Bird's the word: Growers have a say on pest research

In a first for the Australian fruit and wine industries, growers will have the chance to set the agenda on research into bird pest management.

The second phase of a research project aimed at improving bird pest management will see the NSW Department of Primary Industries carry out a national survey to map the extent and cost of bird damage.

NSW DPI vertebrate pest researcher, John Tracey, said the first phase of the project had found that in the Orange wine-growing region alone birds caused an estimated 15 per cent damage at an annual cost of $26,000 per producer, amounting to more than $750,000 for the district each year.

"We know birds have an economic impact and we want to apply the research to Australia's major fruit growing areas to boost production," Mr Tracey said.

"Our major objective is to make sure future research into bird pests heads in a direction which is of most benefit to producers and we're asking for their feedback by May 2005."

Funded by the Bureau of Rural Sciences' National Feral Animal Control Program and the Natural Heritage Trust the project has found netting, although expensive to install, is cost-effective where damage is high.

Trapping of introduced species is also under investigation.

Mr Tracey said the first phase of the study had indicated that while damage is variable between vineyard blocks and seasons, bird pests remained a significant problem.

"Starlings caused most of the damage. Silvereyes, noisy friarbirds and pied currawongs were also major pests," he said.

"Once we know the extent of the damage in other horticultural industries and fruit-growing regions we aim to develop guidelines for managing pest birds and improve links between scientists, pest managers and growers."

A national bird pest network has been established to address these aims with support from agriculture departments and industry bodies including Horticulture Australia, the Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation, the Grains Research and Development Corporation, Cherry Growers of Australia Inc, the Australian Nut Industry Council, Apple and Pear Growers Association of South Australia, Australian Olive Growers Association and the Australian Blueberry Growers Association.

Producers can contact Mr Tracey for a survey form.

Media contact: John Tracey, Orange ph (02) 6391 3952,  fax (02) 6391 3952 john.tracey@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Issued by: Bernadette York, NSW Agriculture, Head Office Orange on (02) 6391 3533.

Electronic images: Available from bernadette.york@dpi.nsw.gov.au