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.

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

Banana Fruit Speckle.

Management of Papaya diseases in North Queensland

Management of Papaya diseases in North Queensland.

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.

DAQ339A Pest and disease identification and management in herbs

The major objective is to produce an educational tool for growers and research/extension personnel to allow accurate identification of a range of pests and diseases encountered in herbs. To a lessor extent develop both a mechanism to manage beneficial insects in field crops pre-harvest and to identify some common seed borne diseases in herbs.

IPM strategies in pome and stonefruit in Western Australia and Queensland

In association with Western Australia develop monitoring and alternative control measures pest thrip species of apples and stonefruit in Queensland.

Developing and communicating strategies for controlling virus diseases in vegetable cucurbit crops

Virus diseases cause serious yield and quality losses in field grown cucurbit crops worldwide. In Australia, the main viruses of cucurbits are Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV), Squash mosaic virus (SqMV), Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) and Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV). Plants infected early have severely distorted fruit. High infection incidences, of ZYMV and PRSV in crops cause losses of marketable fruit of up to 100% and infected crops are often abandoned. Two new alternative hosts of ZYMV were identified, the native cucurbit Cucumis maderaspatanus and wild legume Rhyncosia minima. No new alternative hosts of PRSV, SqMV or WMV were found in Western Australia or Queensland. Seed transmission of ZYMV (0.7%) was found in seedlings grown from ZYMV-infected fruit of zucchini but not of pumpkin. None was detected with PRSV or SqMV in zucchini or pumpkin seedlings, respectively. ZYMV spread to pumpkins by aphids was greater downwind than upwind of a virus source. Delaying sowing by 2 weeks decreased ZYMV spread. Millet non-host barriers between pumpkin plantings slowed ZYMV infection. Host resistance gene (zym) in cucumber cultivars was effective against ZYMV. Pumpkin cultivars with resistance gene (Zym) became infected under high virus pressure but leaf symptoms were milder and infected plants higher yielding with more market-acceptable fruit than those without Zym. Most zucchini cultivars with Zym developed severe leaf and fruit symptoms. ZYMV, PRSV, WMV and SqMV spread readily from infected to healthy cucurbit plants by direct leaf contact. ZYMV survives and remains infective on diverse surfaces for up to 6 hours but can be inactivated by some disinfectants. Phylogenetic analysis indicates at least three separate introductions of ZYMV into Australia, with new introductions rarely occurring. ZYMV isolates clustered into three groups according to collection location i) Kununurra, ii) Northern Territory and iii) Carnarvon, Qld and Vic. A multiplex Real-Time PCR was developed which distinguished between the three groups of Australian isolates. Integrated disease management (IDM) strategies for virus diseases of vegetable cucurbit crops grown in the field were improved incorporating the new information gathered. These strategies are aimed at causing using minimal extra expense, labour demands and disruption to normal practices.

Integrated viral disease management in vegetable crops

Integrated viral disease management in vegetable crops.

Fruit fly host status testing of a new passionfruit cultivar

Fruit fly host status testing of a new passionfruit cultivar.

Porous silica-based nanocapsules for targeted and controlled release of biocides

Develops a new technology for the delivery of biocides against agricultural pests, with biocides contained within silica nanocapsules which are themselves protected by an outer envelope, capable of being selectively broken down by the target pest. Will reduce the amount of biocide escaping into the environment, prolong the life of the biocide, reduce biocide usage rates, and reduce undesirable effects on non-target organisms.

Management of Phytophthora fruit rot and Pythium-related root rot of papaya

Management of Phytophthora fruit rot and Pythium-related root rot of papaya.

Testing Postharvest Mango treatments

The effectiveness of Amistar and ASM combinations, in reducing the severity of postharvest anthracnose and stem end rot in mango.

Best management options for onion thrips in onions

Best management options for onion thrips.