Survey to focus on apple and pear industry
20 Jul 2018
Australian apple and pear growers, pest management scouts and advisers have the opportunity to participate in a short survey to share their valuable knowledge of integrated pest disease management (IPDM).
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) temperate fruits development officer, Kevin Dodds, said the survey would capture regionally specific knowledge and experience.
“These insights will play an important role in shaping a new IPDM project to fortify the pome fruit industry,” Mr Dodds said.
“The information will help our team build a tailored training program to be delivered across Australia’s apple and pear growing regions this August and September.
“Survey results will direct ongoing industry support through the project, with online access to information, guidelines and an ask-an-expert service.
“The results will also provide specific regional information for a new Australian Apple and Pear Industry IPDM manual, which will promote integrated management practices aimed at optimising monitoring and management of pests and diseases.
“We encourage everyone involved in the apple and pear industry to take part in this survey, which should take less than 15 minutes of their time.”
The survey closes on Friday August 10
The IPDM project will provide practical information and advice for capability development and implementation of strategies in orchards to develop, maintain and improve pest-resilient farming systems.
IPDM uses cultural and biological best management methods supported by pest identification, monitoring and understanding of thresholds to use selective pesticides only when necessary to control pests, disease and weeds.
The IPDM project is funded by Hort Innovation using the Apple and Pear levy and funds from the Australian Government.
Victorian Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources is delivering the project in collaboration with NSW DPI, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Western Australia Primary Industries and Regional Development, Tasmania’s Institute of Agriculture; and Lenswood Cooperative.
This project has been funded by Hort Innovation using the apple and pear research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government. For more information on the fund and strategic levy investment visit Hort Innovation.
Media contact: Bernadette York 0427 773 785
