wa grower october 08

Header

SINCE 1948

vegetablesWA New President

Maureen Dobra

Vol. 41 No 3. OCTOBER 2008

$19.00 + GSTP.P 602669/00248

4Vegetables & Fruit for health and

healing

Demand - for potatoes grows

vegelinkProtecting your crop

spud cornerWater services bill update

LOCAL

ISSUES

14Market City Ball Awards

FEATURES

This month

protecting your crop

23 vegelink

4 ‘Vegetables & Fruit for Health & Healing’ launched

6 WA carrot industry outlook firmsonstrongdemand

8 Early growth is key to success for vegetables

10 Acelebrationofmushrooms

13 Good Practice Guide Soil chapter now available

14 Market City ball

16 Award winners

20 New vegetable irrigation schedulingsystem

22 Thelasttime- President’smessage

23 VegeLink

29 Biosecurity Australia

33 Grower survey

35 What happens when your produceleavesthefarm?

38 Nitrogen fertiliser management

40 Editorial

41 Spud Corner

This month

water services bill update

41 spud corner

Market City Ball Awards

• Agspread• Bejo Seeds• Brandt Electrical• Carefree Water Conditioners• ChemCert• Clause Pacific• DrumMuster• DuPont• Fairbanks Seeds• Global Omega-Grow• Landmark

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

Cover Photo of Maureen Dobra by Figaro Natoli

President Maureen Dobra Gingin t: 9575 2086 m: 0417 174 110 e: [email protected]

Vice President Andrew Bogdanich Gingin t: 9575 7741 m: 0419 248 422 e: [email protected]

Treasurer Jason Neave Carabooda m: 0418 927 410 e: [email protected]

Magazine Editor Figaro Natoli Wanneroo t: 9405 4817 m: 0438 628 517 e: [email protected]

Committee H. Shapland t: 9845 1064 Albany D. Anderson m: 0418 195 759 Baldivis J. Trandos m: 0417 979 461 Broome K. Sue m: 0417 986 467 Busselton M. Nanovich m: 0407 401 664 Carabooda L. Canzirri m: 0438 004 015 Carabooda M. Le m: 0417 962 427 Wanneroo R. Shain t: 9941 8419 Carnarvon R. Kuzmacich t: 9941 8185 Carnarvon B. Metcalfe t: 9926 1364 Geraldton P. Bogdanich m: 0421 575 124 Gingin P. Humble m: 0419 917 302 Green House Growers Assn. K. Edwards m: 0427 724 243 Manjimup A. Marinovich m: 0419 801 824 Myalup S. Calameri m: 0418 957 236 South Metro D. Ellement m: 0417 975 158 South Metro

Contact Details for Office vegetablesWA Horticultural House 103 Outram Street West Perth 6005 t: (08) 9481 0834 f: (08) 9481 0024 e: [email protected]

Executive Officer Jim Turley m: 0410 697 842 e: [email protected]

WA Industry Development Officer David Ellement m: 0408 941 318 e: [email protected]

Research Manager Gavin Foord t: 0419 939 209 e: [email protected]

Finance / Administrator Valeria Kozak t: 9481 0834 e: [email protected]

vegetablesWA Reporter Linda Manning B. Bus. (Hort), B.App.Sci (Biol.) Hons, MSc. t: 9434 2628 e: [email protected]

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

vegetablesWA

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

This issue of the WA Grower is brought to you by:

Produced by vegetablesWA14

vegetablesWA SubscriptionAnnual Subscription $75.00 (inc. gst)

To the SecretaryvegetablesWA

103 Outram Street West Perth WA 6005Tel: (08) 9481 0834 Fax: (08) 9481 0024

Name ............................................................................................

Company: .....................................................................................

Address: ........................................................................................

...............................................................Postcode: ......................

Telephone: .....................................................................................

What is your role in horticulture? ....................................................

Date of application: ........................................................................

Signed: ..........................................................................................

4 WA Grower October 2008

Benefits of Vegetables & Fruits

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

Linda Manning

VegetablesWA is working withthefederalgovernment,Western Potatoes and

EdithCowanUniversitytoputmorevegetables on the table of Western Australianfamilies.

Theycommissionedareviewoftheworld literature on how vegetables and fruit prevent chronic diseases and howtheyassisthealingdisease.

Nutritionists,DrAmandaDevine,aseniorlecturerinnutrition,andStephanieMcFaull,aseniorresearcher,bothfromEdithCowanUniversitywrotethereport,

‘Vegetables and Fruit for Health and Healing’.

They found that Australians are not very healthy and that we can change thatbyeatingmorevegetablesandfruit.

We are now one of the ‘fattest’ nations on the planet with childhood obesity rivalling the high levels in the USandexceedingthatoftheUK.AlmostonemillionpeopleinAustraliahavediabetesandourgovernmentspends over $50 billion a year on variousdiseasesandconditions.

Cancer alone costs Australian taxpayers$2.78billionayearanditisestimatedthatpoordietaccountsforapproximately30%ofallcancers.

Thethemeofthisliteraturereviewisto reduce diabetes and cancer and the cost to the nation by increasing theamountofvegetableseaten.

AmandaDevineholdsaPhDinnutritionandbonehealthfromUWAand Bachelor of Applied Science (NutritionandFoodScience)fromCurtinUniversity.Shehasbeeninvolved in osteoporosis research

‘Vegetables & Fruit for Health & Healing’ launch at Western Potatoes Claremont 27 August 2008. The Hon. Kim Chance (right) with David Anderson and Dr Amanda Devine

5WA Grower October 2008

Benefits of Vegetables & Fruits

since 1990 and is interested in lifestyle approaches to the prevention of chronic diseases and the health of elderlywomen.

RayWilson,CEOWesternPotatoes,then presented ‘A Review of Macro Trends Driving Changes in Fruit and Vegetable Production, Distribution and Retailing’ and ‘Consumer Behaviour and Attitudes Towards Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and Preventative Health’.

Ray Wilson believes that this is the firsttimethatalltheavailableresearch

has been bought together in one place.Withthisinformation,ateam(to be set up) will be able to design an educationandmarketingcampaigntolifttheconsumptionoffruitandvegetablesinAustralia.

The underlying belief is that a diet rich in fruit and vegetables provides significant health benefits and is the key factor in reducing and preventing cancer,cardiovasculardisease,diabetes,musculoskeletalconditions,poormentalhealth,andmetabolicsyndrome.

Ray Wilson, CEO Western Potatoes

Dr Amanda DevineBelow: Nutritionist Margaret Miller and Professor Mike Daube attended the launch. Mike Daube is the Director of the Public Health Advocacy Institute

(PHAI) at Curtin University.

WA Grower October 2008

Header

WA carrot industry outlook firms on strong domestic demandCarrots remained Western Australia’s leading vegetable export in 2007/08

Header HeaderHeaderCarrot industry

6

Western Australian carrots have an outstanding reputationforquality,

reliability and food safety which contributestostrongmarketdemand.Increasedinterstatesalesin2007/08were the result of water shortages in easternAustraliaand,particularlyinthesecondhalfof2007,productiondidnotmeetoverallmarketdemand.

Increased sales of WA carrots to easternAustraliareducedthevolumesavailable for international sales and exportvolumefell.WAaccountedfor88percentofAustraliancarrotexports(byvalue)in2007/08.

WA carrot quality and production efficiencycontinuetoimprovewithinvestmentinproductionand

packagingtechnology.About60per cent of WA carrot production wasexportedin2007/08.WAcarrotexportsarenowdominatedbythreecompanies:twoverticallyintegratedproduction,packingandexportingoperations,andonepacker/exportersuppliedbycontractgrowers.

Followingasmallincreaseinexportsin2006/07,WAcarrotsdeclined12per cent in value and 16 per cent in volumein2007/08toA$33.8million(fob)and49,415tonnesrespectively(seeFigure1).

MajorexportmarketsaretheUnitedArabEmirates,Singapore,MalaysiaandSaudiArabia.In2007/08,shipmentstotheMiddleEastweredown9percentinvaluetoA$16.8millionbutstillstrong,taking50percentofWAcarrotexports.InthepastsevenyearsnewmarketshavebeendevelopedinOman,QatarandSaudiArabia.ExportstoMalaysia,whereChinese carrots are providing strong competition,continuedtodecline,

Allan McKay and Dick Taylor, Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia

New carrot packing line at Sumich’s West Hills Farm


HeaderCarrot industry

beingdown16percentto$4.9million.In2007,Malaysiancarrotimportstotalled60,000tonneswith81percentsuppliedbyChina,15percentfromAustraliaand1.2percentfromNewZealand.

Interestingly after a decade of stronggrowth,totalChinesecarrotexportsdeclinedby3percentto418,640tonnesin2007.Howquicklythe increasingly affluent Chinese

domesticmarketabsorbsmoreofthisproductionremainstobeseen.

ContinueddroughtintheMurray-DarlingBasinresultedinlowercarrotproduction in eastern Australia and increaseddemandforWesternAustraliancarrots.DAFWAestimatesthatabout20,000tonnesofWAcarrots were sold in the eastern states in2007/08withavalueofmorethanA$15million.

FortheWAcarrotindustry,theoutlookfor2008/09isforstrongdemandtocontinueinlocal,easternstatesandMiddleEasternmarkets,whilecontinuedcompetitioninsoutheastAsiaisexpectedtolimitopportunities for expansion of exports tothisregion.

Figure 1. Western Australian carrot export value and volume 1992-2008. (Source: ABS, DAFWA)

WA Grower October 2008 7


Fertiliser Research

Giving young vegetable seedlingsakick-startwithextra nitrogen applications

can be a winner for both the grower andtheenvironment,Departmentof Agriculture and Food research is proving.

After eight years of trials and demonstrationplots,bothatMedinaResearch Station and on grower properties,projectleaderDennisPhillipsisconfidentthatmineralfertilisers applied regularly and at low doses can effectively substitute for traditional high applications of poultry manure.

“Spraying newly planted seedling with concentratedureaandpotassiumnitrate for as little as two weeks after planting has increased yield by up to 300percentinsomecases,”hesaid.

“We have tried it on seven different vegetableswithsimilarresponsesbutourresearcheffortismostadvancedwithiceberglettuce.”

The research began with lettuce on a Wanneroo property in 2000 beforeanindustry-widebanontheuseofrawpoultrymanure.TwoHorticulture Australia projects in WA have continued the work since and broadeneditsscope.

“Keepingthemethodsimpleisthewaytogo,”MrPhillipssaid.“Forthisreason,whetheritisbroccoli,lettuce,celeryorothercrops,ourstandardtankmixsinceAugust2006hasbeen20g/Lofureaandthesamerateofpotassiumnitratein1,000Lofwatersprayed over all crops twice a week fromthedayofplanting.”

The nutrient solution is not washed fromthefoliageanddespiteitbeingsaltierthanseawater,seedlingdamageisminimal.Anydamageisoutweighed by the growth response andefficiencygainsfromapplyingfertiliserthisway.

CaraboodagrowerMalcolmNanovichisarecentconverttothenewsystemfor his lettuce crop because fertiliser prices have increased sharply in the lastyear.Thismethodhasallowedhimtogrowthesameamountoflettuceatnoextracostthanbefore,and he is now looking to test the methodonhisbroccolicrops.

“When we started this work we werewarnedbymanygrowersthatwemightgetawaywithitonceortwice but wouldn’t be able to keep doing it for years without loss of yield.Welistenedtothecriticismandhavebeencautiousaboutmaking

prematurerecommendationstogrowers.”

Mr Phillips said the growers with whomtheDepartmentstartedworking in 2000 adopted an early versionofthemethodinlate2001and have used it ever since without returning to their previous practice of applyingpoultrymanurebeforeandduringeverycrop.

AndrewTedescocommentedthathe and his brother Mick have been morethanhappywiththeresultsoverthelastsevenyears.“Onlettuceand Chinese cabbage we have not experienced any decline in yield or quality,”henoted.

Somevegetablegrowerswhohaven’ttriedthemethodhavequestionedthenewrecommendationsforwhattheybelieveisahighlabourinput.

MrPhillipssaidnewtrialsaimedatfindingwaystoreducethis.Theseincludesprayinglessoftenwithmoreconcentrated nutrient solutions and broadcastinggranularNPK-basedproductsforcropestablishmentatthesametimeasthesprays.Resultsofthisworkareverypromisingbutnotyetfinished.

In2007theresearcherssucceededinmakingfurthereconomiesinfertilisingiceberg lettuce without adversely affectingyield.Byextendingthespray application period to four weeks aftertransplantinginwinter,almost80kg/haofnitrogenwassavedwithoutlossofyieldcomparedwithlettucethat was sprayed for only two weeks andthenbanded.

“The fallow period between crops can alsooffersavingsfertilisercosts,”MrPhillipssaid.

Research supports regular, low doses of fertiliser

Early growth is key to success for vegetables

Dennis Phillips Department of Agriculture & Food, WA

8

Mehdi Dalir of Nanovich Farms (left) with Dennis Phillips


Fertiliser Research

“Managementofirrigationduringthisperiod is critical to keep nutrients fromcropresidueswithintherootingdepthofthefollowingcrop.Forsomecrops such as broccoli the nitrogen inthecropresiduecouldalmostsustain a lettuce crop if the residue is managedproperly.”

Anaddedbenefitfromthismethodisthatitisbetterfortheenvironmentthantraditionalpractices.Nitratefertiliser leaching into groundwater is significantly reduced because less fertiliser is applied and the crop uses itmuchmoreefficientlywhensupplymatchesdemand.

“Thisisawin-winsituationwithlowercostsandbetterenvironmentaloutcomes,”hecommented.

We are calling this fertilising process the‘3Phase’methodforeaseoffuturerecognitionbygrowers.

June, 2005 33

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS

96 CLARKSON AVENUE, WANNEROO 6065TELEPHONE: (08) 9405 2956

MOBILE TELEPHONE: 0418 926 551FACSIMILE: (08) 9306 2173

EC Lic No. 000 346

A break from traditionRatherthanholdanopenfield-day,vegetable

growerswereinvitedtomakeanappointmenttoinspectthetrialsatMedina.

Thelessformalformatwaspopularanddespitesomeinclementweather,participantsenjoyeda

moreintimatelookatthisimportantwork.

Vegetable

Your nationalvegetablelevy at work

R&D

Lettuce above are the variety Titanic in trials at Medina and are both 7 weeks old. The two treatments gave the same yield when harvested four weeks later. The only difference being that the fertiliser cost for T6 was $1,000 per hectare less than T6.


HeaderHeaderMushrooms

ThisyearmushroomsareallabouttheBBQ.Toshowpeoplejusthoweasyitwas,

FastEdfromBetterHomesandGardenslitupaBBQoutsidetheBlueWater Grill in Applecross and roasted king size flats along with stuffed

mushrooms,sautéedmushroomsandmushroomtapenade.Italltasteddelicious.

EdHalmagyiistheBBQMushroomAmbassadorfor2008andhecookedupatreat.

Mushroom Retailer of the Year 2008

MushroomMadnessisthetimeoftheyearwhenamysteryshoppervisitsstoresAustralia-widetoseejust how savvy retailers are about

A celebration of mushrooms! The launch of the sizzling barbequed mushroomAustralian mushroom growers honour their retailers and chefs

Linda Manning

2008 Mushroom Retailer of the Year: Super IGA Wembley represented by Tim Jagot (third from left) surrounded by finalists Adrian Smedley from Boatshed Fresh, Jim Neville from Limes Fresh,

and Sergio Paparone from Peaches Fresh and Fast Ed from Better Homes and Gardens. Congratulations.

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

Ed Halmagyi

HeaderMushrooms

Australian mushroom growers honour their retailers and chefs

Linda Manning

Mushroom Mania awards: Winner Hillarys Yacht Club Head Chef Damian Falconer (right) with finalists Jo

Ditri from The Botanical Café and Kylie Clare from the Sail and Anchor Pub and Brewery and Fast Ed from Better Homes and Gardens. Congratulations.

marketingmushrooms.Themysteryshopper selects winning stores that excel in the range and quality of the mushroomdisplay.Themysteryshopper questions staff to see if they knowwhattheyaretalkingabout.

TheMushroomMadnesscampaignsupportstheretailer.TheWesternAustralia2008winnerwasSuperIGAWembley.

Mushroom Mania June 2008

ChefsembracedMushroomManiawithgusto.Inthepastsixyears,restaurants,pubsandclubsfeaturingmushroomsontheirmenuwereinvitedtoparticipateinMushroomMania,whichrunsthewholemonthofJuneeachyear.

MushroomManiaattractedmorethan1800kitchenstoparticipatein2008andisdeemedtobeoneofthefastestgrowingcampaignsinthefoodserviceindustry.Therewere

almosthalfamillionhitstothewww.mushroommania.com.auwebsite.

Doyouknowthatmushroomsarenow the third best seller (by value) behindbananasandtomatoes

throughAustraliansupermarketsandgreengrocers?

What is your organization doing about promoting your product?

TomatoesMERCURY F1

• Indeterminate Gourmet tomato.

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

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

Resistances:HR: ToMV / V / Fol:1,2 / MIR: TSWV

YIELD!!!HERCULES F1

• Hercules is a blocky capsicum. • It produces fruit that are

approximately 11 x 10cm and weigh 300-350gm.

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

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

SPF 30+MERCURY

•

•

•

YIELD!!!SUNSHINE F1

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

• Strong, productive plant with good foliage cover.

• Fast turning bright yellow fruit which remain firm at maturity

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

NEW

TITAN F1

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

• Titan has high yield and very good quality fruit.

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

QUALITY FRUIT!RICH COLOUR + QUALITY

RED JEWEL F1

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

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

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

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

DEO F1

• Deo is large, elongated blocky green turning yellow capsi-cum.

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

Resistances:Intermediate Resistance to TSWV

SIZE + TSWV

Capsicum

TITAN

• Titan (Roma) is a 130-140gm

• Titan has high yield and very • Titan has high yield and very good quality fruit.

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

QUALITY FRUIT!

HR: High/standard resistance.IR: Moderate/intermediate resistance.For key to diseases, please refer to our website: www.clausetezier.comThe descriptions, recommendations and suggestions are offered in goodfaith, for informational purposes only and can therefore in no way act as a guarantee of production.

DEO

•

• Compared to Sunshine, Deo is

Resistances:Intermediate Resistance to TSWV

SIZE + TSWV

HERCULESHERCULES• •

•

SPF 30+

RICH COLOUR + QUALITY

RED JEWEL

•

•

•

WA Sales and Development Manager: Graham Adams Mobile: 0400 622 314 -e-mail: [email protected]

ALWAYS REFER TO THE PRODUCT LABEL BEFORE USE.© 2008 E I du Pont de Nemours and Company (“DuPont”). All rights reserved. Du Pont (Australia) Ltd. 7 Eden Park Drive, Macquarie Park NSW 2113. ACN 000 716 469. The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont™, The miracles of science®, Coragen® and Rynaxypyr™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates. H&T DP1278/WAG

Header

SoilmanagementSOIL MANAGEMENT

PAGE 1

vegetablesWA – Good Practice Guide

Soil management1. Introduction

Soil management is now recognised as a critical component of sustainable vegetable

production on the Swan Coastal Plain. In the past it was suggested that the soil wassimply there to ‘hold up the plant’ and vegetable production was viewed as a form of

‘hydroponics’. The reality is, if we ignore our soils, it becomes increasingly difficult tomaintain crop yields and effectively manage nutrition, irrigation, pests and diseases.Growers are striving to improve soil performance as a means of increasing returns by

reducing nutrition, irrigation and pesticide costs, while maintaining yield.The Nutrient and Water Management chapters addressed current Good Practice tomake good use of fertiliser and irrigation. This chapter outlines strategies to improve soil performance, mainly by increasing soil

organic carbon, with an aim to:Improve irrigation and nutrition efficiencyImprove the resilience of our soil and reverse yield declineReduce our reliance on pesticidesMaintain optimal pHReduce erosion

Much of what is covered in this chapter is focused on issues that are of particularimportance on the Swan Coastal Plain. We suggest you use this information inconjunction with the AUSVEG publications, Healthy Soils for Sustainable VegetableFarms: Ute Guide (Anderson, Kelly and McKenzie, 2007) and the EnviroVeg Manual(Whitman et al, 2007). Both of these contain valuable soils information that isrelevant to vegetable growers across soil types and regions. If you don’t have thesereferences, or for further information, please contact vegetablesWA on 9481 0834 or

email [email protected].

Good Practice Guide Soil.qxp 25/7/08 1:26 PM Page 1

Good Practice - Soil

ALWAYS REFER TO THE PRODUCT LABEL BEFORE USE.© 2008 E I du Pont de Nemours and Company (“DuPont”). All rights reserved. Du Pont (Australia) Ltd. 7 Eden Park Drive, Macquarie Park NSW 2113. ACN 000 716 469. The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont™, The miracles of science®, Coragen® and Rynaxypyr™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates. H&T DP1278/WAG

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

Soil management is now recognised as a critical component of sustainable vegetable



reducing nutrition, irrigation and pesticide costs, while maintaining yield.The Nutrient and Water Management chapters addressed current Good Practice to

This chapter outlines strategies to improve soil performance, mainly by increasing soil

Much of what is covered in this chapter is focused on issues that are of particularimportance on the Swan Coastal Plain. We suggest you use this information inconjunction with the AUSVEG publications, Healthy Soils for Sustainable Vegetable

and the EnviroVeg ManualBoth of these contain valuable soils information that isrelevant to vegetable growers across soil types and regions. If you don’t have thesereferences, or for further information, please contact vegetablesWA on 9481 0834 or

SOIL MANAGEMENT

PAGE 6


2.3 Polyacrylamides

Polyacrylamides work by slowing down the infiltration rate of water through the

soil profile.

Polyacrylamides can assist plant health and growth by maintaining waterand nutrients in the root zone longer. There is no root uptake of theproduct, no phytotoxic effect and over time, the product biodegrades tocarbon and nitrogen compounds.There is a range of products available in liquid and granular forms. Theseare reported to significantly reduce leaching of fertilisers into aquifers,protecting against groundwater pollution and significantly diminishingenvironmental risk.

Trial work in horticultural crops in other states and in broadacre crops inthe wheatbelt has provided encouraging results and there are plans toinclude polyacrylamides in future soils research in vegetable crops in WA(BioCentral, 2007).

While the impacts of polyacrylamides may be short term, they couldpotentially provide immediate cost effective results while building soilcarbon using other practices such as compost and cover crops.

Good Practice Guide Soil.qxp 25/7/08 1:27 PM Page 6

managementmanagementPolyacrylamides work by slowing down the infiltration rate of water through the

soil profile.

Polyacrylamides can assist plant health and growth by maintaining water

This project is funded by the Australian and

Western Australian Governments’ investment in

the Natural Heritage Trust, administered in the

Swan Region by the Swan Catchment Council.

Soil Managementstrategies forimproved soilperformance, betterquality crops, lowercosts and asustainable future.

• Improve irrigation andnutrition efficiency

• Improve the resilienceof our soil and reverseyield decline

• Reduce reliance onpesticides byimproving soil health

• Maintain optimal pH• Reduce erosion

VegBanners1 7/3/08 1:26 PM Page 2

SoilSoilmanagementmanagementmanagementmanagement


Soil managementSoilSoilSoil managementSoilSoilmanagementmanagement

Soil managementmanagementmanagementmanagementmanagement1. IntroductionmanagementmanagementSoil management is now recognised as a critical component of sustainable vegetable





Improve the resilience of our soil and reverse yield declineMaintain optimal pHReduce erosion


(Anderson, Kelly and McKenzie, 2007) and the EnviroVeg ManualBoth of these contain valuable soils information that isrelevant to vegetable growers across soil types and regions. If you don’t have thesereferences, or for further information, please contact vegetablesWA on 9481 0834 or


managementmanagementSoil management is now recognised as a critical component of sustainable vegetable





Improve the resilience of our soil and reverse yield decline


and the EnviroVeg ManualBoth of these contain valuable soils information that isrelevant to vegetable growers across soil types and regions. If you don’t have thesereferences, or for further information, please contact vegetablesWA on 9481 0834 or

managementmanagementSoil management is now recognised as a critical component of sustainable vegetable

This chapter outlines strategies toimprovesoilperformance,mainlybyincreasingsoil

organiccarbon,withanaimto:

Improveirrigationandnutrition• efficiency

Improvetheresilienceofour• soil and reverse yield decline

Reduce our reliance on • pesticides

MaintainoptimalpH•

Reduce erosion•

Soilmanagementisrecognisedasacriticalcomponentofsustainablevegetable production on the Swan CoastalPlain.Inthepastitwassuggestedthatthesoilwassimplythere to ‘hold up the plant’ and vegetable production was viewed asaformof‘hydroponics’.Therealityis,ifweignoreoursoils,itbecomesincreasinglydifficulttomaintaincropyieldsandeffectivelymanagenutrition,irrigation,pestsanddiseases.Growersarestrivingtoimprovesoilperformanceasameansof increasing returns by reducing nutrition,irrigationandpesticidecosts,whilemaintainingyield.

The key reference for this chapter ‘Identifyingthebenefitsofcompostedsoilamendmentstovegetableproduction’ is provided in electronic formonaCDincludedinthepackage.

Much of what is covered in this chapter is focused on issues that are ofparticularimportanceontheSwanCoastalPlain.WesuggestyouusethisinformationinconjunctionwiththeAUSVEGpublications,Healthy

Soils for Sustainable Vegetable Farms:UteGuideandtheEnviroVeg Manual.Both of these containvaluablesoilsinformationthat is relevant to vegetable growers across soil types and regions.

The soil chapter and appendices have been posted to those who already have a copy of the Good Practice Guide.However,ifyouhave a copy of the Guide and havenotreceivedtheseupdates,or if you want a copy of the Guide (including the soil chapter and appendices) please contact HorticultureHouseon94810834.

This Good Practice Guide,produced by vegetablesWA formspartofaprojectfundedbyinvestmentfromboththe Australian and State Governments,throughCaringforOurCountry,theprojectisadministeredintheSwanRegionbytheSwanCatchmentCouncil.

Growers are striving to improve soil performance as a means of increasing returns by

reducing nutrition, irrigation and pesticide costs, while maintaining yield.The Nutrient and Water Management chapters addressed current Good Practice tomake good use of fertiliser and irrigation. This chapter outlines strategies to improve soil performance, mainly by increasing soil

organic carbon, with an aim to:Improve irrigation and nutrition efficiencyImprove the resilience of our soil and reverse yield declineReduce our reliance on pesticidesMaintain optimal pH

Much of what is covered in this chapter is focused on issues that are of particularimportance on the Swan Coastal Plain. We suggest you use this information inconjunction with the AUSVEG publications, Healthy Soils for Sustainable VegetableFarms: Ute Guide (Anderson, Kelly and McKenzie, 2007)(Whitman et al, 2007). Both of these contain valuable soils information that isrelevant to vegetable growers across soil types and regions. If you don’t have thesereferences, or for further information, please contact vegetablesWA on 9481 0834 or



Header

Market City Ball

2008 Winner Best Fresh Produce Section within a Supermarket

– Woolworths KarrinyupMikeDonnellyCEOMarketAuthoritypresentingtheaward‘FreshProduceSectioninaSupermarket’to

GlenWilson,assistantvegetablebuyer,MathewTrichet,seniorbuyerproduceWAandAndrewMiddleberg,

vegetablebuyerWAfromWoolworths.

Winner Minister’s Award for Outstanding Contribution Towards Fresh Produce Promotion – Cancer Council of WA

TheHon.KimChancepresentingtheMinister’sAwardforOutstandingContributionTowardsFreshProducePromotioninWAtotheCancer Council of WA.WithKimChanceisBrendaCheveralls,schoolnutrition

consultant,JessicavanEer,campaignprojectofficer,HayleyEricks,schoolsnutritionprojectofficer,JennyAtkins,managernutritionandphysicalactivityand

RobMcFerran,CFVIWA.

Local Awards

Retailer of the Year AmidthefanfareofthefabulousKylieimpersonatorfloorshow,theRetaileroftheYearawardswerepresentedtogreatapplause.

The awards ceremony was held at the Market City Ball

2008 Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year Open Section – The Herdsman

TheHon.KimChanceMLApresentedbuyerTonyGaspar(thirdfromleft)withtheFreshProduceRetaileroftheYearOpenSectionawardsurroundedbyRonSwain,JimFraser,RyanHiller,RossRussoandBen

CarstairsfromThe Herdsman.

2008 Winner Best Floor Space Less Than 120 square metres

– Scutti, A Taste of EuropeRussellHobbs,PresidentCFVIWA,presentingtrophyforthebestretailerwithafloorspacelessthan120m2 toDominicScutti(right)andhissonsNickandMichael

(centreright)fromScutti, A Taste of Europe.

2008 Winner Best Weekend Produce Retailer – Scotty’s Fremantle MarketsThiswasanewawardtorecognisetheeffortsmadebyindividualstallholderswithinweekendmarketsto

improvethestandardofretailingfreshproduceandwaswon by Scotty’sattheFremantleMarkets.

Local Awards

2008 Apple and Pear Retailer – Gwelup Fruits and More

BevanEatts,VicePresidentWAFruitGrowersAssociation(left),presentingthetrophyforExcellenceinAppleandPearRetailingtoownersandmanagersAnthonyPullellaandMarkKiddfromGwelup Fruits

and More.

2008 Avocado Retailer – Coles Mosman Park

MarkHobbs,PresidentCFVIWA,presentingtheExcellence in Avocado Retailing to fruit and vegetable managerHyattMoserandmanagerIanPettapiece

fromColesMosmanPark.

2008 Potato Retailer – Gwelup Fruits and More

JustinWearnefromWestern Potatoes presenting the Excellence in Potato Retailing Award to Anthony Pullella(left)andMarkKiddfromGwelup Fruits and

More.

Excellence in Retailing Commodity Awards In2008ExcellenceinRetailingAwardswerepresentedforbananas,appleandpear,avocadoandpotatoes.

Thejudgingcriteriareflectedthecommoditygroups’expectations and focussed on the in store product displayandpresentation,productrange,productqualityanduseofpointofsalematerial.

Amystery‘shopper’madethedecision.

2008 Regional Retailer of the Year – Woolworths Catalina Albany

DavidTaylor,ChairmanofthePerthMarketAuthority(right),presentingthe2008BestRegionalRetailertosenior buyer Mathew Trichet for WoolworthsCatalina.

2008 Banana Retailer – Farmer Jacks Woodlands

Rob McFerran (left) presenting Marcel Linto (Farmer Jacks Subiaco) and Ward Harris (Farmer Jacks

Greenwood) the Excellence in Banana Retailing for the Farmer JacksWoodlandsstore.


Header

16

HeaderHeaderLocal Awards

Coles Mosman Park - 2008 Avocado Retailer of the year

Fruit and Vegetable Manager Hyatt Moser says that they probably won the avocado

growers award because they had a large avocado display during the judgingperiod.

HehasbeenattheColesMosmanParkstoreforfouryears.HehasbeenthefreshfoodmanagersinceFebruary2008andheenjoysworkingwithfreshfruitandvegetables.

TheMosmanParkstorehasbeenundergoingrenovations.Thefreshfood area has been extended and the sizeofthewallcabinethasalmostdoubled.Therearenewgondolastodisplaytheproducts.

Colesismovingawayfromprepackaged goods in response to customerdemand. “The Market City Ball was a really

goodnight,itwasagreatatmosphereandIreallyenjoyedit,”saidHyattwhohasadegreeinmarinescience.

Linda Manning

Hyatt Moser with the award for the 2008 Avocado Retailer of the Year

Steve Lang has been the fresh foodmanageratFarmerJacksWoodlandsforfiveyears.

“We are continuously changing the displaystogetitbetterandbetter,”saidSteve.“I’vebeeninfruitandvegetablesfor25years.IhaveworkedatWoolworthsandownedmyown store and I also worked for Fred FairthornewhenheowedNewmart.

“WhenhesoldNewmart,weallwentour separate ways and when he got intoFarmerJacks,Iwentbackwithhim.”

Farmer Jacks Woodlands - 2008 Banana Retailer of the YearLinda Manning

Steve Lang

Local Awards


Gwelup Fruits and More, a seven-dayaweekbusiness,isownedbybrothers-in-law

MarkKiddandAnthonyPullella.

They bought the store in February 2003andhadtoworkhard130to140 hour weeks to train staff and to get the shop the way they wanted it.“Whenwefirststartedwehadfivestaff,nowwehavefifty,”saidTonyPullella.

“Itwasveryhardworkandmyfamilyhashelpedme.MumandDadhavebeeninretailforfortyyears,”saidTony.

Leo and Tina Pullella started retailing freshfruitandvegetablesinOsborneParkin1968.TheystartedOsborne Park Fruit and Vegetables.Sincethattime,theyhavehadsixshops–thelastonewasMrFreshCarine,whichtheysoldin1997.

“I have been doing retail since I was thirteenyearsold.Ihadtwoyearsofftomanageliquorstores,”said27-yearoldTony.

Mark,37,hasbeenworkinginfruitand vegetables since he was 20 years old.

Bothyoungmenarebuyers.Tonybuys on Wednesdays and Thursdays andMarkonMondaysandFridays.“Onthedayswearenotbuying,wesupervise the floor staff setting up thedisplays.Wehandstackallthedisplays and we rotate our produce everyday.

“Ourstaffareverygood.Wetrustthemandtheyreciprocate.

“Weknowourcustomersandoneof us is always in the shop to talk to them.

“We have a ten pallet truck that carriesforussevendaysaweek.Webuy one day and it is on the shelves thatafternoonorthenextday.Webuydaytoday.Wedon’tbulkanything and anyone who does can’t competeonqualityandfreshness.

“Weareveryfussy.Wewanttoknowwhothegroweris.Allgrowershaveareputationandweonlybuyfromthegoodones.Wepayabitmoreandgetthebestproduce.Wedon’tsell cheap produce and we inspect everythingtwotothreetimesbeforeitgoesontheshelves.

“We support our Western Australian growers–itisjustonebigcommunityat the end of the day and if we don’t supportthemwewon’thaveanyfreshproduce.”

Gwelup Fruits and More - 2008 Apple and Pear Retailer & 2008 Potato RetailerFamily business wins awards

Linda Manning

Mark Kidd and Anthony Pullella


HeaderLocal Awards

Woolworths Karrinyup - 2008 Best Fresh Produce Section within a supermarket

“We are the busiest fresh food departmentinaWoolworthsstoreinthestate,”saidfruitand

vegetablemanagerPaulMcKie.

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

Paul has been with Woolworths for sevenyears.Hisbrothergothimhisfirst job and he has enjoyed it right fromthestart.

“IenjoythisenvironmentandIlikeworkingwiththecustomersandwiththeotherstaff.Iwanttolearnmoreaboutfruitandvegetables.IstartedatCurrambine,thenBeechboro,thenKingsway,andnowhere.

“IdidmyCertificateIIIinRetailManagementthroughWoolworths.WithCertificateIII,youcanrunadepartment.Togetintostoremanagementorgetaspecialist

managementposition,IwouldhavetodoCertificateIV.

“Rightnow,Iplantostayinfruitandvegetablesforawhile.However,mynext step will be to do Certificate IV if apositioncomesup.”

Thestoreisclean,theaislesarewideandcustomerswithloadedtrolleys

can pass without touching and can stop and browse without holding up othershoppers.Thisstorehastheold style display lounges and it is easy tofindaplasticbagifyouneedone.

There was a special on broccolini and bunchedDutchcarrotsonthedayIvisited.

Linda Manning

Paul McKie, fruit & vegetable manager

Scotty’s Fremantle Markets - 2008 Best Weekend Market Produce Retailer

Mark Scott from Scotty’s

19

Header

Scutti, A Taste of Europe -2008 Best Fresh Produce Retailer with a floorspace less than 120m2

Local Awards

Linda Manning

DominicScuttiandsonsMichaelandNickScuttiown,manageandenjoyworkingin

their business on Angelo Street South Perth.

Theirshop,‘Scutti, A Taste of Europe’ isaSouthPerthicon.Itisfilledtothebrimwithfirstclassproduceandcustomers.

“Ihavebeeninthislocationfor17years.Imovedherebecauseitwasa good location and a wonderful opportunity to have the type of store thatIwanted.

“There used to be two other fruit and vegetable shops as well as the supermarketinthearea.Nowthereisonlythesupermarket.

“Iamthebuyer,Nickismyoldestsonandhehasasmallkitchenanddoesall the cheese cabinets and is the deli manager.Hehasbeenhereworking16ofthe17yearsIhavebeenhere.Hequithisapprenticeshiptocomeandworkwithme.

“Michaelisstoremanagerandmanagesthedisplays.Hehasalsobeenhere16years.Webuy85to95percentofourproducefromMarketCity and always look for the best qualityproduce.

“BeforeImovedintoretail,Iworkedformyfather,Nick,untilIwas25yearsoldinOsborneParkandWanneroo.Ilefthimin1974tobranchoutonmyowninshops.

“MyfirstshopwasinGreenwood–theGreenwoodFruitMart.IstillhaveafewcustomersfromGreenwoodwhoshophere.

“IthenmovedtoMirrabooka,butonlyforsixmonths–itwasnotmyscene.I was at North Beach Plaza for four years.WhenAngeloStreetbecameavailable,Icamehereandthatwas17yearsago.

“MyfatherNickcametoAustraliain1951andworkedtheswampsinAlbertStreetOsbornePark.Intheearly1950s,heandhisbrotherSamgrewsweetpotatoesandrockmelonsinHerdsmanLakefromSeptembertoAprileachyear.Inwinter,theygrewcabbage,leeks,cauliflowersandtraditionalgreensinAlbertStreet.In

1968,theymovedtoArcherStreetinWanneroo.

“Most people today would be surprisedthatalmostallthewinterpumpkinandsweetpotatoesweregrowninHerdsmanLakebypeoplelikemyfather.TheonlyotherproducecamefromHarveyandJarrahdale.”

Nick Scutti ceased growing vegetablesin1990.Hediedin1999.

Family owned business wins award


Domenic & Michael Scutti


Header

20

Irrigation

New vegetable irrigation scheduling system to improve yields

ThenewvegetablesWAweb-based Vegetable Irrigation Scheduling System (VISS) is

givinggrowersfarmorecontrolovertheirirrigationschedulingdecisions.

VISSisthefinalstageofasystemthat has been available by daily SMS serviceforthelastyear,butprovidesfarmorecustomisedinformationforgrowers.

Itisalsoeasiertouse.Nomanualcalculationsarerequired.Thewaterrequirementsofeachcroparedisplayedononecomputerscreen.

Oncethesystemissetupbyenteringfarmdetails,bedlayoutandirrigationshifts,dailyirrigationruntimesaredisplayedinbothminutesandmillimetresforeachcropandplanting.

Simplyentertheplantingdateintotheweb-basedsystemandthedailywaterrequirementsforthatcropwillbewaitingonyourcomputerwhenyouarriveatthefarm.

VISS has been designed to guide irrigation of vegetable crops on sandysoils.ItisthefinalstageofthePremier’sWaterFoundationproject run by vegetablesWA and the DepartmentofAgricultureandFood(DAFWA).Itisfreeforgrowerstouse.ThePremier’sWaterFoundationisadministeredbytheDepartmentofWater.

VISSusesevaporationdatafromDAFWA’sliveweatherstationnetwork,ofwhichthereare6stationsfromLancelin East to Myalup on the Swan CoastalPlain.Growerscanusethe

built-incropfactorsfor28differentvegetable crops or can easily adjust the crop factors to better suit their ownsituations.

Growers already using the SMS evaporation service launched last year cancontinuetodothis,butwillobtainmoredetailedinformationonirrigationneeds for individual crops by going online.

AdemonstrationversionofVISScan be viewed on the vegetablesWA website.JustgotoScheduling and then to View our Working Demonstration.

Reliable scheduling contributes to moreefficientuseofgroundwaterresources,improvedwateruseefficiency in production and reduced lossofnutrientstogroundwater.

Leading potato and carrot grower SamCalamerifromBaldivisMarketGardenhassetup3farmblocksand2leaseblocksusingthesystem.

Allan McKay, Chris Denby, Rohan Prince, Tim Calder, Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia and David Ellement, vegetablesWA

New Vegetable Irrigation Scheduling System to improve yields

Allan McKay, Chris Denby, Rohan Prince, Tim Calder, Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia and David Ellement, vegetablesWA

The new vegetablesWA web-based Vegetable Irrigation Scheduling System (VISS) is giving growers far more control over their irrigation scheduling decisions.

VISS is the final stage of a system that has been available by daily SMS service for the last year, but provides far more customised information for growers.

It is also easier to use. No manual calculations are required. The water requirements of each crop are displayed on one computer screen.

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

Simply enter the planting date into the web-based system and the daily water requirements for that crop will be waiting on your computer when you arrive at the farm.

VISS has been designed to guide irrigation of vegetable crops on sandy soils. It is the final stage of the Premier’s Water Foundation project run by vegetablesWA and the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA).

VISS uses evaporation data from DAFWA’s live weather station network, of which there are 6 stations from Lancelin East to Myalup on the Swan Coastal Plain. Growers can use the built-in crop factors for 28 different vegetable crops or can easily adjust the crop factors to better suit their own situations.

Growers already using the SMS evaporation service launched last year can continue to do this, but will obtain more detailed information on irrigation needs for individual crops by going on line.

SOUTH PACIFIC SEEDS

SHREK NR

“Your Success is our Motivation”

DiamondbackAll new seedless!Large size (approx 8-10kgs).Slightly oblong shape packs well into bins and cuts smoothly with deep red flesh colour.Yields exceptionally well.

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

Sunset QHI

For further information please contact your local WA

representatives or branch office:

Tim Aldridge: 0417 934 768

Adam Curtayne: 0419 934 767

Emma Smith: 0427 947 919

Perth Office: 08 9331 6356

or visit our website:

www.spssales.com.au

Easy to use web-based system gives growers more control


HeaderIrrigation

“Thissystemisveryuseful,”Samsaid.“Itistakingabitofgettingusedtoturningonthecomputerfirstthinginthemorning-abitofachangeinroutine-butit’ssousefultogetasummaryofruntimestomakesuremycropsaregettingtherightamountofwater.

“It has already proved its worth for mypotatoesduringtheincrediblydryAugustandIcanseeitbecomingindispensableinthewarmermonths,”concludedSam.

We believe that Vegetable Irrigation SchedulingSystemcanimproveyourcropyields.Whydon’tyoutryit?Contact Rohan Prince on 0429680069orDavidEllementon0408941318tofindouthowtogetVISSworkingforyou.

Somefine-tuningmayberequiredand,attheveryleast,mostgrowersshould be able to produce higher yieldspermegalitreofirrigation.

Fine-tuningmayinvolverevisingfertiliserprograms(contactDennisPhillipsorRohanPrinceatDAFWAon 93683333forthelatesthighyielding‘3Phase’fertiliserrecommendations).

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

SOUTH PACIFIC SEEDS

SHREK NR

“Your Success is our Motivation”

DiamondbackAll new seedless!Large size (approx 8-10kgs).Slightly oblong shape packs well into bins and cuts smoothly with deep red flesh colour.Yields exceptionally well.

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

Sunset QHI

For further information please contact your local WA

representatives or branch office:

Tim Aldridge: 0417 934 768

Adam Curtayne: 0419 934 767

Emma Smith: 0427 947 919

Perth Office: 08 9331 6356

or visit our website:

www.spssales.com.au


Header

The Last Time

After 4 years as president of yourorganisation,thiswillbethelastreportfromme.

The next phase of vegetablesWA is about to be launched with a keendeterminedandverycapablepresidentinMaureenDobra.

The last 4 years have absolutely flownbyformebutthat’sanopinionmyfamilydispute.Thepositionofpresident of vegetablesWA has been verydemanding.Forme,Icouldneverhavedonethiswithout100%support.Tomyfamily,thanksforallthe understanding and sacrifices that youhavemadeformetocommittovegetablesWA.Thanksalsotomyfamilybusinesspartnerswhoalongwithmyfamilyhaveputupwithme

disappearing frequently to represent theindustry.Theextraworkthatyouallcarriedformetodothisjobismuchappreciated.IhavelovedwhatIhavedoneandyouallmadeitpossible.

The staff at Horticulture House are allagreatinvestmentinthefutureofourindustry.Tohaveavoicearoundthe negotiating table and be able to implementthelatestresearchanddevelopmentinformationhasbeenbrilliant.AsourCEO,JimTurleyandtheIndustryDevelopmentOfficer,DavidEllementhaveformedthebackboneofwhatwedo.Thankstothe 2 of you and all the staff who have andarecurrentlyworkingintheoffice.

Tothecommitteeofmanagementof vegetablesWA,thankyouforyoursupportandencouragementduringmytimeaspresident.Ourgreat organisation has only had 9 presidentsin60years,andtobeoneofthemisveryhumbling.Thisshowsagreatdealofstabilityinwhatwedo.Past presidents who are still active and the ones who have retired have beenagreatsourceofsupport.

InWesternAustralia,thegrowershave been very encouraging towards me.Ihavealwaysendeavouredtorepresentyoutomakeyourbottomlinebetter.NotallgrowershaveagreedwithwhatIhavedone,andthey always are very frank in letting meknow,howevertheyalwaysrespect the decisions for the “good of theindustry”

AsIleave,theindustryfacesmorechallenges.Increasinginputcostsandglobalisationtonameacouple.Withshrinkinggrowernumbersandmoreproductbeingsoldweliveinchangingtimes.Iencourageall vegetable growers in WA to get behind vegetablesWA and have a say inpolicyanddecisionsthataremade.Themoreyouknowandunderstandabout your organisation the better it willbecome.

My thanks to everybody and I wish Maureenwell.

David AndersonPresident, vegetablesWA

President’s Message

Looking for a new way of recording the skills and knowledge of your

employees?Lookingforwaysoffinding‘workready’staff?

vegetablesWA in partnership with FarmTrainingWAarelookingfor6to10growers,whohaveareasonablenumberofemployees,totrialthe‘Rural Skills Passport’ in a pilot projectfortheindustry.

The Passport is a way of recognising the current skills and abilities of your staffandprovidessomeideasoftheskills that need to be developed for thatemployeeinthefuture.

The benefit of this for the grower is a way of recognising and potentially rewardingstaff,whichinturncouldassistinstaffretention.

The benefits to the industry are that the skills recorded in the Passport could be transferable between properties.Seasonalandbackpackerworkers could present their Passport ofSkillstotheirnewemployer,givingthe grower an idea of the worker’s previoustrainingandcompetencies.

Wanttoknowmore? ContactColinHolton0418902204orDavidEllement94810834

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

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

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

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

Thank you

David Ellement

ISSUE 35 | October 2008

Vegetable


R&DCONTENTS

Insects on the move .................... . 2

Minor use chemicals .................... 3

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

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

A break from tradition

Vegetable


R&D

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

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

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

Thank you

David Ellement

ISSUE 35 | October 2008

Vegetable


R&DCONTENTS

Insects on the move .................... . 2

Minor use chemicals .................... 3

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

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

A break from tradition

Vegetable


R&D

02

ISSUE 21 | DECEMBER 2005

2

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

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

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

is most prevalent from October to December.

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

INSECTS ON THE MOVE Sonya Broughton and David CousinsDepartment of Agriculture and Food, WA

J F M A M J J A S O N D

PestsThrips (all species)

TSWV (tomato spotted wilt virus)

Currant lettuce aphid

Green peach aphid, potato aphid, spirea aphid

Rutherglen bug

BeneficialsBrown lacewing

Ladybird

Key pests and beneficials occurring in Western Australia

033

NEW MINOR USE PERMITSIt has been three issues since we have covered minor use chemicals and as such below is a list of minor use permits for some vegetable categories. The complete list is available on the APVMA website.

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

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

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

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

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

Permit Number Permit description (pesticide / crop / pest) Date

IssuedExpiry Date

ALLIUMSPER3850 Copper Hydroxide / Leeks / Downy Mildew, Purple Blotch 14-Sep-07 13-Sep-12PER5956 Ioxynil Octanoate / Shallots / Broadleaf Weeds 13-Feb-06 12-Feb-11PER6759 Tramat 500sc, Matrix 500 / Onions /Volunteer Potato 16-Aug-05 30-Jun-09PER6914 Lannate L (Methomyl) / Spring Onions and Shallots / Western Flower Thrips 23-May-08 31-Mar-13PER6916 Fusilade Post-Emergence Selective Herbicide / Shallots & Spring Onions / Grass Weeds 21-Jul-04 21-Jul-09PER6930 Ridomil Gold Plus / Spring Onions / Downy Mildew 23-Jun-04 22-Jun-09PER7374 Secure 360 Sc / Spring Onions and Shallots / Western Flower Thrips 11-Oct-05 31-Jul-09PER7905 Phosphorous / Lettuce (Leaf and Hydroponic), Fennel and Bulb (Alium) Vegetables/ Downy Mildew 4-Apr-06 30-Sep-12PER8172 Ridomil Gold Mz Wg / Onion Bulbs / Post Harvest Disease 21-Sep-05 21-Sep-10PER8231 Filan Fungicide / Alliums (other than Onions) and Carrots / Sclerotinia Rot 31-Jul-06 30-Jun-09PER8240 Tebuconazole / Bulb Vegetables / White Rot 1-Apr-05 31-Mar-10PER8585 Dimethomorph / Spring Onions and Shallots/ Downy Mildew and Purple Blotch 11-Nov-05 31-Oct-08PER8762 Maldison / Leeks, Spring Onions and Shallots / Onion Thrips 18-Apr-08 30-Sep-12PER9203 Alpha-Cypermethrin / Chicory,Leeks, Spring Onions / Red Legged Earth Mite 1-Sep-06 1-Sep-10PER9666 Dimethomorph / Spring Onions and Shallots/ Downy Mildew and Purple Blotch 22-Jun-07 1-Jan-10PER9775 Chlorothalonil / Beetroot, Celeriac, Parsnip, Papaya, Berries, Spring Onions, Tamarillos / Various Diseases 14-Apr-08 31-Mar-10PER9895 Thimet 100g / Leeks / Onion Maggot and Thrips 21-Jul-07 30-Jun-12PER9904 Tribinul, Juggler 700, Tribunax 700 Wp / Leeks / Broadleaf Weeds 1-Aug-07 31-Jul-12PER9916 Ridomil Gold Plus / Leeks, Cucumber, Radish, Swede & Turnips / Downy Mildew, Purple Blotch & White

Blister7-Sep-07 30-Sep-10

PER9921 Tribunil Herbicide / Spring Onions and Shallots / Various Broadleaf and Grass Weeds 16-Jul-07 15-Jul-12PER10088 Dithane Rainshield / Leeks and Shallots / Purple Blotch and Downy Mildew 30-Sep-07 1-Jan-12PER10105 Crop Care Synergy Insecticide Synergist and Crop Care Talstar 100 Ec / Cucurbits, Tomatoes, Beans,

Brassicas, Lettuce / Whitefly and Yellow Leaf Curl Virus18-Apr-08 31-Mar-10

PER10111 Linuron / Leeks / Grass and Broadleaf Weeds 5-Jul-07 30-Jun-09PER10275 Fusilade Forte 128ec (Fluazifop) / Sweet Potato, Leeks & Garlic / Grass Weeds 31-Mar-08 31-Mar-09PER10344 Various Actives / Leeks / Grass and Broadleaf Weeds & Various Active / Garlic / Weeds (Consolidated Uses) 18-Apr-08 31-Mar-12PER10349 Azoxystrobin Fungicides / Alliums / White Rot 18-Apr-08 30-Jun-11PER10376 Dithane (Mancozeb) / Garlic / Downy Mildew 23-Nov-07 1-Jan-12PER10377 Sertin (Sethoxydim) / Garlic / Rye Grass & Barnyard Grass 9-Oct-07 31-Oct-12

5

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

PER9916 Ridomil Gold Plus / Leeks, Cucumber, Radish, Swede & Turnips / Downy Mildew, Purple Blotch & White Blister

7-Sep-07 30-Sep-10

PER9918 Switch Fungicide / Cucumbers, Glasshouse Capsicums, Glasshouse Lettuce / Botrytis Rots 4-Feb-08 30-Jun-10PER9919 Euparen Multi 500 Wg Fungicide / Cucumbers / Botrytis Rot 7-Dec-07 30-Sep-10PER10058 Bifenthrin / Cucumber, Brassicas, Beans, Lettuce, Peppers, Eggplant, Pistachio, Peas, Cherries / Various

Pests 15-Apr-08 30-Apr-10

PER10105 Crop Care Synergy Insecticide Synergist and Crop Care Talstar 100 Ec / Cucurbits, Tomatoes, Beans, Brassicas, Lettuce / Whitefly and Yellow Leaf Curl Virus

18-Apr-08 31-Mar-10

PER10184 Products Containing Potassium Salts of Fatty Acids @ 285 G/L /Glasshouse And Hydroponically Grown Capsicums, Lettuce and Cucumbers / Glasshouse Whitefly and Silverleaf Whitefly

20-Feb-08 28-Feb-13

PER10218 Acramite Miticide / Cucumbers, Capsicums and Tomatoes / Various Mites 3-Jun-08 30-Jun-10PER10219 Mancozeb / Cucumbers / Grey Mould 16-Apr-08 30-Apr-13PER10268 Lambda-Cyhalothrin / Cucumbers (Greenhouse and Field) / Heliothis, Onion Thrips, Rutherglen Bug And

Loopers4-Jan-08 31-Dec-08

PER10279 Abamectin / Cucumber, Zucchini And Squash / Two Spotted Mite 22-Feb-08 30-Sep-13PER10311 Eco-Oil (Botanical Oil) / Greenhouse & Hydroponic Capsicum, Cucumber & Lettuce / Greenhouse Whitefly &

Silverleaf Whitefly7-Feb-08 30-Sep-13

PER10345 Bupirimate / Cucurbits & Peppers / Powdery Mildew 4-Oct-07 31-Dec-08PER10670 Abamectin / Tomatoes, Cucumber, Eggplant, Ornamentals, Strawberries & Cape Gooseberries / Two

Spotted Mite & Western Flower Thrips1-Apr-08 30-Apr-11

PER10764 Pyriproxyfen / Cucurbits, Eggplant & Tomato / Silverleaf Whitefly 1-Jul-08 30-Sep-12FRUITING VEGETABLES

PER5815 Spinosad / Eggplant / Melon Thrips 11-Aug-08 31-Jul-13PER6650 Abamectin / Eggplant / Two Spotted Mite & Western Flower Thrips 22-Oct-03 16-Oct-08PER7560 Fluazifop-P As Butyl / Eggplant or Aubergine / Various Grass Weeds 24-Oct-05 20-Oct-10PER7561 Select Herbicide / Eggplant or Aubergine / Various Grass Weeds 25-Oct-05 25-Oct-10PER8249 Petroleum Oil / Capsicum, Eggplant, Tomato, Okra & Cucurbits / Whitefly (Bemisre Tabaci) 4-Aug-05 31-Mar-10PER8321 Endosulfan / Strawberries, Cucumber, Eggplant, Peppers, Tomatoes, Ornamentals / Western Flower Thrips 11-Oct-05 30-Sep-08PER8454 Success Naturalyte Insecticide / Pepino / Eggfruit Caterpillar 23-Sep-05 1-Oct-10PER8489 Clethodim / Chilli Pepper, Paprika, Silverbeet and Spinach / Annual Grasses 24-Oct-05 12-Oct-10PER8537 Helicoverpa Zea or Armigera / Eggplant, Snow Peas & Sugar Snap Peas / Helicoverpa Spp. 7-Sep-05 7-Sep-10PER8743 Chlorothalonil/Eggplant And Radish/Alternaria/Downy Mildew and Grey Leaf Spot 24-Apr-06 30-Apr-09PER8768 Zineb / Eggplant, Spinach & Silverbeet/ Anthracnose (Colletotrichum Spp.) 10-May-06 10-May-11PER8907 Sencor 480 Sc (Metribuzin) / Tomatoes / Weed Control 9-Dec-05 31-Dec-10PER8929 Trifluralin/ Chillies, Paprika And Eggplant/ Various Broad Leaf and Grass Weeds 30-Mar-06 30-Mar-11PER9064 Methomyl / Eggplant / Heliothis Species 19-Apr-06 12-Dec-10PER9160 Imidacloprid / Potato, Tropical Fruits, Celery, Cucumber, Peppers (Field & Protected), Cape Gooseberry /

Various Pests (Consolidated Use Patterns)29-Nov-07 31-Dec-10

PER9178 Buprofezin / Cucurbits, Eggplant & Tomato / Silverleaf Whitefly 21-Apr-07 31-Mar-10PER9241 Pirimicarb / Almonds, Pistachio, Pitaya, Eggplant / Aphids (Consolidated Application) 23-Feb-07 31-Mar-10PER9501 Sumiclex 500 (Procymidone) / Peppers / Sclerotinia Rot 12-Jan-07 31-Dec-08PER9632 Glyphosate / Capsicums, Snow Peas, Sugar Snap Peas / Annual and Perennial Grass and Broadleaf Weeds 12-Feb-07 31-Dec-12PER9832 Methomyl / Peppers, Tomatoes, Cucumber, Eggplant & Non-Bearing Ornamentals / Western Flower Thrips 17-Jan-07 30-Sep-08PER9840 Chlorpyrifos 500g/L / Capsicum / Cluster Caterpiller 5-Mar-07 1-Feb-10

4

PER10379 Ridomil Mz 720 (Mancozeb & Metalaxyl) / Garlic / Downy Mildew & Purple Blotch 22-Nov-07 31-Dec-12PER10384 Rover & Bravo (Chlorothalonil) / Garlic / Downy Mildew 9-Oct-07 31-Oct-12PER10481 Lambda-Cyhalothrin / Garlic / Thrips, Mites, Onion Maggot 30-Apr-08 31-May-13PER10484 Copper As Cupric Hydroxide / Garlic / Downy Mildew 1-May-08 31-May-13PER10511 Surflan 500 Flowable Herbicide (Oryzalin) / Garlic / Broadleaf & Grass Weeds 18-Mar-08 31-Mar-13PER10676 Pendimethalin / Spring Onions, Shallots & Radish / Various Broadleaf and Grass Weeds 16-Apr-08 30-Apr-13PER10714 Karate (Lambda-Cyhalothrin) / Bulb Onions / Onion Thrip 8-Sep-08 30-Sep-11PER10882 Diazinon / Spring Onions and Shallots/ Thrips (Excluding Wft) and Onion Seedling Maggot 1-Jul-08 30-Jun-13PER10885 Filan (Boscalid), Rovral (Iprodione) & Bravo (Chlorothalonil) / Onion / Neck Rot (Botrytis Alli) 8-Aug-08 31-Mar-10

BRASSICASPER7678 Iprodione / Brussels Sprout / Grey Mould 1-Aug-05 1-Aug-09PER8819 Filan Fungicide (Boscalid) / Brassicas & Brassica Leafy Vegetables, Lettuce & Beans / Sclerotinia Rot 10-Oct-05 31-Oct-09PER8962 Copper Oxychloride/ Broccoli, Brussels Sprout, Cauliflower/ White Blister Rust 8-Nov-05 8-Nov-08PER9169 Lontrel / Cauliflower / Capeweed and Clover 21-Aug-06 1-Sep-11PER9184 Imidacloprid / Lettuce, Brassicas, Beans / Silverleaf Whitefly 2-Mar-06 30-Sep-08

PER10058 Bifenthrin / Cucumber, Brassicas, Beans, Lettuce, Peppers, Eggplant, Pistachio, Peas, Cherries / Various Pests

15-Apr-08 30-Apr-10

PER10152 Agri-Fos 600 / Brassicas / Downy Mildew 13-Feb-08 30-Jun-10PER10261 Azoxystrobin / Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Beans, Lettuce And Cauliflower / White Blister And Sclerotinia Rot 3-Jan-08 1-Jan-10PER10588 Iprodione / Broccoli / Rhizoctonia 7-May-08 30-Apr-13PER10688 Alpha-Cypermethrin / Cauliflower Crops / Staphylinid Beetle 1-May-08 30-Apr-13PER10674 Mancozeb + Metalaxyl-M / Brassica Vegetables, Brassica Leafy Vegetables & Rocket / Downy Mildew &

White Blister14-Apr-08 31-Mar-13

CORNPER7677 Propiconazole / Sweet Corn / Northern Corn Leaf Blight 25-Aug-05 31-Dec-10

CUCURBITSPER6552 Chlorpyrifos / Pumpkin / African Black Beetle 18-May-05 30-Sep-09PER7916 Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus / Watermelons / Heliothis 7-Aug-06 31-Mar-11PER7918 Methomyl / Water Melons / Heliothis & Cucumber Moth 7-Jul-06 31-Mar-11PER8249 Petroleum Oil / Capsicum, Eggplant, Tomato, Okra & Cucurbits / Whitefly (Bemisre Tabaci) 4-Aug-05 31-Mar-10PER8321 Endosulfan / Strawberries, Cucumber, Eggplant, Peppers, Tomatoes, Ornamentals / Western Flower Thrips 11-Oct-05 30-Sep-08PER8765 Permethrin/ Cucurbits: Rockmelons, Watermelons, Pumpkin & Cucumbers/ Cucumber Moth Larvae

(Phakelura Indica)5-Jan-06 31-Dec-10

PER8927 Amistar Fungicide/ Cucumber (Greenhouse)/ Alternaria Leaf Spot (Alternaria Cucumerina) 26-Jun-06 30-Jun-11PER8963 Applaud 440 Sc / Cucumber / Greenhouse Whitefly And Silver Whitefly 30-Jun-06 1-Jul-10PER9104 Pyranica / Cucumbers / Two-Spotted Mite 3-Apr-07 2-Apr-12PER9160 Imidacloprid / Potato, Tropical Fruits, Celery, Cucumber, Peppers (Field & Protected), Cape Gooseberry /


PER9178 Buprofezin / Cucurbits, Eggplant & Tomato / Silverleaf Whitefly 21-Apr-07 31-Mar-10PER9227 Gaucho (Imidacloprid) / Cucurbits / Aphids & Wireworm (Ord River Irrigation Area of Wa ) 10-Oct-06 31-Oct-11PER9487 Maldison / Cucumbers / Cucumber Fly 16-Jul-07 30-Jun-10PER9826 Copper / Cucumber / Botrytis Rot 30-Jul-07 30-Jul-09PER9832 Methomyl / Peppers, Tomatoes, Cucumber, Eggplant & Non-Bearing Ornamentals / Western Flower Thrips 17-Jan-07 30-Sep-08

5

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

PER9916 Ridomil Gold Plus / Leeks, Cucumber, Radish, Swede & Turnips / Downy Mildew, Purple Blotch & White Blister

7-Sep-07 30-Sep-10

PER9918 Switch Fungicide / Cucumbers, Glasshouse Capsicums, Glasshouse Lettuce / Botrytis Rots 4-Feb-08 30-Jun-10PER9919 Euparen Multi 500 Wg Fungicide / Cucumbers / Botrytis Rot 7-Dec-07 30-Sep-10


15-Apr-08 30-Apr-10

PER10105 Crop Care Synergy Insecticide Synergist and Crop Care Talstar 100 Ec / Cucurbits, Tomatoes, Beans, Brassicas, Lettuce / Whitefly and Yellow Leaf Curl Virus

18-Apr-08 31-Mar-10

PER10184 Products Containing Potassium Salts of Fatty Acids @ 285 G/L /Glasshouse And Hydroponically Grown Capsicums, Lettuce and Cucumbers / Glasshouse Whitefly and Silverleaf Whitefly

20-Feb-08 28-Feb-13

PER10218 Acramite Miticide / Cucumbers, Capsicums and Tomatoes / Various Mites 3-Jun-08 30-Jun-10PER10219 Mancozeb / Cucumbers / Grey Mould 16-Apr-08 30-Apr-13PER10268 Lambda-Cyhalothrin / Cucumbers (Greenhouse and Field) / Heliothis, Onion Thrips, Rutherglen Bug And

Loopers4-Jan-08 31-Dec-08

PER10279 Abamectin / Cucumber, Zucchini And Squash / Two Spotted Mite 22-Feb-08 30-Sep-13PER10311 Eco-Oil (Botanical Oil) / Greenhouse & Hydroponic Capsicum, Cucumber & Lettuce / Greenhouse Whitefly &

Silverleaf Whitefly7-Feb-08 30-Sep-13

PER10345 Bupirimate / Cucurbits & Peppers / Powdery Mildew 4-Oct-07 31-Dec-08PER10670 Abamectin / Tomatoes, Cucumber, Eggplant, Ornamentals, Strawberries & Cape Gooseberries / Two

Spotted Mite & Western Flower Thrips1-Apr-08 30-Apr-11

PER10764 Pyriproxyfen / Cucurbits, Eggplant & Tomato / Silverleaf Whitefly 1-Jul-08 30-Sep-12FRUITING VEGETABLES

PER5815 Spinosad / Eggplant / Melon Thrips 11-Aug-08 31-Jul-13PER6650 Abamectin / Eggplant / Two Spotted Mite & Western Flower Thrips 22-Oct-03 16-Oct-08PER7560 Fluazifop-P As Butyl / Eggplant or Aubergine / Various Grass Weeds 24-Oct-05 20-Oct-10PER7561 Select Herbicide / Eggplant or Aubergine / Various Grass Weeds 25-Oct-05 25-Oct-10PER8249 Petroleum Oil / Capsicum, Eggplant, Tomato, Okra & Cucurbits / Whitefly (Bemisre Tabaci) 4-Aug-05 31-Mar-10PER8321 Endosulfan / Strawberries, Cucumber, Eggplant, Peppers, Tomatoes, Ornamentals / Western Flower Thrips 11-Oct-05 30-Sep-08PER8454 Success Naturalyte Insecticide / Pepino / Eggfruit Caterpillar 23-Sep-05 1-Oct-10PER8489 Clethodim / Chilli Pepper, Paprika, Silverbeet and Spinach / Annual Grasses 24-Oct-05 12-Oct-10PER8537 Helicoverpa Zea or Armigera / Eggplant, Snow Peas & Sugar Snap Peas / Helicoverpa Spp. 7-Sep-05 7-Sep-10PER8743 Chlorothalonil/Eggplant And Radish/Alternaria/Downy Mildew and Grey Leaf Spot 24-Apr-06 30-Apr-09PER8768 Zineb / Eggplant, Spinach & Silverbeet/ Anthracnose (Colletotrichum Spp.) 10-May-06 10-May-11PER8907 Sencor 480 Sc (Metribuzin) / Tomatoes / Weed Control 9-Dec-05 31-Dec-10PER8929 Trifluralin/ Chillies, Paprika And Eggplant/ Various Broad Leaf and Grass Weeds 30-Mar-06 30-Mar-11PER9064 Methomyl / Eggplant / Heliothis Species 19-Apr-06 12-Dec-10PER9160 Imidacloprid / Potato, Tropical Fruits, Celery, Cucumber, Peppers (Field & Protected), Cape Gooseberry /


PER9178 Buprofezin / Cucurbits, Eggplant & Tomato / Silverleaf Whitefly 21-Apr-07 31-Mar-10PER9241 Pirimicarb / Almonds, Pistachio, Pitaya, Eggplant / Aphids (Consolidated Application) 23-Feb-07 31-Mar-10PER9501 Sumiclex 500 (Procymidone) / Peppers / Sclerotinia Rot 12-Jan-07 31-Dec-08PER9632 Glyphosate / Capsicums, Snow Peas, Sugar Snap Peas / Annual and Perennial Grass and Broadleaf Weeds 12-Feb-07 31-Dec-12PER9832 Methomyl / Peppers, Tomatoes, Cucumber, Eggplant & Non-Bearing Ornamentals / Western Flower Thrips 17-Jan-07 30-Sep-08PER9840 Chlorpyrifos 500g/L / Capsicum / Cluster Caterpiller 5-Mar-07 1-Feb-10

4

PER10379 Ridomil Mz 720 (Mancozeb & Metalaxyl) / Garlic / Downy Mildew & Purple Blotch 22-Nov-07 31-Dec-12PER10384 Rover & Bravo (Chlorothalonil) / Garlic / Downy Mildew 9-Oct-07 31-Oct-12PER10481 Lambda-Cyhalothrin / Garlic / Thrips, Mites, Onion Maggot 30-Apr-08 31-May-13PER10484 Copper As Cupric Hydroxide / Garlic / Downy Mildew 1-May-08 31-May-13PER10511 Surflan 500 Flowable Herbicide (Oryzalin) / Garlic / Broadleaf & Grass Weeds 18-Mar-08 31-Mar-13PER10676 Pendimethalin / Spring Onions, Shallots & Radish / Various Broadleaf and Grass Weeds 16-Apr-08 30-Apr-13PER10714 Karate (Lambda-Cyhalothrin) / Bulb Onions / Onion Thrip 8-Sep-08 30-Sep-11PER10882 Diazinon / Spring Onions and Shallots/ Thrips (Excluding Wft) and Onion Seedling Maggot 1-Jul-08 30-Jun-13PER10885 Filan (Boscalid), Rovral (Iprodione) & Bravo (Chlorothalonil) / Onion / Neck Rot (Botrytis Alli) 8-Aug-08 31-Mar-10

BRASSICASPER7678 Iprodione / Brussels Sprout / Grey Mould 1-Aug-05 1-Aug-09PER8819 Filan Fungicide (Boscalid) / Brassicas & Brassica Leafy Vegetables, Lettuce & Beans / Sclerotinia Rot 10-Oct-05 31-Oct-09PER8962 Copper Oxychloride/ Broccoli, Brussels Sprout, Cauliflower/ White Blister Rust 8-Nov-05 8-Nov-08PER9169 Lontrel / Cauliflower / Capeweed and Clover 21-Aug-06 1-Sep-11PER9184 Imidacloprid / Lettuce, Brassicas, Beans / Silverleaf Whitefly 2-Mar-06 30-Sep-08


15-Apr-08 30-Apr-10

PER10152 Agri-Fos 600 / Brassicas / Downy Mildew 13-Feb-08 30-Jun-10PER10261 Azoxystrobin / Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Beans, Lettuce And Cauliflower / White Blister And Sclerotinia Rot 3-Jan-08 1-Jan-10PER10588 Iprodione / Broccoli / Rhizoctonia 7-May-08 30-Apr-13PER10688 Alpha-Cypermethrin / Cauliflower Crops / Staphylinid Beetle 1-May-08 30-Apr-13PER10674 Mancozeb + Metalaxyl-M / Brassica Vegetables, Brassica Leafy Vegetables & Rocket / Downy Mildew &

White Blister14-Apr-08 31-Mar-13

CORNPER7677 Propiconazole / Sweet Corn / Northern Corn Leaf Blight 25-Aug-05 31-Dec-10

CUCURBITSPER6552 Chlorpyrifos / Pumpkin / African Black Beetle 18-May-05 30-Sep-09PER7916 Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus / Watermelons / Heliothis 7-Aug-06 31-Mar-11PER7918 Methomyl / Water Melons / Heliothis & Cucumber Moth 7-Jul-06 31-Mar-11PER8249 Petroleum Oil / Capsicum, Eggplant, Tomato, Okra & Cucurbits / Whitefly (Bemisre Tabaci) 4-Aug-05 31-Mar-10PER8321 Endosulfan / Strawberries, Cucumber, Eggplant, Peppers, Tomatoes, Ornamentals / Western Flower Thrips 11-Oct-05 30-Sep-08PER8765 Permethrin/ Cucurbits: Rockmelons, Watermelons, Pumpkin & Cucumbers/ Cucumber Moth Larvae

(Phakelura Indica)5-Jan-06 31-Dec-10

PER8927 Amistar Fungicide/ Cucumber (Greenhouse)/ Alternaria Leaf Spot (Alternaria Cucumerina) 26-Jun-06 30-Jun-11PER8963 Applaud 440 Sc / Cucumber / Greenhouse Whitefly And Silver Whitefly 30-Jun-06 1-Jul-10PER9104 Pyranica / Cucumbers / Two-Spotted Mite 3-Apr-07 2-Apr-12PER9160 Imidacloprid / Potato, Tropical Fruits, Celery, Cucumber, Peppers (Field & Protected), Cape Gooseberry /


PER9178 Buprofezin / Cucurbits, Eggplant & Tomato / Silverleaf Whitefly 21-Apr-07 31-Mar-10PER9227 Gaucho (Imidacloprid) / Cucurbits / Aphids & Wireworm (Ord River Irrigation Area of Wa ) 10-Oct-06 31-Oct-11PER9487 Maldison / Cucumbers / Cucumber Fly 16-Jul-07 30-Jun-10PER9826 Copper / Cucumber / Botrytis Rot 30-Jul-07 30-Jul-09PER9832 Methomyl / Peppers, Tomatoes, Cucumber, Eggplant & Non-Bearing Ornamentals / Western Flower Thrips 17-Jan-07 30-Sep-08

MOBILE PHONE for SMS Service:FARM LOCATION:

We will select the closest weather station and weather forecast to youRECEIVING TIME:

What time do you want to receive the SMS?TRADING NAME: (To appear on Invoice)

MAILING ADDRESS:

EMAIL:(Once only offer paid up until 30th June 2009)

AMOUNT:AUTHORISED BY:

03

SMS Weather Service

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

SPECIAL ONCE ONLY OFFER

SMS Weather Service

SMS WEATHER SERVICE SIGN

UP NOW

PLEASE MAIL, FAX OR EMAIL TO: vegetablesWA, Horticulture House, 103 Outram Street, WEST PERTH WA 6005

Phone 9481 0834, Fax 9481 0024, Email [email protected]

SPECIAL ONCE ONLY OFFEROnce Only Offer paid up until 30th June 2009 Only $300.00 (GST Inclusive)

You can now receive local Evaporation, rain fall and Weather information directly to your phone daily at a time of you’re choosing. Daily evaporation (mm) for 2006

DISCLAIMER: The Directors and staff of vegetablesWA accept no liability whatsoever by reason of negligence or Otherwise arising from the use or release of this information or any part of it.

INVOICE WITH PAYMENT DETAILS WILL BE MAILED ON RECEIPT OF AUTHORISATION

Email: [email protected] Web: www.omegagro.com


Header

SPECIAL ONCE ONLY OFFEROnce Only Offer paid up until 30th June 2009 Only $300.00 (GST Inclusive)

SMS WEATHERSERVICE SIGN

UP NOW

Carrot market access

Biosecurity Australia assisting with carrot market accessDiscussions to develop a production site freedom protocol

InDecember2007Taiwanesequarantine authorities (known asBAPHIQ)proposedchanges

to Taiwan’s Plant Protection and QuarantineActforcropsthathostarangeofpestsanddiseases.

Amongstthemwerecarrots,whichunder the proposed changes would nolongerbeacceptedbyTaiwanfromareas known to have the burrowing nematodeRadopholus similis.Thedateofimplementationoftheseproposedchangesis1March2009.

Whilethisnematodeisnotfoundin Australian carrot growing areas it has been found in several States includingCarnarvoninWA–about750kilometresfromthenearestcommercialcarrotplantings.FortunatelyBAPHIQhasindicatedthat a protocol to establish and maintainproductionsitefreedombased on soil testing could be developed by Australia to allow our carrottradetocontinue.Maintainingmarketaccesstoallinternationalmarketsisanimportantpriorityforgovernmentandindustry.Carrotexports to Taiwan are set out in Table1.

InearlyAugust,DrJuttaTuerckfromPlant Biosecurity Australia visited WesternAustraliafromCanberratodiscussdevelopmentoftheproductionsitefreedomprotocol.DrTuerck visited carrot growing areas atEastLancelin,WestGinginandMyalupandmetwithgrowersandexporters.ThevisitwasorganisedbyDepartmentofAgricultureandFood,WA(DAFWA)andvegetablesWA.DrTuerckalsodiscusseddevelopmentof the proposed protocol at a Carrot

Association for Research and Development(CARD)meetingatHorticultureHouse.

“Iwasveryimpressedwiththescale,sophisticationandhighquality

ofcarrotproduction.Ithasgivenmevaluableinsightintohowwecan develop a protocol that both manageableforAustralianproducersand acceptable to Taiwanese

Allan McKay and Vivien Vanstone, Department of Agriculture and Food, WA

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

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

Year Australia WAWA

share (%)

2003/04 791,346 757,378 95.7

2004/05 905,967 802,386 88.6

2005/06 1,816,499 1,805,809 99.4

2006/07 1,032,230 1,032,230 100

2007/08 596,290 596,290 100


Carrot market access

June, 2005 31

SPREADING CONTRACTORS

FERTILISERS • ORGANIC • INORGANIC • LIME • GYPSUMSAND • TOPSOIL • COMPOST • ALL MANURES • MULCH

Specialising in Service to VEGETABLE GROWERS & THE HORTICUTULTRAL INDUSTRY

FOR AN OBLIGATION FREE QUOTE CONTACT JOHN BRANCHI

AGSPREAD 10 Leeward Road, Australind W.A. 6233 TELEPHONE: (08) 9797 2439 MOBILE: 0417 903 617

quarantineauthorities,”saidJutta.

Adraftsubmissionproposingsoil testing and crop traceability was circulated to industry for commentinearlySeptember.Theproposal was then sent to Taiwan fortheirconsideration.HopefullysomefeedbackwillbeprovidedbyNovember.

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

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

Center West’s Sun City Farms, West Gingin

31

Landmark, specialists in horticulture.

AW02

16VE

GA4


Header

WA Grower June 2008

Header

31

Soil

Landmark, specialists in horticulture.

AW02

16VE

GA4

WA cratesThe professional packaging service

for WA’s finest fresh fruit and vegetables

Phone: (08) 9456 4092 - Fax: (08) 9256 1730 email: [email protected]

wa crates 111x306.indd 1 23/11/2007 9:35:02 AM

Grower Survey 2008

InFebruary2007growersweresurveyedtobenchmarkindustryirrigationandfertiliserpractice.

SincethattimevegetablesWA has participatedinanumberofindustry,State and Federally funded projects focusedonoptimisingtheindustry’suseofwaterandfertiliser.

Havetheseprojectspromotedchangeandhelpedyoumakebetteruseofyourwaterandfertiliser?

Pleasecompletethefollowingsurveyand help us evaluate the projects and planmoreeffectivefutureprojects.

FAX your completed survey to: 9481 0024

or Mail to: vegetablesWA, 103 Outram St

West Perth WA 6005

Evaluation of projects on water and fertiliser


Survey

(VegetablesWA Logo)

Growers Survey 2008

In February 2007 Growers were surveyed to benchmark industry irrigation and fertiliser practice. Since that time vegetablesWA has participated in a number of Industry, State and Federally funded projects focused on optimising the industry’s use of water and fertiliser. Have these projects promoted change and helped you make better use of your water and fertiliser?

1. In the past 18 months have you improved your:

yes no Irrigation system Fertiliser application

2. Where did the information needed to make the change come from?

(If more than one source please rank) vegetablesWA or IDO Mechandise supplier Department of Agriculture (DAFWA) Another grower WA Grower Magazine Swan Catchment Council Other

3. How do you decide when to water and how much to apply? (If more than 1 please rank) Experience and weather Evaporation and Crop Factor Set Program Soil Moisture monitoring Crop Service Agent Other

4. What is your estimate of the average amount of irrigation water draining beneath your crops (ignore rain).

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

(Please circle)

5. How do you decide when to fertilise and how much to apply?

Set crop program Farm service adviser DAFWA recommendation Plant analysis Soil analysis Crop appearance Other

6. What is your estimate of the average amount of fertiliser lost to ground water below your crops?

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

(Please circle)

7. If cost wasn’t a consideration what do you think would improve your irrigation and fertiliser efficiency?

(Please rank choices)Better irrigation uniformity Soil moisture monitoring Soil nutrient analysis Drip irrigation Soil amendment with compost Soil amendment with clay Other

(VegetablesWA Logo)

Growers Survey 2008









(Please circle)





(Please circle)



(VegetablesWA Logo)

Growers Survey 2008









(Please circle)





(Please circle)



34 WA Grower June 2008

Water

COUNCIL SITE FOR BOOKINGSMurray (Pinjarra) Corio Rd Waste Transfer Station 9531 7777

Waroona Buller Rd Refuse Site 9733 7800

Augusta - Margaret River Davis Rd Waste Transfer Facility For Info 9757 6077

Boyup Brook Boyup Brook Recycling Centre 9765 1200

Bridgetown - Greenbushes Bridgetown Waste Facility 9761 1555

Busselton Dunsborough Waste Facility 0417 179 596

Donnybrook- Balingup Donnybrook Landfill Site 9780 4200

Balingup Landfill Site 9780 4200

Harvey Harvey Landfill 0428 950 120

Manjimup Manjimup Refuse Site 9777 2332

Pemberton Waste Transfer Station 0427 767 010

Armadale City Armadale Landfill & Recycling Facility 9399 0127

Mindarie Tamala Park 9305 5246

Broome Broome Waste Management Facility 9193 8018

COUNCIL SITE/ COLLECTION INFORockingham Miller Rd Landfill

One day in March & September

Gingin Frogmore Shire DepotFirst Wednesday each month by appointment ph: 9571 2211

Carnarvon Browns Range Landfill SiteMonday to Friday 8.00am to 5.00pm

Eastern Metropolitan Red Hill Waste Disposal SiteSecond Wednesday each month between 8.00am to 12 noon

Wyndham - East Kimberly KununurraContact the council

STANDARDS FOR WASTE DISPOSAL..


Header

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

What happens when your produce leaves the farm?

MikeDonnelly,CEOPerthMarketAuthority,remindedgrowers that Woolworths

andColeswerestillthemajorbuyersthroughthemarkets.

Growersthensawfirst-handtheinnersanctumofnewWoolworthsDistributionCentre(DC),whichopenedinNovember2004.TheWoolworthsDCislocatedonHorrieMillerDriveinthePerthInternationalAirportprecinct.

“ThisDCservices79supermarkets,29liquorstoresand42BWSandDanMurphy’sstoresinWesternAustralia,”said Woolworths senior produce buyerWAMathewTrichet.

“The Woolworths stores are run onanautomatedorderingsystem‘AutostockR’.Eachtillateachstorerecords the goods as they are sold andthisisusedasapromptforeachstoremanagertoordermorestock.AutostockRallowsbetterandmoreefficientplanningandavoidsoverstockingandfailingtosupply.”

IntheDC,thecomputersystemcollectsdatafromthestoresandusesRF (radio frequency) to connect to the earphones of each forklift operator as they“shop”forstockinthesixlevelhighwarehouse.Forkliftsrunupanddown the aisles loading pallets for eachshop.Itisverybusy.

“Wehave519peopleintheDC.”

TheDCis66,000squaremetres,whichweweretoldisthreetimesthesizeoftheSubiacoOval.Theyhandle59millioncartonsannually.Thereisaminus24-degreeCelsiusfreezer,andthreetemperaturecontrolled areas where produce

canbeheldattwodegrees,sevendegreesand13degreesCelsius.

YatronYaldatoldgrowersthatfour per cent of vegetables are broughtinfromoverseasandthisismostlycounterseasonalproduce.Woolworths also has an ongoing importreplacementprogramwhich

has seen vegetables such as garlic nowgrownonAustralianland.

“Ourbuyingpolicyistosourcefromlocal producers and then source nationally.ItisquickertogetproduceintotheDCifitissourcedlocally.Most direct growers in this state have agrowingprogrammewithus.

Growers tour Market City & Woolworths

Linda Manning

COUNCIL SITE FOR BOOKINGSMurray (Pinjarra) Corio Rd Waste Transfer Station 9531 7777

Waroona Buller Rd Refuse Site 9733 7800

Augusta - Margaret River Davis Rd Waste Transfer Facility For Info 9757 6077

Boyup Brook Boyup Brook Recycling Centre 9765 1200

Bridgetown - Greenbushes Bridgetown Waste Facility 9761 1555

Busselton Dunsborough Waste Facility 0417 179 596

Donnybrook- Balingup Donnybrook Landfill Site 9780 4200

Balingup Landfill Site 9780 4200

Harvey Harvey Landfill 0428 950 120

Manjimup Manjimup Refuse Site 9777 2332

Pemberton Waste Transfer Station 0427 767 010

Armadale City Armadale Landfill & Recycling Facility 9399 0127

Mindarie Tamala Park 9305 5246

Broome Broome Waste Management Facility 9193 8018

COUNCIL SITE/ COLLECTION INFORockingham Miller Rd Landfill

One day in March & September

Gingin Frogmore Shire DepotFirst Wednesday each month by appointment ph: 9571 2211

Carnarvon Browns Range Landfill SiteMonday to Friday 8.00am to 5.00pm

Eastern Metropolitan Red Hill Waste Disposal SiteSecond Wednesday each month between 8.00am to 12 noon

Wyndham - East Kimberly KununurraContact the council

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

Inside the Woolworths DC – Mathew Trichet explainingthe workings

36

Growers tour Market City & Woolworths


“We try to keep shrinkage rates below 10percent,sometimesitisupto12percent.”

Growers then visited the Burrendah Woolworths shop at the Southlands Shopping Centre at the corner of Burrendah Boulevard and Pinetree RoadinWilletton-asouthernsuburbofPerthnearMarketCity.TheBurrendahstoreisthemostmoderninWesternAustralia.Ithasjustbeenrefurbished to the Woolworths’ latest storestyle.Thefocusofthefruit

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

The highlight of the trip was wandering around the various fruit and vegetable sections of the supermarketsandstoresandfindingthe produce that had been supplied bythegrowerswhowereonthetour.

��

The new lounges at the Burrendah Woolworths store

Wendy Voight, Growcom QLD

Yatron Yalda & Nick TrandosPaul Bogdanich (left) looking at his lettuce with Dene Lampard and Aaron Chapman

Ben Ellement

Fairbanks Seeds We’ve got the West covered.

Disclaimer: All cultural and descriptive information is given as a general guide only. Substantial variations may occur due to many environmental factors, including climate, soil type, location,management and cultural practices. No liability will be accepted by Fairbank’s Selected Seed Co. Pty. Ltd. (ABN 86 007 138 276), or its representatives as to the accuracy of theinformation. All information is given in good faith . Fairbanks Seeds Ph 03 9689 4500 Fax 03 9689 8106

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

Brittany – 12/13week cauliflower,well covered curd,with excellentadaptability. Dualpurpose, cuts welllate autumn andagain mid spring

Prophet – Uniform broccoliwith thick stems, mediumbeads and heavy head weight.Cuts well from late autumnthrough winter into spring.Not recommended for cuttinglater in spring, as it performsbest under cooler conditions.

Origin – Newrelease, a topperformer intrials. Relativelyslow bolting withIR to some ClubRoot strains.

Miyako – Greenstem Pak Choiwhich hasdominated themarket, especiallywhere Club Rootis a problem. IRto Club Root.

Celtic Arevelation in thebaby leaf market.Mid green oakleafwith very uprighthabit. Excellenttolerance tomildew pressure.

��


Header

Nitrogen Fertiliser management - getting it rightMonitoring soil nitrogen allows correct timing of fertiliser

AspartoftheHAL/AUSVEGsupported project ‘Increasing water and nutrient use

efficiency in vegetable production on sandysoil’,wehaveusedsoilnitratetestingandlysimeterstomonitorfertiliserpractices.Theaimofthisactivityhasbeentoexaminefertiliserefficiencyandthentodemonstratewhereimprovementmightbepossible.

Ourresultsshowthatsoillevelsofplant available nitrogen fluctuate widely in response to applied fertiliser nitrogen,mineralisationofplantresiduesandexistingsoilreserves,plant uptake and irrigation and drainage.Achievinggoodnutritionofyour crop without excessive losses requiresadynamicapproachwhichaimstoapplythenutrientswhenneeded,fullyaccountsforallavailablesourcesandminimiseslosses.

Thesimplemonitoringofsoilnitrogenhasallowedustodemonstratethefertiliser value of crop residues and toimprovethetimingoffertiliserapplications.Fertiliserapplicationsshouldbeadjustedtomeetexpectedcrop uptake and take into account the

quantity of nitrogen present in the soil atthetimeofapplication.

Usinglettuceasanexample,transplantingintosoilwithanitrate-nitrogencontentequivalenttomorethan40kgN/hainthetop30cmofsoiliswastefulandwillnormallyresultinalargeamountofnitrogenbeingleached(seeFigure1).Duringthecoolermonthsmaximumgrowthover the first four weeks can be achieved with a fertiliser application

oruptakefromthesoilof20to25kgN/ha.Insummerwhengrowthratesarefaster,higherratesofnitrogenmayberequiredforoptimumearlygrowth.Weeklyfertiliserapplicationshould then increase progressively toaweeklymaximumof60kgN/habeing applied as the crop approaches itspeakdemandfornitrogen.

The‘3Phase’approachtofertilisingvegetable crops which involves spray applications of nitrogen and potassiumintheearlystagesofthe crop is proving a very effective approach to fertilising vegetables onsand,resultinginhighyieldsandlowleaching.The3Phasemethodinvolvesoptimumfertiliserstrategiesduring each of three key crop developmentalstages:establishment,rapid growth and approaching maturity.ThismethodhasbeendevelopedbyDennisPhillipsandhisteamatDAFWA.

With good irrigation and fertiliser control soil nitrate content will increase to the equivalent of around

HeaderFertiliser

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


HeaderFertiliser

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

Nitrogen fertiliser management – Getting it right

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

Figure 1. Chart demonstrating poorly timed fertilisation of Cos lettuce

Figure 2. Chart showing good fertiliser scheduling of Iceberg lettuce

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

80kgN/haandthenshouldbeallowed to fall as the crop approaches harvest(seeFigure2).

Excessive leaching caused by poor irrigationschedulingorrainfallmaymeanasoilcontentof80kgN/hacannot be achieved but weekly fertiliser applicationsofgreaterthan55kg/haofnitrogenareseldomneeded. Higher application rates and soil reservesofmorethan80kgN/hainthetop30cmexceedtheamountmostcropscanabsorbinaweekandincreasetheriskofexcessiveloss.

Forfurtherinformationonfertilisermanagementforvegetablecropscontact: RohanPrinceon0429680069or DennisPhillipson93683333.

Nitrogen fertiliser management – Getting it right

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



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

Vegetable


R&D




HeaderFigaro Natoli

EditorialWA Grower - A fresh look

WithDavidEllement,GavinFoord,DebbieMoltoni,ValeriaKozak,Linda

Manning,JimTurleyandFigaroNatoliwehaveformedateamthatwilldeliver the WA Grower with a new vitality,visionandpurpose.

The WA Grower will give vegetable growers a diversity of opinion and relevant and accessible technical informationforbettermanagingtheirfarm.Wewillalsocontinueourcurrentfeatures while introducing new issues andseekinggrowerfeedback.

Our President finishes his term

I wouldliketothankDavidAnderson for his contribution to vegetablesWA and to the

vegetableindustry.Throughhisfouryearterm,Davidhasreshapedtheagri-politicallandscapeatthethreetiersofGovernment(local,stateandfederal)withgreatsuccess.

Hehastakenonmorerolesthananyof his predecessors with outstanding achievementsinallareas,culminatingaschairmanofAUSVEG.

David,fromyourfriendsandcolleagues,anincrediblejobwelldone and we wish you and your familyhappinessandsuccess.

Spud Corner

1

News in Brief and Comment

Spud CornerISSUE 05 | OCTOBER 2008western australia

State Executive Members:

PresidentMr Paul TempraPh: (08) 9772 1102Fax: (08) 9772 1103Mobile: 0417 095 899

Vice PresidentMr Bert RussellPh/Fax (08) 9731 8216Mobile: 0429 318 216

Executive OfficerMr Jim TurleyPh: (08) 9481 0834Fax: (08) 9481 0024Mobile: 0410 697 842E: [email protected]

Zone ChairsAlbanyMr Terry AckleyPh: (08) 9841 4286Fax: (08) 9841 1987Mobile: 0427 423 684

BusseltonMr Darryl SmithPh/Fax: (08) 9755 4121Mobile: 0428 933 154

DonnybrookMr Bert RussellPh/Fax: (08) 9731 8216Mobile: 0429 318 216

ManjimupMr Paul TempraPh: (08) 9772 1102Fax: (08) 9772 1103Mobile: 0417 095 899

MetropolitanMr David AndersonPh: (08) 9529 2325Fax: (08) 9529 1325Mobile: 0418 195 759

MyalupMs Pennie PatanePh: (08) 9720 2235Fax: (08) 9720 2236Mobile: 0407 993 580

PembertonSimon MoltoniPh/Fax: (08) 9776 1693Mobile: 0427 761 693

Processing RepresentativeMr Gary BendottiPh: (08) 9776 1230Fax: (08) 9776 0330Mobile: 0427 569 903

CONTENTS

Reduce nitrogen to find Bliss ................ 4

Potato prices set to rocket .................. . 5

Potato cyst nematode update ........... 6

Potato Growers Association of WA Incorporated by Jim Turley

Cliché“If it’s not broken – don’t fix it”

versus Reality

“Economic and environmental sustainability”

WATER

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

20. Works management system [WSLA: 36, EIA: 14]

(1) It is a condition of every licence that the licensee must —

(a) provide for a works management system; and

(b) give details of the system and any changes to it to the Authority; and

(c) at least once in every period of 24 months (or any longer period that the Authority allows), provide the Authority with a report by an independent expert appointed by the Authority as to the effectiveness of the system.

(2) A works management system is to set out the measures to be taken by the licensee for —

(a) the proper maintenance of the water service works of the licensee; and

(b) the undertaking and operation of the water service work specified in the licence and of other water service works necessary for the provision of the water services authorised by the licence.

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

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

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

21. Operational audit [WSLA: 37, EIA: 13]

(1) It is a condition of every licence that the licensee must, at least once in every period of 24 months (or any longer period that the Authority allows), provide the Authority with an operational audit conducted by an independent expert appointed by the Authority.

continued...

Perth’s Market City has opened itsnewestaddition,theFreshIdeasCentre,topromotefresh

food products and conduct food research.

The Perth Market Authority (PMA)saystheinnovativecentreisaworld-classfacilityforthefoodindustry,withflexibleusesasaresearchandmeetingfacility,demonstrationkitchen and fresh food product launchandpromotionvenue.

Atthelaunchlastweek,thePMAannouncedanalliancewithamajortenantofthenewCentre,theAustralianCollegeofTraining,whichwill provide accredited training for thefoodindustry.

AnagreementbetweenPMAandCancer Council has also been developed to use the Centre to promotethehealthandnutritionalbenefitsoffruitandvegetablesand

the vital role they play in a balanced diet.

WA Minister for Agriculture and Food,KimChance,saiditwouldhelp WA enhance its reputation as a leading provider of high quality fresh fruitandvegetables.

“Therearemanychallengesfacingourfreshproduceindustries,however Fresh Ideas Centre has the potentialtobetterequipthemtomeetthosechallengesbyprovidingleadershipintraining,marketingandskillsdevelopment,”MrChancesaid.

“I’mconfidentthisfacilitywillquicklydevelop a well deserved reputation as the preferred learning and promotionalcentreforallinvolvedin WA’s fresh fruit and vegetable industries.”

PMAchiefexecutiveofficer,MikeDonnelly,saidthePMAanditspartnerswerecommittedto

communicatingthebenefitsofWAfreshproduce,fromproducertoconsumerandhebelievedthelatestinitiative would help deliver exactly that.

“Fresh Ideas Centre is another link we’re establishing with the growing foodserviceandhospitalitysector,”hesaid.

MrDonnellynotedthePMAwasinvestingmorethan$20milliontobuild and enhance Market City’s facilities and services to consolidate its position as WA’s centre for fresh foodexcellence.

Fresh Ideas Centre open for business

Photo: Brendon Cant & Associates

The PMA board with Hon. Kim Chance at the launch

Spud Corner

1

News in Brief and Comment

Spud CornerISSUE 05 | OCTOBER 2008western australia

State Executive Members:

PresidentMr Paul TempraPh: (08) 9772 1102Fax: (08) 9772 1103Mobile: 0417 095 899

Vice PresidentMr Bert RussellPh/Fax (08) 9731 8216Mobile: 0429 318 216

Executive OfficerMr Jim TurleyPh: (08) 9481 0834Fax: (08) 9481 0024Mobile: 0410 697 842E: [email protected]

Zone ChairsAlbanyMr Terry AckleyPh: (08) 9841 4286Fax: (08) 9841 1987Mobile: 0427 423 684

BusseltonMr Darryl SmithPh/Fax: (08) 9755 4121Mobile: 0428 933 154

DonnybrookMr Bert RussellPh/Fax: (08) 9731 8216Mobile: 0429 318 216

ManjimupMr Paul TempraPh: (08) 9772 1102Fax: (08) 9772 1103Mobile: 0417 095 899

MetropolitanMr David AndersonPh: (08) 9529 2325Fax: (08) 9529 1325Mobile: 0418 195 759

MyalupMs Pennie PatanePh: (08) 9720 2235Fax: (08) 9720 2236Mobile: 0407 993 580

PembertonSimon MoltoniPh/Fax: (08) 9776 1693Mobile: 0427 761 693

Processing RepresentativeMr Gary BendottiPh: (08) 9776 1230Fax: (08) 9776 0330Mobile: 0427 569 903

CONTENTS

Reduce nitrogen to find Bliss ................ 4

Potato prices set to rocket .................. . 5

Potato cyst nematode update ........... 6

Potato Growers Association of WA Incorporated by Jim Turley

Cliché“If it’s not broken – don’t fix it”

versus Reality

“Economic and environmental sustainability”

WATER

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

20. Works management system [WSLA: 36, EIA: 14]

(1) It is a condition of every licence that the licensee must —

(a) provide for a works management system; and

(b) give details of the system and any changes to it to the Authority; and

(c) at least once in every period of 24 months (or any longer period that the Authority allows), provide the Authority with a report by an independent expert appointed by the Authority as to the effectiveness of the system.

(2) A works management system is to set out the measures to be taken by the licensee for —

(a) the proper maintenance of the water service works of the licensee; and

(b) the undertaking and operation of the water service work specified in the licence and of other water service works necessary for the provision of the water services authorised by the licence.

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

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

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

21. Operational audit [WSLA: 37, EIA: 13]

(1) It is a condition of every licence that the licensee must, at least once in every period of 24 months (or any longer period that the Authority allows), provide the Authority with an operational audit conducted by an independent expert appointed by the Authority.

continued...

2

Spud Corner

2

(2) An operational audit is an audit of —

(a) the effectiveness of measures taken by the licensee to meet the quality and performance standards specified, or referred to, in the licence; and

(b) any other aspects of the licensee’s provision of the water services authorised by the licence determined by the Authority in consultation with the licensee.

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

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

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

22. Compliance with codes of practice made by Minister [EIA: 39]

(1) The Minister may make codes of practice.

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

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

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

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

(b) standards of performance relating to customer service;

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

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

(e) metering of the supply of water services by licensees including — (i) the provision, operation and maintenance of metering equipment; and(ii) ownership of and access to metering data;

(f) the capacity of licensees and customers to enter into agreements about fees and charges for and in relation to water services provided by licensees, including provisions setting out maximum fees and charges or controlling how licensees determine proposed fees and charges or about exemptions, discounts, rebates and concessions;

(g) the transfer of customers between licensees;

(h) methods or principles to be applied by licensees in the preparation of accounts for customers;

(i) planning for the future provision of water services by licensees, including for the development of future water sources, [service planning?]; [this covers s.38 WSLA.]

(j) the provision of information about, and the promotion of, the conservation and efficient use of water by customers.

THE GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spud Corner

0-4 months $70 per tonne plus GST

4-12 months $90 per tonne plus GST

Capacity up to 1,500 TonneDonnybrookPh: Anthoney 0417 919 906

3 3

FERTILISERS

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

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

POTATO SPINDLE TUBER VIROID DISEASE (PSTVd)

This disease, that affects tomatoes, potatoes and other solanaceous crops, has apparently been eradicated in Carnarvon however, there must be

a survey conducted on all vegetable growing properties.

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

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

GROWERS SUSTAINABLE PROFITABILITY IS NO 1 ISSUE

Growers’ input into the price they receive for their produce is critical if they are to remain profitable. It certainly appears that competition

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

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

If this is the case, we must approach our State Government for help. What that means, I am not quite sure. However, I certainly know if our growers are not given a profitable price, the community will find more and more vegetables coming from elsewhere.

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

Jim TurleyExecutive Officer

vegetablesWA

Potato Growers Association of WA

Spud CornerSpud CornerSpud Corner

4

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

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

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

“Applied nitrogen required for maximum yield ranged from 100 to 200 kg of nitrogen/ha for loams of the South West to 550 kg/ha for infertile coastal sands,” Dr McPharlin said. “We suspect that many growers are applying much more than this in the hope of boosting yields, but with spiralling fertiliser costs, they might be better off in cutting down.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spud CornerSpud Corner

035

Source: Cairns Post 16/7/2008 Jennifer Eliot

Spud Corner

5

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

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

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

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

For futher infornation contact

Ian McPharlin 9368 3671

Queensland Tableland potato growers look set for a strong season with a predicted nation-wide spud shortage tipped to coincide with the region’s peak harvest period.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Potato prices set to rocket

6

Spud CornerPotato Cyst Nematode Update

Last fall, the enews reviewed the impact on the discovery of the Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) in potato fields in Idaho. While not harmful to humans or the food supply, PCN can reduce the yield of potatoes and other crops. This was the first discovery of PCN in the United States. The potential threat to the quality of the harvest is significant, which is why action was immediately taken to monitor and protect the food supply chain from this parasite. At present, action is being taken to treat the affected fields. It will take time to restore the affected fields to full production, although the total acreage affected is small.

Reaction to the discovery of PCN was very serious. Idaho potatoes were banned from Canada, Japan, South Korea, and Mexico. Again, the ban was not in fear of a public health issue, but rather the chance that PCN could infest potato fields in those countries. Earlier this year, Canada and Mexico lifted bans on Idaho fresh potatoes. Japan remains closed to Idaho fresh potatoes, but accepts frozen products.

At the time of the initial discovery, the USDA announced a $13 million emergency supplement to support PCN eradication. Speaking to the World Potato Congress, Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns said “The potato cyst nematode is a plant pest that poses a significant threat to the potato industry and our economy. This additional funding will ensure that there is a robust survey program in place to quickly detect and eradicate this pest, preventing its spread to seed potatoes or additional areas.” So far, the USDA has spent $12 million eradicating PCN in Idaho.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Each field treatment takes 24-48 hours. When a field is treated, the soil is tilled as if a crop is going to be planted. Instead, a chemical is injected into the soil. The chemical is deadly to nematodes, but has no other effect on the quality of the soil or future crops. After the injection, the field is covered in heavy plastic sheeting, to keep the chemical in the ground until it has run its course of treatment. Following the treatment, the soil is tested for PCN. The field will then continue to be treated until it tests negative for PCN.

According to Eoln Davis, Director, USDA Potato Cyst Nematode Program: “It’s a real big deal to the potato industry; because if it gets away, it can destroy potato crops, destroy the entire potato industry. This particular treatment in itself will not eradicate the pest. We expect it to take a period of time. It could be a year. It could be a few years.”

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

Source: Kingston enews June 2007 Vol 5 Number 6

Users in W.A. Include Commercial Vegetable & Fruit Growers Sporting Venues in WA School & Shire Ovals, Golf CoursesHundreds of domestic stock & Garden suppliers

SALINE CALCIUM AFFECTED

BORES SOAKS DAMS…...

IN USE THROUGHOUT AUSTRALIA

Contact:Fred Bremner PO Box 90, Beverley Phone 9646 111 Mobile 0429 461 115 Email: [email protected] Website: www.carefre.com.au

Brief History...Care-Free Conditioners Australia was pioneered by Bob Uden in 1980. Bob, a plumber by trade, began selling water conditioners to farmers out of the back of his panel van. From these modest beginnings the Care-Free company grew throughout Australia and today exports to several overseas countries.

Compare the Difference

Without Carefree With Carefree

These plants were watered from the same water supply for five months. The only difference being one plant received Care-Free “conditioned” water, the other unconditioned water.

Care-Free Conditioner rids Vegetable Grower of salt water problems “With our salty water we couldn’t afford not to have our Care-Free Conditioner.”

Brad Ipsen Manjimup WA

Brad says “Before we installed the conditioner our 2,800mg/lit salty dam water was causing severe losses to our broccoli crop. In fact during Dec 06 to Jan 07 we had losses of about $80,000 due to the high salty water. Ten days after installation of our 100mm Care-Free Con-ditioner we had a complete turnaround. The results were truly amazing.”

Simple safe and economical» The Care-Free Water Conditioner simply becomes part of your pipeline and so delivers a continuous supply of water.» Properly maintained it should last you a lifetime. What’s more there are no moving parts to wear out or cartridges to replace.

As the name suggests it is a "water conditioner" not a softener or filter. It will help minimize the adverse affect of many of the undesirable substances in your water supply.

Engineered to overcome water problems to make .......... the difference you can see

6

Spud CornerPotato Cyst Nematode Update

Last fall, the enews reviewed the impact on the discovery of the Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) in potato fields in Idaho. While not harmful to humans or the food supply, PCN can reduce the yield of potatoes and other crops. This was the first discovery of PCN in the United States. The potential threat to the quality of the harvest is significant, which is why action was immediately taken to monitor and protect the food supply chain from this parasite. At present, action is being taken to treat the affected fields. It will take time to restore the affected fields to full production, although the total acreage affected is small.

Reaction to the discovery of PCN was very serious. Idaho potatoes were banned from Canada, Japan, South Korea, and Mexico. Again, the ban was not in fear of a public health issue, but rather the chance that PCN could infest potato fields in those countries. Earlier this year, Canada and Mexico lifted bans on Idaho fresh potatoes. Japan remains closed to Idaho fresh potatoes, but accepts frozen products.

At the time of the initial discovery, the USDA announced a $13 million emergency supplement to support PCN eradication. Speaking to the World Potato Congress, Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns said “The potato cyst nematode is a plant pest that poses a significant threat to the potato industry and our economy. This additional funding will ensure that there is a robust survey program in place to quickly detect and eradicate this pest, preventing its spread to seed potatoes or additional areas.” So far, the USDA has spent $12 million eradicating PCN in Idaho.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Each field treatment takes 24-48 hours. When a field is treated, the soil is tilled as if a crop is going to be planted. Instead, a chemical is injected into the soil. The chemical is deadly to nematodes, but has no other effect on the quality of the soil or future crops. After the injection, the field is covered in heavy plastic sheeting, to keep the chemical in the ground until it has run its course of treatment. Following the treatment, the soil is tested for PCN. The field will then continue to be treated until it tests negative for PCN.

According to Eoln Davis, Director, USDA Potato Cyst Nematode Program: “It’s a real big deal to the potato industry; because if it gets away, it can destroy potato crops, destroy the entire potato industry. This particular treatment in itself will not eradicate the pest. We expect it to take a period of time. It could be a year. It could be a few years.”

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

Source: Kingston enews June 2007 Vol 5 Number 6

Professor Phil Simon





Contact:








Simple safe and economical» The Care-Free Water Conditioner simply becomes part of your pipeline and so delivers a continuous supply of w a t e r . » Properly maintained it should last you a lifetime. What’s more there are no moving parts to wear out or cartridges to replace.



Header





Contact:Fred Bremner PO Box 90, Beverley Phone 9646 111 Mobile 0429 461 115 Email: [email protected] Website: www.carefre.com.au








Simple safe and economical» The Care-Free Water Conditioner simply becomes part of your pipeline and so delivers a continuous supply of water.» Properly maintained it should last you a lifetime. What’s more there are no moving parts to wear out or cartridges to replace.



Fred Bremner PO Box 90, BeverleyPhone 9646 1115 Mobile 0429 461 115Email: [email protected]: www.carefree.com.au

Bejo Seeds Pty Ltd • 460 Hall Road, Skye, Vic. 3977 • Tel.: (03) 9782 2811 • Fax: (03) 9782 2445 • E-Mail: [email protected] • Website: www.bejo.com.au

Variety is thespice of life...

03) 9782 2445 • E-Mail: [email protected] • Website: www.bejo.com.au

Bejo, a name that stands for quality

If you are looking for something new, or something special, check out our range of reliable and innovative varieties.

For more information, visit our website

www.bejo.com.au

or, in W.A. contact Lloyd Williams 0419 925 592

wa grower october 08

Documents