOFRI), Vietnam, embarked on an ambitious project funded under the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) Capacity-building for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD) program. The project aim was to establish four collaborative marketing farmer groups in two provinces in the Mekong Delta region of southern Vietnam. These groups were established in the provinces of Tien Giang and Tra Vinh. In both provinces, over 80% of the population rely on agriculture as their main source of income and both provinces are known for producing superior varieties of mango, such as Cat Hoa Loc and Cat Chu.

Challenges The challenges faced by the majority of mango farmers participating in this project were small farm size, low level of production knowledge, and little or no knowledge of market pricing. At the farm level challenges included: (i) small farm size (usually smaller that a hectare) and growing many different types of crops; (ii) unreliable source of good quality seedlings relative to the agronomic condition of different areas; (iii) poor agronomic conditions such as flooding and high pest and disease pressure; (iv) poor planning and lack of cultural knowledge and skills and; (v) increasing cost of inputs such as fertiliser and chemicals. Consequently, all these factors combine to make produce unsuitable for large scale marketing. At the industry level, key challenges included: (i) lack of effective grower organisation; (ii) inadequate agribusiness

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skills; (iii) Poor understanding of market functioning; (iii) poorly organised extension services and difficulty identifying and achieving group objectives and delivering potential services such as market information, sharing of equipment and establishing quality standards and; (iv) growers working individually on small farms. Many of these challenges have had a negative impact on the efficiency of fruit production and marketing. By working individually fruit growers produce small quantities of produce, with high input costs, making their products uncompetitive and resulting in lower farm income. If the growers were to retain this situation in the long term, they could neither establish a stable marketing system nor develop new markets.

Steps involved in group formation The failure of cooperative farming under a centrally planned economy in Vietnam during 1976â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1980 was still fresh in the minds of the industry and holding back attempts to introduce the benefits of farmer groups and collaborative marketing.

From the experience of the farmers and extension staff involved in the project, some guidelines for farmer group/cooperative formation have been identified. Five different phases of the collaboration process and their associated challenges, needs and benefits were identified. These were: learning, steering, forming, implementing and developing. Learning This was to identify potential farmers with similar needs. At this stage, identified problems included lack of ideas, negative impact of variable market conditions and poor technical skills. As problems could not be solved individually, there was a need for funding to organise group meetings. Farmers experienced the benefit

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of access to technical training and sharing of production knowledge. In addition, agribusiness principles were introduced. The training workshops stimulated community interest and provided some immediate individual benefits. Steering A steering committee was formed by a handful of interested and respected farmers in the community. Farmers in the area were visited by the steering committee to generate further awareness of current issues facing mango producers and gauge the interest of potential farmer-group members. Technical training continued to sustain and increase farmer interest. Key problems during this phase included a lack of skilled persons to form the steering committee and poor understanding of related laws.

The main benefits at this stage were increased identification and awareness of production-related issues and continuing to share production techniques. Forming At this stage, farmers had already registered to become a member of the farmer group. The management board was democratically elected and began to discuss roles and allocate tasks. Members decided how they wished the cooperative to function. Key problems included heavy responsibilities placed on

the management board, weak linkages between members, lack of group-specific rules and objectives, and no clear vision of where the group was heading. Needs included training in cooperative principles and functions, support from institutions to monitor group progress, provision of ongoing technical training to keep members involved, and skills training for the management board. Marketing concepts and the potential benefits of selling collectively were introduced again at this stage. Benefits included an improved understanding of cooperative functions, increasing technical knowledge and development of a good relationship with supporting institutions. Implementing This stage was the most complicated of the four phases up to this point, as it required the farmer groups to design action plans and begin implementing strategies. It required the management board and members to be able to conduct a situation analysis to determine common member needs. They used this analysis to identify key achievable goals, designed an action plan, realised the action plan and evaluated the results. Critical problems included poor management skills, internal conflict amongst members and poor facilities. At this stage, members needed to directly experience some benefits of group participation to solidify commitment. Significant institutional support was necessary to monitor the progress of the

Quality-assurance practices were upgraded with increasing sophistication according to domestic and export market requirements.

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cooperatives and help them implement their action plans. Further training and upgrading of management skills were crucial, particularly focusing on financial management as the cooperative began to generate some income. Introduction to potential trading partners as the cooperative began to become more market-oriented. Developing Recent inquiry revealed that in a cooperative the number of member increased from 14 to 64 and the market extended from local areas up to northern cities like Hanoi. Yearly export of cooperative product to Japan with high price was obtained. As the farmer group/cooperatives continued to develop they needed to develop guidelines and detailed business plans to cope. Quality-assurance practices were upgraded with increasing sophistication according to domestic and export market requirements. External experts were also then required to provide the relevant training and services. Participating growers soon realised the benefits of working together in the farmer group/cooperative. The key benefits were: (i) access to technical production training; (ii) sharing of knowledge and experience with other growers; (iii) access to lower-priced inputs; (iv) sharing of price information, greater understanding of how the market functions and increased confidence when dealing with traders; (v) increased understanding of quality assurance practices; (vi) higher fruit prices by selling through the cooperative and; (vii) greater community understanding. The above guidelines for the five stages â&#x20AC;&#x201D; learning, steering, forming, implementing and developing â&#x20AC;&#x201D; provide a framework for farmer group/cooperative formation. Each stage encountered its own set of problems, however one concept is clear â&#x20AC;&#x201D; in order to maintain commitment and interest in the farmer group/cooperative, farmers must continue to recognise the increased benefits of working together. This requires significant support from local institutions and extension staff. In the initial stages, access to ongoing technical training appeared to be sufficient to sustain commitment. In the latter stages, more emphasis was placed on reinforcing farmer group and cooperative principles.

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Vietnamese vegetables growers in WA facing a similar situation Studies on the situation of Vietnamese vegetable growers in WA showed that there are some similar in terms of difficulties and needs. Background There are about 220 Vietnamese vegetable growers in WA who were traditionally refugees with little experience or skills in vegetable growing. They cluster geographically in three main areas including Carnarvon, Geraldton, and around Perth metropolitan. These growers usually grow multiple vegetable commodities with sequential plantings. Major crop types are specialised in that three areas taking advantages of different agronomic and climatic conditions including tomatoes in Carnarvon (values about 40 million in 2012), cucumber in Geraldton (about 10 million) and Asian vegetables around

Perth metropolitan (about 19 million in 2009) respectively. Cultivating small to medium farms, growers in WA are involved in all aspects of vegetable production and marketing of inconsistent and relatively small volumes. However, being located amongst English speaking growers they must participate within the Australian system, including marketing (where larger volumes are sort by the market larger operations) and communication (where direct mail, and not translated are usually applied). As the consolidation process is advancing, many problems influencing these growers’ income have become evident. Observed difficulties At the grower level, problems include: (i) poor agronomic conditions such as low soil fertility and limited water; (ii) poor planning and lack of cultural knowledge and skills; (iii) unreliable supply and increasing cost of inputs such as seeds, seedlings, fertiliser, chemicals, energy, and water and;

(iv) shortage of suitable labour sources. These problems make the production cost high and result in an inconsistent supply of products to market in terms of timing, quality and volume. At an industry level, according to Western Australia’s Vegetable IDO report in 2005, the top 50 growers in Western Australia produce about 80% of total vegetable production. These larger growers (mostly English speaking) are more and more often dealing directly with supermarkets, with the smaller LOTE growers being bought or squeezed out of the market or selling through these bigger growers. Many of the challenges facing the growers seem to be too difficult for individual small scale growers to address on their own. There may therefore be an opportunity to explore a grower collaboration movement similar to that mentioned above in the WA vegetable industry.

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Australian garlic

fights back SOURCE: ABC RADIO

A handful of Australian growers are working to build the locally grown garlic industry. Growth in demand for garlic at farmers markets and by supermarkets has seen a resurgent interest and the industry association wants a network of growers to ensure year round supply. Leon Trembath, chairman of the Garlic Industry Association, hosted a meeting in Orange, NSW, in early September. “We’re trying to get our garlic growers together to form a co-operative like the onion board, and sown around Australia. If one grows out of season... then someone else picks it up, then there’s a better guarantee you’ll get more fresh garlic throughout Australia for the seasons.” “Anyone with a bit of dirt and a bit of interest can grow garlic. I got into it for myself, and I grew more and more. My young daughter said she could sell it at the market. She said ‘Dad it just walked off the table’! Now I can’t grow enough.”

China produces 85 per cent of the world’s supply, but the industry here says their Chinese product lacks freshness and quality assurance. A company called Australian Garlic Producers (not a member of the Australian Garlic Industry Association) is staging its own resurgence.

“Anyone with a bit of dirt and a bit of interest can grow garlic,” says GIA’s Leon Trembath.

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Fifteen years ago, it introduced ‘mother stock’, new varieties from France. Agronomist with Australian Garlic Producers, Brendan Guollet, at Mildura in north-west Victoria, says he’s been multiplying the bulbs from 100 last year to 1,000 this year.

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Climate change impact on vegetable production in WA

BY NIGEL TODD SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE COORDINATOR, HORTICULTUREWA/ PERTH REGION NRM

Whilst the causes of climate variability are fiercely debated across the world, it would be fair to say that for most farmers, climate variability is real and is already having an effect on peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives and businesses. West Australian vegetable growers are no exception which therefore raises the question of how best to manage these changes or take advantage of the opportunities which might be presented by these changes. This article summarises the key points (for growers in WA) of a report released in April 2013 and authored by Dr Gordon Rogers of Applied Horticulture Research. The report is titled Understanding and managing impacts of climate change and variability on vegetable industry productivity and profits and was funded by Horticulture Australia Ltd using levy funds from the Australian vegetable industry and matched funds from the Australian Government. The report was written with a focus on the major vegetable producing regions of Australia and the potential impact of climate change on these regions based on climate change predictions. In WA, Manjimup was identified as one of the main vegetable producing area of WA.

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How accurate have historical predictions been? Confidence in predictions is vitally important to growers especially when making important decisions therefore before any predictions are analysed, it is important to establish some degree of confidence in the predictions. In 1988 climate change projections for WA were presented by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) at the Greenhouse 88 Conference. The predicted direction of change has been very accurate however, the extent of change has been harder to forecast for example, winter rainfall for WA was projected to decrease by 6% to 9% and to date has decreased by 15%. This provides us with some certainty that the predicted direction of change is likely to be accurate however; the amount of change is going to be harder to predict.

Temperature changes Since 1960 the mean temperature in Australia has increased by about 0.7°C. Some areas have already experienced a warming of 1.5–2°C. Annual maximum temperature in Manjimup is predicted to increase by 0.6°C to 1.0°C, with monthly maximums expected to increase most during May through to September. It is also projected that the number of days above 40°C will increase from 3.8 to 5.3 per annum. Temperature change in vegetable production has a significant impact and the above predicted changes above would potentially have the following impacts for growers in the South West of WA: • An increase in the number of days above 40°C would impact on crop establishment especially if water availability is limited thereby reducing a growers ability to cool establishing crops by irrigating for short periods during the hottest time of the day. There are a number of side effects of this method of cooling two examples being: 1. A potential for higher plant disease pressures due to higher moisture which promotes fungal and bacterial disease growth. 2. Increased potential of leaching of nutrients due to excess irrigation • An increase in the number of days outside of a crops optimum growing temperature range could result in a longer production period and potentially lower yields as the plant increases transpiration to cool

itself down whilst other plant metabolic processes shut down. • Warmer winter and spring months could possibly result in a shorter winter cropping window and earlier plantings of summer crops resulting in a change in availability of different crops in the market. This would result in a number of different outcomes for example there could be a clashing of supply with other regions thereby resulting in an oversupply causing a fall in market prices. Another important consideration resulting from an increase in winter temperatures might be an increase in pest and disease pressures. For example, pest and diseases that were previously unable to survive overwinter may now become problematic more often and earlier in the season and therefore likely to affect quality and yields.

Frost changes Across Eastern Australia the timing of frosts has changed with the frost window both starting earlier and ending later. Whilst this is mostly evident in Eastern states, this could affect the availability of produce in the WA market, thereby altering supply and potentially having an impact on market pricing here in WA.

Rainfall changes Rainfall totals in South-western WA are projected to continue to decline, again using Manjimup as an example, winter rainfall has declined by 15% since 1988 and this trend is expected to continue with annual rainfall predicted to fall 5–9% by 2035. An important factor to consider is that Manjimup is reliant on localised surface water run-off and on-site storage, meaning that a 5–9% decrease in rainfall could result in a 50% decrease in run-off.

Greenhouse gas emissions and the vegetable industry Global atmospheric CO₂ levels have risen since pre-industrial times from 280 parts per million (ppm) to a current (2013) level of 396 ppm. This higher level of atmospheric CO₂ has a direct effect on plant growth, which for the vegetable industry may be beneficial. The three main direct impacts of higher CO₂ on vegetable crops are:

The Australian vegetable industry is a relatively small emitter of greenhouse gases representing 0.05% of total agricultural emissions (horticulture only represents 1% of total agricultural emissions). The sector is also a relatively low emitter per dollar value of produce for example, the vegetable sector emits 85 tonnes of CO₂ for every $1M in revenue generated compared with beef cattle which emits 6686 tonnes of CO₂ for every $1M in revenue generated. There are similar strengths with water use efficiencies however, because of the intensive nature of horticulture there is a high emission rate per hectare per annum (9.2 tonnes). Another important greenhouse gas is Nitrous oxide (N₂O) however, emission are at this point unknown but are believed to be the biggest contributor largely because N₂O is 300 more potent as a greenhouse gas than CO₂.

Strategies for managing climate variability Adaptation • Trialling different varieties • Adjusting planting times • Protected cropping such as green houses • Irrigation to manage frost and high temperature spikes however, this is only possible if there is sufficient water available • Increasing water-use efficiency

Conclusions The Australian vegetable industry is largely in a relatively strong position to deal effectively with climate change, not only are the emissions from vegetable production relatively low, growers have a greater capacity to adapt to change when compared with most other rural industries. However, given the accuracy of historical climate change direction predictions a proactive approach to preparing for a changing climate would ensure the success of the adaption of the vegetable industry. Furthermore the strong environmental credentials of the industry could potentially support the marketing of horticultural products.

1. Faster growth rate due to more efficient photosynthesis. 2. Improved water-use efficiency. 3. Improved nitrogen-use efficiency. WA Grower SUMMER 2013

YOUR ENVIRONMENT

One beekeeping issue that has consequences

when their hive is overwhelmed by a disease such as the bacterial disease specific to bees called American Foulbrood. When hives are like this, the smell of the decaying larvae is like the smell of ‘rotten socks’ and noticeably there are few bees flying from the entrance.

Photo: Rob Manning, DAFWA

The majority of beekeepers have started their beekeeping careers by collecting a swarm of bees. A swarm is a cluster of bees, usually seen hanging as a clump from a small bush or tree.

It is during spring when a hive usually swarms, but it can happen anytime to autumn. It is normal that the old queen leaves the hive with a few thousand worker bees. However, if the old queen bee has already died, then the swarm can be headed by a much younger queen bee. This is because bees inside a hive raise more than one queen cell, where one queen hatches first and kills all the others, but sometimes they hatch together, either they fight to the death or just swarm separately. Bees can also swarm

Indications of American Foulbrood are the patchy brood pattern and specifically the cell caps that have small holes in them. Patchy brood can also just mean you have an old queen bee that needs replacing too.

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Honey bees are quite ‘house clean’ (hygienic) and can determine early signs of a disease before it has a chance to spread within the hive, but then there are the few genetically unhygienic bees where the bees let the infection become too heavy and the bees leave. This is the reason why beekeepers are reluctant to collect and keep swarms as part of their apiary business because the inherent biosecurity risk. Disease is bad for business.

Once a hive has disease, specifically American Foulbrood, it is very difficult to deal with because the bacteria form very resistant spores. It is via these spores that the bacteria can spread throughout an apiary by beekeepers moving frames and boxes between hives. In the case where a swarm abandons a hive, the honey and propolis remaining will usually be robbed by other foraging bees (and they could come from a another hive up to three kilometres away) and thus they will infect their own hive and so the American Foulbrood bacteria continue to survive and spread and become problematic in an area for some time. So if you think you have this problem, you must either burn the hive and its contents and if you have any feral hives nearby they will need to be killed by gassing at night and the hole(s) well sealed. It is the only 100% effective way of dealing with this disease. The only other 100 per cent effective way is to send the bee boxes and frames specifically wrapped to a Steritec plant in the eastern States where they are irradiated — but they will need a health certificate to re-enter Western Australia.

Photo: Rob Manning, DAFWA

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Within the cells with cell caps that have the small holes in them (see previous photo), the rotting larvae look like this when a small twig or match is inserted, twirled a couple of times and withdrawn — it’s call the ‘rope’ test which would mean you have American Foulbrood disease but it can be diagnosed for a fee at the Department of Agriculture. Extracted honey can also be tested to see if the disease is in your apiary. There are also field diagnosis kits for testing American Foulbrood yourself and these are available from beekeeping suppliers.

There are a number of other ways of dealing with disease, they are less effective but can be less wasteful on bee boxes being burnt. Each carries a different degree of risk of reinfection if the process is not thorough or as a beekeeper you forget how to manage a sterilizing process. If you are worried you have a disease in your hives, then bring or send a frame of bee brood to Animal Health Laboratory, 3 Baron-Hay Court, South Perth or phone the duty pathologist (08) 9368 3351 or phone the Senior Apiculturist (08) 9368 3535. There are costs associated with submission and diagnosis. MORE INFORMATION If you do keep bee hives, you are obliged to become a registered beekeeper with the Department of Agriculture and Food. Please contact Stock Brands Office, Livestock Biosecurity (Bunbury) (08) 9780 6170 and they can post out the forms to you. If you are purchasing hives, ask for a honey culture test to be done. It is best if YOU take several honey samples from the apiary and submit to the Department of Agriculture and Food. Become familiar with what the bee diseases look like and you won’t end up with a problem. Abandoned and neglected bee hives can provide a continuous source of infection for healthy hives when they are placed in the area and should be destroyed. Please report any neglected hives to DAFWA’s Senior Apiculturist. Hives for pollination should be sourced from reputable commercial apiarists to ensure they are in the best condition to pollinate your crops.

Department of Agriculture and Food biosecurity officer Darryl Stewart with water hyacinth.

New alert

for water hyacinth in Fremantle The Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) has asked the community to be alert for one of the world’s worst water weeds, water hyacinth. Water hyacinth is a declared aquatic plant in Western Australia which is often found in backyard ponds and occasionally in rivers and streams where it has been dumped.

“Water hyacinth may look attractive but it is an aquatic weed which presents a major threat to our environment and economy. It has recently been listed as a Weed of National Significance.” MORE INFORMATION Suspect plants can be reported to the Pest and Disease Information Service on freecall 1800 084 881 or to the nearest department office.

Department biosecurity officer Darryl Stewart said the department received a recent report of water hyacinth in a garden pond in Fremantle. “Unfortunately there is still a small trade in this and other declared water weeds with people often unaware of its illegal status, or the potential effect it can have on our local waterways,” he said. Mr Stewart said the weed could clog waterways, reducing native fish populations, harbouring mosquitoes and causing problems for communities by waterways. “It is illegal to sell or keep water hyacinth in WA and it must not be imported,” he said. WA Grower SUMMER 2013

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New EnviroVeg

sustainability app for farmers Minister for the Environment, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP, launched the new EnviroVeg smartphone app for farmers, to help them manage their land sustainably. The EnviroVeg App, free to download on the Apple App Store, was developed as part of the EnviroVeg Program to allow farmers to record data such as chemical application schedules and environmental plans on their smartphone while out on their property. Minister Hunt officially launched the application at an event held at prominent Victorian vegetable growing operation and member of the EnviroVeg program, Gazzola Farms. The EnviroVeg App is the first comprehensive environmental management application developed for Australian farmers and aims to help them put plans in place to monitor areas such as energy and water use. “The EnviroVeg Program is a great example of the vegetable industry taking action to support farmers with the environmental management of their farms,” said Minister Hunt.

The Minister for the Environment, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP, at the EnviroVeg smartphone app launch.

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The EnviroVeg Program has over 400 members, representing over 50 per cent of Australia’s vegetable growing land. “Our farmers play a significant role in environmental stewardship across Australia and access to the EnviroVeg App helps to make our growers more environmentally friendly. The app also helps farmers improve their bottom line by managing key environmental data like fertiliser records, water and energy management plans and monitoring pest and disease,” said Minister Hunt. MORE INFORMATION For further information on the EnviroVeg Program visit www.enviroveg.com

The EnviroVeg App is now available on the Apple iTunes store at: http://itunes.apple.com/

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BY NIGEL TODD SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE COORDINATOR, HORTICULTUREWA/PERTH REGION NRM

Nitrous oxide

a lost opportunity for growers? There has been a lot of interest recently in nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from Australian farms, but what are they and how are they linked to farmers and their activities.

N2O is a gas produced naturally through soil microbial activity with the main drivers being nitrogen inputs from nitrogen fertilisers. This is important to growers because N2O represents a loss of fertiliser and therefore a potentially avoidable cost. A second important aspect of N2O is its potential as a greenhouse gas contributing towards global warming. N2O is 310 times more potent than carbon dioxide in contributing towards global warming and remains in the atmosphere for over 100 years.

The majority of Australia’s N2O emissions come from agriculture including fertilisers, livestock waste and the burning of crop stubble. Irrespective of whether or not you believe in climate change or global warming the fact is N2O represents an opportunity for growers to save money by improving fertiliser efficiency. N2O is most likely to occur where there is excess nitrogen present in the soil, high soil temperatures and poorly drained soils. Growers can improve nitrogen use and reduce N2O emissions by following many of the already proven fertiliser efficiency methods such as:

Chambers used to capture emissions samples from the Table Grape site in the Swan Valley.

• Ensuring nitrogen supply meets rather than exceeds plants requirements. This can be achieved by using soil and plant testing in combination with specific crop requirements and targeted yields. • Ameliorating other soil constraints to improve soil health. Factors like soil acidity, salinity, compaction, poor drainage limits the effectiveness of crop and/or pasture nitrogen uptake • Improving soil health and therefore plant health will increase the plants ability to take up nitrogen inputs. Applying nitrogen inputs to soils with plant growth limiting factors such as low pH or high salinity will more likely result in losses in fertiliser efficiency. • Applying nitrogen at the right stages of crop growth and development • Avoiding the application of a high rates and instead splitting applications • Avoiding application under waterlogging conditions or when rainfall forecasts predicted high rainfall which could to result in waterlogging conditions. The Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture is funding research into N2O emissions in the Swan Region through the Action on the Ground program. The aim of the project is to trial and demonstrate on-farm practices with the potential to reduce N2O emissions through the use of alternate commercially available fertilisers and soil amelioration products. MORE INFORMATION If you would like to know more about this project please contact Nigel Todd, Agriculture Sustainability Coordinator: nigel.todd@perthregionnrm.com.au

WA Grower SUMMER 2013

YOUR ENVIRONMENT

European wasp trap.

European wasp on the move The WA European wasp season has begun with a nest discovered and destroyed in Munster in early November.

We began ‘Adopt-a-trap’ in 2011 and it has gained real momentum thanks to strong community support. Information is available by emailing info@agriv.wa.gov.au and we would certainly welcome new hosts among vegetable growers.

A member of the public found a wasp queen in the house and submitted it to our Pest and Disease Information Service.

Last summer we destroyed 39 nests, all of these in the Perth metropolitan area.

It is this sort of community involvement that has helped keep WA European wasp-free since the first nest was discovered 37 years ago.

European wasps superficially resemble the common yellow paper wasp with bright

BY MARC WIDMER DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD

yellow and black striped bodies, but are more stout and bee-shaped and don’t hover. They have black antennae and are unusual as they feed on meat and protein products and usually nest in the ground. MORE INFORMATION Anyone who thinks they have spotted a European wasp or a nest to contact the Pest and Disease Information Service on freecall 1800 084 881.

European wasps are considered the world’s worst wasp pest and WA’s horticulture, viticulture, tourism, apiculture industries and environment would suffer if they established here. Every year fertilised queens are accidentally shipped into Western Australia from eastern Australia and start new nests, so we are urging the community to watch out for any European wasp activity and report it to us. This summer will involve a widespread surveillance effort including 550 surveillance traps operated by the department and 330 traps ‘adopted’ by local government, community groups and individual volunteers.

WA Grower SUMMER 2013

European wasps are unusual as they feed on meat and protein products and nest in the ground.

YOUR SELF

YOUR

SELF

WA Grower SUMMER 2013

YOUR SELF

Be SunSmart

at work!

We are very lucky to live in this sun blessed country but unfortunately if we don’t protect ourselves from the sun we significantly increase our risk of developing skin cancer. Australia is the skin cancer capital of the world Skin cancer accounts for about 80% of all cancers diagnosed in Australia. At least two in three Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer before the age of 70. This equates to over 750,000 Australians who are treated for skin cancer each year. Of these cases, around 2,000 will be fatal, with more Australians dying from skin cancer each year than on our roads.

So how do know when we need to protect ourselves from the sun? The answer is the UV Index. This is an open ended numerical scale developed by the World Health Organization that measures the amount of UV radiation reaching the earth’s surface. It helps us easily determine when sun protection is required. We know from research that three on the index scale is the level at which UV radiation is strong enough to damage our skin and cause skin cancer. So, when the UV Index reaches 3 or above, it is important that we all cover up to protect ourselves from the sun.

Western Australia has the second highest number of skin cancers in Australia, just behind Queensland. In 2011, close to 1,000 adults were diagnosed with Melanoma, the most dangerous and aggressive form of skin cancer. The good news is that skin cancer is also the most preventable form of cancer in Australia. Early diagnosis leads to the successful treatment of over 95% of skin cancers, particularly non-melanoma skin cancers.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation — a known cause of cancer UV radiation from the sun is a known cause of cancer, just like tobacco and asbestos. Between 95% (melanoma) and 99% (nonmelanoma) of skin cancers in Australia are caused by over-exposure to UV radiation. Australia experiences some of the highest UV levels in the world. In fact UV radiation in summer is strong enough to cause sunburn in as little as 10 minutes on a fine January day. But even in winter UV levels are high enough to cause skin damage, especially in northern parts of WA. UV radiation is not linked to temperature, people are actually more likely to get burnt when the temperature is between 18 to 27 degrees.

WA Grower SUMMER 2013

The case for sun protection at work For many West Australians the workplace is a major source of exposure to UV radiation. This is especially true for outdoor workers. In Australia it is estimated that outdoor workers receive five to 10 times more UV exposure each year than indoor workers. This is especially true for workers in the agriculture industry.

The 2008 National Hazard Exposure Worker Surveillance survey found that agricultural workers experience some of the highest levels of exposure to direct sunlight, along with those working in the forestry and fishing industries. Close to 74% of workers in these industries reported some level of exposure during their work day, an average of 5.7 hours on a typical day. Small workplaces of less than five workers were also 80% more likely to be exposed to high UV levels than those working in larger

workplace of more than 200 workers, largely due to the fact that workers in small workplaces were less likely to be provided with sun protective control measures. This increased exposure to UV radiation means that outdoor workers are at greater risk of developing skin cancer. Each year in Australia, around 200 melanomas and 34,000 non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by exposure to UV radiation in the workplace. Due to the severity of associated consequences for workers, the large number of workers who are affected and the existence of known prevention strategies, skin cancer has been listed as one of the six national priorities in the first five years of the Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2012–22.

Legal responsibility Employers have a duty of care to protect their workers from over-exposure to UV radiation while working outdoors. Doing so provides the dual benefit of safeguarding

Photos: Queensland Health

YOUR SELF

workers health while protecting themselves from future compensation claims. Between 2000 and 2009 a total of 1,360 workers compensation claims were made in Australia. These claims identified sun exposure as an occupational hazard causing injury/ disease and resulted in a total of $38.4 million being paid out. Cancer Council WA believes this figure is likely to increase as the issue of exposure to UV radiation becomes increasingly recognised.

However, the good news is that this problem is preventable if workplaces establish and enforce proper sun protection policies and practices.

3. Sun protection control measures — in line with the hierarchy of control introduce and maintain a variety of controls, including:

4. Training employees to work safely in the sun — provide workers with information, training and guidance on SunSmart behaviours

— Engineering — the provision of shade, window tinting or driving sleeves

— Administration — consider changes to work schedules including rostering work outside of peak UV times, work in the shade where possible and share outdoor work tasks by rotating staff

5. Monitor program effectiveness — assess the effectiveness of the implemented control measures and identify changes that may further reduce exposure

— Personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing — including long pants, shirts, broad-brimmed hats, sunglasses and 30 SPF or higher sunscreen

While at work employees also have a duty of care to reduce their own exposure to UV radiation, when possible, and also cooperate with their employer’s efforts to reduce over-exposure.

Through a combined approach including guidelines and policy, worker education and provision of PPE, the risk of skin cancer in the workplace can be substantially reduced.

Protect yourself in five ways when the UV Index is 3 or above. 1. Slip on sun protective clothing — long shirt with a collar and pants 2. Slop on SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, remember to reapply at least every two hours

Prevention is better than cure To protect workers from the harmful effects of over-exposure to UV radiation,it is important that workplaces have a comprehensive sun protection program that includes:

3. Slap on a broad-brimmed hat that protects your face, head, neck and ears

1. Risk assessment — periodically assess workers exposure to UV radiation 2. Sun protection policy — outline in a written policy the sun protection program, including control measures and penalties for non-compliance

6. Role models — management and supervisors to act as positive role models

4. Seek shade — away from reflective surfaces While at work employees have a duty of care to reduce their own exposure to UV radiation.

5. Slide on some sunglasses — close fitting, wrap around style best. WA Grower SUMMER 2013

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Use the SunSmart UV Alert The SunSmart UV Alert can help outdoor workers protect themselves from UV radiation. The SunSmart UV Alert times are issued throughout the year by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) when the UV Index is forecast to reach 3 or above. The alerts are specific to your location and are available on the BoM website www.bom.gov.au/uv as well as in the weather section of most daily newspapers. Cancer Council WA recommends checking the alert daily to find out what the maximum UV Index will be on any given day and when sun protection is required.

Download the FREE SunSmart app for smartphones and tablets Features • Sun protection times — lets you know when you need to use sun protection for any location in Australia • 7 day weather forecast — check the weather for the week ahead • Alert function — personalise the alert function to remind you of the daily sun protection times • Sunscreen calculator — find out if you are using enough sunscreen.

Early detection message When detected early around 95% of skin cancers can be treated successfully. Skin cancers may not be painful and are more commonly seen rather than felt. Most skin cancers are detected by the person who owns the skin. This is why it is so important that we all regularly check our own skin so we know what is normal and can quickly recognise any changes. If you are concerned about any changes please see your doctor straight away. MORE INFORMATION Please visit www.cancerwa.asn.au/prevention/ sunsmart/checking-for-skin-cancer/ for more information. Want help with sun protection in your workplace? Cancer Council WA can provide the information required to develop a comprehensive sun program in your workplace. Please contact Lorena Chapman, SunSmart Workplace Coordinator on (08) 9388 4360 if you are interested to find out more.

Check the SunSmart alert daily to find out what the maximum UV Index will be.

WA Grower SUMMER 2013

For more general information about skin cancer prevention, UV radiation and sun protection please visit www.cancerwa.asn.au/prevention/ sunsmart/ and www.myuv.com.au/.

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BY VO THE TRUYEN FIELD EXTENSION OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

Vegetables

Recipes Create Vietnamese fresh spring rolls GOI CUON â&#x20AC;&#x201D; your way! Vietnamese fresh spring rolls, also known as summer rolls, which are served with sweet and sour sauce or fish sauce is a Vietnamese unique recipe. Fillings can vary depending on the availability of ingredients, incorporating prawn, chicken and pork, fish but the basic aim is to fit as much fresh fillings with diverse aromatic herbs into rice paper as possible. The guiding principle should always be to fit as many contrasts of flavour and texture into each bite as possible, while retaining the roll's elegant appearance. Once you've mastered the basics, you can play around with the recipe to your heart's content. Meat: Instead of the traditional filling with boiled prawn and pork you can roll with bacon, steak, fish or crab meat as long as they make your mouth water while rolling!

WA Grower SUMMER 2013

You can try the true taste of Vietnamese spring rolls using Asian vegetables and herbs which are now readily available in Australia. Alternatively, you can use celery, baby leaf salad, cucumber, carrot, capsicum cut into sticks for easy rolling.

Herbs There is a range of favourite culinary herbs in Australia such as parsley, basil and coriander as well as some more unusual plants such as apple mint, pineapple sage and parcel. Any of these herbs work well in the summer rolls.

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Noodles Noodles are an ideal texture and as they are bulky they make rolling easier. Noodles are just needed to be treated as per the instructions on the label.

Wrappers Rice paper rounds are used to wrap up the filling ingredients, but they need treating with some care; it must be soft enough to roll, but not so soft that it tears in the process. Just slightly paint the dry rice paper with water before putting on filling ingredients.

Sauce There is not one standard dipping sauce for summer rolls. The classic sauce is a sweet, sour and savoury mixture from sugar, water, fish sauce and lime juice, flavoured with bird's eye chilli and garlic. A simpler mix is lime juice, chilli, and sweet chilli sauce. Sauce can be thickened by adding boiled sticky rice flour. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to finish your sauce by sprinkling broken roasted peanuts on top which will enrich the taste, crispy the texture and add to the flavour.

Rolling This is probably the trickiest aspect of summer rolls, but a little practice makes perfect. Some advice is to put less filling on the rice paper than you think you'll need. Otherwise, it's hard to seal the rolls. It is best to enjoy fresh spring rolls fresh! Friends and family can enjoy making them together and creating their own.

Warm potato & salmon salad Perfect with white potatoes or yellow potatoes Cooking time: 35 minutes

Serves 4

Ingredients 7â&#x20AC;&#x201C;8 white small potatoes 500g salmon fillet, skinned and cut into four equal pieces Lemon juice Olive oil 200g natural yoghurt 1 tsp hot mustard 2 tbsp salad cream 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped 1 bunch young spinach

Method 1. Place the whole, unpeeled potatoes in cold, salted water. Bring to boil and simmer for 20 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool and slice into bite size pieces. 2. Season salmon with salt and pepper. Drizzle with lemon juice and place on baking paper in an oiled steamer insert or bamboo steamer. 3. Boil water in a pot or wok, add the steamer insert or bamboo steamer, cover and cook the fish for around 8 minutes. 4. To make the dressing mix yoghurt, mustard and salad cream and 1tsp. dill. Season with salt, ground black pepper and a dash of lemon juice. 5. Roughly flake the cooked fish and mix together with the potatoes, dressing and the spinach. 6. Season to taste, arrange on plates and serve garnished with the remaining dill.

WA Grower SUMMER 2013

YOUR PRODUCTION

THRIP CONTROL TIPS: A REVIEW OF LITERATURE — VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION

Những ghi nhớ trong ứng dụng đặc ting sinh học của bọ trĩ để phòng trừ: Lượt khảo các nghiên cứu

Hạn chế thríp xâm nhập theo gió BY VO THE TRUYEN FIELD EXTENSION OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA Bọ trĩ Western flower thrips (Franklinella occidentalis) bị xếp vào loài côn trùng gây hại dử dội trên nhiều loại cây trồng kể cả rau màu, cây cảnh. Chúng gây hại bằng hai khả năng: tấn công trực tiếp vào các bộ phận như bông, đọt non và trái non, và truyền bệnh như khảm tomato spotted wilt virus, tospoviruses và impatiens necrotic spot. Trong khi nhiều nông dân xem biện pháp sử dụng thuốc hóa học là ưu tiên hàng đầu để “chiến đấu” với loài này thì có rất nhiều nghiên cứu khuyến cáo áp dụng biện pháp phòng trừ tổng hợp bao gồm theo dõi phát hiện, phòng trừ bằng biện pháp canh tác, bằng các phương pháp vật lý, bằng thuốc sâu, và bằng các biện pháp sinh học. Kiến thức đầy đủ về đặc tính sinh học và gây hại của loài này rất cần thiết để để biết được những trơ’ ngại thách thức xuất hiện trong quá trình phát triển các hệ thống phònh trừ hửu hiệu. Những đặc tính sinh học và gây hại đáng lưu ý của thrips bao gốm vòng đời và nơi khu trú, tập quán sinh sản và tập quán gây hại cùng với những yếu tố môi trường tác động đến các tập quán này.

Công tác dự tính dự báo Công tác theo dõi và dự tính dự báo là công tác quan trọng để biết được mật độ tương đối của thrips. Ngoài ra theo dõi còn giúp khám phá khuynh hướng tăng giảm mật số theo mùa trong suốt năm để chuẩn các biện pháp, phương tiện vá vật tư cần thiết kịp thời.

Biện pháp theo dõi phổ biến nhất là treo bẩy dính màu vàng phía trên ngọn cây (mặc dù hiện nay vẫn chưa có sự thống nhất giửa các nhà nghiên cứu là màu nào hấp dẫn lọai côn trùng này nhất. Số contrùng dính bẩy được đếm và ghi chép hàng tuần. Kiểm tra bằng cách tìm thrips trực tiếp trong hoa hay giủ hoa vào giấy trắng là biện pháp hổ trợ để theo dõi ấu trùng chưa di chuyển được. Chính vì thrips bị màu hấp dẩn nên lưu ý màu quần áo làm vườn để tránh mang thrips từ nơi này sang nơi khác.

WA Grower SUMMER 2013

Thrips có khả năng bay kém nên lây lan chủ yếu theo gió, cây cối, động vật, con người và thiết bị. Vì vậy thiết lập hàng chắn gió cách ly nơi bị nhiểm cũng phần nào hạn chế.

Khống chế thrips trước cây khi ra hoa Con thrip cái thường đẻ trứng dưới lớp biểu gì của lá vì vậy ấu trùng được bảo vệ ít tiếp xúc với thuốc nên hiệu quả của biện pháp phun thuốc bị hạn chế. Hơn nửa thành trùng khi nấp trong các bộ phận của hoa cũng được che chắn ít tiếp xúc thuốc. Theo dõi phòng thrip trước khi cây ra hoa là biện pháp tăng cường hiệu quả.

Tính toán lịch phu thuốc có tham khảo điều kiện thời tiết Vòng đời từ trứng đến trưởng thành của thrips từ 2-3 tuần. Tuy nhiên vòng đời thay đổi theo điều kiện môi trường đặc biệt là nhiệt độ. Vòng đời ngắn nhất (13 days) khoảng tháng 10-11 in WA khi nhiệt độ khoảng 26-29 độ C. Chính vì vậy thời gian này đòi hỏi thời gian giửa 2 lần phun thuốc ngắn hơn. Thời gian này là 6 ngày trong điều kiện 10-20 độ C giảm còn 3-5 ngày khi trời ấm lên 20-30 độ.

Loại trừ nguồn thức ăn và nơi khu trú Thrip cái trưởng thành sống tới 45 ngày và đẻ 150 – 300 trứng trong cả đời, chủ yếu ăn phấn hoa (có nhiều năng lượng và chất bổ) nên khả năng sinh trưởng và sinh sản tăng cường. Vì thế cỏ dại có hoa đóng vai trò cung cấp nơi lưu trú và thức ăn cho chúng. Khi không có cây trồng thì chúng sống và ăn hạt phấn và sinh sản trong cỏ dại. Chúng nhanh chóng gia tăng mật số và tấn công cây trồng vụ mới. Nên có vùng sạch cỏ khoảng 10m bao vòng khu vực trồng trọt. Khu này có thể là đất trống, cỏ thấp không hoa. Cũng nên lưu ý khi phun thuốc diệt cỏ vì khi cỏ chết thríp có thể di cư sang cây trồng. Nên kết hợp thuốc diệt thrip với thuốc diệt cỏ.

Trong mùa đông thrip khu trú trên cỏ lá rộng và cây cối trong vườn. Vì vậy tỉa cành cũng giúp loại trừ nơi thrip cư trú.

Kết luận Các biệt pháp vệ sinh đồng ruộng, dọn sạch cỏ dại, các loại cây có hoa màu vàng và cây thuộc họ cúc và họ cà là “phòng tuyến” đầu tiên phòng trừ thríp.

YOUR PRODUCTION

ON-FARM HYGIENE TO CONTROL PESTS AND DISEASES — VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION

Những nguyên tắt về vệ sinh đồng ruộng BY VO THE TRUYEN FIELD EXTENSION OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA Nhiều quan sát cho thấy rằng phần lớn nông dân trồng rau dạng qui mô vừa và nhỏ áp dụng thuốc hóa hoc như là biện pháp chủ lực để bảo vệ mùa màng. Tuy nhiên nhiều nghiên cứu cho thấy rằng vệ sinh đồng ruộng là chiến lược quan trọng nhất trong quản lý sâu bệnh hại. Vệ sinh đồng ruộng bao gồm các biện pháp loại bỏ nguồn lưu tồn và phát tán sâu bệnh và cỏ dại vì thế giúp loại trừ hoặc giảm thiểu sâu bệnh tấn công. Bài viết này nhấn mạnh một số điểm thiết yếu trong công tác vệ sinh đồng ruộng trên cơ sở kết hợp thông tin từ các kết quả nghiên cứu và các tài liệu tham khảo.

Quản lý cỏ dại

Quản lý sâu bệnh hại

Trồng cây phân xanh và cày vùi không cho cỏ trổ bông trong mùa hè cũng là biện pháp hữu hiệu làm giảm mật số cỏ có thể trở thành dịch trong vụ sau. Vai trò của công tác diệt bông cỏ trong mùa hè thường bị nông dân bỏ qua. Công tác nầy ngăn chặn cỏ sinh hạt và tích lủy trong ruộng cũng như giảm cơ hội tăng cường sinh sản bằng củ của các loại như cỏ cú. Loại cỏ này có thể mọc 70 củ mỗi 2 tháng. Khống chế cỏ sinh sản cũng là biện pháp phòng ngừa nguy cơ sâu bệnh hại vụ sau.

Một trong những điều tốt nhất mà nông dân có thể tự thực hiện cho chính mình là dọn sạch thất thải bỏ trên ruộng ngay sau thu hoạch. Biện pháp này cắt đứt nguồn sâu bệnh lưu tồn trong ruộng là loại bỏ nguy cơ sâu bệnh trên tàn dư thực vật này lâylan sang các ruộng xung quanh. Biện pháp này gập đây cũng dưa vào luật về sức khỏe của chính phủ - BAM Act - thực hiện trong phạm vi xung quanh Perth để hạn chế sự sinh sản của ruồi trâu trên ruộng rau cải. Đối với thí dụ trên đậu, bệnh rỉ sét (rust) có thể lây lan theo gió. Mầm bệnh nầy chỉ tồn tại được trên ký chủ sống. tương tự vi khuẩn gây ra một số loại bệnh cháy lá không thể tồn tại một thời gian dài bên ngoài ký chủ. Vì vậy cày vùi cây rày, cây bệnh, cỏ dại không chỉ giúp chôn lấp mầm bệnh mà còn thúc đẩy quá trình phân hủy chúng và tiêu diệt mầm bệnh.

Vệ sinh ruộng kỹ lưỡng giúp khống chế hiệu quả nhiều loại sau bênh hại quan trọng. Cày vùi cây sau khi thu hoạch khống chế được quần thể rầy mềm (aphids), bọ trĩ (bù lạch, thrips) và whitefly cũng như giảm thiểu bệnh khảm trên đậu và loại trù nguồn lưu tồn của bệnh rĩ sét và các loại bệnh do nấm khác. Đặc biệt quan trọng trong trường hợp bệnh do virus, vệ vinh đồng ruộng và khống chế côn trùng trung gian truyền bệnh là các biện pháp chủ lực mới được nghiên cứu. Một thời gian cho đất nghỉ cũng được xem như là biện pháp cần thiết để giảmthiểu một số loại sâu bệnh hại quan trọng như bọ trĩ.Biện pháp này được khuyến cáo trên tất cả các loại rau màu.

Quản lý cỏ dại là vấn đề nghiêm trọng. Nông dân nên đảm bảo kiểm tra cần thận phần đất giáp ranh để chắc chắn rằng sâu hại không ẩn nấp, sinh sản và lây lan vào diện tích canh tác. Nhiều loại sâu hại như bọ trỉ và nhện đỏ (mites) sống qua mùa hè trong cỏ, vì thế diệt cỏ dại đem lại lợi ích phụ trợi là hạn chế sâu hại. Cỏ dại còn là nơi lưu trú của truyến trùng (gây bệnh rể chùm trên cà chua chẳng hạn) và một loạt các loại khác như virus, nấm và vi khuẩn. Cỏ dại và cây rày cần phải được loại trừ để tận diệt nơi trú ẩn của sâu bệnh hại qua mùa hè mà có thể trở nơi lưu trú bệnh cho vụ sau.

3 chiến thuật vệ sinh đồng ruộng 1 Diệt bông cỏ bằng thuốc cỏ là biện pháp có thể hoán đổi với biện pháp truyền thống như cày lật. Glyphosate (Roundup) được khuyến cáo sử dụng trong những tháng đất trống. 2 Cây phân xanh hay cây che phủ đất có thể cung cấp thêm chất hửu cơ cho đất. Tuy nhiên nên lưu một số loài cây trong che phủ đất có nguy cơ tích lủy mầm bệnh hại như Sunn hemp và và tuyến trùng như cowpea. Nên cân nhắc khi chọn loại cây trồng phủ đất.

Mục Hỏi Đáp

Hỏi: pH có cung cấp dinh dưỡng cho cây trồng không? Tại sao pH đất quan trong? Trả lời: Không pH không phải là một chất mà là một thông số thể hiện mức độ chua hay kiềm của đất, vì vậy pH không cung cấp chất gì cho cây trồng hết. Tuy nhiên pH đất rất quan trọng vì tình trạng chua hay kiềm của đất ảnh hưởng đến sự biến đổi các thành phần hóa học của đất bao gồm các các nguyên tố dinh dưỡng. Đặc biệt pH ảnh hưởng mức độ “sẳn sàng” của dinh dưỡng trong đất do nó khống chế dạng tồn tại trong đất của các chất này. pH đất tốt nhất cho hầu hết cây trồng là 5.5 – 7.0. tuy nhiên nhiều loại cây chịu đựng vuợt khỏi khoản này. Anh chi có thể thảm khảo thêm rất nhiều thông tin về pH bằng tiếng Việt trong 2 VegetablesWA magazines ấn bản giữa năm.

3 “Xông” đất bằng cách phũ ni-lon gia tăng nhiệt độ đất tới giới hạn diệt được mầm sâu bệnh hại, hạt cõ, cũng là một biện pháp khả thi. Tuy không loại được hoàn toàn nhưng biện phát này giúp làm giảm một số mầm bệnh.

WA Grower SUMMER 2013

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SUCCESSFUL COLLABORATION — VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION

Thử nhìn về một mô hình hợp tác BY VO THE TRUYEN FIELD EXTENSION OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA Mối quan tâm hiện nay của nông dân trồng rau ở Tây Úc là thiếu khả năng tác động đến thị trường và phương cách nào để duy trì lợi nhuận khi giá thành sản xuất ngày càng tăng nhưng giá bán có khuynh hướng ngày càng giảm. Bài viết này gợi lại một câu chuyện thành công của nông dân ở Việt Nam cùng hợp tác làm ăn khi đối mặt với hoàn cảnh tương tự. Câu chuyện sẽ đề cập những yếu tố ảnh hưởng đến sự hình thành cùng với những thuận lợi và khó khăn ảnh hưỡng đến quá trình hợp tác của họ. Cuối bài sẽ nêu lên một số khó khăn mà người Viện Nam trồng rau tại Tây Úc đang phải đối phó để cùng nhau suy nghĩ xem có phải “hợp tác” như trường hơp trên cũng là cách để cùng vượt qua trở ngại hiện nay.

hoạch; (v) giá cả vật tư cao. Những yếu tố này cản trở họ sản xuất sản phẩm có chất lượng tốt với khả năng cung cấp đều đặn cho hợp đồng số lượng lớn. Khó khăn chung của ngành làm vườn: (i) Thiếu các tổ chức nông dân làm viêc có hiệu quả; (ii) Thiếu kỹ năng và kiến thức về kinh tế nông nghiệp; (iii) Kém hiểu biết thị trường; (iv) tổ chức bộ máy và dịch dụ Khuyến nông kém hiệu quả trong việc cung cấp thông tin thị trường; (v) nông dân làm ăn qui mô nhỏ lẻ. Những vấn đề này cản trở ngành cây ăn trái sản xuất kinh doanh hiệu quả, sản lượng nhỏ, chất lượng không đồng đều, giá thành cao, khó cạnh tranh, lợi nhuận thấp. Tình trạng này kéo dài làm cho ngành cây ăn tar1i khó thiết lập hệ thống thị trường ổn định và khó mở rộng ra thị trường mới. Nhưng tồn tại trên thách thức nổ lực của dự án trong việc tìm cách xây dựng các hình thức hợp tác. Nhiều chương trình hoạt động được đề ra và thủ nghiệm để làm sao đạt được kết quả như dự tính là tổ chức thành lập được các mô hình hợp tác sản xuất.

Quá trình hợp tác của nông dân trồng xoàiĐồng bằng song Cửu long

Các bước chính trong quá trình hình thành các mô hình hợp tác sản xuất

Năm 2001 chương trình hợp tác phát triển nông nghiệp và nông thôn dưới sự tài trợ của cơ quan hợp tác quốc tế Úc thực hiện một dự án tại Việt Nam nhằm hình thành 4 tổ hợp tác sản xuất nông nghiệp dưới hình thức tổ hợp tác và hợp tác xã nông nghiệp. Dự án này được đại học Queensland và Viện Nghiên cứu cây ăn quả Miền Nam cùng phối hợp thực hiện tại Tiền Giang và Trà Vinh. 80% dân tại hai địa phương này sống bằng nghề nông và cả hai đều nổi tiếng về sản xuất xoài chất lượng như Cát Hoà Lộc và Cát Chu.

Thất bại của mô hình tập đoàn sản xuất nông nghiệp trong thời kỳ đầu sau giải phóng vẫn còn làm người dân ái ngại. Điều này gây khó khăn khi vận động người dân tham gia các mô hình hợp tác. Tuy nhiên bằng cách kiên trì áp dụng nhiều hình thức thảo luận kèm theo tập huấn kỹ thuật những người tham gia dự án cũng dần hình thành được các bước di cụ thể để thành lập hợp tác xã. 5 bước chính trong qua trình thực hiện dự án cùng với khókhăn và thuận lợi của từng giai đoạn được tổng kết như sau:

Khó khăn Vấn đề của đa số nông dân tham gia dự án có diện tích canh tác nhỏ, vườn tạp, kiến thức canh tác hạn chế và hầu như không nắm được cách thức làm giá của thị trường. Tóm tắt những vất đề khó khăn điển hình như sau: Khó khăn ở nông hộ: (i) diện tích vườn thường nhỏ hơn 1 ha và trồng kiểu vườn tạp; (ii) không có nguồn cung cấp cây giống tốt và đảm bảo chất lượng; (iii) thời tiết không thuận lợi như bảo lụt, nước nhập và sâu bệnh nhiều; (iv) Thếiu kiến thức khoa học về canh tác và lập kế

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1. Học hỏi: Giai đoạn này chủ yếu tìm hiểu những người có cùng khó khăn và cùng nhu cầu. Vấn đề chung của người dân được ghi nhận trong giai đoạn này là thiếu phương hướng, thiếu kiến thức kỹ thuật, thiếu tiếp cận và hiểu biết về qui luật thị trường. Vì mỗi người dân không thể tự giải quyết các trở ngại này nên cần phải có kinh phí vả hổ trợ chuyên môn để tổ chức hội thảo tập huấn nâng cao hiểu biết của người dân về các vấn đề trên. Người dân tham gia cảm thấy có lợi vì được tập huấn và cùng nhau chia sẽ kinh nghiệm sản xuất. Song song với tập huấn kỹ thuật là giới thiệu các khái

niệm và kiến thức về hợp tác và kinh tế nông nghiệp. Chính các lợi ích về kiến thức đã hấp dẫn người dân tham gia trong giai đoạn này.

2. Vận động: Một tổ vận động bao gồm những người có uy tín và làm ăn giỏi trong địa phương được thành lập để thường xuyên thăm viếng nông dân và làm cho họ ý thức được những khó khăn của ngành và của chíng bản thân họ đồng thời khơi dậy mối quan tâm về vấn đề cần phải hợp tác. Tập huấn kỹ thuật tiếp tục được tăng cường để thu hút nông dân quan tâm đến dự án. Khó khăn trong giai đoạn này là thiếu người có kỹ năng và kinh nghiệm để hình thanh ban vận động và thiếu hiểu biết về luật hợp tác xã. Thành quả của giai đoạn này là tăng cường xác định những vấn đề trở ngại có liên quan đến sản xuất vả tiếp tục chia sẽ kinh nghiệm lẫn nhau. 3. Hình thành: Tới giai đoạn này người dân đã đòng lòng đang ký làm thành viên hợp tác xã. Ban quản trị cũng được bầu chọn công khai dân chủ và bắt đầu phân công nhiệm vụ từng người. Nông dan thành viên thì quyết địng hợp tác xã nên vận hành như thế nào. Vấn đề của giao đoạn này là ban quản trị phải gánh vác quá nhiều việc, mối lien lạc giữa ban quản trị và các thành viên còn yếu, thiếu điều lệ và mục tiêu của từng việc cụ thể, thiếu tầm nhìn lâu dài cho cả nhóm.

Giai đoạn này tiếp tục tổ chức tập huấn kỹ thuật để duy trì sự tham gia của nông dan thành viêncũng như tập huấn về các nguyên tắt xây dựng, tổ chức, chức năng và điều lệ hợp tác xã. Giai đoạn này cũng cần dự án tiếp tục theo dõi sự tiến bộ và hổ trợ tập huấn kỹ thuật và tăng cường kỹ năng cho thành viên ban quản trị. Các khái niệm về tiếp thị và bán sản phẩm theo nhóm cũng được tiếp tục củng cố. Mối quan hệ giứa hợp tác xã mới thành pập và các tổ chức chính chíng phủ và quyền địa phương được phát triển. 4. Vận hành Hợp tác xã: đây là giai đoạn khó khăn phức tạp nhất vì trong giai đoạn này ban quản trị và than viên HTX phải xây dựng chương trình hành động và tập sự thực hiện các chiến lược phát triển. Điều này đòi hỏi ban quan trị phải tiến hành đánh giá phân tích tình hình để xác định ưu tiên cho

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các vấn đề quan trọng của cả nhóm. Ban quảntrị sử sụng kết quả phân tích tình hình để xác định mục tiêu chung, công việc cụ thể, phương pháp đánh giá. Vấn đề phát sinh trong giai đoạn này là kỹ năng quản lý yếu, những đụng chạm phát sinh trong nội bộ và thiếu cơ sở vật chất để HTX hoạt động. Trong khi đó thành viên nông dân thì đòi hỏi phải thấy ngay lợi ích cụ thể để tiếptục cam kết tham gia.

Sự hổ trợ từ bên ngoài rất cần thiết cho giai đoạn này để chăm sóc và theo dõi sự tiến triển của HTX cũng như giúp họ hoạt động.Tiếp tục tăng cường tập huấn kỹ thuật và kiến thức HTX là rất thiết yếu đặc biệt là vấn đề quản lý tài chính chung khi HTX bắt d8ầu có thu nhập. Quan hệ mở rộng thị trường cũng được thực hiện. 5. Phát tiển: Hiện tại năm 2013 số thành viện HTX đã gia ta9ng từ 14 người lên 64. HTX đã xác lập được các thị trường bán xoài mới ở các thành phố phía Bắc như Hà Nội, hải Phòng và hàng năm còn xuất khẩu xoài sanh Nhật với giá cao. Trong giai đoạn phát triển này HTX cần tiếp tục xây dựng định hướng và kế hoạch sản xuất kinh doanh lâu dài. Tiêu chuẩn chất lượng sản phẩm chung cũng thườn xuyên được nâng cao để lien tục đáp ứng nhu cầu thị trường trong nước và xuất khẩu. HTX cũng cần thuê người giỏi để giúp các công việc chuyên môn. Nông dân tham gia HTX ghi nhận nhiều lợi ích thiết thực bao gồm: (i) tiếp cận kiến thức và kỹ thuật sản xuất; (ii) chia sẽ thông tin và kinh nghiệm; (iii) cùng mua vật tư giá rẻ; (iv) chia sẽ thông tin giá cả và hiểu biết về thị trường, tự tin hơn khi buôn bán với thương lái; (v) có kiến thức về chất lượng sản phẩm và nhu cầu thị trường; (vi) cùng tiếp thị sản phẩm với giá cao; (vii) Tăng cường hiểu biết và quan hệ giửa các thành viênâp

5 bước của quá trình thành lập và phát triển HTX “học hỏi – vận động – thành lập – vận hành – phát triển” cho các nông hộ nhỏ như mô tả trên có thể được xem như một mô hình thành công để tham khảo. Mỗi giai đoạn đều có những vấn đề thiết yếu như khó khăn trỡ ngại nhưng bài học rất rõ ràng: để duy trì sự nhiệt tình và gắn kết của nông dân trong nhóm thì nông dân phải thấy được những lợi ích thiết thực khi tham gia. Quá trình này cần có sự hổ trợ lâu dài của các tổ chức bên ngoài như chính quyền địa phương và khuyến

nông. Trong giai đoạn đầu việv tiếp cận kỹ thuật thông qua các lớp tập huấn là đủ để thu hút người tham gia, nhưng càng về sau thì thành viên phải được nhìn thấy những lợi ích vật chất thiết thực để gia cố tổ chức và tinh thần HTX.

Những vấn đề của nông dân trồng rau Việt Nam tại tây úc Nông dân trồng rau Việt Nam tại Tây Úc cũng được ghi nhận hoàn cảnh tương tự như nông dân Việt Nam khi chưa hợp tác trong mô hình trên

Bối cảnh

Hiện có khoảng 220 nông dân Việt Nam trồng các loại rau tại tiểu bang Tây Úc. Đa số họ là người tị nạn sau chiến tranh và hạn chế về trình độ canh tác. # vùng tập trong động người Việt là Vùng trồng cà Carnarvon, Vùng dưa leo Geraldton, và vùng trồng nhiều chủng loại rau chung quanh Perth.

Vì trong trọt trên qui mô nhỏ và vừa nên nông dân người Việt phải gằn vào hầu như tất cả các công đoạn sản xuất trên đồng và kể cả tiêu thụ. Sản phẩm làm ra thương có số lượng hạn chế và chất lượng sản phẩm trong cộng đồng không đồng đều. Tuy nhiên nông dân Việt Nam cũng phải làm việc và thực hành tiếp thị trong hệ thống chung của xã hội trong đó thông tin trao đổi bằng tiếng Anh và số lượng lớn nằm trong tay trang trại lớn - thương

lái lớn. Trong thời đại của tiến trình qui mô hóa lợi tức cũa những nông dân trờng qui mô nhỏ này bị ảnh hưởng rỏ ràng.

Những thách thức

Trên mức độ từng cá nhân thì khó khăn thách thức cho nông dân Việt Nam ở Tây Úc bao gồm: (i) điều kiệu khí hậu đất đai không thuận lợi, thiếu nước tưới; (ii) trình độ sản xuất và qui hoạch giới hạn; (iii) cung cấp vật tư như phân bón, giống, thuốc bảo vệ thực vật không ổn định trong khi giá cả tăng cao; (iv) thiếu nhân công. Những vấn đề này làm cho sản xuất ngày càng khó khăn,giá thành cao, sản lượng và chất lượng không ổn định.

Trên qui mô của cả nghành, theo nghien cứu gần đây thì sản xuất của 50 đại nông gia của tiêu bang chiếm 80% tổng sản lượng. Những đại nông gia này thường có hợp đồng trực tiếp với hệ thống siêu thị bán lẻ trong khi thị trường cho sản phẩm của nông dân nhỏ lẻ ngày càng eo hẹp hoặc là phải bán lại cho các đại nông gia. Liên hệ giửa hoàn cảnh nông dân Việt Nam tại Tây Úc với kinh nghiệm của mô hình hợp tác thành công cũa nông dân Việt Nam đã thực hiện hàng chục năm qua có lẻ chúng ta không khỏi đặt vấn đề liệu có thể xem đó như là một thí dụ trong khi chúng ta đang tìm cách cải thiện hoàn cảnh này.

WA Grower SUMMER 2013

YOUR PRODUCTION

WA seed potato grower plantings Applications 1 July to 20 November 2013 Cultivar

Applicant

Town

AG 86

JV & E MOLTONI

PEMBERTON

Almera (Carisma)

GP AYRES & SONS

VIA ALBANY

BARKER, TA & PA BOALLIA RURAL HOLDINGS

Cert

Gen

Phone

Fax

Certified

08 9776 1693

08 9776 1696

2.5

Certified

08 9845 1135

08 9845 1123

ALBANY WA

0.1

Registered

08 9845 2038

BUSSELTON

0.38

Registered

0419 913 181

08 9753 1181

TANDAR PTY LTD

BUSSELTON

0.4

Registered

08 9755 4121

TANDAR PTY LTD

BUSSELTON

2.06

Registered

08 9755 4121

SMITH, P, P & B

BUSSELTON

0.74

Registered

08 9755 4006

SMITH, P, P & B

BUSSELTON

0.45

Registered

08 9755 4006

TAYLOR

VASSE

0.25

Registered

08 9755 4268

Amorosa

GP AYRES & SONS

VIA ALBANY

0.25

Certified

08 9845 1135

08 9845 1123

Atlantic

LAKE JASPER CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES

PEMBERTON

Certified

08 9776 1238

LAKE JASPER CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES

PEMBERTON

0.87

Certified

08 9776 1238

TANDAR PTY LTD

BUSSELTON

3.25

Registered

08 9755 4121

LAKE JASPER CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES

PEMBERTON

6.53

Registered

08 9776 1238

LAKE JASPER CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES

PEMBERTON

Certified

08 9776 1238

LAKE JASPER CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES

PEMBERTON

0.44

Certified

08 9776 1238

LAKE JASPER CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES

PEMBERTON

6.89

Registered

08 9776 1238

GP AYRES & SONS

VIA ALBANY

0.1

Certified

08 9845 1135

08 9845 1123

ACKLEY, TR

ALBANY

0.4

Registered

08 9841 4286

08 9841 1987

JV & E MOLTONI

PEMBERTON

Certified

08 9776 1693

08 9776 1696

JV & E MOLTONI

PEMBERTON

Certified

08 9776 1693

08 9776 1696

Diament

LAKE JASPER CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES

PEMBERTON

Certified

08 9776 1238

Dutch Cream

TANDAR PTY LTD

BUSSELTON

0.36

Registered

08 9755 4121

ACKLEY, TR

ALBANY

0.4

Registered

08 9841 4286

08 9841 1987

FL 1867

GP AYRES & SONS

VIA ALBANY

0.5

Certified

08 9845 1135

08 9845 1123

FL 1867A

TANDAR PTY LTD

BUSSELTON

1.13

Registered

08 9755 4121

Kipfler

ACKLEY, TR

ALBANY

0.1

Registered

08 9841 4286

08 9841 1987

Lady Christl

GP AYRES & SONS

VIA ALBANY

0.5

Certified

08 9845 1135

08 9845 1123

BOALLIA RURAL HOLDINGS

BUSSELTON

1.08

Registered

0419 913 181

08 9753 1181

MacRusset

LAKE JASPER CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES

PEMBERTON

Certified

08 9776 1238

Maris Piper

GP AYRES & SONS

VIA ALBANY

0.3

Certified

08 98451135

08 9845 1123

Mondial

SMITH, P, P & B

BUSSELTON

0.67

Registered

0897554006

08 9755 4006

SMITH, P, P & B

BUSSELTON

0.79

Registered

0897554006

08 9755 4006

GP AYRES & SONS

VIA ALBANY

1.5

Certified

08 98451135

08 9845 1123

BARKER, TA & PA

ALBANY WA

0.3

Registered

08 98452038

08 9845 2038

JV & E MOLTONI

PEMBERTON

TANDAR PTY LTD

BUSSELTON

TAYLOR

VASSE

GP AYRES & SONS

VIA ALBANY

ACKLEY, TR

ALBANY

BARKER, TA & PA

ALBANY WA

Bliss

Delaware Desiree

Mozart Nadine

Hectares

WA Grower SUMMER 2013

Certified

08 97761693

08 9776 1696

0.3

Registered

08 97554121

08 9755 4121

0.12

Registered

08 97554268

08 9755 4268

2.5

Certified

08 98451135

08 9845 1123

2.8

Registered

08 98414286

08 9841 1987

0.2

Registered

08 9845 2038

YOUR PRODUCTION

Cultivar

Applicant

Town

Hectares

Cert

Gen

Phone

Fax

TAYLOR

VASSE

0.36

Registered

08 9755 4268

TAYLOR

VASSE

0.18

Registered

08 9755 4268

TAYLOR

VASSE

2.04

Registered

08 9755 4268

TANDAR PTY LTD

BUSSELTON

1.87

Registered

08 9755 4121

SMITH, P, P & B

BUSSELTON

0.8

Registered

08 9755 4006

TAYLOR

VASSE

1.99

Registered

08 9755 4268

SMITH, P, P & B

BUSSELTON

0.71

Registered

08 9755 4006

JV & E MOLTONI

PEMBERTON

Certified

08 9776 1693

08 9776 1696

JV & E MOLTONI

PEMBERTON

Certified

08 9776 1693

08 9776 1696

Norland

ACKLEY, TR

ALBANY

Registered

08 9841 4286

08 9841 1987

Rodeo

GP AYRES & SONS

VIA ALBANY

0.5

Certified

08 9845 1135

08 9845 1123

BOALLIA RURAL HOLDINGS

BUSSELTON

0.59

Registered

0419 913 181

08 9753 1181

TANDAR PTY LTD

BUSSELTON

0.97

Registered

08 9755 4121

JV & E MOLTONI

PEMBERTON

Certified

08 9776 1693

08 9776 1696

JV & E MOLTONI

PEMBERTON

Certified

08 9776 1693

08 9776 1696

JV & E MOLTONI

PEMBERTON

Certified

08 9776 1693

08 9776 1696

SMITH, P, P & B

BUSSELTON

0.32

Registered

08 9755 4006

GP AYRES & SONS

VIA ALBANY

0.5

Certified

08 9845 1135

08 9845 1123

GP AYRES & SONS

VIA ALBANY

0.5

Certified

08 9845 1135

08 9845 1123

BOALLIA RURAL HOLDINGS

BUSSELTON

0.91

Registered

0419 913 181

08 9753 1181

TANDAR PTY LTD

BUSSELTON

0.2

Registered

08 9755 4121

TANDAR PTY LTD

BUSSELTON

1.14

Registered

08 9755 4121

JV & E MOLTONI

PEMBERTON

Certified

08 9776 1693

08 9776 1696

JV & E MOLTONI

PEMBERTON

Certified

08 9776 1693

08 9776 1696

JV & E MOLTONI

PEMBERTON

Certified

08 9776 1693

08 9776 1696

JV & E MOLTONI

PEMBERTON

Certified

08 9776 1693

08 9776 1696

TAYLOR

VASSE

0.23

Registered

08 9755 4268

SMITH, P, P & B

BUSSELTON

0.55

Registered

08 9755 4006

BARKER, TA & PA

ALBANY WA

0.2

Registered

08 9845 2038

TAYLOR

VASSE

1.01

Registered

08 9755 4268

SMITH, P, P & B

BUSSELTON

0.77

Registered

08 9755 4006

TAYLOR

VASSE

0.7

Registered

08 9755 4268

TAYLOR

VASSE

0.23

Registered

08 9755 4268

TAYLOR

VASSE

0.24

Registered

08 9755 4268

GP AYRES & SONS

VIA ALBANY

Certified

08 9845 1135

08 9845 1123

BOALLIA RURAL HOLDINGS

BUSSELTON

0.85

Registered

0419 913 181

08 9753 1181

JV & E MOLTONI

PEMBERTON

Certified

08 9776 1693

08 9776 1696

JV & E MOLTONI

PEMBERTON

Certified

08 9776 1693

08 9776 1696

BARKER, TA & PA

ALBANY WA

0.1

Registered

08 9845 2038

TAYLOR

VASSE

0.3

Registered

08 9755 4268

TANDAR PTY LTD

BUSSELTON

0.96

Registered

08 9755 4121

Saprano

GP AYRES & SONS

VIA ALBANY

0.3

Certified

08 9845 1135

08 9845 1123

Sifra

TANDAR PTY LTD

BUSSELTON

0.2

Registered

08 9755 4121

Virginia Rose

JV & E MOLTONI

PEMBERTON

Certified

08 9776 1693

08 9776 1696

SMITH, P, P & B

BUSSELTON

1.07

Registered

08 9755 4006

GP AYRES & SONS

VIA ALBANY

CERTIFIED

08 9845 1135

08 9845 1123

BARKER, TA & PA

ALBANY WA

REGISTERED

08 9845 2038

BOALLIA RURAL HOLDINGS

BUSSELTON

0.91

REGISTERED

0419 913 181

08 9753 1181

JV & E MOLTONI

PEMBERTON

CERTIFIED

08 9776 1693

08 9776 1696

SMITH, P, P & B

BUSSELTON

REGISTERED

08 9755 4006

Royal Blue

Ruby Lou

White Star

0.15

1.37

WA Grower SUMMER 2013

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permits Permit No.

Minor Use Permits can also be searched by specific crop or pest types at www.apvma.gov.au/permits/search.php

Chemical

Treats

Expiry date

PER13293

Abamectin

Two-spotted mites and onion thrips

30-Apr-15

PER11405

Haloxyfop

Grass weeds

30-May-14

PER13223

Imazamox

Control of grass and broadleaf weeds

31-Dec-13

PER14310

Apollo SC Miticide (clofentezine)

Two-spotted mite and brown almond mite

30-Sep-18

PER13553

Methoxyfenozide (Prodigy Insecticide)

Carob moth

30-Sep-15

PER13387

Pirimicarb

Aphids

31-Mar-17

PER13384

Abamectin

Two-spotted mite and brown almond mite

30-Jun-18

PER13383

Pymetrozine (Chess)

Green peach aphid

31-Mar-17

PER13266

Azoxystrobin

Anthracnose

31-Mar-14

PER13199

Phos acid

Phytopthora

31-Mar-15

PER12989

Propiconazole

Blossom blight, anthracnose

31-Aug-16

PER11121

Simazine

Broadleaf weeds and grasses

31-Dec-14

PER12777

Avatar (indoxacarb)

Garden weevil

30-Sep-16

PER10927

Lambda-cyhalothrin, gamma-cyhalothrin, alpha-cypermethrin and betacyfluthrin

PER13624

Phosphorous acid

Phytophthora root rot

31-Aug-14

PER14235

Rattoff Zinc Phosphine Bait Sachet

Roof or black rat and mice

30-Jun-23

PER11733

Glyphosate

Destruction of banana plants

30-Sep-14

PER14240

Chlorpyrifos

Sugarcane bud moth, banana scab moth, banana rust thrips, caterpillars, mealy bugs

30-Sep-15

Prosper 500 EC (spiroxamine)

Powdery mildew

31-Mar-16

PER13897

Filan Fungicide (boscalid)

Sclertonia rot

30-Jun-14

PER13123

Amistar 250SC Fungicide

Specified fungal diseases

31-Mar-14

Apithor Hive Beetle Harbourage

Small hive beetle

31-Mar-14

PER14184

Phosphorous (phosphonic) acid

Damping off and downy mildew

30-Jun-17

PER13090

Alpha-cypermethrin

Various insect pests

31-May-15

PER11949

Lambda-Cyhalothrin

Various insects

31-Mar-15

PER10908

Tebuconazole

Sclerotonia rot

31-Mar-14

PER14223

Flint 500 WG Fungicide (trifloxystrobin)

Alternaria leaf spot and cercospora leaf spot

31-Dec-14

PER11853

Imidacloprid

Aphids and thrips

30-Sep-15

PER11450

Ethofumesate (Tramat)

Grass weeds

30-Jun-15

Permethrin dust

European wasps

30-Apr-17

Abamectin

Two-spotted mites

31-May-18

Abamectin

Two-spotted mites

31-May-18

Dimethoate

Queensland fruit fly and Mediterranean fruit fly

5-Oct-14

Adzuki bean

Almonds

Asparagus 30-Jun-15

Bananas

Barley PER14012 Beans

Bee hives PER12007 Beetroot

Berry crops PER12763 Blackberry PER13956 Blackcurrent PER13956 Blueberries PER13290

WA Grower SUMMER 2013

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permit No.

Chemical

Treats

Expiry date

PER14309

Chlorothalonil

Various fungal diseases

30-Sep-16

PER13955

Infruta Sulphur Dioxide Pads

Botrytis cinerea

31-Mar-23

PER13629

Pristine Fungicide

Grey mould, anthracnose, rust

31-Oct-16

PER12219

Casoron G Herbicide (dichlobenil)

Specified weeds

31-Mar-16

PER10894

Tilt 250 EC (propiconazole)

Rust (Pucciniastrum vaccinii)

30-Jun-14

PER12816

Tebufenozide (Mimic)

Light brown apple moth

30-Jun-15

PER12534

Confidor Guard (imidacloprid)

Scarab beetle larvae

31-Oct-15

PER12940

Maldison

Fruit fly

31-May-14

PER12927

Dow AgroSciences Success Neo (spinetoram)

Fruit fly (Suppression only)

31-May-14

PER13677

Hy Mal Insecticide

Fruit fly bait spray

30-Jun-16

Methomyl

Bean pod borer and budworm

31-Oct-16

Borlotti beans PER9509

Brassica leafy vegetables PER13123

Amistar 250SC Fungicide

Specified fungal diseases

31-Mar-14

PER13090

Alpha-cypermethrin

Various insect pests

31-MAY-15

PER12054

Propiconazole

Cercospora leaf spot, rust, septoria leaf spot

31-Aug-14

PER14127

Pendimethalin

Weeds

31-Aug-18

PER13154

Dual Gold Herbicide

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

31-Mar-17

PER11994

Proclaim Insecticide

Diamondback moth, heliothis and vegetable looper

31-May-14

PER10845

Barmac Zineb Fungicide

Cercospora leaf spot and downy mildew

31-Mar-15

PER10497

Imidacloprid

Aphids, whitefly and thrips

31-Mar-14

PER11848

Clethodim

Grass weeds

30-Sep-15

PER13897

Filan Fungicide (boscalid)

Sclertonia rot

30-Jun-14

PER12008

Ramrod Herbicide (propachlor)

Annual grasses and broadleaf weeds

30-Sep-15

PER14184

Phosphorous (phosphonic) acid

Damping off and downy mildew

30-Jun-17

PER12016

Mancozeb

Anthracnose and Septoria

31-Mar-15

PER13897

Filan Fungicide (boscalid)

Sclertonia rot

30-Jun-14

PER13672

Chlorpyrifos

Vegetable beetle adults

30-Sep-14

Tebuconazole

Cercospora leaf spot and rust

30-Jun-16

PER14164

Clethodim

Rye grass, winter grass

30-Jun-17

PER13123

Amistar 250SC Fungicide

Specified fungal diseases

31-Mar-14

PER11951

Phosphorous acid

Downy mildew

31-Mar-15

PER14051

Iprodione

Rhizoctinia

31-Mar-18

PER11951

Phosphorous acid

Downy mildew

31-MAR-15

PER10090

Iprodione

Grey mould

1-Aug-15

PER14164

Clethodim

Rye grass, winter grass

30-JUN-17

PER13123

Amistar 250SC Fungicide

Specified fungal diseases

31-Mar-14

PER12565

Scala Fungicide

Botrytis rots

30-Sep-17

PER13031

Maldison

Fruit fly

31-MAY-14

PER11778

Agri-fos 600 Systemic Fungicide (phosphorous acid)

Phytophthora soil fungus

30-Nov-15

PER11564

Switch Fungicide

Botrytis and sclerotinia

30-Nov-14

PER14050

Flint 500 WG Fungicide

Powdery mildew

30-Jun-23

Phosphorous (phosphonic) acid

Damping off and downy mildew

30-Jun-17

Broad beans PER13752 Broccoli

Brussel sprouts

Capsicum

Carrot PER14184

WA Grower SUMMER 2013

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permits (cont.) Permit No.

Chemical

Treats

Expiry date

PER11747

2,2-Dichloropropionic Acid

Promotion of bolting and grass weed control

30-Nov-14

PER13656

Rovral Aquaflo Fungicide

Various Diseases

30-Sep-14

PER13305

Glyphosate (shielded sprayer)

Certain Broadleaf and grass weeds

30-Jun-15

PER13013

Clethodim

Grass weed control

31-Mar-14

PER10914

Azoxystrobin

Powdery mildew, downy mildew and white blister rust

31-May-14

PER12050

Boscalid

Sclerotinia rot

30-Jun-15

PER13123

Amistar 250SC Fungicide

Specified fungal diseases

31-Mar-14

PER11951

Phosphorous acid

Downy mildew

31-Mar-15

PER13147

Lontrel

Capeweed and clover

30-Sep-16

PER14037

Alpha-Cypermethrin

Staphylinid beetle

31-Mar-23

PER10272

Diazinon

Onion fly and onion seedling maggot

30-Sep-16

PER14164

Clethodim

Rye grass, winter grass

30-Jun-17

PER13573

Rovral Aquaflo Fungicide (Iprodione)

Sclerotinia rot

30-Jun-14

PER13323

Score Foliar Fungicide (difenoconazole)

Cercospora leaf spot and septoria leaf blight

31-Mar-15

PER13114

Prometryn

Grass weeds listed on label

31-Mar-17

PER10875

Pirimor WG Aphicide (pirimicarb)

Aphids

30-Sep-15

PER13367

Linuron

Grass and broadleaf weeds

30-Apr-16

PER13088

Success Neo Insecticide (spinetoram)

Various insect pests

31-Mar-17

PER13673

Ridomil Gold MZ WG

Late blight, septoria leaf blight and downy mildew

30-Sep-16

PER13658

Flint 500 WG (trifloxystrobin)

Various diseases

30-Sep-14

PER13122

Proclaim Insecticide

Heliothis, Lightbrown apple moth and Cluster caterpillar

30-Sep-16

PER14049

Permethrin (Ambush )

Helicoverpa and Looper

31-Mar-23

PER13936

Applaud Insecticide (buprofezin)

Greenhouse whitefly

30-Jun-14

PER13654

Avatar Insecticide (indoxacarb)

eliothis, Lightbrown apple moth, lucerne leaf roller and H vegetable weevil

30-Sep-14

PER13627

Score Foliar Fungicide (difenoconazole)

Cercospora leaf spot and septoria spots

31-Dec-15

PER13496

Linuron

Range of weeds

30-Apr-17

PER12388

Phosphine

In-transit fumigation

30-Sep-14

PER13090

Alpha-cypermethrin

Various insect pests

31-May-15

PER12179

Hotshot

Three-horned bedstraw

30-Nov-15

PER12647

Phosphine

In-transit fumigation

30-Sep-14

PER12515

Phosphine

In-transit fumigation

30-Sep-14

PER11256

Phosphine

In-transit fumigation

30-Sep-14

PER11255

Phosphine

In-transit fumigation

30-Sep-14

PER11002

Dupont Avatar (indoxacarb)

European earwig

31-Mar-15

PER12709

Nufarm Pristine Fungicide

Brown rot and botrytis

30-Jun-15

PER13640

Sodium Hypochlorite

Surface moulds

31-Oct-17

PER13375

Scholar Fungicide (fludioxonil)

Suppression of surface moulds

31-Oct-17

PER12507

Tsunami or Adoxysan

Surface moulds

30-Jun-16

PER11979

Foli-R-Fos (phosphorous acid)

Phomopsis nut rot

30-Jun-15

PER13892

Larvin (thiodicarb)

Heliothis

31-Jan-15

PER13393

Fusilade Forte (fluazifop)

Various grasses

30-Jun-16

Cauliflower

Celeriac

Celery

Cereal crops

Cherries

Chestnut

Chia

WA Grower SUMMER 2013

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permit No.

Chemical

Treats

Expiry date

PER13392

Methomyl

Heliothis

30-Jun-18

PER13391

Betacyfluthrin

Heliothis

30-Jun-18

PER11245

Trifluralin

Specified broadleaf weeds

30-Jun-14

PER11215

Powermax (glyphosate)

Various weeds

30-Jun-14

PER11332

Gemstar

Heliothis

30-Jun-14

PER13658

Flint 500 WG (trifloxystrobin)

Various diseases

30-Sep-14

PER11848

Clethodim

Grass weeds

30-Sep-15

PER11352

Walabi Fungicide

Botrytis and alternaria

30-Sep-14

PER10908

Tebuconazole

Sclerotonia rot

31-Mar-14

PER10677

Propyzamide

Grass and broadleef weeds

30-Apr-18

PER12397

Alpha-cypermethrin

Red-egged earth mite, onion thrips

30-Nov-14

PER12054

Propiconazole

Cercospora leaf spot, rust, septoria leaf spot

31-Aug-14

PER11951

Phosphorous acid

Downy mildew

31-Mar-15

PER11855

Betanal (phenmedipham)

Broadleaf weeds

30-Jun-14

PER12016

Mancozeb

Anthracnose and septoria

31-Mar-15

PER13860

Lebaycid (fenthion)

Fruit fly

30-Oct-14

PER13254

Dimethoate

Queensland and Mediterranean fruit fly

5-Oct-14

PER12823

Trifluralin

Various broad leaf and grass weeds

30-Jun-21

PER13656

Rovral Aquaflo Fungicide

Various diseases

30-Sep-14

PER13657

Abamectin

Two-spotted mite

31-Mar-14

PER12399

Ridomil Gold MZ Systemic and Protective Fungicide

Downy mildew

30-Sep-16

Various herbicides

Various weeds

30-Sep-17

PER13303

Coragen Insecticide

Heliothis, cluster caterpillar

31-Mar-15

PER13499

Diazinon

Onion maggot

31-Mar-17

PER13396

Methomyl

Thrips and western flower thrips

30-Jun-15

PER11850

Lambda-cyhalothrin

ed-legged earth mite, Rutherglen bug, grey cluster bug, R looper, plague thrips

31-Aug-15

PER12906

Acramite Miticide (bifenazate)

Two-spotted mite

31-Mar-18

PER12391

Prodigy Insecticide

Lepidopteran pests

30-Sep-17

PER7909

Scala 400 SC Fungicide

Botrytis rot

30-Sep-17

PER12998

Amistar Fungicide

Alternaria leaf spot (Alternaria cucumerina)

30-Sep-14

PER14050

Flint 500 WG Fungicide

Powdery mildew

30-Jun-23

PER14046

Mancozeb

Grey mould

31-Mar-18

PER13349

Pyranica

Two-spotted mite

31-Mar-15

PER13031

Maldison

Fruit fly

31-May-14

PER13090

Alpha-cypermethrin

Various insect pests

31-May-15

PER12447

Teldor 500 SC Fungicide

Botrytis rot

31-May-16

PER12504

Permethrin

Cucumber moth larvae (Phakelura indica)

31-Dec-13

Bupirimate

Powdery mildew

30-Sep-14

Chicory

Chilli peppers

Chillies

Coffee PER13316 Coriander

Cucumer

Curcurbits PER10979

WA Grower SUMMER 2013

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permits (cont.) Permit No.

Chemical

Treats

Expiry date

PER13791

Mono-di potassium phosphite or Pottassium phosphonate

Specified fungal diseases

30-Jun-16

PER13704

Azoxystrobin

Specified diseases

30-Jun-17

PER14158

Metolachlor

Weeds

30-Jun-23

PER13794

Imidacloprid

Various insect pests

31-Mar-17

PER13793

Potassium Bicarbonate

Specified fungal diseases

31-Mar-18

PER13790

Mancozeb

Specific fungal diseases

30-Jun-18

PER13702

Copper

Specified fungal diseases

30-Jun-15

PER12024

Various Fungicides

Various fungal diseases

31-Oct-15

PER11771

Pirimor, Prodigy, Insegar, Chess, Avatar, Applaud

Various insect pests

30-Sep-17

PER12156

Triadimenol, Triforine, Mancozeb, Azoxystrobin, Copper oxychloride, oxycarboxin and propiconazole

Myrtle rust (Uredo rangelii)

30-Aug-18

PER13760

Dimethoate

Spiraling whitefly

5-Oct-14

PER12785

Deltamethrin and Iprodione

Quarantine pests and diseases

30-Jun-16

Fluazifop

Grass weeds

30-Sep-15

Culinary herbs

Cut flowers

Eggplant PER13394 PER12862

Zineb

Anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.)

31-Jul-14

PER12442

Trichlorfon

Fruit fly

31-May-14

PER8930

Phorate

Aphids, jassids, mites, thrips and onion maggot

31-Jul-16

PER14186

Success Neo (spinetoram)

Melon thrips

30-Sep-18

PER14036

Bupirimate

Powdery mildew

31-Mar-18

PER13517

Rovral (iprodione)

Grey mould

30-Sep-15

PER13351

Pirimicarb

Aphids

31-Mar-16

PER12506

Dimethoate

Queensland fruit fly and Mediterranean fruit fly

5-Oct-14

PER12906

Acramite Miticide (bifenazate)

Two-spotted mite

31-Mar-18

PER12823

Trifluralin

Various broad leaf and grass weeds

30-Jun-21

PER11451

Chlorothalonil

Various fungal diseases

30-Jun-18

PER14047

Methidathion

Rutherglen bug

30-Jun-18

PER12391

Prodigy Insecticide

Lepidopteran pests

30-Sep-17

PER11778

Agri-fos 600 Systemic Fungicide (phosphorous acid)

Phytophthora soil fungus

30-Nov-15

PER13122

Proclaim Insecticide

Heliothis, lightbrown apple moth and cluster caterpillar

30-Sep-16

PER12054

Propiconazole

Cercospora leaf spot, rust, septoria leaf spot

31-Aug-14

PER11951

Phosphorous acid

Downy mildew

31-Mar-15

PER11855

Betanal (phenmedipham)

Broadleaf weeds

30-Jun-14

PER11848

Clethodim

Grass weeds

30-Sep-15

PER11352

Walabi Fungicide

Botrytis and alternaria

30-Sep-14

PER10908

Tebuconazole

Sclerotonia rot

31-Mar-14

PER13658

Flint 500 WG (trifloxystrobin)

Various diseases

30-Sep-14

PER10677

Propyzamide

Grass and broadleef weeds

30-Apr-18

PER12704

Flumetsulam

Broadleaved weeds

31-Mar-15

PER12111

Alpha-cypermethrin and maldison

Various pests

31-Mar-15

PER13334

Dimethoate

Rutherglen bug and wingless grasshoppers

5-Oct-14

Endive

Eucalyptus

WA Grower SUMMER 2013

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permit No.

Chemical

PER12046

Metosulam, pendimethlain, sulfometuron, gibberellic acid, 6-benzyladenine and paclobutrazol

Treats

Expiry date

PER10632

Paclobutrazol (CULTAR)

Promote flowering

31-May-18

PER11723

Chlorpyrifos

African black beetle

31-Oct-14

PER14221

Paclobutrazol

Promote flowering

30-Jun-18

30-Jun-15

Export PER14261

Mortein Citronella Auto Protect Indoor

30-Sep-18

PER14253

Interclene 175

30-Sep-18

PER13823

Pif Paf Powergard Barrier Outdoor Surface Spray

31-Mar-15

PER13650

Various

30-Jun-16

PER13346

Various Active Constituents

31-Mar-17

PER12976

AUSOIL 23 EC

30-Aug-15

PER12775

Mortein automatic indoor insect control system

30-Aug-15

PER12630

Deodorant spray for dogs and cats

31-Jan-15

PER12585

Ally 77 WP

31-Dec-13

PER12578

Perfect Potion Products Pty Ltd

31-Dec-13

PER12138

Bushmans Export Water Resistant Insect Repellent (30% DEET)

31-Dec-13

PER11665

Target Mortein Naturgard Control System

31-Dec-13

PER11115

Mortein Cockroach Bait

31-Dec-13

PER11103

Various Mortein Products

31-Dec-13

PER13589

QuickPhos Fumigant Insecticide

30-Jun-17

PER13109

Various Products

30-Sep-16

PER13757

Mortein Barrier Outdoor Surface Spray

31-Dec-14

PER13165

Klerat Rat and Mouse Killer Wax Blocks and pellets, Klerat rat and mouse killer pellets, Klerat pellets

31-Dec-13

Faba beans PER13752

Tebuconazole

Cercospora leaf spot and rust

30-Jun-16

PER13223

Imazamox

Control of grass and broadleaf weeds

31-Dec-13

PER13036

Bravo 720 SC

Downy mildew, purple blotch

31-Jul-16

PER13698

Phosphorous

Downy mildew

30-Sep-17

PER13394

Fluazifop

Grass weeds

30-Sep-15

PER11170

Fluazifop

Grass weeds

30-Sep-14

PER13794

Imidacloprid

Various insect pests

31-Mar-17

PER13792

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) kurstaki

Various insect pests

31-Mar-18

Metolachlor

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

30-Jun-17

PER13792

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) kurstaki

Various insect pests

31-Mar-18

PER13791

Mono-di potassium phosphite or Pottassium phosphonate

Specified fungal diseases

30-Jun-16

PER13830

Pirimicarb

Hazelnut aphid

31-May-16

PER13619

D-C-Tron Plus

Plum scale

31-Oct-17

PER13162

Cupric hydroxide

Hazelnut blight

31-Mar-17

Fennel

Garlic

Ginger

Green beans PER13626 Hazelnuts

WA Grower SUMMER 2013

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permits (cont.) Permit No.

Chemical

Treats

Expiry date

PER13794

Imidacloprid

Various insect pests

31-Mar-17

PER13793

Potassium Bicarbonate

Specified fungal diseases

31-Mar-18

PER11815

Petroleum oil

Insect pests

31-Dec-14

PER8628

Pendimethalin

Grass and broadleaf weeds

30-Sep-14

PER13319

Trifluralin

Various weeds

30-Sep-14

PER13038

Phosphorous acid

Phytophthora

31-Oct-14

PER10454

MCPA

Winter broadleaf weeds

31-Dec-13

PER13316

Various herbicides

Various weeds

30-Sep-17

PER12391

Prodigy Insecticide

Lepidopteran pests

30-Sep-17

PER10914

Azoxystrobin

Powdery mildew, downy mildew and white blister rust

31-May-14

PER13653

Maldison

Onion thrips

30-Sep-14

PER13584

Tribunil Herbicide

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

30-Jun-14

PER13394

Fluazifop

Grass weeds

30-Sep-15

PER13203

Dimethomorph and Mancozeb

Downy mildew, purple blotch and botrytis rots

31-Mar-17

PER13466

Various Actives

Specified grass and broadleaf weeds

30-Sep-15

PER13367

Linuron

Grass and broadleaf weeds

30-Apr-16

PER10272

Diazinon

Onion fly and onion seedling maggot

30-Sep-16

Herbs

Jojoba

Leek

PER13257

Select Herbicide (clethodim)

Grass weeds as per label including winter grass (Poa annua)

31-Mar-17

PER12397

Alpha-cypermethrin

Red-legged earth mite, onion thrips

30-Nov-14

PER12008

Ramrod Herbicide (propachlor)

Annual grasses and broadleaf weeds

30-Sep-15

PER11855

Betanal (phenmedipham)

Broadleaf weeds

30-Jun-14

PER14210

Acramite Miticide

Two-spotted (red spider) mite

30-Sep-18

PER13897

Filan Fungicide (boscalid)

Sclertonia rot

30-Jun-14

PER13301

ALPHA-CYPERMETHRIN

Red-legged earth mite and vegetable weevil

31-MAY-15

PER12386

Dacthal (chlorthal-dimethyl)

Stinging nettle

31-Aug-16

PER12846

Abamectin

Two-spotted mite

30-Sep-17

PER13698

Phosphorous

Downy mildew

30-Sep-17

PER12565

Scala Fungicide

Botrytis rots

30-Sep-17

PER13332

BALAN (benfluralin)

Grass and broadleaf weed control

31-Mar-22

PER12447

Teldor 500 SC Fungicide

Botrytis rot

31-May-16

PER11564

Switch Fungicide

Botrytis and sclerotinia

30-Nov-14

PER14276

Diazinon

Macadamia lace bug

30-Nov-15

PER13639

Diazinon

Macadamia lace bug

30-Nov-13

PER11462

Ethephon

Promote nutfall

30-Jun-15

PER13689

Trichlorfon

Fruit-spotting bug bananna bug, green vegetable bug

30-Sep-16

PER13879

Phosphorus acid

Phytophthora trunk canker

30-Sep-17

PER13027

Bulldock 25EC

Various insect pests

30-Sep-15

PER13029

Trichlorfon

Various insect pests

31-May-14

PER14286

Actara Insecticide (thiamethoxam)

Mango seed weevil

30-Sep-15

PER14147

SCHOLAR (FLUDIOXONIL)

Anthracnose, stem end rot and dendritic spot

30-JUN-15

Abamectin

Two-spotted mites and onion thrips

30-Apr-15

Lettuce

Macadamia

Mango

Mung bean PER13293

WA Grower SUMMER 2013

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permit No.

Chemical

Treats

Expiry date

PER13604

Cabrio Fungicide (pyraclostrobin)

Powdery mildew

30-Jun-15

PER12848

Carbendazim

Dry bubble, wet bubble and green mould

30-Sep-14

PER12645

Prochloraz

Cobweb disease

31-Mar-17

PER12172

Pestigas

Mushroom flies

30-Jun-15

PER12965

Imazalil

Green mould

31-Jul-17

PER13293

Abamectin

Two-spotted mites and onion thrips

30-Apr-15

PER13626

Metolachlor

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

30-Jun-17

PER14414

Natrasoap insecticidal soap spray

Lace bug

30-Sep-23

PER13999

Dimethoate

Various insect pests

5-Oct-14

PER13868

Fenthion

Olive lace bug and Rutherglen bug

30-Oct-14

PER13267

Insegar 250 W Insect Growth Regulator (fenoxycarb)

Black olive scale

31-Mar-14

PER12853

Avatar (indoxacarb)

Apple weevil

31-Mar-14

PER12228

Ethephon

Fruit loosening

30-Nov-13

PER11360

Copper

Fungal leaf spot and fruit rot

31-Mar-17

PER13316

Various herbicides

Various weeds

30-Sep-17

PER12397

Alpha-cypermethrin

Red-legged earth mite, onion thrips

30-Nov-14

PER11854

Switch Fungicide

White rot, black mould, botrytis

31-Mar-14

PER11851

Basagran (bentazone-sodium)

Broadleaf weeds

31-Mar-14

PER11450

Ethofumesate (Tramat)

Grass weeds

30-Jun-15

PER6791

Termidor (fipronil)

Giant termite

30-Nov-13

PER14106

Various

Regulation of excessive plant growth for amenity purposes

30-Sep-18

PER10897

Imidacloprid

Sap sucking insects and leaf eating beetles

31-Jan-15

PER14225

Copper oxychloride, Mancozeb and Triforine

Myrtle rust

30-Sep-18

PER12753

Naturalure Fruit Fly Bait Concentrate

Mediterranean fruit fly and Queensland fruit fly

31-Mar-14

PER12378

Acephate

Western flower thrips

31-Oct-15

PER9424

Methiocarb

Green snail

30-Jun-16

PER12156

Triadimenol, Triforine, Mancozeb, Azoxystrobin, Copper oxychloride, oxycarboxin and propiconazole

Myrtle rust (Uredo rangelii)

30-Aug-18

PER13290

Dimethoate

Queensland fruit fly and Mediterranean fruit fly

5-Oct-14

PER14098

Paramite Selective Miticide (etoxazole)

Two-spotted mite

30-Jun-18

PER13671

Bulldock 25 EC

Fruit-spotting bug and the banana-spotting bug

31-Oct-17

PER12592

Chlorothalonil and Difenoconazole

Black spot and brown spot

30-Jun-20

PER14097

Abamectin and Fenbutatin oxide

Two-spotted mite

30-Jun-18

PER13657

Abamectin

Two-spotted mite

31-Mar-14

PER13656

Rovral Aquaflo Fungicide

Various diseases

30-Sep-14

PER12823

Trifluralin

Various broad leaf and grass weeds

30-Jun-21

PER12399

Ridomil Gold MZ Systemic and Protective Fungicide

Downy mildew

30-Sep-16

PER13303

Coragen Insecticide

Heliothis, cluster caterpillar

31-Mar-15

PER11850

Lambda-cyhalothrin

ed-legged earth mite, Rutherglen bug, grey cluster bug, R looper, plague thrips

31-Aug-15

Mushrooms

Navy beans

Olives

Ornamentals

Papaya

Paprika

Parsley

WA Grower SUMMER 2013

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permits (cont.) Permit No.

Chemical

Treats

Expiry date

PER12016

Mancozeb

Anthracnose and septoria

31-Mar-15

PER14032

Chlorthal-dimethyl

Various broadleaf weeds and grasses

31-Mar-23

PER13499

Diazinon

Onion maggot

31-Mar-17

PER13396

Methomyl

Thrips and western flower thrips

30-Jun-15

PER13121

Ridomil Gold 25G (metalaxyl-M)

Pythium and phytophthora

30-Nov-16

PER12048

Prometryn

Weeds

30-Sep-15

PER11348

Clethodim

Grass weeds

31-Mar-22

PER10758

Pendimethalin

Grasses and broadleaf weeds

31-Jan-14

PER14184

Phosphorous (phosphonic) acid

Damping off and downy mildew

30-Jun-17

PER11935

Triadimenol

Powdery mildew

30-Jun-17

PER13696

Trifluralin

Wintergrass

31-Mar-18

PER12357

Linuron

Grass and broadleaf weeds

30-Sep-15

Parsnip

PER12354

Ridomil Gold 25G (metalaxyl-M)

Pythium spp. and Phytophthora spp.

30-Apr-14

PER13394

Fluazifop

Grass weeds

30-Sep-15

PER12391

Prodigy Insecticide

Lepidopteran pests

30-Sep-17

PER8930

Phorate

Aphids, jassids, mites, thrips and onion maggot

31-Jul-16

PER14047

Methidathion

Rutherglen bug

30-Jun-18

PER12378

Acephate

Western flower thrips

31-Oct-15

PER11440

Sumiclex 500 (procymidone)

Sclerotinia rot

31-Jan-15

PER10979

Bupirimate

Powdery mildew

30-Sep-14

PER12447

Teldor 500 SC Fungicide

Botrytis rot

31-May-16

PER12906

Acramite Miticide (bifenazate)

Two-spotted mite

31-Mar-18

PER13029

Trichlorfon

Various insect pests

31-May-14

PER13027

Bulldock 25EC

Various insect pests

30-Sep-15

PER12111

Alpha-cypermethrin and maldison

Various pests

31-Mar-15

PER13334

Dimethoate

Rutherglen bug and wingless grasshoppers

5-Oct-14

PER12110

Permethrin

European house borer

31-Mar-15

PER12704

Flumetsulam

Broadleaved weeds

31-Mar-15

PER10457

Dimethoate

Red mite and flat mite

5-Oct-14

PER11723

Chlorpyrifos

African black beetle

31-Oct-14

PER14308

Success Neo or Delegate

Carob moth

30-Jun-15

PER14219

Mancozeb

Antracnose and panicle and shoot blight

31-Dec-14

PER14218

Switch Fungicide

Anthracnose and panicle and shoot blight

31-Dec-14

PER14217

Pristine Fungicide

Anthracnose, panicle and shoot blight

31-Dec-14

PER13243

Iprodione

Botrytis rot and alternaria leaf spot

30-Jun-15

PER11731

Paraquat and diquat (SpraySeed)

Annual grass and broadleaf weeds

31-Mar-15

PER11731

Paraquat and diquat (SpraySeed)

Annual grass and broadleaf weeds

31-Mar-15

PER13954

Copper salts

uppression of botryosphaeria, alternaria alternata and S bacterial dieback

31-Mar-22

PER11393

Captan

Anthracnose and phytopthora fruit rots

30-Sep-15

PER14252

Samurai Systemic Insecticide (clothianidin)

Fruit flies

30-Jun-15

Chlorpyrifos

Black beetle, wingless grasshopper, red-legged earth mite

30-Sep-14

Peppers

Persimmon

Pine

Pinapple

Pistachio

Potato PER10283

WA Grower SUMMER 2013

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permit No.

Chemical

Treats

Expiry date

PER10822

Sodium hypochlorite

Various insect and fungal pests

1-Feb-14

PER12612

Alpha-cypermethrin

Garden weevil

30-Apr-16

PER12504

Permethrin

Cucumber moth Larvae (Phakelura indica)

31-Dec-13

PER11768

Chlorpyrifos

African black beetle

31-Mar-15

PER11951

Phosphorous acid

Downy mildew

31-Mar-15

PER11855

Betanal (phenmedipham)

Broadleaf weeds

30-Jun-14

PER11848

Clethodim

Grass weeds

30-Sep-15

PER11352

Walabi Fungicide

Botrytis and alternaria

30-Sep-14

PER12054

Propiconazole

Cercospora leaf spot, rust, septoria leaf spot

31-Aug-14

PER11441

Propachlor

Grass and broadleaf weeds

31-Dec-19

PER11350

Mancozeb

Alternaria, cercospora leaf spot, white blister

31-Mar-15

PER10914

Azoxystrobin

Powdery mildew, downy mildew and white blister rust

31-MAY-14

PER13035

Clethodim

Control of grasses

30-Sep-16

PER11451

Chlorothalonil

Various fungal diseases

30-Jun-18

PER13444

Propiconazole

Cercospora

31-Mar-17

PER13303

Coragen Insecticide

Heliothis, cluster caterpillar

31-Mar-15

PER11935

Triadimenol

Powdery mildew

30-Jun-17

PER10908

Tebuconazole

Sclerotonia rot

31-Mar-14

PER14048

Pendimethalin

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

31-Mar-23

PER13090

Alpha-cypermethrin

Various insect pests

31-May-15

PER11949

Lambda-Cyhalothrin

Various insects

31-Mar-15

Copper

Specified fungal diseases

30-Jun-15

PER13441

Ambush Emulsifiable Concentrate Insecticide

reen peach aphid, green looper, light brown apple moth and G budworms

31-Mar-17

PER14212

Imidacloprid

Aphids

30-Jun-18

PER13586

Phos acid

Downy mildew

30-Jun-14

PER13300

Abamectin

Broad mite

31-DEC-16

PER13152

MCPA 250 Selective Herbicide

Broadleaf weeds

30-Sep-16

PER12384

Dual Gold Herbicide (S-metolachlor)

Various weeds

31-Aug-15

PER11358

Clethodim

Grass weeds listed on label

30-Jun-14

PER13090

Alpha-cypermethrin

Various insect pests

31-May-15

PER12008

Ramrod Herbicide (propachlor)

Annual grasses and broadleaf weeds

30-Sep-15

PER14127

Pendimethalin

Weeds

31-Aug-18

Permethrin

Cucumber moth larvae (Phakelura indica)

31-Dec-13

Fluazifop

Grass weeds

30-Sep-14

PER13677

Hy Mal Insecticide

Fruit fly bait spray

30-Jun-16

PER13087

Pristine Fungicide

Various diseases

30-Sep-17

PER13006

Switch Fungicide (cyprodinil + fludioxonil)

Grey mould

31-Mar-15

PER13005

Acramite Miticide (bifenazate)

Two-spotted mite and European red spider mite

31-Mar-15

PER13004

Teldor 500SC Fungicide (fenhexamid)

Grey mould

31-Mar-15

Pumpkin

Radicchio

Radish

Rambutan PER13702 Rhubarb

Rocket

Rockmelon PER12504 Rosemary PER11170 Rubus

WA Grower SUMMER 2013

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permits (cont.) Permit No.

Chemical

Treats

Expiry date

PER13958

Various products

Various fungal blights

31-Mar-18

PER12927

Dow AgroSciences Success Neo (spinetoram)

Fruit fly (Suppression only)

31-May-14

PER14138

Chlorothalonil

Various fungal diseases

30-Sep-14

PER12927

Dow AgroSciences Success Neo (spinetoram)

Fruit fly (suppression only)

31-May-14

PER13087

Pristine Fungicide

Various diseases

30-Sep-17

PER13006

Switch Fungicide (cyprodinil + fludioxonil)

Grey mould

31-Mar-15

PER13005

Acramite Miticide (bifenazate)

Two-spotted mite and European red spider mite

31-Mar-15

PER13004

Teldor 500SC Fungicide (fenhexamid)

Grey mould

31-Mar-15

PER12940

Maldison

Fruit fly

31-May-14

PER14233

Carfentrazone

Sucker control

31-Mar-16

PER12111

Alpha-cypermethrin and maldison

Various pests

31-Mar-15

PER13334

Dimethoate

Rutherglen bug and wingless grasshoppers

5-Oct-14

PER12109

Bifenthrin

Redlegged earth mite and bryobia mite

31-Mar-15

PER12301

Shield Systemic Insecticide (clothianidin)

Various insects

30-Jun-16

PER12046

Metosulam, pendimethlain, sulfometuron, gibberellic acid, 6-benzyladenine and paclobutrazol

30-Jun-15

PER12046

Metosulam, pendimethlain, sulfometuron, gibberellic acid, 6-benzyladenine and paclobutrazol

30-Jun-15

PER12418

Basta

Weeds

31-Dec-15

PER11041

Atrazine

Broadleaf and annual grass weeds

30-Sep-14

PER12704

Flumetsulam

Broadleaved weeds

31-Mar-15

PER11723

Chlorpyrifos

African black beetle

31-Oct-14

PER10824

Copper Oxychloride, Cuprous Oxide or Cupric Hydroxide

Downy mildew

30-Sep-14

PER13626

Metolachlor

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

30-Jun-17

PER13394

Fluazifop

Grass weeds

30-Sep-15

PER8930

Phorate

Aphids, jassids, mites, thrips and onion maggot

31-Jul-16

PER13584

Tribunil Herbicide

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

30-Jun-14

PER14142

Ioxynil

Broad leaf and grass weeds

31-Mar-16

PER14080

Lannate L (methomyl)

Western flower thrips

30-Sep-14

PER14073

Diazinon

Thrips (excluding WFT) and onion seedling maggot

30-Jun-18

PER14048

Pendimethalin

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

31-Mar-23

PER13653

Maldison

Onion thrips

30-Sep-14

Sandalwood

Shallots

PER13257

Select Herbicide (clethodim)

Grass weeds as per label including winter grass (Poa annua)

31-Mar-17

PER13205

Secure 360 SC (chlorfenapyr)

Western flower thrips

30-Jun-17

PER13203

Dimethomorph and Mancozeb

Downy mildew, purple blotch and botrytis rots

31-Mar-17

PER12008

Ramrod Herbicide (propachlor)

Annual grasses and broadleaf weeds

30-Sep-15

PER12862

Zineb

Anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.)

31-JUL-14

PER13658

Flint 500 WG (trifloxystrobin)

Various diseases

30-Sep-14

PER13655

Propiconazole

Various fungi

30-Jun-14

PER11991

Legend Fungicide (quinoxyfen)

Powdery mildew

31-Mar-16

PER13626

Metolachlor

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

30-Jun-17

PER13090

Alpha-cypermethrin

Various insect pests

31-May-15

PER12008

Ramrod Herbicide (propachlor)

Annual grasses and broadleaf weeds

30-Sep-15

PER11951

Phosphorous acid

Downy mildew

31-Mar-15

Silverbeet

100

WA Grower SUMMER 2013

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permit No.

Chemical

Treats

Expiry date

PER14081

Tramat 500 SC Selective Herbicide (ethofumesate)

Various weeds

31-Jul-14

PER13673

Ridomil Gold MZ WG

Late Blight, septoria leaf blight and downy mildew

30-Sep-16

PER11352

Walabi Fungicide

Botrytis and alternaria

30-Sep-14

PER10908

Tebuconazole

Sclerotonia rot

31-Mar-14

PER13899

Etoxazole

Two-spotted mite

31-Mar-15

PER13633

Pyrimethanil

Botrytis

30-Jun-14

PER14033

Lambda-cyhalothrin

Pasture webworm, cutworm, Rutherglen bug and thrips

31-May-18

PER13497

Acrobat

Downy mildew

30-Apr-14

PER12399

Ridomil Gold MZ Systemic and Protective Fungicide

Downy mildew

30-Sep-16

PER11964

Chlorothalonil (Bravo)

Downy mildew and chocolate spot

31-Mar-18

PER10988

Bladex 900 WG (cyanazine)

Broadleaf weeds

31-Mar-15

PER10976

Bentazone

Broadleaf weeds

31-Mar-15

PER12846

Abamectin

Two-spotted mite

30-Sep-17

PER13626

Metolachlor

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

30-Jun-17

PER13658

Flint 500 WG (trifloxystrobin)

Various diseases

30-Sep-14

PER13090

Alpha-cypermethrin

Various insect pests

31-May-15

Snow peas

Spinach

PER12862

Zineb

Anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.)

31-Jul-14

PER12008

Ramrod Herbicide (propachlor)

Annual grasses and broadleaf weeds

30-Sep-15

PER11951

Phosphorous acid

Downy mildew

31-Mar-15

PER13673

Ridomil Gold MZ WG

Late blight, septoria leaf blight and downy mildew

30-Sep-16

PER11855

Betanal (phenmedipham)

Broadleaf weeds

30-Jun-14

PER11352

Walabi Fungicide

Botrytis and alternaria

30-Sep-14

PER10908

Tebuconazole

Sclerotonia rot

31-Mar-14

PER14081

Tramat 500 SC Selective Herbicide (ethofumesate)

Various weeds

31-Jul-14

PER14048

Pendimethalin

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

31-Mar-23

PER14142

Ioxynil

Broad leaf and grass weeds

31-Mar-16

PER14073

Diazinon

Thrips (excluding WFT) and onion seedling maggot

30-Jun-18

Spring onion

PER13257

Select Herbicide (clethodim)

Grass weeds as per label including winter grass (Poa annua)

31-Mar-17

PER13205

Secure 360 SC (chlorfenapyr)

Western flower thrips

30-Jun-17

PER14080

Lannate L (methomyl)

Western flower thrips

30-Sep-14

PER13900

Pirimicarb

Aphids

31-Mar-14

PER10824

Copper Oxychloride, Cuprous Oxide or Cupric Hydroxide

Downy mildew

30-Sep-14

PER14142

Ioxynil

Broad leaf and grass weeds

31-Mar-16

PER13653

Maldison

Onion thrips

30-Sep-14

PER13626

Metolachlor

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

30-Jun-17

PER13584

Tribunil Herbicide

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

30-Jun-14

PER13394

Fluazifop

Grass weeds

30-Sep-15

PER13203

Dimethomorph and Mancozeb

Downy mildew, purple blotch and botrytis rots

31-Mar-17

PER12008

Ramrod Herbicide (propachlor)

Annual grasses and broadleaf weeds

30-Sep-15

PER12397

Alpha-cypermethrin

Red-legged earth mite, onion thrips

30-Nov-14

PER8930

Phorate

Aphids, jassids, mites, thrips and onion maggot

31-Jul-16

Permethrin

Cucumber moth larvae (Phakelura indica)

31-Dec-13

Squash PER12504

WA Grower SUMMER 2013

101

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permits (cont.) Permit No.

Chemical

Treats

Expiry date

PER12690

Trichlorfon

Mediterranean fruit fly

31-May-14

PER12907

Maldison

Fruit fly

31-May-14

PER14252

Samurai Systemic Insecticide (clothianidin)

Fruit fly

30-Jun-15

PER13038

Phosphorous acid

Phytophthora

31-Oct-14

PER12940

Maldison

Fruit fly

31-May-14

PER13941

Bifenazate

Two-spotted mite

30-Jun-14

PER13542

Maldison

Rutherglen bug

30-Jun-17

PER13539

Switch Fungicide

Various diseases

31-Mar-14

PER13377

Proclaim Insecticide (emamectin)

Cluster caterpillar, heliothis, lightbrown apple moth and looper

30-Sep-15

PER13331

Admiral Insect Growth Regulator (pyriproxyfen)

Greenhouse and silverleaf whitefly

31-Oct-15

PER12927

Dow AgroSciences Success Neo (spinetoram)

Fruit fly (suppression only)

31-May-14

PER13749

Maldison

Fruit fly

31-May-14

PER12399

Ridomil Gold MZ Systemic and Protective Fungicide

Downy mildew

30-Sep-16

PER14185

Chess Insecticide

Aphids

30-Jun-15

PER10976

Bentazone

Broadleaf weeds

31-Mar-15

PER14033

Lambda-cyhalothrin

Pasture webworm, cutworm, Rutherglen bug and thrips

31-May-18

PER13633

Pyrimethanil

Botrytis

30-Jun-14

PER12846

Abamectin

Two-spotted mite

30-Sep-17

PER11964

Chlorothalonil (Bravo)

Downy mildew and chocolate spot

31-Mar-18

PER10988

Bladex 900 WG (cyanazine)

Broadleaf weeds

31-Mar-15

PER13303

Coragen Insecticide

Heliothis, cluster caterpillar

31-Mar-15

PER11935

Triadimenol

Powdery mildew

30-Jun-17

PER11441

Propachlor

Grass and broadleaf weeds

31-Dec-19

PER11350

Mancozeb

Alternaria, cercospora leaf spot, white blister

31-Mar-15

PER13657

Abamectin

Two-spotted mite

31-Mar-14

PER13116

Propiconazole

Northern corn leaf blight

31-Mar-16

PER13352

Chlorpyrifos

Sweet potato weevil and wireworm

31-Mar-14

PER13153

Regent 200 SC

White fringed weevil and wireworm

31-Dec-16

PER13151

Mouseoff and Rattoff Zinc Phosphide Baits

House mouse and introduced rats

31-Dec-16

PER12047

Tecto Flowable SC Fungicide (thiabendazole)

Field rots caused by scurf and root rot

30-Sep-16

PER13902

Phorate

phids, thrips, jassids and organophosphate susceptible two A spotted mite and wireworm

31-Mar-18

PER13395

Methomyl

Heliothis, cucumber moth and cluster caterpillar

30-Sep-17

PER13394

Fluazifop

Grass weeds

30-Sep-15

PER13704

Azoxystrobin

Specified diseases

30-Jun-17

PER13831

Acetamiprid

Mealy bug, fungus gnat larvae and tea tree psyllid

30-Jun-17

PER13794

Imidacloprid

Various insect pests

31-Mar-17

PER13792

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) kurstaki

Various insect pests

31-Mar-18

PER13316

Various herbicides

Various weeds

30-Sep-17

PER13793

Potassium Bicarbonate

Specified fungal diseases

31-Mar-18

PER13791

Mono-di potassium phosphite or Pottassium phosphonate

Specified fungal diseases

30-Jun-16

Strawberries

Sugar snap pease

Swede

Sweet corn

Sweet potato

Tea tree

102

WA Grower SUMMER 2013

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permit No.

Chemical

Treats

Expiry date

PER13790

Mancozeb

Specific fungal diseases

30-Jun-18

PER14114

Various actives

Various pests and diseases

31-Mar-16

PER12906

Acramite Miticide (bifenazate)

Two-spotted mite

31-Mar-18

PER12378

Acephate

Western flower thrips

31-Oct-15

PER13675

Maldison

ueensland, Mediterranean and lesser Queensland fruit fly Q and cucumber fly

31-May-18

PER12514

Sencor 480 SC (metribuzin)

Weed control

31-Dec-15

PER13721

Switch

Grey mould (Botrytis)

31-May-16

PER14100

Buprofezin

Greenhouse whitefly

30-Sep-14

PER13726

Trifloxystrobin

Powdery mildew

31-May-16

PER13725

Chess

Greenhouse whitefly, silverleaf whitefly, green peach aphid

31-May-16

PER13724

Previcur

Root rot

31-May-16

PER13723

Avatar

eliothis (corn earworm), looper, cluster caterpillar, H leafhoppers, green mirid

31-May-16

PER13722

Teldor 500SC Fungicide

Grey mould (botrytis)

31-May-16

PER13720

Pristine

Powdery mildew

31-May-16

PER13716

Abrade Abrasive Barrier Insecticide

Various insect pests

31-Jan-16

PER13303

Coragen Insecticide

Heliothis, cluster caterpillar

31-Mar-15

PER11935

Triadimenol

Powdery mildew

30-Jun-17

PER11441

Propachlor

Grass and broadleaf weeds

31-Dec-19

PER11350

Mancozeb

Alternaria, cercospora leaf spot, white blister

31-Mar-15

Tomatoes

Turnip

Various vegetables PER14074

Chlorpyrifos

Various insect pests

31-Mar-14

PER14038

Products containing Copper

Various diseases

30-Sep-23

PER13111

Chess Insecticide (pymetrozine)

Silverleaf whitefly, lettuce aphid

31-May-14

PER14045

Mancozeb + Metalaxyl

Various fungal diseases

31-Mar-18

PER13695

Ecocarb Fungicide

Powdery mildew

30-Sep-17

PER12753

Naturalure Fruit Fly Bait Concentrate

Mediterranean fruit fly and Queensland fruit fly

31-Mar-14

PER13939

Diquat, Paraquat and Simazine

Weed control

31-Mar-22

PER13937

Phosphonic acid

Phytopthora root rot

30-Sep-17

PER13214

Mancozeb and Copper

Bacterial blight

31-Mar-22

PER12504

Permethrin

Cucumber moth larvae (Phakelura indica)

31-Dec-13

PER13011

Rotenone

Exotic or pest fish

30-Oct-20

PER12906

Acramite Miticide (bifenazate)

Two-spotted mite

31-Mar-18

PER12504

Permethrin

Cucumber moth larvae (Phakelura indica)

31-Dec-13

Walnuts

Watermelons

Zucchini

WA Grower SUMMER 2013

103

WA Grower ADVERTISING SPECIFICATIONS

Preferred format: press ready PDF

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HALF PAGE vegetablesWA

Half page without bleed 190mm wide x 130mm high

Horticultural House 103 Outram Street, West Perth 6005

t: (08) 9481 0834 f: (08) 9481 0024 e: finance@vegetableswa.com.au

ONE THIRD PAGE One third page without bleed 60mm wide x 254mm high

WA Grower advertiser contacts

104

Name

Website/Email

Clause Pacific (p51)

www.hmclause.com

Address

Contact name

Contact number

PO Box 475, Bulleen, VIC 3105

Kevin Swan

0400 622 314

Colquhouns Fremantle Bag Company (p67) www.colquhouns.com.au

Unit 1 2-4 Purdy Place, Canning Vale, WA 6155

Matt Hosking

(08) 9456 0566

C-Wise (p25)

www.cwise.com.au

Nambeelup Road, Nambeelup, WA 6207

David Sharp

(08) 9581 9582

Delta Water Solution (p45)

wwwdeltawater.com.au

PO Box 507, HRMC, NSW 2310

Dianne Panov

1800 283 600

Dobmac Ag Machinery (OBC)

www.dobmac.com.au

36-38 Industrial Drive, Ulverstone, TAS 7315

Mark Dobson

(03) 6425 5533

G & S Seedling Nursery (p61)

www.gsseedlings.com.au

1 Dunstan Road, Nowergup WA 6032

Glenn McKay

(08) 9407 5400

Global Omega-Gro (p29)

www.omegagro.com

2 Alerton Way, Booragoon, WA 6154

Len Palladino

(08) 9315 1844

Landmark (p53)

www.landmark.com.au

32 Farrall Road, Midvale, WA 6056

Doug Zekulich (08) 9274 6800 Daryl Collins

Peacock Bros Pty Ltd (p19)

www.peacocks.com.au

Unit 8, 28 Belmont Avenue, Rivervale, WA 6103

Perth Energy (p81)

www.perthenergy.com.au

Level 4, 165 Adelaide Terrace, East Perth, WA 6004

Solar Gain (p34)

www.solargain.com.au

10 Milly Court, Malaga, WA 6090

United Crate (p2)

www.unicrate.com.au

1 Zanni Street, Canning Vale, WA 6155

WA Crates (IBC)

service@wacrates.com.au Crate Yard, Market City, 280 Bannister Road, Canning Vale, WA 6155

WA Grower SUMMER 2013

(08) 9475 3700 (08) 9420 0300

Keith Lynch

0458 600 566 (08) 9455 1540 (08) 9456 4092

WA crates

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0 email: service@wacrates.com.au

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