Biodiversity condition assessment for grazing lands

Using the ABCD Framework as a aurrogate for biodiversity condition.

Demonstrating recovery of pasture productivity, Mulga Lands - Bollon, South West Queensland

Pasture recovery PDS, Mulga lands.

Use of tea tree oil against buffalo flies in cattle

Testing tea tree oil against buffalo flies on cattle.

Trialling Biological Agents for the Management of Lesser Mealworm in Australian Broiler Houses

For approximately three decades the Australian broiler industry has relied heavily on the use of insecticides as its key tool for management of darkling beetle or lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus [Panzer] in broiler houses. The use of these chemicals over this period has been largely unchecked which has resulted in the development of strong insecticide resistance in many beetle populations from broiler farms. Although we are in a period now with an improved knowledge of managing resistance and the availability of new more effective insecticides that are currently marketed, the industry still requires more pest management options in order to inhibit development of resistance and reduce overall chemical use. In response to this need, ‘natural’ agents such as entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi were proposed as potential agents for managing darkling beetle populations in Australian broiler houses. Since 2007 laboratory and field studies have been undertaken to assess these agents. This report outlines these studies and discusses potential benefits to the Chicken Meat industry resulting from this research.

Sustaining and Growing Landcare Systems in the Philippines and Australia

Sustaining and Growing Landcare Systems in the Philippines and Australia.

Improved Farming Systems for Managing Soilborne pathogens of ginger in Fiji and Australia

Development of improved farming systems for ginger to decrease damage caused by soil-borne pathogens in Fiji and Australia.

Establishing forest pest detection systems in South Pacific and Australia

The aim of the project is to reduce the risk of serious damage by exotic pests to the valuable timber resources of Fiji, Vanuatu and Australia by establishing efficient detection systems for target pests in high hazard sites. In particular, the project aims to minimise losses in the valuable plantations of Fiji and the emerging plantation industry of Vanuatu. This is part of a 'neighbourhood watch' approach to incursion management that will benefit all regional countries, including Australia.

Virus identification and development of long-term management strategies for the rhubarb industry

The purpose of this report is to present the final results of all activities conducted under HAL Project VG05053 ‘Virus identification and development of long-term management strategies for the rhubarb industry’. The report provides a summary of project findings, a description of technology transfer activities, and recommendations arising from the outcomes of the project. The overall objective of this project was to devise a strategy for the control of rhubarb decline disease through 1) knowledge of the viruses present and their epidemiology, 2) production of virus-free planting material via tissue culture, and 3) formation of a national grower group to represent industry.

The cause, distribution and economic importance of fruit speckle of banana in north Queensland

Banana Fruit Speckle.

Development and promotion of Integrated Pest Management strategies for Silverleaf whitefly in vegetables

This final report ‘Development and promotion of IPM strategies for silverleaf whitefly in vegetables’ summarises the research and extension into development and implementation of IPM programs for silverleaf whitefly in vegetables. Chemical and biologicontrol for Silverleaf Whitefly in pumpkin, brassica, bean and sweet potatoes.

Integrated pest management and supply chain improvement for mangoes in the Philippines and Australia

This project will incorporate two strategies for improving industry sustainability in the Philippines and Australia: (a) developing improved field management and quarantine monitoring and detection of mango pests and diseases; and (b) working with selected mango supply chains to identify and test areas for improvement.

Alternaria Fruit Spot: New Directions

This project determined the identity of causal pathogens, epidemiology and disease cycle of Alternaria leaf blotch and fruit spot in Australian apples and provided a management strategy for both diseases for inclusion in the integrated fruit production manual.

Alternative fruit fly management for market access for apples

Difficulty with control of Queensland fruit fly with four cultivars of apples on the Granite Belt, Qld. Warnings that the insecticides dimethoate & fenthion might be removed from the market for apples, had been current for several years. Dimethoate was widely used as a post harvest control measure as well as an in-field treatment. Fenthion also had and still has in-field usage. The project attempted to find a replacement for these control measures.