DRAFT ONLY

WA Pome Fruit Biosecurity Strategic

Plan

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June 2015

Contents1. Executive summary………………………………………………………………………42. Part 1: Background – The National Biosecurity Framework……………………..52.1 Pome fruit……………………………………………………………………………..……52.2 The Australian apple and pear industry…………………………………………………52.3 The WA pome fruit industry………………………………………………………………..52.4 Biosecurity in Australia……………………………………………………………………..7 2.5 What is biosecurity………………………………………………………………………….72.6. National biosecurity………………………………………………………………………..72.7 Plant Health Australia………………………………………………………………………82.8 Exotic pests of pome fruit not found in Australia………………………………………..92.9 Other exotic pests of pome fruit………………………………………………………… 102.10 The EPPRD……………………………………………………………………………….112.11 Pest Categorisation………………………………………………………………………112.12 Contingency plans and response management procedures………………………...122.13 State biosecurity……………………………………………………………………….....122.14 The Biosecurity and Agricultural Management Act 2007………………………….....132.15 The Department of Agriculture WA’s role………………………………………………142.16 Regional biosecurity………………………………………………………………………152.17 On farm biosecurity……………………………………………………………………….152.18 Neglected orchards……………………………………………………………………….16

3. Part 2: WA Pome Fruit Biosecurity Strategic Plan………………………..............173.1 Background……………………………………………………………………………….....173.2 Vision…………………………………………………………………………………………173.3 Purpose……………………………………………………………………………………....173.4 Structure of the plan……………………………………………………………………......173.5 Rules for expenditure of the biosecurity services levy………………………………….183.6 Strategy 1 – Maintain the industry biosecurity management committee and

set investment priorities…………………………………………………………193.7 Strategy 2 – Protect industry against exotic plant pests and disease……………......193.8 Strategy 3 – Address threats from established pests in Australia but not present in Western Australia…………………………………………….....203.9 Strategy 4 – Management of established pests of quarantine concern………………233.10 Strategy 5 – Strengthen property and orchard biosecurity……………………………25

4. Reference…………………………………………………………………………………..25

5. Appendix…………………………………………………………………………………...261. List of the WA pome fruit industry biosecurity management committee………..26

2. Key components for improving orchard biosecurity…………………………….....27

3. Description of a number of exotic pests and disease of pome fruit that are not

present in Australia……………………………………………………………………36

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4. Description of a number of established pests in Australia but not present in

Western Australia……………………………………………………………………..39

5. Description of a number of established pests of quarantine concern in

Western Australia…………………………………………………………………….42

6. Honeybee best management practice checklist…………………………………..45

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1. Executive summary

The Western Australia apple and pear industry faces on-going biosecurity issues that challenge orchard profitability and access to national and international markets.

The Western Australian industry via Pome West has adopted a pro-active approach to protecting the industry by implementing a Biosecurity Fee for Service Levy (BFFSL) under the Agricultural Produce Commission Act 1988. The BFFSL rate is presently set at $0.002 per kilogram on all fresh pome fruit and $0.001 per kilogram on all processed pome fruit. The BFFSL commenced on 1 January 2015.

The WA Pome Fruit Biosecurity Strategic Plan has been developed as a requirement of the BSL as stipulated by the Western Australian Agricultural Produce Commission (APC) in November 2014.

The WA Pome Fruit Biosecurity Strategic Plan is a two part document. The first part of the plan outlines existing national biosecurity requirements and the second part of the document details the WA Pome Fruit Biosecurity Strategic Plan and the priorities and strategies required to ensure the WA pome fruit industry is protected from the impact of invasive plant pests and disease and market access is maintained.

The WA Pome Fruit Biosecurity Strategic Plan is based on five foundation strategies: to maintain the industry biosecurity committee; to protect industry against exotic pests and disease; to address threats from established pests in Australia but not present in Western Australia; to manage established pests of quarantine concern and to strengthen property and orchard biosecurity.

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2. Part 1: Background – The National Biosecurity Framework

2.1 Pome fruit

Pome fruits are members of the plant family Rosaceae, sub-family pomoideae. They are

fruits that have a "core" of several small seeds, surrounded by a tough membrane. The

membrane is encased in an edible layer of flesh. Trees are deciduous and have a dormant

winter period that requires cold temperatures for the tree to properly break dormancy in

spring. Apples, pears, nashi and quince are pome fruits, grown from spring blossom and

harvested from late summer through to late autumn.

2.2 The Australian apple and pear industry

The apple and pear industry is Australia’s largest single fruit industry, valued at $566.8 million in 2013. The gross value of apple production makes up over 80 per cent of this total value. The peak industry body for the Australian apple and pear industries is Apples and Pears Australia Ltd (APAL).

There are more than 600 growers of apples and pears in Australia. An ongoing decline in grower numbers indicates a consolidation of the industry where smaller-scale growers are exiting the industry and medium- and large-scale growers taking over.

The major production area for the Australian apple and pear industry is in Victoria, primarily in the Goulburn Valley and southern Victoria. This area produces 46 per cent and 84 per cent of Australia’s apples and pears, respectively. Apples and pears are also grown in the Yarra Valley and southern Victoria, at Stanthorpe in Queensland, Batlow and Orange in NSW, the Huon and Tamar Valley in Tasmania, the Adelaide Hills in SA, and the Perth Hills, Donnybrook, Manjimup in WA.

The most popular varieties of apple are Cripps Pink (Pink Lady™), Royal Gala and Granny Smith, whilst for pears Packham and Williams varieties dominate. The majority of apple and pear production is consumed domestically, with less than 5 per cent exported to the premium markets of the United Kingdom and Europe and the bulk markets of South East Asia.

2.3The WA pome fruit industry

Apples are a significant fruit crop in Western Australia, with most grown in the South West

Region (Donnybrook, Manjimup and Pemberton) as well as the Perth Hills and surrounds.

Pears and nashi are a minor commercial crop in WA, grown in similar areas to apples.

Pome fruit production covers about 1300 ha in WA. WA produces around 11% of national

apple production and 5% of national pear production.

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Table 1. WA apple and pear production - 2013

Australian production (tonnes)

Australian production (tonnes)

WA Share

Apples 288,878 31,274 Tonnes (11 %)

Pears 109,206 5,004 Tonnes (5%)

Source: ABS data, Fresh Intelligence analysis

Freedom from major pests as well as lower pest levels overall, combined with

integrated production systems provides quality and some cost advantages to the WA

industry over other Australian and international production areas. Production of Cripps

Pink apples for export to the UK is still highly profitable and there are opportunities to

expand production in the lower south-west where climatic conditions ensure a high

quality product.

Apples and pears are both exported from Western Australia. Approximately 50–60 per cent

of apple exports by value are Pink Lady™ to the United Kingdom market. The variety behind

this product, Cripps Pink, was bred and developed in WA by the department. WA faces

strong competition in export markets from other southern hemisphere suppliers such as New

Zealand, South Africa and Chile. South Africa and Chile have considerable cost advantages

due to cheap labour and economies of scale. While WA can provide better quality, the

margin is being diminished as low-cost competitors improve their quality. WA represents

around 5% of national apple exports and national pear exports are negligible. The value of

apple and pear exports from Western Australia is as follows:

Table 2. WA apple exports – 2102 to 2014

Market 2012 2013 2014$A $A $A

United Kingdom 250,671 435,290 70,947Brunei Darussalam 16,394 17,484 24,941Christmas Island 4,748

Total $267,065 $452,774 $100,636

Table 3. WA pear exports – 2102 to 2014

Market 2012 2013 2014$A $A $A

Brunei Darussalam 33,306 51,993 37,655Christmas Island 592Malaysia 6,400 0

Total $33,306 $58,393 $38,247

Source: ABS data, Fresh Intelligence analysis

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2.4 Biosecurity in Australia

Australia has a world class biosecurity system, but as long as international trade and people movement occurs, there will always be the risk that new plant pests will enter the country. Pests can also be spread to Australia through natural means, such as wind and water currents. Comprehensive biosecurity systems help ensure Australia’s food security and food safety, while good biosecurity practices protect our farmers’ productivity and make good business sense.

2.5 What is biosecurity

Biosecurity is the protection of livelihoods, lifestyles and the natural environment, which could be harmed by the introduction of new pests and diseases, or through the impact of pests already established in Australia. Biosecurity is a national priority, implemented off-shore, at the border in the state, a region and on-farm. Biosecurity is essential for a successful fruit producing business. By implementing the recommended measures in their day-to-day operations, they will improve their own biosecurity and that of the region, while minimising production losses and unnecessary costs.

Australia’s geographic isolation has meant that we have relatively few of the pests and diseases that affect horticultural industries overseas. Freedom from these exotic pests and diseases is a vital part of the future profitability and sustainability of Australia’s pome fruit industry. Biosecurity preserves existing trade opportunities and supports market access negotiations.

2.6 National biosecurity

The federal Department of Agriculture has primary responsibility for managing Australia's biosecurity system. Australia’s biosecurity system ensures good biosecurity outcomes through Australia’s activities as an exporter and importer of goods. It relies on cooperation between the Australian Government and state and territory governments, as well as importers, exporters and the wider community. Onshore, industry groups contribute through planning, preparedness and response activities in cooperation with governments. Changing global demands, growing passenger and trade volumes, increasing imports from a growing number of countries, population expansion and climate change mean that biosecurity risk is growing. There is also an increasing demand from international trading partners for greater levels of assurance in relation to Australia’s exports.

Freedom from exotic pests provides both a yield advantage as well as real trade benefits for the Australian horticulture sector. Biosecurity planning provides a mechanism for the pome industry, government and other relevant stakeholders to assess current biosecurity practices and future biosecurity needs. This is achieved through determining which pests are not currently present in Australia and analysing the risks they pose to the Australian horticultural sector. Biosecurity planning also identifies procedures that can be put in place to reduce the chance of pests reaching our borders or minimise the impact if a pest incursion occurs. A strong national biosecurity system ensures the continued protection of plant production industries and the natural environment against new pests.

Australia is a signatory to several international and national arrangements. These include global and regional conventions and treaties, and bilateral agreements. Following the independent review of Australia’s Quarantine and Biosecurity Arrangements completed in 2008, Australian governments established the IGAB and the National Environmental Biosecurity Response Agreement (NEBRA) as the overarching framework for the Australian

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biosecurity continuum. All Australian and governments are signatories to the IGAB and the NEBRA.

The Australian Government has formal responsibility for international government-to-government relations and Australia’s compliance with international sanitary and phytosanitary obligations, including import and export conditions. It has responsibility for risk management measures pre-border and at the Australian border and associated compliance and enforcement, and performs risk analysis to provide an appropriate level of protection against invasive species. The Federal Department of Agriculture Biosecurity section (DA) is responsible for detection and prevention of invasive species entry via international shipping and air traffic. Biosecurity plays an important role in protecting market access, and supporting overseas trade consistent with Australia’s international trade obligations, including Australia’s Appropriate Level of Protection (ALOP) Policy.

2.7 Plant Health Australia

Plant Health Australia (PHA) is the national coordinator of the government-industry partnership for plant biosecurity in Australia that minimises plant pest impacts in Australia, enhances market access and contributes to industry and community sustainability. PHA is a not-for-profit, subscription-funded public company based in Canberra. Through PHA, current and future needs of the plant biosecurity system can be mutually agreed, issues identified, and solutions to problems found.

The effects of new plant pests establishing in Australia are wide-ranging and potentially devastating. PHA has identified over 300 high priority pests that could seriously reduce the ability to grow particular crops in Australia or to sell its produce, should they establish here. In addition to damaging the livelihoods of producers and others along the value chain, new pests could jeopardise trade, damage regional economies, deplete amenity values and alter our natural environment. Australia’s reputation as a producer of clean, quality produce could also be damaged, potentially reducing access to overseas markets.

PHA works with the pome fruit sector, through APAL as the peak industry body, federal and state governments and (indirectly) with state associations like Pomewest to identify, prioritise, and manage key plant health risks. An important step in this process was the development and implementation of the national Industry Biosecurity Plan (IBP) for the apple and pear industry.

The Apple and Pear IBP was first developed in 2010 and provides a framework for biosecurity risk mitigation measures in the sector. The plan outlines significant pests of interest and are categorised based on their level of risk to the industry in terms of economic, environmental and social implications.

Within the Apple and Pear IBP Emergency Plant Pests (EPPs) are defined as those that meet one or more of the following criteria:

a. It is a known exotic plant pest, the economic consequences of an incident of which would be economically or otherwise harmful for Australia and for which it is considered to be in the regional or national interest to be free of the plant pest

b. It is a variant form of an established plant pest, which can be distinguished by appropriate investigative and diagnostic methods and which, if established in Australia, would have a regional or national impact

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c. It is a serious plant pest of unknown or uncertain origin, which may, on the evidence available at the time, be an entirely new plant pest, and which if established in Australia would have an adverse economic impact regionally and or nationally, and

d. It is a plant pest of potential economic importance to the area endangered thereby and not yet present there or widely distributed and being officially controlled, but is occurring in such a fulminant outbreak form, that an emergency response is required to ensure that there is not either a large scale epidemic of regional or national significance or serious loss of market access.

2.8 Exotic pests of pome fruit not found in Australia

The following is a list of high priority exotic pests of apples and pears. These pests were identified during the development of the Industry Biosecurity Plan for the Apple and Pear Industry in consultation with industry, government and scientists. They have been assessed as high priority pests based on their potential to enter, establish, and spread in Australia (e.g. environmental factors, host range, vectors) and the cost to industry of control measures.

Table 3. List of exotic pests with deed, fact sheet, plan and diagnostic information

Common Scientific EPPRD FactContingenc

y Diagnostic name name Category Sheet Plan protocol

Apple maggot fly

Rhagoletis pomonella FS FS

Apple proliferation

Apple proliferation phytoplasma FS

Asian gypsy moth Lymantria dispar FS FS CP

Cedar apple rust

Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae FS

European canker Neonectria ditissima FS

Fire blight Erwinia amylovora 2 FS CP DP

Oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis 2 FS FS FS FS FS FS

Plum curculio Conotrachelus nenuphar 2 FS FS

Rosy apple aphid

Dysaphis plantaginea FS

Spotted-winged drosophila Drosophila suzukii FS FS FS

Source: PHA Website

PHA has a range of fact sheets, contingency plans and diagnostic protocols relevant to these pests. Pest risk review documents are also available for some pests. Please contact PHA on 02 6215 7700 or email admin@phau.com.au for more information. Endorsed National Diagnostic Protocols are available from the National Plant Biosecurity Diagnostic Network webpage.

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2.9 Other exotic pests of pome fruit

The following is a list of documents for other exotic and endemic pests of the apple and pear industry. Please note that this is not a complete list of pests: rather it includes pests for which documents exist in the PHA Pest Information Document Database. Some of the documents presented here are not tailored to the apple and pear industry and are included for information only.

Table 4. List of other exotic and endemic pome fruit pests

Common Scientific EPPRD Fact Contingency Diagnostic name name Category Sheet Plan protocol

Black stem blight Erwinia pyrifoliae FS

Blister spot of apples

Pseudomonas syringae pv. papulans

DP

Brown rot Monilinia fructigena 3 FS FS

Cassava spider mite

Tetranychus truncatus FS

Citrus longicorn beetle

Anoplophora chinensis FS CP

Green headed leaf roller

Planotortrix excessana FS

Japanese beetle Popillia japonica FSMediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata FS

Oblique-banded leaf roller

Choristoneura rosaceana FS

Omnivorous leaf roller Platynota stultana FS

Orange tortrix Argyrotaenia citrana FS

Pacific spider mite Tetranychus pacificus FS DP

Peach fruit fly Bactrocera zonata FS

Pear fruit moth Numonia pirivorella 3 FS

Pear psyllid Cacopsylla pyricola FS

Pierce’s disease Xylella fastidiosa 2 FS FS FS FS CP

Strawberry spider mite

Tetranychus turkestani FS DP

Texas root rot Phymatotrichum omnivorum 2 FS FS

Tomato ringspot virus

Tomato ringspot virus (Nepovirus) FS

Western flower thrips

Frankliniella occidentalis FS

Source: PHA Website

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Other high priority plant pest threats listed in the Industry Biosecurity Plan for the Apple and Pear Industry are Oriental fruit fly (Bactocera doralis) and plus Plum curculio (Conotrachelus nenuphar), a beetle that has pome fruits listed as a primary host.

2.10 The EPPRDThe PHA Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD) aims to manage the impact of EPPs by establishing an industry/government agreement to cover eradication of emergency pests, reducing delays in securing funding, providing industry with greater involvement in eradication efforts, and removing disincentives to report emergency pests. It should be recognised that the EPPRD only covers eradication to response to EPPs when based on an approved Emergency Plant Pest Response Plan. Weeds are not covered by the EPPRD at this stage. Under the EPPRD, both industry and government contribute to the total cost of the approved EPP Response, with the ratio of contribution based on the Category. Four categories are included in the EPPRD (Table 3) and six viticulture EPPs that have been categorised to date (Table 4).

Table 4. Cost sharing categories under the EPPRD

Category FundingCategory 1 Very high public benefits 100% GovernmentCategory 2 High public benefits 80% Government, 20% IndustryCategory 3 Moderate public benefits 50% Government, 50% IndustryCategory 4 Mostly if not wholly private benefits 20% Government, 80% Industry

2.11 Pest categorisationThe EPPRD outlines a mechanism whereby Industry and Government Parties will contribute to the total cost of a Response to an EPP Incident based on agreed Categories. These Categories determine the ratio each party will pay, based on the relative public and private benefits of EPP eradication. Pests listed in the high priority pest threat list (Table 3) may be put forward for categorisation and inclusion in Schedule of the EPPRD. Other pests that enter Australia, but which have not been formally categorised will be treated as belonging to Category 3 until an appropriate Category has been formally determined.

The Apple and Pear IBP identifies six pome fruit pests that have been categorised as follows:

Table 5. List of categorised pome fruit emergency plant pests Scientific name Common name Formal

categoryAcrobasis pyrivorella Pear fruit moth 3Adoxophyes orana Summerfruit tortrix 2Bactocera dorsalis Oriental fruit fly 2Erwina amylovora Fire blight 2Monolinia fructigena Brown rot 3Phymatotrichum omnivorum Texas root rot 2

The Industry Biosecurity Plan identifies a larger number of high priority pest threats as follows in Table 6.

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2.12 Contingency plans and response management procedures

PHA have developed PLANTPLAN, a generic emergency response plan for the Australian plant industries. This plan details the procedures required and the organisations responsible in the event of an incursion of an emergency plant pest. These plans will enable government and industry to respond more effectively during an incident.

In time, pest-specific contingency plans for all high priority apple and pear pests will be developed. To date the apple and pear industry has developed an additional pest-specific contingency plan for responding to an incursion of Fire blight. In addition PHA and the Nursery and Garden Industry Association have developed threat specific contingency plans for Gypsy moth (Asian and European strains), Pierce’s disease and Citrus longicorn beetle. In addition the NGIA and DAFF Queensland have developed a threat specific contingency plans for Fire blight (for nursery production)

We understand APAL as the peak industry body are interested in getting contingency plans for Brown Marmorated Stink Bug and Apple Leaf Curling Midge done as a priority. There are also some gaps for the industry in relation to contingency plans for a number of other high priority pests including; Apple maggot, Apple cedar rust, European canker, Oriental fruit fly, Rosy apple aphid, Brown rot (pears) and Spotted wing drosophila.

A number of sectors e.g. grains, bananas, cotton, citrus and pome fruit have taken the approach of developing Farm Biosecurity Manuals as a way of implementing their Industry Biosecurity Plan and increasing on-ground activities and awareness in relation to biosecurity. Other activities have included simulation exercises with cross-sectors that share similar high-priority plant pests. Currently, the pome fruit sector has its own Orchard Biosecurity Manual and this is available on the PHA website.

2.13 State biosecurity

The Australian Government assists the WA Government in providing national biosecurity policy leadership, and in providing a national coordinating role. Both governments contribute to the national capacity to prevent, eradicate and contain significant invasive species. State and Territory Governments also agree on cross-border quarantine and inspections arrangements.The WA Government bears the primary responsibility for WA border biosecurity surveillance and the emergency management of outbreaks within WA, including preparedness and emergency responses. The Australian Government will support WA in implementing emergency responses to outbreaks through cost-sharing if an outbreak is considered to be of national significance. The WA Government leads the eradication and control of significant invasive species within the State (including State-owned and -managed land and waters), where it is feasible and cost-effective. Biosecurity is the management of the risk of animal and plant pests and diseases entering, emerging, establishing or spreading in Western Australia, to protect our economy, environment and community. Biosecurity is the protection of our economy, the environment, social amenity and human health from the negative impacts of pests, weeds and diseases. Biosecurity preserves and enhances the unique environment, vibrant economy and lifestyle standards that are highly valued by our community. Biosecurity helps:

maintain market access maintain industry profitability (especially our primary industries) preserve our existing social amenity for the enjoyment of future generations

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preserve our environmental assets and services maintain our all-important food security.

At the state level, biosecurity is managed through a legislative framework thatincludes a number of key pieces of legislation: Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (BAM Act) Fish Resources Management Act 1994 Conservation and Land Management Act 1984 Emergency Management Act 2005 Exotic Diseases of Animals 1993.The state government works with industry and communities to identify and managebiosecurity risks and is responsible for the development of policies and systems thatrelate to specific pests and diseases.

2.14 The Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007

The Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (BAM Act) is an important piece of legislation which has been developed in partnership with key primary industry, natural resource management and community groups over several years. It replaces 17 existing Acts within the Agriculture Portfolio. (Comprehensive information on WA Acts and Regulations is available from the State Law Publisher website).

The BAM Act seeks to establish a modern biosecurity regulatory scheme to prevent serious animal and plant pests and diseases from entering the State and becoming established, and to minimise the spread and impact of any that are already present within the State. The Act also establishes controls in relation to agricultural and veterinary chemicals, fertilisers and animal feeding stuffs, and has the capacity to recognise and support industry standards.

The BAM Act is 'enabling' legislation, that is, it will enable various things to be done by regulations and other subsidiary regulatory instruments. Much of the operational detail found in the Acts to be replaced will be prescribed by regulations that are to be established under the BAM Act. Objects of the BAM Act are to provide effective biosecurity and agriculture management for the State by providing the means to:

(a) control the entry, establishment, spread and impact of organisms that have or may have an adverse effect on:

i. other organisms; orii. human beings; oriii. the environment or part of the environment; oriv. agricultural activities, fishing or pearling activities, or related commercial activities, carried on, or intended to be carried on, in the State or part of the State; and

(b) control the use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals; and

(c) establish standards to ensure the safety and quality of agricultural products; and

(d) raise funds for biosecurity-related purposes.

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Through the BAM Act, groups that control declared pests that impact on public as well as private interests can receive formal recognition as a Recognised Biosecurity Group (RBG).  As an RBG, these groups can raise funds within their area of operation to carry out programs to control declared animal and plant pests.  The RBG framework gives communities the opportunity to come together to address locally significant biosecurity issues.  Communities can identify their priority pests, then plan and coordinate efforts to tackle these priorities.

2.15 The Department of Agriculture and Food WA’s role

DAFWA is responsible for the administration of the BAM Act. It aims to build capacity for shared responsibility between government agencies, industry and community to prevent the introduction of pests and to manage priority pests that are introduced or established in Western Australia. This work is undertaken through research, policy formulation, operational management and emergency response capacity.

In 2012-13, DAFWA spent $14.6 million in funds appropriated by Parliament on border security and the management of declared pests. An additional $3.1 million in expenditure was funded from Royalties for Regions, Commonwealth and other state governments and $6.3 million spent by RBG and Industry Funding Schemes.

HortGuard is an initiative of the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia to protect the $650 million horticultural industry from major pests and to minimise risk of chemical residue in produce. HortGuard encompasses but is not limited to quarantine, export certification, surveillance, pest and disease control, and relevant state, national and international events that could impact on the WA horticulture industry, research and innovation, product integrity, and market access and trade.

The Horticulture Industry Biosecurity Committee operating under HortGuard provides a forum for WA horticulture industries, associated parties and DAFWA to consult on matters that relate to biosecurity, chemical residues and market access related issues. HortGuard links with existing industry and DAFWA activities such as:

Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Biosecurity (formerly Australian Quarantine and Inspection Services) and Quarantine WA

activities of Landcare groups and individual growers DAFWA’s extensive threat identification, risk assessment, surveillance, control and

eradication programs research programs on breeding disease resistance plants, insects which threaten the

horticultural industry and integrated pest management systems on-farm and company-based quality assurance programs.

Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia – Biosecurity emergency contactsExotic Plant Pest and Disease Hotline: Phone 1800 084 881Email: info@agric.wa.gov.au .

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2.16 Regional biosecurity

To strengthen the biosecurity measures implemented on your property, consider including biosecurity issues and activities in community or regional meetings. Biosecurity threats to all properties in your region can be minimised through a collaborative approach. Promotion of biosecurity at the regional level is enhanced through:

• broad engagement of the community

• understanding the region’s vulnerability, the source and nature of threats

• knowledge of the skills base and resources available to the region

• a commitment from stakeholders to implement biosecurity measures, surveillance and reporting.

Implementation of farm biosecurity underpins regional biosecurity, which in turn underpins national biosecurity. If on-farm measures are supported by community based measures, a coordinated regional framework for biosecurity can be achieved.

2.17 On farm biosecurity

Farm or orchard biosecurity is a set of measures designed to protect a property from the entry and spread of pests, diseases and weeds. Farm biosecurity is your responsibility, and that of every person visiting or working on your property. Producers play a key role in protecting Australian plant and livestock industries from pests and diseases by implementing sound biosecurity measures on-farm.

If a new pest or disease becomes established on your farm, it will affect your business through increased costs (for monitoring, production practices, additional chemical use and labour), reduced productivity (in yield and/or quality) or loss of markets. Early detection and immediate reporting of an exotic pest or disease increases the chance of effective and efficient eradication.

APAL the peak industry body states – “Every orchardist has an important role to play in protecting their property and the industry from biosecurity threats”.

PHA has identified six easy ways growers can reduce the threat of new pests impacting on their property. Each practice should be embedded in an orchard’s everyday management as they make good business sense by reducing the risk of spreading pests. It is important that grower livelihoods are protected by following orchard biosecurity recommendations. These include:

1. Be aware of biosecurity threats

Make sure all orchard workers are familiar with the most important exotic apple and pear pest threats. Conduct a biosecurity induction session to explain required hygiene practices for people, equipment and vehicles in the orchard.

2. Use pest-free propagation material

Ensure all propagation material is from trusted sources and farm inputs are fully tested, pest-free and preferably certified. Keep good records of orchard inputs.

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3. Keep it clean

Practicing good sanitation and hygiene will help prevent the entry and movement of pests onto a property. Workers, visitors, vehicles and equipment can spread pests, so it’s important they are clean before entering and leaving the property. Have a designated visitor’s area and provide vehicle and personnel wash-down facilities.

4. Check the orchard and monitor trees frequently

Knowing the usual appearance of the orchard and trees will help recognise new or unusual events and pests. Keep written and photographic records of all unusual observations. Constant vigilance is vital for early detection of any exotic plant pest threat.

5. Abide by the law

Respect and be aware of laws and regulations established to protect the apple and pear industry, Australian agriculture and growing region.

6. Report anything unusualIf a suspected new pest is spotted – report it immediately to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline – Tel: 1800 084 881

2.18 Neglected orchardsDAFWA is involved with aiming to reduce the risk posed to commercial orchards by diseases and pests which may be harboured and spread as a result of no management of fruit trees and vines. Orchardists can assist in this process by reporting obviously neglected orchards in WA to their industry sub-committee, for example:

PomewestExecutive Officer3 Baron-Hay CourtSouth Perth WA 6151Tel: +61 (0)8 9368 3869Fax: +61 (0)8 9368 3128Email: admin@fruitwest.org.au

Postal Address: PO Box 7198 Karawara WA 6152

Reports must be in writing and include the following information:1. address/location of the orchard2. proximity to nearest commercial orchard3. name of owner of the orchard if possible4. name and contact details of person or group reporting. This information remains

confidential.

An inspector from DAFWA will visit the property within 14 days of receipt of a written report.The result of the visit will be communicated within another 14 days.

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3 Part 2: WA Pome Fruit Biosecurity Strategic Plan

3.1 Background

The second part of this document details the WA Pome Fruit Biosecurity Strategic Plan and the priorities and strategies required to ensure the WA pome fruit industry is protected from the impact of invasive plant pests and disease and market access is maintained. The WA Pome Fruit Biosecurity Strategic Plan was developed by Pome West following introduction of the new biosecurity levy in 2015.

The WA Pome Fruit Biosecurity Strategic Plan will be the basis for more effective surveillance; improved control and management of regionally significant endemic pests and disease; and increasing awareness, preparedness and ability to protect pests or disease entering, emerging, establishing or spreading in key production areas within the state. The WA Pome Fruit Biosecurity Strategic Plan will guide Pome West to ensure they adopt a proactive approach to assess and respond to new pest and disease threats by prevention of entry, early detection and prompt incident response.

The WA Pome Fruit Biosecurity Strategic Plan is based on five foundation strategies: to maintain the industry biosecurity committee; to protect industry against exotic pests and disease; to address threats from established pests in Australia but not present in Western Australia; to manage established pests of quarantine concern and to strengthen property and orchard biosecurity.

3.2 VisionA Western Australian pome fruit industry that is free of pests and disease of quarantine concern.

3.3 PurposeThe purpose of the plan is to protect the Western Australian pome fruit industry from invasive pests and disease that threaten trade, profitability, sustainability and the environment.

3.4 Structure of the planThe plan has been developed following implementation of the biosecurity industry funded Biosecurity Fee for Services Levy via the WA Agricultural Produce Commission in 2015. The plan defines the rules of expenditure of the biosecurity services levy and outlines five strategies as target investment areas.

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Table 1. The five strategies of the WA pome fruit biosecurity strategic plan

Strategy 1

Maintain the industry biosecurity management committee and set investment priorities

Strategy 2

Protect industry against exotic pests and disease

Strategy 3

Address threats from established pests in Australia but not present in WA

Strategy 4

Improve management and control of established pests of quarantine concern

Strategy 5

Strengthen orchard and property biosecurity

3.5 Rules for expenditure of the biosecurity services levyAs required by the WA Agricultural Produce Commission the WA Pome Fruit Biosecurity Strategic Plan is required to detail the rules for expenditure of the biosecurity services levy.

The plan incorporates five basic biosecurity investment rules as follows:1. The Western Australian pome fruit industry biosecurity management committee

(IBMC) will meet within the first two months of each calendar year to apportion biosecurity services ley funds as collected from industry on an annual basis.

2. The IBMC shall determine the annual biosecurity priorities for annual funding at their annual meeting

3. The IBMC will apportion annual biosecurity services ley funds on an annual basis to one or more of the WA Pome Fruit Biosecurity Strategic Plan strategies on a priority basis.

4. The IBMC shall have the power to vary the apportioned annual biosecurity services ley funds should their biosecurity priorities change (e.g. incursion of an invasive plant pest or disease).

5. The IBMC will have the power be able to commission biosecurity projects in line with their annual biosecurity priorities.

6. The trigger for any plant pest or disease incursion that has an economic cost to the WA pome industry would need to be greater than $100,000.

7. The limit for any plant pest or disease that has an economic cost to the WA pome industry shall be no greater than one percent of GVP.

Note: Refer to Appendix 1 for a list of members of the Western Australian pome fruit industry biosecurity management committee.

The focus for the WA Pome Fruit Biosecurity Strategic Plan is based on five strategies as follows:

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3.6 Strategy 1 – Maintain the industry biosecurity management committee and set investment priorities

The Western Australian pome fruit industry biosecurity management committee will be maintained to review and implement the WA Pome Fruit Biosecurity Strategic Plan. The IBMC will be maintained as a recognised biosecurity group under the WA BAM Act 2007.

As mentioned in part one of this document the main purposes of the BAM Act 2007 are:

To prevent new animal and plant pests (vermin and weeds) and diseases from entering Western Australia.

To manage the impact and to limit the spread of those already present in the State. To safely manage the use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals and ensure

agricultural products are not contaminated with chemical residues.

Under the BAM Act biosecurity groups can apply for recognition and, once formed, may make a request to raise a rate on landholders in their area. The State Government can match funds, to be made available to a recognised biosecurity group for expenditure on the control of declared pests from which the funds are raised.

The recognition of biosecurity groups and the rating mechanism provide a good framework to support a community co-ordinated approach to the management of widespread and established declared pests. The framework allows the community to determine declared pests that are priorities to the area and obtain matching funding for the management of these pests.

In line with the BAM Act 2007 Pome West will ensure their IBMC group oversees the management of their biosecurity plan, its strategies and funding to better protect the Western Australian industry.

The IBMC has identified a number of exotic, national and local plant pests and disease of quarantine concern. They will be prioritised with exclusion, eradication or control and management in mind and incorporated in the three biosecurity strategies as follows:

3.7 Strategy 2 – Protect industry against exotic plant pests and disease

The ten exotic pests and disease of quarantine concern for the Australian and West Australian pome fruit industry are detailed in the national Industry Biosecurity Plan as follows:

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Table 6. High priority pest threats for the pome fruit industry and their risk ratingCommon

nameScientific name Entry

potentialEstablishment

potentialSpread

potentialEconomic

impactOverall risk

Oriental fruit fly

Bactrocera dorsalis

HIGH HIGH-MEDIUM MEDIUM-HIGH

HIGH MEDIUM-HIGH

Plum curculio Conotrachelusnenuphar

LOW UNKNOWN UNKNOWN HIGH

Spotted wingdrosophila

Drosophila suzukii UNKNOWN UNKNOWN UNKNOWN UNKNOWN UNKNOWN

Rosy apple aphid

Dysaphis plantaginea

HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH

Fire blight Erwinia amylovora HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGHCedar apple rust

Gymnosporangiumjuniperi-virginianae

HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH

Asian gypsy moth

Lymantria dispar HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH

Brown rot Monilinia fructigena

HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH

European canker

Neonectria galligena

HIGH HIGH HIGH MEDIUM-HIGH

MEDIUM-HIGH

Apple maggot

Rhagoletis pomonella

HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH

Biosecurity planning provides a mechanism for the apple and pear industry, government and other relevant stakeholders to assess current biosecurity practices and future biosecurity needs. Planning identifies procedures that can be put in place to reduce the chance of pests reaching our borders or minimise the impact if a pest incursion occurs.

The Industry Biosecurity Plan for the Apple and Pear Industry outlines key threats to the industry, risk mitigation plans, identification and categorisation of exotic pests and contingency plans. For a copy, please contact PHA on 02 6215 7700 or email admin@phau.com.au

Pomewest, via its IBMC will actively engage with APAL as the peak industry body and other agencies and government departments as required to ensure the Western Australian industry is protected against exotic plant pests and disease.

3.8 Strategy 3 - Address threats from established pests in Australia but not present in WA

The WA Pome Fruit Biosecurity Strategic Plan strategy for pests and disease that are established in Australia and are not present in Western Australia is based on the four main elements of a sound biosecurity strategy that need to be in place. The elements are:

1. AwarenessUnderstanding the regulatory and physical measures to ensure that biosecurity incidents are prevented and their effects mitigated. Actions could include understanding biology, ecology, detection methods, entry pathways, diagnostics, eradication and management methods of invasive plant pests and disease.

2. PreparednessImplementing arrangements to ensure that should a biosecurity incident occur, all resources and services needed to manage the response can be efficiently mobilised and deployed. Actions could include Participation in and understanding of the new national and state

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biosecurity and quarantine reform process, developing industry biosecurity and incursion management plans and development of communication, training and production of awareness material.

3. ResponseActions taken in anticipation of, during and immediately after a biosecurity incident to ensure that its effects are minimised. Included could be a national or state incursion or an eradication program that will impact on the industry, trade or the community. Includes controlling the spread by containment and movement controls or surveillance and managing the pest in a defined area.

4. RecoveryThe reconstruction of impacted areas and restoration of social and economic well-being after a biosecurity incident. Actions could include economic and scoping studies relating to production systems, re-establishment of orchards, evaluation of superior plant varieties and re-establishment of markets.

Surveillance is also an essential element in preventing the establishment or spread of plant pests, through early detection and managing the response to such detections, and supporting trade where it depends on pest free status. Surveillance may be general, where information on pests is gathered from many sources, or it may take the form of specific surveys to obtain information for specific sites over a defined period of time. Specific surveys may be detection, delimiting or monitoring surveys. These activities are defined in more detail in International Sanitary and Phytosanitary Manual (ISPM 6: Guidelines for surveillance).

There are a number plant pests and disease of quarantine concern for the West Australian pome fruit industry that are present in other Australian states and are absent in WA at present. Some of the key pest and disease threats identified are as follows:

Table 8 List of some of the key pests and disease established in Australia but not present in WA

Common name Scientific name Primary host Economic consequences

Codling Moth-Moth

Cydia pomonella Apple, pear, quince, peach and walnut

$ High

Queensland Fruit Fly-Fly

Bactocera tryoni Apple, pear, quince, apricot, banana, peach, nectarine and plum

$ High

Citrophilus mealybug-Insect

Pseudococcus calceolarie

A range of temperate fruits

High (export)

Pear leaf blister mite-Mite

Epitrimerus pyri Pear and apple High

Oriental fruit moth-Moth

Grapholita (Aspila) molesta

Pome and stone fruit High

Painted apple moth-Moth

Lepidroptera: Lymantriidae

Pome fruit and a wide range of hosts including Acacia

High

White peach scale-Insect

Pseudaulacaspis pentagona

Stone and pome fruit Medium

Black vine beetle Coleopteria: Ornamental plants Medium

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-Beetle CurculionidqeOystershell scale-Insect

Diapidiotus ostreaformus

Deciduous trees Medium

Table 9. Biosecurity strategy for established pests and disease in Australia but not present in WA

Pest Awareness & Preparedness Response

The Eradication Option

Control & Management

OptionCodling Moth Ensure there is targeted

surveillance for Coding moth in high risk production areas

Action: Extend the current DAFWA (private contractor) targeted surveillance program for another three years

If found contain the outbreak and implement a baiting program to eradicate

Implementation of the control and management program

Queensland Fruit Fly

DAFWA presently coordinates a targeted fruit fly surveillance program in and around the Perth metropolitan area. They target likely entry pathways and focus on stopping incursions of Qfly. The trapping surveillance program includes methyl eugenol baits to detect exotic fruit flies (e.g. Oriental fruit fly or Natal fruit fly).

Action:Together with other horticultural industries contribute an annual funding amount as a co-investment in the DAFWA Qfly trapping surveillance program.

If DAWA discontinue the Qfly trapping surveillance program then Pomewest couldcommission a two year targeted Qfly surveillance project as protection against external fruit fly threats.

If found contain the outbreak and implement a baiting program and other control strategies to eradicate the pest

Implementation of a trapping and baiting program to reduce Qfly numbers to manageable levels for control and management

Other pests and disease

Develop a series of pests or disease information sheets for other pests and disease present in Australia but not in Western Australia

Collect and collate the pest and disease fact sheets and store them at Pomewest

Include one pest or disease pest sheet in each edition of the Pomewest newsletter for industry awaredness and preparedness

*Check that DAFWA will still provide 3 weeks to scope any initial incursions

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3.9 Strategy 4 – Improve management and control of established pests of quarantine concernThe strategy targets a number plant pests and disease of quarantine concern for the West Australian pome fruit industry. They are pests and disease that have become established in the state and require control and management strategies.Some of the established pests of quarantine concern to the West Australian pome fruit industry are as follows:

Table 10. List of some key pests and disease of quarantine concern in WACommon name Scientific name Primary host Economic

consequencesMediterranean fruit fly

Ceratitis capitata Stone fruit, apples pears, citrus guava and other fruits

$ High

Light brown apple moth

Epiphyas postvittana Pome and other fruit crops

$ High

Eucalyptus Weevil Gonipterus scutellatus Eucalyptus High (export)Fullers Rose Weevil Asynonychus cervinus Citrus MediumWoolly Aphid Eriosoma lanigerum Pome fruits MediumApple Dimpling bug Campylomma

liebknechtiDeciduous fruit trees and a range of native plants

Medium

Two spotted mite Tetranychus urticae Temperate and tropical fruits

Medium

Apple looper Phrissogonus laticostata

Pome fruit and vines Medium

Powdery Mildew Podosphaera leucotricha

Ornamental plants, pome fruit and vines

Medium

European earwig Forficula auricularia Fruit trees, vegetables, ornamentals and cereal crops

Medium

Table 11. Biosecurity strategy for management of established pests of quarantine concern

Pest Control and management strategy

Control & Management Option

Control & Management Option

– Reduced pest numbers

Mediterranean fruit fly

A targeted surveillance process to reduce pest numbers to manageable numbers in the main pome fruit production regions

Actions:Commission a two year surveillance and maintenance project to:

1.Monitor the Mediterranean fruit fly population threat to pome fruit orchards major production areas, and;

Ongoing support for a targeted surveillance and baiting program

Aim to achieve Area of Low Pest Prevalence (ALPP) trading status within 3 to 5 years via evidence of low prevalence for fruit fly in Donnybrook, Manjimup and Pemberton

Target areas with high trap numbers. Carry out to additional trapping and baiting to reduce populations for ALPP status

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2.Maintain trapping grids for surveillance of status of Mediterranean fruit fly in three south west areas: Donnybrook, Manjimup and Pemberton The trapping grids to include sentinal traps for cuelure and methyl eugenol responding exotic fruit flies. The Pomewest fruit fly traps to be in place by 1 November 2015. Industry data collected to be shared with DAFWA.

production areas (5 years of trapping data have been recorded to date)

Light brown apple moth

On farm monitoring by producers determine pest levels

Control with IPM or broad spectrum insecticides

Develop in field control strategies

Apple Dimpling Bug

On farm monitoring by producers determine pest levels

Control with IPM or registered insecticides

Develop in field control strategies

Two Spotted mite

On farm monitoring by producers determine pest levels

Control with IPM or broad spectrum insecticides or a miticide

Develop in field control strategies

Eucalyptus weevil

On farm monitoring by producers determine pest levels

Use the disinfestation protocol for export fruit

Develop in field control strategies

Managing pests and diseases has always been a major challenge for apple and pear orchardists.  Not only do these pests and diseases reduce quality of product for the consumer, but some such as codling moth can decimate production.  Many of the main pests and diseases of apples and pears present in Western Australia were introduced on planting material during the early stages of establishing the pome fruit industry in this state. Most early pest and disease management revolved around physical management of trees and orchards.  This included processes such as picking and disposing of pest infested fruit from trees, minimising weeds on the orchard floor, treating harvested fruit, and minimising movement of pests and diseases in second hand boxes.

There are a number of pests of concern for pome fruit that require surveillance, monitoring and treatment in orchards in Western Australia. They are listed as follows:

Table 12. Pome fruit pest and disease monitoring calendarPest or disease Botanical name Timing

Apple dimpling bug Campylomma liebknechti September to JanuaryApple looper Phrissogonus laticostata October to JanuaryApple scab Venturia inaequalis September to April + JuneApple weevil Otiorhynchus cribricollis November to AprilBitter pit Nutritional disorder December to AprilBryobia mite Clover mites, Bryobia spp June to SeptemberCollar rot Fungal and oomycete plant pathogens October to FebruaryDimpling bug Campylomma liebknechti September to NovemberEuropean red mite Panonychus ulmi June to SeptemberFungal surface infections e.g. Alternaria October to JuneFullars rose weevil Asynonychus cervinus November to March

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Garden weevil Phylyctinus callosus October to DecemberHeliothis caterpillar Helicoverpa spp November to FebruaryLight brown apple moth Epiphyas postvittana October to AprilMealybug Pseudococcidae August to JanuaryMediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata November to MayPlague thrips Frankliniella occidentalis September to NovemberPear scab Venturia inaequalis fungus September to FebruaryPear slug Caliroa cerasi larva November to MarchPearleaf blister mite Eriophyes pyri August and Oct to FebPowdery mildew Podosphaera leucotricha September to AprilSan Jose scale Quadraspidiotus perniciosus August, Nov to JanSnails Gastropoda April, May & Aug SepSpring beetle Liparetrus spp October to FebruaryTwo spotted mite Tetranychus urticae November to MarchWestern flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis September to NovemberWingless grasshopper Phaulacridium vittatum October to FebruaryWoolly aphid Eriosoma lanigerum April, June, Sept, Dec & Jan

3.10 Strategy 5 – Strengthen property and orchard biosecurity

The PHA orchard biosecurity manual

The PHA Orchard Biosecurity Manual for the Apple and Pear industry contains information to help producers to implement biosecurity on-farm. Manuals usually contain an overview of biosecurity, fact sheets to identify the high priority pests of a crop, tips on crop management, and how to manage people, vehicles and equipment to minimise biosecurity risks. Manuals also contain a biosecurity self-assessment list, and templates to record pest surveillance records and visitors. A copy of the manual can be found at the PHA website:

http://www.planthealthaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Orchard-Biosecurity-Manual-for-the-Apple-and-Pear-Industry.pdf

A summary of recommended orchard biosecurity practice is attached as Appendix 2.

4. ReferenceContingency planning for plant pest incursions in Australia, FAO, P Pheloung, DAFFIndustry Biosecurity Plan for the apple and pear industry 2010, PHAInvasive Species Plan for Western Australia 2015-2019, February 2015Orchard Biosecurity Plan for the apple and pear industry V2 2010, PHAPest Information Document Database, Plant Health AustraliaPlant Health Australia websitePome Fruit Biosecurity Plan 3rd edition – DAFWAPome and Summerfruit Orchard Spray Guide 2014-15The Farm Biosecurity awareness campaign, PHA & AHAThe DAFWA – Hortguard Pome Fruit Industry Biosecurity Plan and DAFWA website

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Appendix 1

List of the Western Australian pome fruit industry biosecurity management committee

ChairHarvey GiblettNewton OrchardsLot1/ Franklin St, Manjimup WA 6258

T: 0418 931 132E: newtonbros@wn.com.au

Terry MartellaSanta Rita OrchardsKirup WA 6251

T: 0427 447 216E: tjmart1@hotmail.com

Mark ScottLot 13 Balingup-Nannup RoadNANNUP WA  62750427 560 444

T: 0427 560 444E: markpscott@bigpond.com

John Gregorovich269 Patterson RoadPickering Brook  WA  6076

T: 08-9427 293 809E: raelene.gregorovich@bigpond.com

Mario CasottiKarragullen Cold Stores/Casuarina OrchardsRMB 302Seven Day Road, Manjimup  WA  6258

T: 0419 931 815E: mario@casottigroup.com.au

Nardia ShawExecutive OfficerPomewestP.O. Box 7198Karawara WA 6152

T: 08 9368 3869M: 0411 138 103E: nardia@fruitwest.org.au

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Appendix 2Key components for improving orchard biosecurity

Almost anything moved onto your property can be a potential source of pests and diseases for livestock and plants. To reduce the biosecurity risks to your property monitor animals or plant materials that enter the property, including sources of water, feed and fertiliser.

Producers have an important role to play in protecting their region and the entire industry from biosecurity threats. Keep records of all farm inputs (and outputs) so that you can trace-back or trace-forward in the event of a pest incursion or disease outbreak.New plants and other inputsPlanting and propagation materialVisually assessing the health of your planting material is not enough, as it can carry diseases, pests or weed seeds that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Therefore, additional steps need to be taken to ensure the health of any plant material that is brought onto, or taken off, your property. To ensure good hygiene, please follow the recommended measures outlined in the Production practices section of this website.

Source certified seed or propagation material. Request a vendor declaration form or equivalent, where possible. Only purchase plant material from sources that take biosecurity, hygiene, health

testing and record keeping seriously. Ask your supplier where the propagation material was originally sourced. Inspect materials when they arrive and store away from other plant products. Ensure the transport provider for planting material follows the cleaning and hygiene

practices in place on your property. Keep records of your crop or plantation propagation material, including its source

(with contact details), cultivar or rootstock details and where and when it was planted. Regularly check newly planted areas for the appearance of pests or unusual

symptoms to ensure any new pests can be contained before spreading to other areas of your property.

Growing media and plant containers Pests and contamination can be easily brought onto your property with production nursery inputs and plant material. Ensure propagation material is ‘clean’ (i.e. tested with no pest detections) and where possible, use only certified production nursery inputs.

To minimise the risk:

check your propagation material and production nursery inputs thoroughly maintain a register of all production nursery inputs entering your property, including

its source (with contact details), specific planting or storage locations, numbers of plants or other products, and the date of use

request information on the source of material and testing timetable.

Fertiliser

Reduce the risk of purchasing contaminated or non-compliant fertiliser by ensuring that the supplier is following the Fertilizer Industry Federation of Australia (FIFA) Purchasing Code of Practice or has equivalent quality controls in place. Organic fertiliser can carry weed seeds and diseases. Ensure that animal manure and green waste is aged and thoroughly composted to destroy weed seeds and diseases. Maintain a record of sources of organic fertilisers, delivery and application dates etc.

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Farm chemicals Chemical residues can result in produce being rejected from export and domestic markets. In addition, most plant produce ends up being used as human food, even when fed to livestock, so inappropriate use or application of pesticides can pose a risk to human health, particularly through the presence of chemical residues.

Ensure your staff has had appropriate training and advice on the safe use of pesticides (for example ChemCert® or SMARTtrain).

Always follow label instructions (dilution and application rates, expiry date, disposal of residues).

Keep a spray diary of herbicide, pesticide and fumigation treatments for crops and adhere to withholding periods.

Check details about regulations for agricultural and veterinary chemicals. These can be found through the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) or from relevant state agencies. (Consult these sources frequently for information regarding chemical regulations as regulations may be updated regularly.)

Mis-use of many types of chemicals can lead to the development of resistance to pests, potentially creating new biosecurity risks and management challenges.

People, vehicles & equipment

If it can move, it can carry diseases, pests and weeds. For this reason, people, vehicles and equipment pose a high biosecurity risk and should be managed accordingly. Visit the Records section for gate sign templates, and copies of visitor assessments and visitor records mentioned in the videos.

People

Visitors and workersPeople can unintentionally carry diseases, pests and weeds without even realising. This means anyone visiting your property including suppliers, vets, transporters, stock agents, consultants, itinerant workers, researchers and contractors. It also includes guests, and, anyone who lives on the property. To limit the risk of visitors carrying new pests and diseases onto your property:

limit entry points to access the property – ideally there should only be one access point so that all movements can be recorded and you always know who is on your property

direct all visitors to a designated parking area by using clear signage, and ask them to report to management and sign a visitor register

all visitors to the property must ensure that their vehicles, equipment, boots and clothing are clean and free from pests, weed seeds and plant material

all visitor vehicles, equipment and boots should be cleaned upon entering the property in a wash-down bay

any visitor who refuses to clean vehicles, equipment and boots, or cannot demonstrate that their clothing is clean should be refused entry

limit visitor contact with livestock, crops or plant materials as much as possible and eliminate any unnecessary contact altogether

if you run a business that has a tourism component, you’ll need to clearly indicate any entry requirements and be especially vigilant in checking for new pests and diseases

disinfect hands before and after coming into contact with livestock, plant material or soil

ensure that staff and occasional workers clean and disinfect equipment such as pruning shears in-between uses on different properties

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ensure all your staff are familiar with the basic symptoms associated with a pest or disease outbreak and know how to report them.

Biosecurity signs Well-designed signage informs visitors that biosecurity management of honey bees within an apiary is important, and that there is a shared responsibility for maintaining it. The signs serve to alert people that they should register their presence before entering the apiary, as well as demonstrating a beekeeper’s commitment to apiary hygiene and safety.

Biosecurity signs at entrances to a property or apiary should provide the name of the beekeeper along with a contact phone number. In cases where hives are transported to different sites, signs should accompany hives and be placed at the new apiary site. Biosecurity signs are also important when the apiary is situated on another property, providing contact details in case of chemical spraying or a biosecurity incident, such as an exotic pest detection.

Signage Use signs to inform visitors of your biosecurity status and what you require from them.  Never assume that visitors know the appropriate biosecurity measures for your property. For signage to be effective:

ensure signs are clear, visible and well maintained signs should contain simple messages (e.g. ‘Do not enter the farm without prior

approval’, ‘Use wash down facilities for cleaning vehicles and machinery’) support your signage with other biosecurity measures such as restricted access

points.

Buy a gate sign

If it can move, it can carry diseases, pests and weeds. For this reason, people, vehicles and equipment pose a high biosecurity risk and should be managed accordingly. Signs can be used to indicate to visitors the importance of following biosecurity procedures on your property. This 900 x 600 mm Farm Biosecurity gate sign is available for just $40 (PHA/AHA farm biosecurity awareness campaign website), including postage and handling anywhere in Australia. Printed on 5 mm thick corflute they include four eyelet holes to attach the sign to a gate or fence.

For signage to be effective:

ensure signs are clear, visible and well maintained signs should contain simple messages support your signage with other biosecurity measures such as restricted access

points.

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Vehicles

Diseases, pests and weeds can enter a farm and be spread by equipment and vehicles, either directly or in plant material, soil or manure. It is important to maintain equipment hygiene and ensure all vehicles that visit your property are clean and well maintained.

Vehicle access Knowing who has entered your property allows possible sources of diseases, pests or weeds to be tracked. Also, limiting the number of vehicle access points to your property will limit the potential disease, pest and weed entry sites and allow you to monitor these areas closely.

Limit the number of entry and exit points (one is preferable). Examine each vehicle entry and exit point for the risk they pose, particularly in

relation to the distance from livestock and crops. Display biosecurity signs, with clear instructions and contact details, at all vehicle

access points. Clearly sign and lock restricted access areas. Keep a visitor register.

Vehicle hygiene Vehicle tyres, undercarriages, grills, floors and trays can carry diseases, pests and weeds in soil, plant material and manure.

Ensure visitor vehicles are clean and are parked in a designated area away from livestock or crops.

Establish a vehicle high pressure wash down facility well away from livestock and crops to clean vehicles and equipment which need to enter the property.

The wash down area should have a sump to collect any waste water. Ensure any run off is directed away from livestock pens, paddocks, crops and

waterways. Regularly check areas around the wash down facility for new pests or weeds. Keep an up to date equipment and vehicle cleaning record. Clean machinery from the top down and dismantle it as far as possible to gain access

to internal spaces. Clean and disinfect all borrowed or second hand machinery before using it on your

property. Follow any wash down with a broad spectrum disinfectant. This will further reduce the

risk of introducing less visible threats like bacteria, viruses, and spores onto your property.

Equipment

Equipment hygiene and storage

Storage containers, tools and feeding equipment can carry or harbour diseases, pests or weeds. Regularly clean and disinfect all storage containers, tools and equipment, and store away from potential contaminants. The regular use of a suitable disinfectant is important and most effective when applied to a visually clean surface. Make sure surfaces to be disinfected are free from soil, manure, plant and animal residues.

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Potting and propagating facilities Using good hygiene practices undertaken during potting and propagation will minimise the chance of pests spreading. The facilities and areas designated for propagation activities should be separated from production areas.

Benches and tools used for propagation should be regularly washed and disinfected, preferably between each batch of media or plant material.

Potting containers should be clean and disinfected before use. All spilt material and plant waste should be collected and disposed of regularly.

Production practices

It makes good business sense to reduce the risk of spreading pests and diseases by implementing simple biosecurity measures as part of your everyday farm management practice. Get into the habit of regularly monitoring crops and livestock for signs of disease. Apply hygienic practices to managing feed and water sources, product packing, storage facilities, livestock husbandry and waste materials. The following recommendations provide very effective ways to minimise the risk of pests and diseases spreading on your property, between properties and in your region.

Crops

Water management The management of water quality, including pest infestation levels, is important for the maintenance of healthy plants. If water sources become contaminated they can spread pests throughout production areas.

Farm chemicals Use chemicals according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure they are effective, and to prevent build-up of resistance in pests and disease agents. Chemical residues can result in produce being rejected from export and domestic markets. In addition, most plant produce ends up being used as human food, even when fed to livestock, so inappropriate use or application of pesticides can pose a risk to human health, particularly through the presence of chemical residues.

Crop surveillance Regularly monitoring your crops gives you the best chance of identifying a new pest before it becomes established. Check your farm, orchard or plantation frequently for the presence of new diseases, plant pests, weeds and unusual symptoms. Make sure you are familiar with common diseases, pests and weeds so you can tell if you see something different.

To effectively put these practices in place:

establish an active monitoring program and record the results, even when nothing is found

fill out  a surveillance record sheet identify the diseases, pests and weeds that are the target of surveillance before you

begin ensure that you and your staff are familiar with the usual diseases, pests and weeds

found on your property, so that you will know if you see anything unusual consult with neighbours on any pest issues, as it is likely that the problem doesn’t

stop at your own property boundaries.

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Product packing and storage Farm, orchard and plantation produce can be stored on-farm for a number of reasons. However, incorrect storage of these products can provide an opportunity for pests and diseases to infest and ruin products.

Ferals & weeds.

Feral animals, wildlife and weeds are a widespread nuisance and can also cause harm to your business, so they need to be actively controlled.

Feral animals and vermin Feral animals can pose a risk to your property through direct impact on livestock and production and by carrying disease onto and around your property. To protect the health of your livestock, crops and plantations it is important to minimise the risks associated with feral animals.

Weeds  Weed species are significant biosecurity problems in their own right, as well as being alternative hosts of some agricultural and horticultural pests. They can also make livestock sick.

To reduce the risks:

know what weeds are common to your property and region, as this will mean you know if something different is present

establish a weed management plan for your property, which includes plans for eradicating, containing or managing weeds currently on your property, as well as stopping the introduction of new species (this will reduce the chances of pests and diseases establishing in the weed population and then moving into crops)

report anything unusual immediately request a declaration or equivalent from your supplier which declares their products

are weed free (for plants) or a Commodity Vendor Declaration (animal feed) when buying anything that has the potential to be contaminated with weed seeds.

The earlier a suspect weed is detected and reported the higher the chance of eradication or implementation of effective control measures, and the lower the long-term damage to the individual producer and the industry. It is to your benefit to report a weed detection as early as possible. 

Volunteer plants Volunteer or unmanaged plants can harbour pests or diseases between seasons. These residual pests or diseases then have the potential to cause early re-infection of the following year’s crop. Ensure crop destruction and follow-up controls remove all volunteers in paddocks. Where necessary, control volunteers external to the paddock (e.g. roadways, head ditches, etc).

Property and land destruction Property and land destruction through fire, flood, storms etc, can lead to habitat changes, which often provide an opportunity for pests and weeds to become established, and for feral animals to enter. To ensure this does not become an issue, regularly inspect your property for the presence of diseases, pests, weeds and ferals, particularly any areas that have been recently landscaped (e.g. new roads or dams) or affected by land destruction (e.g. fences).

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Farm outputsResponsibility for biosecurity doesn’t end when plant products or animals leave the farm gate. The measures in place on your property support biosecurity in your region. You have an important role to play in protecting your region and the entire industry from biosecurity threats. Protect your reputation and your business – within a region, every farm may be affected in the event of a pest incursion or disease outbreak.

Moving plant products off the property Ensure that all transport providers moving plants or plant products from your property abide by the cleaning and hygiene practices in place on your property. This includes ensuring trucks are clean before entering and leaving.

Don’t share equipment or mix other growers’ produce with yours – keep them separate.

Ensure all produce sold is fresh, healthy and of high quality. Remove all soil and adhering plant material from produce before sale. Keep an eye out for any signs of pests – and report them immediately if spotted. Disinfect all equipment on arrival back at your property. Do not bring back unsold produce to your farm – you risk introducing new pests to

your property.

Product packing and storage Maintaining good on-farm hygiene when dealing with fruit and fruit by-products can minimise cross-contamination and breeding environments for pests and diseases. An important part of farm biosecurity, and also of managing your business, is ensuring staff are well trained, that you have the ability to trace where animals or plants have come from and where they went and that you have records of purchases, sales and movements.

In the event of an emergency animal disease or exotic plant pest incursion, valuable time can be lost trying to determine how far the disease or pest may have spread. Sound record keeping can speed up this process and prevent the spread of the disease or pest.

Training staff in biosecurity measures and knowing what to look out for, monitoring plants and animals for signs of disease, recording all farm activities that could infect plants or animals, and sound planning, can all reduce the possibility of an emergency animal disease or exotic plant pest to become established on your property.

Staff training Anyone working on the property (including family members) may not know how easily diseases, pests and weeds can spread and how to prevent this happening.To reduce the risks:

Ensure staff know how diseases, pests and weeds spread, and what they should do when entering and leaving the property to minimise risk

Involve staff in the daily monitoring of livestock, crops or plantations Keep records of staff training and ensure they are regularly maintained Tell contractors what biosecurity measures are expected of them while working on

your property.

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Surveillance Regularly monitor your crops or livestock to give you the best chance of identifying a new pest or disease before it becomes established. To effectively put these practices in place:

Establish an active monitoring program and record the results, even when nothing is found

Download and use a surveillance datasheet Identify diseases, pests and weeds that are the target of surveillance before starting Become familiar with the usual diseases, pests and weeds found on your property, so

that you will know if you see anything unusual Consult with neighbours on any biosecurity issues, as it is likely that the problem

doesn’t stop at your own property’s boundaries.

Record keeping A property owner or manager should to be able to ‘trace back’ and ‘trace forward’ if there is a disease, pest or weed incursion on their property.

Reporting suspect diseases, pests and weeds Check your property frequently for the presence of new diseases, plant pests, weeds and unusual signs. Make sure you are familiar with common diseases, pests and weeds so you can tell if you see something different. The earlier a suspect disease, pest or weed is detected and reported, the higher the chance of eradicating it or implementing effective control measures, and the lower the long-term damage to the individual grower and the industry. Put simply, catching a bug early is in everyone’s interest.

Calls to the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline or the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline are forwarded to an experienced person in each state or territory. Every report is checked out and treated confidentially. If you suspect you have found an exotic plant pest or emergency animal disease, the following general precautions should be taken:

For plants, mark the area to make it easy to find again later Isolate the affected livestock immediately Do not allow movement of people and equipment near the affected area and animals Wash hands, clothes and boots that have been in contact with affected livestock,

plant material or soil. Do not touch, move or transport affected plant material or livestock without advice

from your state Department of Primary Industries or Agriculture.

Biosecurity planning A Farm Biosecurity Action Planner will help you prioritise the implementation of biosecurity practices relevant to your property. After you have ranked your priorities, you may also like to consider which ones you can achieve in the short and long term.

As a guide, short-term activities can:

be planned and conducted within 12 months help your business comply with regulatory requirements be financially feasible in the short-term fit in with the time commitments of your enterprise.

Long-term activities:

are planned and conducted over more than one year.

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need additional financial or personnel resources that are not currently available. enhance the overall quality of service, aesthetics and reportable administrative

procedures.

Templates for an emergency animal disease provide a good guide to the kinds of tasks and responsibilities which may apply to your property. With each action, set-out the steps needed to achieve the task – this is especially helpful if a group is working on the plan. A responsible person will need to be appointed to oversee the implementation of the action by a certain date. A successful plan will provide for continuous improvement.

As part of determining if the action has been planned and carried out successfully, a monitoring or recording system will need to be put in place. A monitoring program needs to consider:

What are you monitoring? Where and when are you going to monitor? How will the monitoring take place? What records will you need to keep?

A responsible person will need to manage the monitoring process. This could be a different person to the one who implemented the plan. A plan may also use a number of tools. An aerial photo (try Google maps) of the property can be linked to tasks that need to be achieved. You may use technology as part of the recording processes. Remember, good practices:

must be built into normal operational procedures need not be costly must be easy to follow.

HotlinesCheck your properties regularly and if you see anything unusual call:Exotic Plant Pest Hotline: 1800 084 881

Appendix 3

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Description of a number of exotic pests and disease of pome fruit that are not present in Australia

Fire blight - Erwinia amylovora (Bacteria)Fire blight is a serious disease effecting apples and pears and has the potential to cause wide spread damage for the industry. Although fire blight is not currently found in Australia the chance of it entering the country and spreading to growing regions increased with the 2011 policy change to allow the importation of apples from New Zealand – where the disease is present. Fire blight is classified as a Category 2 pest under the EPPRD.

Asian Gypsy moth - Lymantria dispar (Moth)It has a very wide host range, with over 650 known hosts. Egg masses laid on solid surfaces and covered in light tan fuzz. Mature caterpillars are large (50-65 mm long) and hairy with two rows of spots (red and blue) along their back. Moths have greyish-brown wings (30-40 mm wingspan) in males or white with grey markings (40-70 mm) in females. Asian gypsy moth causes heavy defoliation and larvae may produce webbing. It can spread large distances naturally or with infested plant material. It is listed as a high priority pest of apples and pears.

Fruit flyFruit fly is a major issue facing the apple and pear industry across each growing region in Australia (except Tasmania which is fruit fly free). Fruit flies damage fruit and present a major trade barrier as a number of international markets require methyl bromide or cold disinfestation treatment.

Oriental fruit fly - Bactrocera dorsalis (Fly)The oriental fruit fly is found in Asia, Papua New Guinea, the Pacific and South America. The adults are 6-8 mm long with a narrow brown band along edge of wings. The abdomen has a black T-shaped mark, which is similar to a number of other endemic species. Larval feeding can result in rotting of fruit and may cause fruit to drop. Long range dispersal through movement of larvae-infested fruit. It is listed as a high priority pest of apples and pears.

Natal fruit fly - Ceratitis rosa (Fly)

The distribution of the Natal fruit fly is mainly in southern and eastern Africa. It is considered to be a major pest of a number of commercial fruits, including fruits that are grown in subtropical or more temperate environments. In South Africa the Natal fruit fly ranks second in importance only to the Mediterranean fruit fly, and at times it is an even moreserious pest. The most likely pathway of dispersal and introduction is as larvae in infested fruits with commercial shipments or in the luggage of travellers.

Cedar apple rust - Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae (Fungus)Cedar apple rust only infects apples and cedar (Juniperus virginiana), and requires both hosts to complete its life cycle. Infected fruit and leaves develop yellow-orange lesions on the surface and in some varieties spore-producing tufts also develop. Lesions are raised and can crack as the fruit enlarges. Stems may develop a slight swelling. Galls with finger-like projections are produced on cedar hosts. It is spread with infected plant material or by wind dispersal. It is listed as a high priority pest of apples and pears.

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Asiatic brown rot - Monilia polystroma (Fungus)Asiatic brown rot can be extremely destructive to stone fruit, including cherry, peach, nectarine, apricot and plums, but also apple and pear trees. On infected trees, brown rot kills the blossoms and new shoots, rots fruit, and cankers stems. In European apple orchards, losses of 7-36% have been recorded. The disease can also infect ornamental flowering fruit trees. If introduced to Australia, there is a high probability that Asiatic brown rot would become established, particularly in major production areas.

Rosy apple aphid - Dysaphis plantaginea (Aphid)Rosy apple aphid is a small sap-sucking insect that feeds on the foliage and young apple fruitlets during spring and early summer. Because it damages fruits even low numbers of aphids can cause significant damage.

Spotted wing drosophila - Drosophila suzukii (Fly)Spotted wing drosophila is a fruit fly first found in 2008 damaging fruit in many US counties. It infests ripening cherries throughout the state and ripening raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, and strawberry crops, especially in coastal areas. It also has been observed occasionally attacking other soft-flesh fruit such as plums, plumcots, nectarines, and pome fruit and figs when conditions are right. In its native Japan and in coastal California the adult flies can be captured throughout much of the year.

Plum curculio - Conotrachelus nenuphar (Beetle)The plum curculio, a native of North America, is a major pest of pome and stone fruits in the United States and Canada east of the 100th meridian. Most commercial orchards are free of resident PC populations and are infested by adults moving in from adjoining hedgerows and woodlands. Adult plum curculio are typical snout beetles. Upon emerging in the spring, the plum curculiofly to the trees where they feed on the buds, flowers, and newly set fruit. In feeding, the adult cuts a hole in the skin of the fruit and hollows out a cavity about 3 mm deep.

Others

Apple maggot - Rhagoletis pomonella (Fly)A fruit fly that primarily attacks apples. It has cream coloured legless larvae (up to 10 mm long) leave brown trail through fruit flesh. It is a small black fly (up to 5 mm long) with yellowish head and legs, a white spot on the back and four irregular or zigzag black bands on the wings. It has sunken dimple-like spots and discolourations develop on the surface of fruit following egg laying and larval feeding. Damaged fruit drop prematurely. It is listed as a high priority pest of apples and pears.

European canker - Neonectria ditissima (Fungus)European canker is an economically damaging fungus worldwide that causes up to 60% yield loss. It has reddish brown lesions develop on small branches, usually around leaf scar, spur or pruning wounds. Lesions develop into cankers that cause dieback of affected braches. Cankers can girdle trunks of young trees causing tree death. Rot may develop in trees or on fruit. Long distance dispersal likely through movement of infected (though often symptomless) fruit. It is listed as a high priority pest of apples and pears.

Glassy wing sharpshooter - Homalodisca vitripennis (Hemiptera)

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The Glassy-winged sharpshooter has a wide host range of over 200 species. Adults are 12-14 mm long, they are dark brown with stippled spots on head and back, and transparent wings with reddish veins. It produces watery excrement, appearing as white spots, which often collects during feeding. Eggs are laid in side-by-side rows on underside of leaves. Known vector of Xylella fastidiosa pathogen (Pierce’s disease), which causes leaf scorch symptoms. Can spread by flight or as a hitchhiker on plant material.

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Appendix 4Description of a number of established pests in Australia but not present in WA

Codling moth – Cydia pomonella (Moth)This is the most significant pest of apples in the Eastern States of Australia. The damage is caused by the larvae which tunnel into fruit. During winter mature larvae enter diapause in rough silken cocoons in sheltered sites near where they emerged from the fruit. Pupation and adult emergence occurs in spring. After mating, female moths lay eggs singly on leaves near developing fruit. The eggs take 3 to 15 days to hatch. The newly emerged larvae move to the fruit and tunnel into the apple. The larva feeds on the flesh and seeds. Development takes 15-30 days inside the fruit. In Queensland, codling moth have three generations during the season. A few first generation, many of the second and almost all of the third generation larvae enter diapause in autumn. Mating disruption of adult moths with Isomate pheromone dispensers is effective in reducing the number of female moths which mate and lay eggs. However, in high pressure situations, insecticide sprays are essential for control.

Queensland fruit fly - Bactrocera tryoni (Fly)Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) is endemic to the Northern Territory, Queensland, parts of NSW and north east Victoria. Female fruit flies follow the scent of ripening fruit and lay their eggs. Female fruit flies can lay 500-800 eggs during their 6 month life. When the ovipositor is inserted in the fruit it results in a distinctive sting on the fruit surface. In warm weather eggs hatch in 2-4 days. Maggots take 6-8 days to develop. Infested fruit often drop to the ground. Mature maggots chew their way out of the fruit and burrow into the soil. The larva becomes inactive in the soil and develops into an oval brown pupa from which the adult fly develops. Bait sprays with a protein attractant and insecticide are commonly used.

Painted apple moth – Teia anaretoides (Moth)Painted Apple Moth is native to south-eastern Australia (from southern Queensland to Victoria), S-E South Australia and Tasmania where it is a common pest on urban garden plants. It is generally relatively rare. PAM has a wide range of hosts in Australia but especially wattle (Acacia) species. Other common hosts are in the Myrtaceae, Fabaceae, Santalaceae and Solanaceae. Numerous introduced and cultivated plants are also attacked, such as pome fruit and a number of ornamental plants.

Citrophilus mealybug - Pseudococcus calceolaria (Insect) Citrophilus mealybug is an exotic pest to Western Australia. It is a serious pest of many horticultural industries that can downgrade fruit quality and affect fruit production. Citrophilus mealybug extract plant sap, reducing tree vigour and production, and secrete large amounts of honeydew — an exudate high in sugar that encourages development of sooty mould. Mealybugs are soft, oval, flat, distinctly segmented, and covered with a white, mealy wax that extends into spines (filaments) along the body margin and the posterior end. It is a prohibited organism under section 12 of the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act, 2007.

Pear leaf blister mite - Epitrimerus pyri (Mite)Pear rust mite was probably brought to the United States from Europe in the 19th century with trees or scion cuttings. It is a common pest throughout the Pacific Northwest and can cause serious fruit damage if untreated. While several predators feed on the pear rust mite,

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none controls it well enough to prevent commercial damage. As pear rust mite starts feeding within the developing fruit clusters, it can damage fruit very early in the season. The feeding causes light russeting that can cover the entire surface of the fruit. Often, however, only the calyx end of the fruit is russeted. The russet is most obvious on clear-skinned pears such as Bartlett, Anjou and Comice. Naturally russeted cultivars, such as Bosc, and red-skinned varieties seem more tolerant of rust mite damage. The pear rust mite also feeds on young leaves which, if heavily attacked, turn bronze in colour. Heavy feeding can cause defoliation and reduced shoot growth. Although pear rust mite may persist on both fruit and foliage throughout the season, it causes the most severe damage in the early spring

Oriental fruit moth - Cydia molesta Busck (Moth)The oriental fruit moth has been a serious pest in canning peach orchards of the Goulburn Valley in Victoria since the early 1930s, and now also infests Nashi and some other pome fruit. The larva or caterpillar of the moth bores into the tip growth of quinces, peaches, nectarines, apricots, plums, and, occasionally, into some other fruits such as apples and pears. Later generations bore into the fruit as well. Four to six generations of oriental fruit moth occur each year in the Goulburn Valley, with varying proportions of the last three generations entering the overwintering state to give rise to the emergence of adults in the following spring.

White peach scale - Pseudaulacaspis pentagona (Scale)

White peach scale is believed to have originated in Japan or China, although one report places the point of origin in Italy where is was first described in 1886 by Targioni. This insect is an important economic pest of peach trees as well as woody ornamentals in the southeastern United States. White peach scale is found not only in the United States, but is known throughout the world. The white peach scale inhabits up to 121 host plants in Florida and can cause major economic damage. Thousands of dollars are spent each year on the control of this pest as infestation can become significant. The white peach scale will infest the bark, fruit and leaves of plants, thus making it a "triple threat" to growers.

Black vine beetle – Otiorhynchus sulcatus (Weevil)The black vine beetle is a serious pest in nurseries and established landscape plantings. A native of Europe, this species was first reported in the US in 1910. This key pest is the most destructive and widely distributed species of root weevils in the genus Otiorhynchus. Injury caused by the larval stage feeding on the roots is highly destructive to plants.

Oystershell scale - Lepidosaphes ulmi (Insect)The oystershell scale, Lepidosaphes ulmi, is the most damaging scale insect present in Colorado. It develops on the bark of trunks and limbs of a wide range of commonly grown deciduous trees and shrubs. Developing oystershell scales feed by sucking the fluids of cells underlying the bark, often killing the cells at the feeding site. In high populations, oystershell scales may cause limb dieback and, during heavy outbreaks, plant death can occur from outbreaks of oystershell scale.

Other

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White root rot – Rosellinia necatrix (Fungus)

This disease is a significant problem in established orchards because it kills bearing trees and remains present in the soil when orchards are replanted. Affected trees have an unthrifty appearance with leaf yellowing, cessation of shoot growth, small leaves, premature leaf fall and small shrivelled fruit. These trees commonly enter winter dormancy and fail to resume growth the following season. The bark of the crown roots and the base of the trunk can show a dark wet rot. There is a distinct margin between healthy and infected bark. A thin layer of white fungal growth occurs under the bark. Affected roots appear to have a dark, wet surface rot. These roots may be covered with white strands of fungal growth. Hair like growths of the fungus called synnemata can appear on the surfaces of the lower trunk at soil level and on roots.

In replant situations, the fungus survives in the soil on old apple roots and is spread when the roots of newly planted trees come into contact with infected material. The fungus survives on old roots in the soil for a long time and may kill trees years after planting when the tree roots come into contact with old infected roots. It is also present on the roots of native trees and weeds. Shirlan® (fluazinam) is registered both as a pre-plant treatment and for soil drenching around established trees. Soil drenching may be of limited value if the roots grow outside the treated area. A suggested strategy for minimising the spread of the disease in orchard rows is to remove healthy trees either side of infected ones to prevent further spread.

Appendix 5

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Description of a number of established pests of quarantine concern in WA

Mediterranean fruit fly - Ceratitis capitata (Fly)Mediterranean fruit fly [Medfly] is one of the world's most destructive agricultural pests. It can infest over 200 fruit and vegetable varieties and is particularly damaging to stone fruit such as apricots, peaches and nectarines; pome fruit such as apples and pears; citrus; and guava. The female Medfly attacks ripening fruit, piercing and laying eggs under the soft skin. The eggs hatch into larvae (maggots), which feed inside the fruit, making it unfit to eat. Medfly is thought to originate from Africa and is now endemic to WA. In WA, thin-skinned stone fruit (apricots, nectarines, peaches), mangoes, persimmon, apples, pears and mandarins are particularly susceptible.

Light brown apple moth - Epiphyas postvittana (Moth)Light brown apple moth (LBAM) is a serious pest infesting over 250 crops (e.g. apples pears citrus and grapes). LBAM prefers sheltered feeding sites; hence damage is often restricted to green areas on the fruit’s skin. In addition to the damage caused by webbing and excreta, fruit damage can include extensive shallow wounds, stings and internal damage. Early season monitoring and control is essential.

Eucalyptus Weevil - Gonipterus scutellatus (Weevil)

Eucalyptus weevil is a native insect and both adult and larval (immature) stages feed on the foliage of a wide range of eucalypts. It particularly favours Eucalyptus globulus and E. viminalis. There have been few serious outbreaks of this insect and it is not regarded as a major pest of eucalypts in Australia. However, it has become a major pest in a number of orchards and has become a pest of quarantine concern for export pome fruit.

Fullers Rose Weevil - Asynonychus cervinus (weevil)

Fuller’s Rose Weevil (FRW) is a high-priority quarantine issue for some key export markets for Australian citrus. FRW lays eggs on citrus fruit and although the pest does not cause significant damage to trees or fruit, the presence of eggs, larvae or adults in shipments can result in the rejection of those shipments by sensitive markets. FRB adults and larvae cause damage. Adults feed on the foliage while the larvae feed on the roots. In citrus, adults feed on young shoots or new foliage at night and remain under shelter during the day. Leaf damage symptoms typically consist of notched or serrated edges with a ragged appearance. Under severe infestations, these weevils can consume the entire leaf, leaving only the midrib.

Woolly apple aphid – Eriosoma lanigerum (Aphid)

The aphids suck the sap and form tight clusters in the canopy. It can affect all parts of the tree, resulting in direct damage to fruit and limbs and a gradual decline in tree health. The sticky white 'wool' interferes with orchard operations such thinning and picking. The life cycle has both immature crawlers and two types of adults, with and without wings. The wingless adults produce live young which are all female. The aphids can have up to 20 generations in a season. The crawlers can overwinter in all parts of the tree including the roots. Drenching the base of the tree with imidacloprid (Confidor and other brand names) before the crawlers move up into the tree canopy in spring has worked well as a control. Clothiandin (Samurai) can be applied as a drench for woolly aphid or a spray which also controls Codling moth and light brown apple moth. The parasitic wasp Aphelininus maliis a common predator of woolly apple aphid.

Apple Dimpling bug – Campylomma liebknechti (Insect)

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Adults of apple dimpling bug invade deciduous fruit tree orchards in spring. They feed on the flowers and immature fruitlets, causing cell damage that results in scarring and dimpling of the fruit as it expands, rendering fruit unmarketable. Apple dimpling bug (sometimes called dimple bug) is native to Australia, and common on many native and introduced flowering plants including wattle, tagasaste and Geraldton wax. Adults of apple dimpling bug invade deciduous fruit tree orchards in spring. They feed on the flowers and immature fruitlets, causing cell damage that results in scarring and dimpling of the fruit as it expands, rendering fruit unmarketable.

Two spotted mite – Tetranychus urticae (Mite)

Heavy infestations of two spotted mite cause leaf bronzing and defoliation. The mite overwinters either as an orange, inactive, fertilised female in debris at the base of trees or as an active two spotted form breeding on leafy hosts. Phytoseiulus persimilis is an important predator. Populations often build up in December to January and cause severe damage. Two spotted mites can be controlled with recommended miticides.

Apple looper - Phrissogonus laticostata (Insect)

Apple looper is a native insect that damages fruit in apple orchards and vineyards in the South West of Western Australia. As looper larvae commence feeding on fruit, close monitoring during early fruit formation is critical to avoid damage. Damage is caused by caterpillars feeding on immature fruitlets, resulting in scabs that renders fruit unmarketable. There is little sign of feeding on leaves, so it is important to examine fruit closely during early formation to detect an infestation to avoid high losses. The insect is regarded as a spring pest of apples.

Powdery mildew – Podosphaera leucotricha (Fungus)

The powdery mildew fungus is a parasite which grows on the surface affected leaves, shoots, twigs, blossom and fruit. On leaves it is present as white to light grey patches which rapidly spread over both leaf surfaces causing curling, stunting and death. Shoot tips are vulnerable to infection and covered with a white powdery growth. Infected fruit exhibit a russetted appearance.

The fungus overwinters in dormant flower and leaf buds. It resumes growth in spring affecting new leaves, blossoms and shoots. Large numbers of spores are spread by wind and rain to adjacent trees. Infection is favoured by humid weather conditions between 19 °C and 25 C. Temperatures above 28 C are unfavourable for mildew spores. Control is by applying recommended fungicides during dormancy and the growing season. Remove infected shoots during winter pruning. During the season, remove newly infected shoots to help maximise control with fungicides.

European earwig – Forficula auricularia (Insect)

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The European earwig is native to Europe and has been in Australia from the mid 1850's. They were first recorded in WA around 1990 and now can be found over much of the south west of WA and in Perth. Although the adults have wings, they seldom fly and are mainly spread by human activity. In recent years these earwigs have caused significant damage to broad-acre and horticultural crops as well as contaminating grain.

Other

Apple scab - Venturia inaequalis (Fungus)There was an outbreak of apple scab in Pemberton and Newlands in 1989, the Perth Hills area experienced an outbreak of apple scab in 2006 with a subsequent outbreak in Mount Barker in 2009. WA pome and stone fruit industries do not have the funding to support further surveillance and eradication work and therefore area freedom has been lost.

European red mite – Panonychus ulmi (Mite)

The mites over-winter as bright red eggs in dense clusters on the under-surfaces of branches and twigs on trees. The eggs hatch after greentip. Further egg laying occurs during summer on the undersides of leaves. The mites feed by sucking the contents of leaf cells. Severe damage causes leaf bronzing and defoliation. Good coverage with a greentip winter oil spray is an effective early control measure. Typhlodromus pyri preys on European red mites but may suffer dramatic population declines following the use of mancozeb, metiram and ziram Fungicides. These are highly effective fungicides for apple scab control but highly toxic to T. pyri.

Western flower thrips – Frankliniella occidentalis (Thrip)

Adult female thrips cause damage when they lay their eggs into young developing fruit. Pansy spotting occurs around the site where the egg was laid. The spots look worse on varieties with lighter coloured skin. Western flower thrips is a problem from petal fall and into summer. Control by applying insecticides to coincide with the presence of larval and adult thrips. Western flower thrips can be found on clover that is in flower on the orchard floor. Keeping the clover mowed is an effective way to reduce the number of thrips. Flowering clover should not be mowed while apples are in flower as this will cause the thrips to move into the apple blossom.

Appendix 6

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Honeybee best management practice checklist

This list of recommended biosecurity practices allows beekeepers to self-assess their honey bee management. While all practices may not be applicable, working through the list will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of an apiary. This ensures the apiary has the best protection against the introduction and spread of new pests and diseases.

Once identified, a few simple and practical procedures can be implemented to strengthen areas of greatest risk. While changing everyday practices can take more effort in the short term, these will become second nature with time and are easier and cheaper than dealing with the introduction of a new pest.

Barrier management system

The main way that pests and diseases are spread between hives and apiaries is through the transfer of infested materials and disease contaminated equipment.

It is not always possible to know if equipment is contaminated, so it is better to be cautious to prevent spreading the pest or disease from infected to healthy colonies. One way to reduce any possible transfer is to use a barrier management system.

The barrier management system is used to separate hives or apiaries into different units. This prevents the interchange of honey bees, combs, honey and hive components from one unit (hive, loads of hives or apiary) to another. The adoption of this system can also enhance traceability, biosecurity and quality assurance aspects of the beekeeping enterprise, as well as building on best practice principles.

Barrier management systems alone are not a replacement for good beekeeping and good pest monitoring and management.

 B-Qual

Auditable quality assurance schemes can be valuable to beekeepers with benefits to biosecurity, market access, meeting specifications, customer expectations and food safety. The B-Qual Australia Program is an industry owned quality assurance scheme that allows beekeepers and honey packers to meet food safety and biosecurity requirements. If an apiary or business is accredited with B-Qual it is likely that some fundamental techniques of biosecurity best practice are already being applied.

B-Qual standards are underpinned by best beekeeping and processing practices, which have been backed by research into hygiene, quality and chemical residues. Quality standards have been developed for apiary operations, extraction and packing plants, biosecurity procedures, organic production and other specialised activities.

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