WA Grower March 09

$19.00 + GSTP.P 602669/00248

Potato GrowersAssociation Inc.

SINCE 1948

vegelink

Vol. 42 No 1. MARCH 2009

Minister Burke meets with

local growers

A New Era at Horticulture

House

Buy West Eat Best Takes Off

RIRDC Winner

Potatoes in Schools

APC-VPCAPC-PPC

Agricultural Produce Commission

FEATURES

4 2009 signals a new era at Horticulture House

6 Minister Burke meets Growers in Myalup

7 Demonstrating Good Practice

9 vegetablesWA meet Environment Minister

10 Buy West Eat Best takes off

12 WA Seed Potato Evaluation Committee

13 The Supa Store

15 Pest & Disease chapter makes a complete guide

16 Western Potatoes completes restructuring for the future

17 Horticulture Industry Award 2010

18 3Phase counters climbing costs 20 From the President’s Keyboard

21 Vegelink

27 Potatoes in schools

28 Penrhos students benefit from ties with Western Potatoes

29 Ten minutes with Tom Kyme

30 Vegetable Industry Development Program

31 RIRDC Winner

32 Process Vegetable Product group trip to Tasmania

35 Potato Wart eyed as risk to potato production

36 The Soil Page

38 Tomato Growers poll

40 Editorial

41 Seeds of Doubt

42 Classifieds

Cover photo of Federal Minister Mr Tony Burke, Darryl Smith, Pennie Patane & Maureen Dobra

Contact Details for Horticulture House vegetablesWA, Potato Growers Association, Western Potatoes Horticulture House 103 Outram Street West Perth 6005 t: (08) 9481 0834 f: (08) 9481 0024 e: [email protected]

Executive Officer Jim Turley m: 0410 697 842 e: [email protected]

Program Manager Georgia Thomas m: 0431 444 918 e: [email protected]

Caring for Our Country Project Manager Gavin Foord t: 0435 018 189 e: [email protected]

Finance / Administrator / Magazine Advertising Valeria Kozak t: 9481 0834 e: [email protected]

PA/Communications Officer Elizabeth Daly t: 9481 0834 e: [email protected]

Field Extension Officer Timothy Aldridge t: 0466 414 794 e: [email protected]

Western Potatoes Pty Ltd D. Niciejewski m: 0400 996 180 J. Wearne m: 0400 996 153

Life Members A.J. Anderson, D.J. Arbuckle, J. Arbuckle Snr*, J.H. Arbuckle* (M.B.E.J.P), S. Calameri, G. Kiriros*, R.G.Leach*, F. Natoli, S. Sawle, R.M. Schultz. C.P.Stevens, W.R. Stevens* (M.B.E.J.P), HR. Ashby*, Amy Harris*, A. Ingrilli. * deceased

3Phase counters climbing costs

•Agspread

•BejoSeeds

•ChemCert

•ClausePacific

•Dupont

•DrumMuster/Agsafe

•FairbanksSeeds

•GlobalOmegaGrow

•Landmark

•SouthPacificSeeds

•WACrates

• APC-VPC•GoodPracticeProject

•PotatoGrowers Association

•Premier’sWater FoundationProject

•WAIndustry DevelopmentOfficer

•WesternPotatoes

This issue of the WA Grower is brought to you by:

18

Produced by vegetablesWA

vegetablesWA

Articles reflect the opinions of the authors and are not necessarily those of the publisher.

Vegetable Growers Association

President Maureen Dobra Gingin East t: 9575 2086 m: 0417 174 110

Vice President Andrew Bogdanich Metro North t: 9575 7741 m: 0419 248 422

Treasurer Jason Neave Metro North m: 0418 927 410

Committee H. Shapland t: 9845 1064 Albany K. Sue m: 0417 986 467 Busselton R. Shain m: 0429 988 809 Carnarvon I. Gaylard m: 0409 292 367 Carnarvon R. Kuzmicich m: 0400 542 812 Carnarvon L. Canzirri m: 0438 004 015 Carabooda B. Metcalfe m: 0488 948 736 Geraldton K. Edwards m: 0427 724 243 Manjimup D. Anderson m: 0418 195 759 Metro (Immediate Past President) D. Le m: 0417 962 427 Metro P. Bogdanich m: 0421 575 124 Metro North L. Canzirri m: 0438 004 015 Metro North M. Nanovich m: 0407 401 664 F. Natoli m: 0438 628 517 Metro North S. Calameri m: 0418 957 236 Metro South D. Ellement m: 0417 975 158 Metro South P. Humble m: 0419 917 302 Metro South A. Marinovich m: 0419 801 824 Myalup/Bunbury

Potato Growers Association

President Darryl Smith Busselton m: 0428 933 154

Vice President Simon Moltoni Pemberton m: 0427 761 693

Treasurer Pennie Patane Myalup m: 0407 993 580

Committee T. Ackley m: 0427 423 684 Albany B. Russell m: 0429 318 216 Donnybrook A. Tempra m: 0417 097 729 Manjimup S. Calameri m: 0418 957 236 Metro South G. Bendotti m: 0427 569 903 Pemberton

Western Potatoes Pty Ltd

Chairman Ross Taylor m: 0412 446 512

Management Committees

4 WA Grower March 2009

2009 Signals a new era at Horticulture HouseA new year and a new-look organisation is emerging at Horticulture House in West Perth

E very year there are more challenges and opportunities facing the vegetable and potato

growers of Western Australia, and in order to match the dynamic nature of business, an innovative team has been recruited to provide the best possible services and information to industry.

Some of the key changes are listed below:

Western Potatoes Pty Ltd •(WPPL) has been merged into the organisation;

New staff roles have developed •in line with industry needs:

Executive Officero

Program Managero

Field/Extension Officer, o VWA;

Project Manager, Caring For o Our Country (CFOC);

Financial/Administration o Officer

PA/Communications Officer o

Retail Officerso

Executive Officer Jim Turley has been involved with vegetable industries in Western Australia for over 10 years, plus 35 years in agriculture, and is an invaluable reference point in the office. Jim continues to manage the PGA-VGA business, Jim is a highly skilled advocate representing the growers and industry. He always encourages industry development and works

tirelessly to ensure communication with growers is maintained.

The new Program Manager, Georgia Thomas has worked for 6 years with the Department of Agriculture and Food WA, before moving to London for 3.5 years to work with the WA Government’s European Office, and most recently the London Biotechnology Network. The new role at Horticulture House will involve overseeing marketing and promotion of potatoes, retail and consumer staff activities, and continue the vegetable industry development with support from Gavin Foord as Project Manager CFOC, and Tim Aldridge, our new Field Officer. A broad range of skills is the key to meet the challenges of this new role, as well as a great deal of enthusiasm, of which Georgia has aplenty.

A familiar figure around the office is Gavin Foord, who has been recruited for the specific role of managing the Caring For Our Country project: Good Practice and Better Environmental Outcomes for Vegetable Production. Gavin takes great pleasure in working with growers and researchers to implement Good Practice at demonstration sites as well as coordinating open days and promoting Good Practice through the vegetablesWA communication network. Gavin also provides valuable support to vegetablesWA management and staff in regard to sustainable production issues. Another key role is liaising with growers and researchers to develop up-to-date Good Practice information.

Our new Field/Extension Officer, Tim Aldridge would also be familiar to many growers in the State. Prior to his appointment, Tim has been involved with the Vegetable Seed Industry for 8 years, particularly working with WA growers to introduce new varieties. Tim has travelled throughout Australia’s vegetable growing districts and will be a huge boost to the office’s capacity to link directly with growers and ensure communication flows up and down the line.

Valeria Kozak remains as the Financial & Administration Officer using her skills in MYOB to manage the office accounts, along with the office administration and the WA Grower Magazine advertising. Valeria has been with the organisation for nearly a year and brings over 13 years financial and administration experience to her work. Outside of the office, Valeria enjoys going off the beaten track with her husband in exciting off-road races.

The newest addition to the team and our professional front line is Elizabeth Daly, PA/Communications Officer. Elizabeth has developed a range of skills in her career including communications and journalism which will come in very handy for much of the core work at Horticulture House. Key activities include: coordinating the WA Grower magazine, writing articles, assist with updating and maintaining the database, and being personable and informative when dealing with stakeholders and contacts.

by Georgia Thomas

5WA Grower March 2009

Western PotatoesSince 2004 Western Potatoes has provided various services including marketing and promotion, value adding, and until recently, export marketing to the potato industry. As a brand, Western Potatoes has built a solid profile in the State, and has also been recognised by the Chamber of Fruit and Vegetables & Market City “Best Retail Support Program by a Commodity Group” award.

We are very pleased to have WPPL team members Justin Wearne and Daniel Niciejewski at Horticulture House with us. They bring a wealth of experience to the team, and will provide continued support to the industry. In the coming months, the

team at Horticulture House will work together to ensure this great work is continued and new ideas are canvassed to improve results for the industry.

As Retail Development and Support Manager of Western Potatoes, Justin Wearne’s role is varied as a field officer, educator and ‘go to’ man for retailers and consumers of the industry. His extensive experience in fresh produce retailing and exceptional knowledge of the product are a valuable resource for retailers and stakeholders alike.

Daniel Niciejewski is a Retail Development and Support Officer for Western Potatoes. His role takes him around to retailers to promote selling

and marketing potatoes. He is not shy to change persona to ‘Bud the Spud’ when required either!

Finally…We are all here to enhance industry development for vegetable and potato growers - and we believe that the new team will deliver just that. We will continue representing and working for the growers with sustainable production information, effective marketing services, innovative solutions to challenges and vision for the future. Please feel free to contact us at Horticulture House to speak to your staff and engage in our vision: To develop of a profitable, sustainable, viable vegetable industry.

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Minister Burke meets Growers in MyalupIndustry issues and concerns discussed with The Hon Tony Burke MP

On the 7th of January 2009 both of our Presidents, Maureen Dobra VWA and Darryl Smith

PGA, along with the Executive Officer, Project Manager and Pennie Patane met The Hon Tony Burke MP, Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and his advisors on Pennie and Michael Patane’s property in Myalup.

Without doubt the success of the visit was due to the Minister’s interest in what was happening in our vegetable and potato Industries in Western Australia and his willingness to listen. The interaction between the Minister and Pennie Patane was certainly appreciated by everybody there.

Some of the main issues raised by our President’s included grower’s viability in the next 5 to 10 years, the Horticulture Code of Conduct, the availability of water, Bio Security-Borders, Managed Investment Schemes, AQIS inspections,

availability of labour, farm gate prices and export opportunities.

The Minister was presented with the vegetablesWA Good Practice Guide, which outlines sustainable practices for vegetable and potatoes production. We then raised the issue of demonstration sites along the coastal plain (see opposite page) and the Minister agreed the sites should be placed in all the regional areas that are producing vegetables and potatoes. This is the main part of our next application to the Federal Government’s Caring For Our Country grants.

Both Presidents and Pennie thanked the Minister and his advisors for making their time available to visit and discuss industry issues and concerns.

For more information on the Minister’s visit please view the podcast at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biBc9AaWrBI.

by Jim Turley


Demonstrating Good PracticeContinual Improvement

Late last year vegetablesWA and the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) were successful in

applying for an Australian Government Caring For Our Country open grant to demonstrate and communicate sustainable farm practices as outlined in the Good Practice Guide. The project, titled Good Practice and Better Environmental Outcomes for Vegetable Production will apply a suite of Good Practices at grower properties north and south of Perth and measure performance in terms of productivity and environmental impact. These sites will be made available for viewing by local growers as part of an ongoing strategy to promote Good Practice.

The anticipated outcomes of the project in the long term are:

Wider adoption of sustainable •farm practices outlined in the vegetablesWA Good Practice GuideIncreased soil carbon•

More efficient fertiliser use•

Improved soil water holding capacity•

More efficient water use•

Reduced reliance on pesticides•

We will adopt a systems approach to management, paying particular attention to key sustainable practices in the areas of nutrient management, water management, soil management, pest and disease management. Good Practices in these areas that will be considered with each grower on a site by site basis include:

Scheduling irrigation using the locally 1. developed web based Vegetable Irrigation Scheduling System (VISS) and SMS servicePrecise and timely placement of 2.

fertilisers using the 3Phase method outlined in this issueIncreasing soil organic carbon to 3. improve soil performanceAn integrated approach to pest and 4. disease management

While the participating growers will be the key to the success of this project, we will also draw heavily on the assistance and expert advice of specialists from DAFWA. For example:

Water Management: Irrigation •specialists will evaluate irrigation systems at the demonstration site and provide expert advice to improve system performance to meet Good Practice standardsNutrient Management: Research •agronomists will help develop site and crop specific nutritional programsSoil Management: Soil research •staff will help develop site specific strategies to increase soil carbon and improve soil performancePest and disease Management: •Entomologists and pathologists will help determine the best mix of chemical biological and cultural practices.

Good Practice and Better Environmental Outcomes for Vegetable Production is funded by investment from the Australian Government through Caring For Our Country.

The Good Practice Guide produced by vegetablesWA forms part of a project funded by investment from the Australian Government through Caring for Our Country and administered by Perth Region NRM.

by Gavin Foord


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vegetablesWA meet Environment MinisterThe Honourable Donna Faragher JP MC C Minister for Environment; Youth

Both vegetablesWA and the Potato Growers Association of WA had the pleasure of

meeting with the Minister to discuss several issues relating to the potato and vegetable industry.

The importance of the environment to the livelihood of our growers was certainly understood by the Minister, the Department of Environment and her staff. To that end, vegetablesWA has been working very closely with the Department on developing an exemption for vegetable growers that are applying the industry’s Good Practice Guide when delivering highly soluble phosphorus fertilizers to their crops.

Gavin Foord Project Manager vegetablesWA presented the Minister with a completed Good Practice Guide.

Darryl Smith advised the Minister how the regulated potato industry had eliminated over-supply thereby preventing over use of water and fertilizers. The vegetable industry

had also taken steps to prevent over supply.

Each member of our delegation thanked the Minister who had clearly indicated her support for the vegetable

and potato industry providing good practices are applied. In addition, the Minister encouraged both the industry and the Department of Environment to keep working together for the benefit of all.

Donna Faragher & Gavin Foord: The Minister’s smile certainly ignited the positive relationship between our Industry leaders while Gavin presented the

Minister with the first completed Good Practice Guide.

by Jim Turley

Recipe PotatostuffedwithBroccoli&MeltedcheeseServings: 4 - approximately 400 Calories EachAuthor Notes: For baked potato lovers, this meal is a real treat. Stuffed with steamed broccoli and creamy cheddar cheese, these potatoes taste as good as they look.

Ingredients: 4 small potatoes 1 cup broccoli florets 1 cup shredded low fat cheddar cheese 3/4 cup low fat sour cream 2 tablespoons chopped chives

Instructions:1. Pierce the potatoes and microwave on high until tender, about 6 to 8 minutes.2. Meanwhile, place the broccoli in large saucepan with 3 tablespoons water over medium heat. Cover and cook for 6 to 7 minutes or until tender. Drain and return the broccoli to the pan.3. Add the cheddar cheese to the broccoli and stir over low heat until the cheese is melted.4. Slice the potatoes lengthwise and divide the cheese-broccoli sauce evenly over each potato. Top each potato with 3 tablespoons sour cream.5. Serve each person two potato halves garnished with chives.

Potato Stuffed with Broccoli and Melted Cheddar

Servings: 4

Author Notes: For baked potato lovers, this meal is a real treat. Stuffed with steamed broccoli and creamy cheddar cheese, these potatoes taste as good as they look.

Ingredients: 4 small russet potatoes

10 ounces broccoli florets

12 ounces shredded low fat cheddar cheese, about 1 1/2 cups

3/4 cup low fat sour cream

2 tablespoons chopped chives

Instructions: Makes 4 Servings, Approximately 400 Calories Each

1. Pierce the potatoes and microwave on high until tender, about 6 to 8 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, place the broccoli in large saucepan with 3 tablespoons water over medium heat. Cover and cook for 6 to 7 minutes or until tender. Drain and return the broccoli to the pan.

3. Add the cheddar cheese to the broccoli and stir over low heat until the cheese is melted.

4. Slice the potatoes lengthwise and divide the cheese-broccoli sauce evenly over each potato. Top each potato with 3 tablespoons sour cream.


Buy West Eat Best Takes OffIndustry Endorses Buy West Eat Best following news of a memorandum of understanding between the Government and ACCC

Apartnership has been formed between the Department of Agriculture and Food and the

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to promote the Buy West, Eat Best food labelling program. This development has been supported by industry as a positive move for Western Australian grown and processed foods.

The Buy West, Eat Best program allows consumers to easily identify fresh food such as fruit and vegetables, meat, seafood, honey and eggs that have been grown, farmed or fished in Western Australia. It also applies to processed foods – for example, yoghurts, cheeses, ice-creams, wheat based breads, olive oils, sausages and the fruit in jams or chutneys - where the main ingredient is from Western Australia.

The Department of Agriculture and the ACCC have devised a labelling and strict monitoring process to protect the credibility of the initiative, identifiable by a unique green logo on food packaging.

“To use the logo, businesses must register and meet strict criteria,” said

Department of Agriculture and Food Director General Ian Longson.

“Fresh foods and the main ingredients in processed foods must have been ‘grown, farmed or fished’ in Western Australia. They must also be processed in our State.”

“The memorandum of understanding assures the registered businesses of the integrity of the monitoring and compliance aspects of Buy West, Eat Best,” said Mr Longson.

Business Participation is HighTo date, 64 individual businesses, 190 independent grocery retailers and the two major grocery chains have thrown their support behind the Buy West, Eat Best campaign. By displaying the logo, these businesses must meet certain approved food safety requirements and the registration criteria.

Jenny Mercer from Mercer Mooney is a big fan of the scheme, saying that it highlights what Western Australian consumers prefer, essentially local produce.

“It makes all of the difference when the major retailers get behind a program like this, as it shows consumers that they have confidence in our product,” Ms Mercer said.

Monitoring and EnforcementA major component of the scheme is monitoring and enforcement. The Department of Agriculture has set up a free 1800 telephone number and a specific email address to take consumer and industry enquiries. It has also committed resources to employ an officer with responsibility for monitoring and compliance of the program.

“The main focus of this person’s role will be to contact businesses about compliance and generally monitor their progress,” Mr Longson said.

“If a business continues to contravene compliance requirements, the matter can then be referred to the ACCC for appropriate action.”

Major supporters of the Buy West, Eat Best program include Better Sprouts, Bogdanich Farms, Greenfields Foods, Beta Spuds, Trandos Farms, Highvale Orchard, Mercer Mooney, and Western Potatoes Ltd.

As Jenny Mercer points out, all that is needed now is a scheme like this for loose vegetables…

For more information or a complete listing of registered businesses and products, call the Buy West, Eat Best hotline on 1800 132 422, email [email protected] or visit www.buywesteatbest.wa.gov.au

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Emanating out of the APC – Potato Producers Committee (APC-PPC) the WASPEC

Committee has taken control of Seed Potato Mini Tubers ordered from the National Potato Breeding Program at Toolangi, Victoria. These tubers have been planted out at Allan Parker’s property in Manjimup under

the direction and careful eye of Bob Pessotto.

Darryl Smith has planted the Seed Potato stock from the Department of Agriculture Development Program that originated from the National Breeding Program at Toolangi.

The committee is responsible for the evaluation and commercialisation of the potato varieties that have been previously selected. The committee is totally independent therefore it can take on any worthwhile varieties that would improve the quality of potatoes from an industry perspective.

WA Seed Potato Evaluation Committee (WASPEC) by Jim Turley

Seed Potato Mini Tubers planted out at Manjimup


The Supa StoreTop local independent retailer shows that innovative approach to retailing has helped their bottom line

From the minute you enter Wembley Supa IGA, you know that they’ve got it right. In

addition to being one of the busiest service-based supermarkets in Western Australia, it is maximising profits by offering a much-sought after online shopping and delivery service. But it doesn’t end there. A well thought out promotional offering including their own community support card has earned them ‘Dewsons Store of the Year’ for 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005.

At store level they have thought of everything. An organic fruit and vegetable section has been approved by the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia (NASAA). This has earned them the title of 100 per cent ‘organic certified retailer,’ which means they must adhere to strict food handling and storage rules at all times. The organic range is extensive and popular, and includes fresh Western Australian produce.

According to Wembley Supa IGA Fresh Produce Manager Tim Jagot, the decision to go organic required a solid commitment to secure its

dedicated market. It taught them an unexpected lesson - to take a more tactical approach for the entire fresh produce section.

“We began to understand that all our products had different types of buyers associated with them, so we decided to better understand what each of them would want,” he said.

“Our research showed that some people would come from miles away for our organic produce, whereas many of our local customers favoured pre-packed convenience.”

“Similarly we always try to support Western Australian grown produce, as experience has shown that is what our customers want,” said Mr Jagot.

He explained that their potato section has seen a transformation from the days of one variety kept loosely in a pile.

“As a result of some consultation with Western Potatoes, we picked up on the need to promote gourmet potatoes as they have become all the rage in recent years for their ease of preparation.”

“Consequently we now offer many different varieties of gourmet potatoes including coloured skin varieties Royal Blues and Ruby Lous, which have become increasingly popular due to their flavour,” he said.

“We have created a new market for this product with our one kilogram bags, having gone from selling zero to 90 kilograms of each variety in twelve months.

“Likewise there is, and always has been, a solid market for varieties such as Kipflers as they are widely known

by Justin Wearne


TomatoesMERCURY F1

• Indeterminate Gourmet tomato.

• Large (200g+), glossy firm red fruit.

• Proven performer in all regions in W.A. Essential TSWV and Nematode resistance for Western Australia.

Resistances:HR: ToMV / V / Fol:1,2 / MIR: TSWV

YIELD!!!HERCULES F1

• Hercules is a blocky capsicum. • It produces fruit that are

approximately 11 x 10cm and weigh 300-350gm.

• The bush on Hercules is short and strong for excellent sunburn protection and is best field grown

Resistances: HR: TMV / PMMoV:1-2 / PVY:0,1,1-2 / PepMoV / PepYMVIR: CMV / Pc

SPF 30+MERCURY

•

•

•

YIELD!!!SUNSHINE F1

• Sunshine is a large, blocky green turning yellow capsicum.

• Strong, productive plant with good foliage cover.

• Fast turning bright yellow fruit which remain firm at maturity

Resistances:HR: TMV / PMMoV:1-2IR: TSWV

NEW

TITAN F1

• Titan (Roma) is a 130-140gm indeterminate roma tomato.

• Titan has high yield and very good quality fruit.

Resistances:HR: ToMV / V / Fol:1,2,3 / MIR: Ss / TSWV

QUALITY FRUIT!RICH COLOUR + QUALITY

RED JEWEL F1

• Red Jewel is an elongated green turning dark red blocky type.

• It produces fruit that are approximately 12 x 10cm and weigh 300-350gm.

• The bush is vigorous and strong and is better grown with support.

Resistances: HR: TMV / PVY:0,1,1-2 / PepMoV / PepYMV / Xv:1,2,3IR: TSWV

DEO F1

• Deo is large, elongated blocky green turning yellow capsi-cum.

• Compared to Sunshine, Deo is larger in size but not as quick to change colour as Sunshine.

Resistances:Intermediate Resistance to TSWV

SIZE + TSWV

Capsicum

TITAN

• Titan (Roma) is a 130-140gm

• Titan has high yield and very Titan has high yield and very good quality fruit.

Resistances:HR: ToMV / V / Fol:1,2,3 / MIR: Ss / TSWV

QUALITY FRUIT!

HR: High/standard resistance.IR: Moderate/intermediate resistance.For key to diseases, please refer to our website: www.clausetezier.comThe descriptions, recommendations and suggestions are offered in goodfaith, for informational purposes only and can therefore in no way act as a guarantee of production.

DEO

•

•

Resistances:Intermediate Resistance to TSWV

SIZE + TSWV

HERCULESHERCULES• •

•

SPF 30+

RICH COLOUR + QUALITY

RED JEWEL

•

•

•

WA Sales and Development Manager: Graham Adams Mobile: 0400 622 314 -e-mail: [email protected]

by food devotees for their quality. We also sell them by the bag to prolong freshness.”

Mr Jagot acknowledged that while there still is a market for traditional potato sizes and varieties such as Nadine, they have become more experimental with varieties as their customers grow in confidence.

“Just last week we received some Delawares, which initially - as they don’t have the same level of awareness - our customers weren’t interested in buying. But after some encouragement, they came back wanting more claiming they were delicious,” he said.

The business heavily supports Western Potatoes’ initiatives such as Feel Good Food Magazine, The Potato Diet Book and potato dressings. They also understand the power of point of sale materials to educate customers.

“I’m always surprised by how much our customers know about fresh produce from what they pick up in the media and other outside influences,” he said.

“It is proof that we can never be complacent in this business, even when it comes to the humble spud.”


The Pest and Disease Management chapter of the Good Practice Guide is now

available. This is the final chapter in the set and a major achievement to all contributors.

Yield and quality are central to sustainable vegetable production. If not properly managed, pests and diseases can dramatically reduce crop yield, quality and subsequent returns. We invest a lot of time, money and natural resources into growing vegetables. Good pest and disease management can protect this investment from avoidable losses.

Traditionally, pests and diseases were managed using a calendar-based chemical spray program. These were often crop and locality specific, developed through experience gained over a number of seasons.

Today, pests and disease are managed using a more integrated approach. You may be familiar with terms such as integrated pest management (IPM), and integrated disease management (IDM). These approaches bring together the

best mix of chemical and biological controls, and cultural practices, to manage pests and diseases. They don’t discard traditional chemical treatments and local knowledge but integrate them into a sustainable system.

In this chapter we:

Provide direction to specific •pest and disease management resources

Identify some of the key vegetable •pests and diseases on the Swan Coastal Plain

Outline a range of integrated •management strategies.

The chapter and appendices have been posted to those who already have a copy of the Good Practice Guide. However, if you have a copy of the Guide and have not received these updates, or if you want a copy of the Guide (including the Pest and Disease Management chapter and appendices) please contact Horticulture House on 9481 0834.

vegetablesWA acknowledges the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA), for their support of this project. In particular we recognise assistance from Sonya Broughton, Vivien Vanstone, Brenda Coutts, Allan Mckay, Helen Ramsey and Georgina Wilson (DAFWA) for working with us to prepare this chapter.

This Good Practice Guide, produced by vegetablesWA forms part of a project funded by investment from the Australian Government through Caring for Our Country, the project is administered by Perth Region NRM.

Pest and Disease chapter makes a complete guideThefinalchapter By Gavin Foord

PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT

vegetablesWA – Good Practice Guide

Contents Page

1. Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

2. Resources to manage pests and diseases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

3. Common vegetable pests on the Swan Coastal Plain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3.1 Thrips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3.2 Moths and butterflies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

3.3 Aphids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

3.4 Bugs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

3.5 Beetles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

3.6 Mites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

3.7 Snails and slugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

4. Beneficials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

5. Vegetable diseases on the Swan Coastal Plain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

5.1 Virus diseases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

5.2 Fungal diseases. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

5.3 Bacterial diseases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

5.4 Nematodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

6. Horticultural Diagnostic Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

7. Chemical and resistance management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PestandDisease4.qxp 23/2/09 2:06 PM Page 2


vegetablesWA – Good Practice Guide

Acknowledgments vegetablesWA acknowledges the Department of Agriculture and Food,Western Australia (DAFWA), for their support of this project. In particular we recognise assistancefrom Sonya Broughton, Vivien Vanstone, Brenda Coutts, Allan Mckay, Helen Ramsey and GeorginaWilson (DAFWA) for working with Gavin Foord (vegetablesWA) to prepare this chapter.

The Pest and disease management chapter of the vegetablesWA Good Practice Guide is part of aproject funded by the Australian Government through Caring for Our Country and administered inthe Swan Region by Perth Region NRM.



PAGE 28 vegetablesWA – Good Practice Guide

5.4 NematodesNematodes or eel worms are small, non-segmented worms. They are only 50

microns (0.05 mm) in diameter and about 1 mm long or less. Most species have a

beneficial role in the soil, but we tend to know more about the pest species

because of their impact on vegetable production (Jenkins, 2005).

There are three functional groups of nematodes:

Saprophytic nematodes break down organic matter in the soil, release nutrients for

plant use and can improve soil structure, water-holding capacity and drainage

Predaceous nematodes feed on soil microbes including other nematodes

Parasitic nematodes are important to vegetable growers because they feed on roots

and reduce productivity.

Root knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) can be the

most damaging on the Swan Coastal Plain. These

nematodes have a very wide host range, affecting more than

2,000 plant species worldwide. Root knot nematodes enter

the roots as larvae, causing the plant roots to form galls or

knots. These galls or knots block the transport of water and

nutrients through the plant. Underground organs such as

potato tubers and carrot taproots may also be damaged and become unmarketable.

Nematode larvae mature in the roots where they mate. Female adults remain in the roots

and lay eggs into an egg sac that exudes into the soil. The eggs hatch and the young

larvae go on to infect more roots (Knoxfield, 2003; Hoffmann and Vanstone, 2006).



Western Potatoes (WPPL) has undergone a major transformation over the

past six months that has seen the company change from a public (Limited) company to a private (Pty Ltd) organization, with the Potato Growers Association (PGA) as its major shareholder.

Under the restructuring, Ms Georgia Thomas will assume responsibility for all the WPPL retail liaison, marketing and promotion, plus maintaining ongoing responsibility for added value products.

The chairman of Western Potatoes, Mr. Ross Taylor, said this week that it was vital for WPPL to be profitable but also with a clear focus on developing the domestic market.

“During the next year we want to improve the quality of our products and to introduce several new varieties,” said Mr. Taylor. “And we will ‘ramp-up’ our value-adding program with the “Royal Blue Mash” products finding their way into most stores.”

“The ready-to-eat mash not only tastes good”, said Mr. Taylor, “but it also is a healthy and nutritious addition to the evening meal market”.

Despite the potato now being acknowledged by leading nutritional scientists world-wide as a wonderfully nutritional food that ‘fills you up’, has low GI and very little fat whilst being packed with vitamins and minerals, there still remains a perception

amongst some consumers that ‘potatoes make you fat’.

“This is a ‘hang-over’ from the Dr Atkins days when everyone was told to avoid ‘carbs”, said Mr. Taylor. “That view has now been thoroughly discredited and people are realizing that the ‘mighty spud’ should be included in everyone’s daily diet”.

WPPL’s Feel Good Food magazine (pictured), located in the fresh fruit and vegetables section at all good supermarkets, showcases various delicious recipes using

potatoes and inspires consumers to try different varieties. The magazine also highlights the nutritional benefits of potatoes and promotes WPPL products, such as potato dressings and the Potato Diet Book.

Western Potatoes has been relocated to Horticulture House in West Perth from its previous ‘home’ in Claremont.

Western Potatoes completes restructuring for the futureAmajortransformationtakingplace

delicious recipes using


Horticulture Industry Award 2010Horticulturalists opposed to increases

Right around the country, horticulturalists are opposing the increases foreshadowed in

the Exposure Draft – January 2009 of the Horticulture Award 2010, published by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission. My understanding is that sole traders or partnerships are covered in this state by the State Industrial Relations and not the Federal system. Most of our growers in this case are using the Minimum Conditions of Employment Act 1993 therefore there will be no changes.

However, PTY LTD companies, trusts etc are covered by the Federal system and will most likely be affected by the changes. The idea behind the award modernisation is to make awards industry specific, rather than job specific.

The increases foreshadowed in the Exposure Draft include:

A 2% increase to the casual •loading from 23% to 25%,The introduction of weekend •penalty rates (which don’t currently exist),The introduction of the five-level •classification structure and higher pay rates,The introduction of a four-tiered •Leading Hand/Supervisors loading replacing the existing weekly loading,Other smaller increases.•

Financial modeling in the Eastern States is showing that the new draft award in its proposed form would have costs impacts on grower employers ranging from 15% for smaller enterprises to 40% for larger ones in the form of penalty rates and loading for afternoon and weekend work.

The Federal Government’s submission to the Australian Industrial Relations

Commission recognized the fruit and vegetable growing industries and urged the commission to

“Pay careful attention to previously long-standing arrangements and to the award modernisation request that the making of a modern award should not increase costs for employers when determining the final shape of ordinary hours for each sector.”

I have discussed this issue with the CEO of the Horticulture Australia Council (HAC) who is representing the Horticulture Industry as we know it. Their submission certainly covers our concerns and can be obtained from Horticulture House. We will closely monitor the proceeding and keep everybody informed.

by Jim Turley

Recipe VegetableTortawithFreshBasil

Servings: 8. Best made to 2 days ahead, if refrigerated.Ingredients: 1/4 cup olive oil 1 large yellow onion 8 fresh mushrooms, cleaned and sliced 3 zucchini, sliced 1/4 inch thick 3 yellow summer squash, sliced 1/4 inch

thick 1 red bell pepper sliced into 1/4 inch thick strips 1 yellow bell pepper sliced into 1/4 inch thick strips 6 large eggs 1/4 cup low fat milk 3 tablespoons chopped basil Salt and freshly ground black pepper 3 cups day-old bread in 1/2 inch cubes 1 package (225g) cream cheese, cut into cubes 2 cups shredded Jarlsberg cheese

Instructions: Makes One 10 Inch TortaPreheat oven to 180°C, if baking immediately. Brush the bottom and sides of a 10-inch springform pan with oil. To prevent leak-ing, wrap the outside of the pan with a sheet of aluminum foil.In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, mushrooms, zucchini, yellow squash and peppers, and sauté until crisp-tender, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes.While the vegetables are cooking, whisk together the eggs and half and half, and basil in a large bowl and season with salt and pepper. Stir in the bread cubes and cheeses.Add the sautéed vegetables to the bread mixture and stir with a large rubber spatula to combine. Transfer to the prepared pan and pack the mixture tightly. Place the pan on a baking sheet.Bake for about hour, until firm to the touch, puffed, and golden brown. Serve warm or cool to room temperature, cover, and refrigerate.


3Phase counters climbing costs3Phaseapproachtofertilising

The price of fertilisers commonly used for vegetable production is continuing to climb rapidly. A

team of researchers at the Department of Agriculture and Food has been working with the 3Phase approach to fertilising brassica, lettuce and celery crops now for about 8 years with the aims of reducing fertiliser leaching into groundwater and reducing production costs. Big rises in fertiliser prices during 2008 however, prompted us to review the work and increase emphasis on reducing fertiliser costs.

A crop of iceberg lettuce and one of broccoli concluded our work for 2008. The latest trials both consisted of 12 treatments, the only major difference between the treatments for lettuce and broccoli being the application of fertiliser after row closure for broccoli. The trial site has been in continuous cropping now for two years and soil testing has shown that phosphorus and potassium levels remain at good levels so no preplant applications of P or K are required at the moment.

Several treatments used a preplant broadcast application of granular NPK fertiliser on the day of planting, found to be beneficial in previous trials. This was followed by either:

weekly or twice weekly •applications of granular NPK fertiliser or

weekly or twice weekly spray •applications of potassium nitrate and urea

for the first three weeks. This was followed by banding with granular NPK fertiliser until row closure. Only the broccoli crop then received further fertiliser in the form of a

simulated fertigation of urea and potassium nitrate.

Superimposed over these were:

two treatments which tested lower •rates of banding (300 or 400 kg/ha instead of 500 kg/ha)

two treatments which utilised •lower cost options of granular NPK fertiliser (Turf Special® and Hort Special®)

one treatment which tested the •application of fresh phosphorus just prior to planting.

For the broccoli only, there were also two treatments which shifted the timing of potassium applications so either more was applied in the first three weeks or in the last four weeks.

Results – lettuceThe crop grew well with few major differences between treatments. It harvested in 52 days from planting in mid September.

All treatments produced a •commercially acceptable yield (52-68 t/ha) with the best treatments all in excess of 60 t/ha.

All treatments that performed best •had Nitrophoska Blue Special® broadcast at planting time. Yield increased by about 8 t/ha for a cost of about $270 dollars.

We found we were able to reduce •the rate of banding to 400 kg/ha without yield reduction thus saving about $410/ha.

The application of fresh •phosphorus up front did not prove beneficial and was substantially inferior to those treatments which

had Nitrophoska® broadcast at planting.

Both Hort Special® and Turf •Special® produced 4-6 t/ha less than the comparable Nitrophoska® treatment. More testing is needed to determine whether these yield reductions are real - in which case the treatments are not cost effective, or simply due to experimental variation.

Results - broccoli

All treatments grew well but some treatments matured quicker than others. In the last two weeks of the trial some signs of nutrient deficiency (probably nitrogen) were becoming apparent in the older leaves of some treatments.

The crop was harvested over two days, 63 and 69 days after transplanting. Close to half the crop was picked on each date.

We decided that analysis of the first harvest was most important since the better treatments would be those that yielded best, earliest. At that time, there were substantial differences between treatments. The four best

By Aileen Reid and Dennis Phillips DAFWA

Growers visiting Medina trial sites in July/August 2008


treatments all had over half the crop picked on that first day whilst the remaining treatments were all well under half. The four best treatments all had granular NPK fertiliser broadcast prior to planting and then for the first 21 days, had either:

twice weekly sprays of urea and •potassium nitrate (20g/L of each at 1000 L/ha)

twice weekly broadcasting of •Nitrophoska® (200 kg/ha)

twice weekly broadcasting of •Turf Special® (200 kg/ha) (this treatment was preceded with Turf Special broadcast at planting), or

weekly banding of Nitrophoska® •(200 kg/ha)

The use of fresh phosphorus up front was not beneficial.

There was no effect of any of the fertiliser treatments on incidence of disease or faults such as purpling or irregularly shaped heads.

The results with Turf Special are particularly interesting for broccoli since the actual plot weight harvested was not the lowest of the four (second lowest) and this treatment represents a cost saving of about $1000/ha ($2939 versus ~$3969).

The main findings from this trial are:

there is a big impact from the •use of a granular NPK fertiliser broadcast at planting at 200 kg/ha

the timing of potassium •applications for broccoli is not important.

banding rates need to be 500 •kg/ha for either Turf Special or Nitrophoska

The team have now moved on to fine-tuning previous work on celery and cabbage. Two trials were planted in mid January. Growers wishing to view these trials should contact either Dennis Phillips on (08) 9368 3319 or Aileen Reid on (08) 9368 3393.

Broccoli Ð September 2008

Figure 1a-d. Comparison of growth in selected fertiliser treatments in a spring lettuce crop 19 days after

transplanting.

Figures 2a,b The range of crop growth in this trial was less than for previous crops. T2 (left) seemed

less advanced than T8 (right).

Figures 2a,b The range of crop growth in this trial was less than for previous crops. T2 (left) seemed less advanced than T8 (right).



transplanting.





transplanting.





transplanting.





transplanting.





transplanting.



Figure 1a-d. Comparison of growth in selected fertiliser treatments in a spring lettuce crop 19 days after transplanting.


From the President’s Keyboard

Since the last issue of the WA Grower Magazine, many changes have occurred

in Horticulture House. During November, David Ellement decided to accept a position as CEO of the Wine Industry Association of WA. Whilst we were sorry to see David leave - we appreciated all his efforts and where vegetablesWA has been strategically placed. We wish him well in his new position.

We also saw Gavin Foord resign from his position and take up the CEO of the WA No- Tillage Farmers Association. However, Gavin has since recommenced at vegetablesWA and is the Project Manager in charge of Caring For Our Country project.

During January, we held interviews for the Industry Development Officer, the APC VPC Field Officer and also a PA/Communications Officer. There was a panel comprising of the potato president, Darryl Smith, the chairperson of Western Potatoes – Ross Taylor, myself and also Jim spent all day interviewing applicants for the positions. Georgia Thomas is the new IDO Officer. Tim Aldridge is the new Field/Extension Officer and Liz Daly the PA/Communications Officer. All have commenced work during February. Don’t forget to check them out on the vegetablesWA website. www.vegetableswa.com.au

The fires of Victoria and the floods of Queensland sadden all our hearts and the rest of Australians too. I would hope that it gives us- as growers - the opportunity to take stock of our encompassing environment and put in procedures so that we would never have to endure fires as ferocious as these.

Health is often more evident during the summer season and what better way to be healthy and combat obesity than eating the clean and green vegetables that we produce. Health also comes along in the way we grow, our soils, our water and environment – something which vegetablesWA is promoting. vegetablesWA is also promoting your healthy industry to government stakeholders such as Tony Burke – the federal minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Terry Redman – our state minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Donna Faragher – our state minister for the Environment and Dr. Graham Jacobs – our state minister for Water All have received your Good Practice Guide. Are you reading yours?

Finally, I would like to say a big thank you to Jim and the staff at Horticulture House for holding the “fort”. December, January and mid

February saw many issues on hold – especially whilst waiting for new staff members to commence employment. I know I am excited about the new team – as are the new team excited about being and representing vegetablesWA. Don’t forget – if you have any issues – good or bad – call or email them! The network is there for one and all to use.

Maureen DobraPresident, vegetablesWA

– something which vegetablesWA is

Fisheries and Forestry, Donna

Guide. Are you reading yours?

Finally, I would like to say a big thank you to Jim and the staff at Horticulture House for holding the “fort”. December, January and mid

Allow me to introduce myself...

western austral ia

My name is Georgia Thomas and I am a Perth girl who loves food and everything to do with it. After finishing my degree in Natural Resource Management at UWA and working for 6 years at the Department of Agriculture and Food I decided to move on from WA and have spent the last three and a half years living and working in London while travelling extensively through Europe. It’s a great pleasure to be back in Perth and its sunshine and warmth and I am thrilled to be working with the Western Australian vegetable industry to face the challenges that await.

There is now less than 6 months left of Horticulture Australia’s Industry Development Officer project, and in a short time a new format will be upon us. As I begin to orientate myself in the new role of Program Manager, I will be looking for the best ways to continue to provide support and information to all our growers throughout Western Australia.

In maintaining the high standards of this organisation we are aware that communication is the key. My team will be continuously investigating the best ways to communicate relevant information to growers and at the same time encouraging you to communicate with us. Our new Field Officer Tim Aldridge is committed to giving you his time and bringing your ideas, thoughts and issues back to the office so we can do our best to meet your needs. We will also be assessing new technologies and methods to keep the communication flow moving and keep you involved.

Marketing and promotion is as important as ever in these difficult economic times. We need to keep positive messages about the benefits of vegetables high in consumers’ minds as they purchase their weekly groceries with ever-tighter funds. I will be working with various partners to put together strategic marketing plans for both Western Potatoes Pty Ltd and vegetablesWA, with emphasis on collaboration and efficiency.

Finally, please feel free to get in touch with comments, suggestions and questions. Over the next few months I will be working hard to secure funds and develop strategic plans of action. Additionally I will be aiming to speak to as many key contacts and industry stakeholders as possible. As such, I look forward to meeting you all in the near future and learning about you and your business.

Georgia Thomas

ISSUE 37 | March 2009

Vegetable

Your nationalvegetablelevy at work

R&D

CONTENTS

Maximise your margins ............... . 2

Upcoming Events ......................... 3

R&D Topics 2010/11 ..................... 3

Minor Use Permits Update ........... 4

The role of women in horticulture is many and varied, as well as being much more hands-on than often given credit for. With record numbers of girls enrolling in agricultural studies (ref: Countryman, Feb 12th, page 3), a fabulous new winner of the Rural Woman of the Year in Western Australia and a brilliant female president of VegetablesWA, the time has come to support and nurture the role of women in horticulture.

If you are interested in linking with other women from your community and further afield to learn from each other, give support and make useful business contacts please write me an email with your name, business details, contact information and any ideas you may have for useful activities at [email protected]. In the coming months I will investigate the level of interest and work towards a program of relevant activities for later in the year.

WOMEN IN HORTICULTURE - Call for expressions of interest

02

ISSUE 21 | DECEMBER 2005

western austral ia

2

western austral ia

MAXIMISE YOUR MARGINS Working productively with minimum wasted effort or expense

On the 6th of March the Manjimup Horticultural Research Institute held a field day to promote efficient fertiliser usage. Around 60 growers attended the event that was opened by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry Hon. Terry Redman MLA, to hear the afternoon’s speakers discuss the following topics:

What will future fertiliser prices 1. do? Peter McEwan CEO, Summit Fertiliser.

Improving vegetable fertiliser 2. efficiency. Dennis Phillips, Research Officer, DAFWA.

When is it profitable to fertilise 3. pastures? Mike Bolland, Research Officer, DAFWA.

Case studies of profitable 4. fertiliser use. Paul Omodei, Consultant, agVivo.

The excellent presentations were followed by a very interesting tour of the institutes’ field trials and research facilities as well as a great machinery display.

Of particular interest to vegetable growers was Dennis Phillips (DAFWA) presentation on improving fertiliser efficiency for lettuce. Dennis commented that “phosphorous is the primary limiting fertiliser factor for lettuce grown on soils in the Lower South West, and growers have the ability to sensibly reduce costs without compromising yield”. In order to

achieve this, Dennis recommended that growers consider:

Cheaper products•

Placement and timing of •application

Optimum rates•

Soil testing and adjustment•

Dennis also discussed DAFWA research where various methods of fertiliser placement were tested. The results showed that strip application of phosphorus followed immediately by incorporation remains the most effective method of applying phosphorus fertiliser for high P fixing soils in the Lower South West.

For more information please go to www.agric.wa.gov.au.

033

Priority determination for R&D projects commencing next year (from June 2010) is now underway. Growers, supply chain participants and allied service providers are encouraged to identify topics of interest.

Each year, Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) invites applications for research and development (R&D) projects relating to a range of Australian vegetable industry activities. R&D is funded by the National Vegetable Levy, matched dollar-for-dollar by the Australian Government.

From now until 31 July 2009, National Vegetable Levy payers and other vegetable industry stakeholders are invited to identify priority areas for R&D projects scheduled to commence mid-2010. All suggestions for R&D will be reviewed by the Vegetable IAC and its advisory groups prior to the final recommendations being forwarded to HAL.

If you would like to contribute your views to this process, please email [email protected] or call 9481 0834 and a form will be sent to you.

Give your view on R&D Project Topics 2010/11

U P C O M I N G E V E N T S

Carnarvon Horticultural Field Day

May 7, 2009 Carnarvon WA E: [email protected]

2009 Australian Vegetable Industry Conference/ National Vegetable Expo

May 4-6/7-8, 2009 Melbourne Convention Centre/ Werribee, Victoria www.vegieconf.com.au

2009 Australian Vegetable Industry Awards

The 2009 Awards Presentation will be held on Wednesday 6 May 2009 at the Crown Palladium, Melbourne, at the gala dinner of the 2009 Australian Vegetable Industry Conference.

National Vegetable Expo - Werribee - 07/05/2009

The National Vegetable Expo Organizing Committee extend a warm invitation all Vegetable Growers, Nursery Operators and Horticultural Industry Suppliers, to gather for this years event.

Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Fresh Connections Conference

May 24-26, 2009 Hilton Sydney www.pma.com

National Australian Hydroponics & Greenhouse Industry Conference

Sydney July 19-22 2009 www.ahga.org.au

Organic expo 2009

July 24-26, 2009 Royal Exhibition Building Carlton, Melbourne, Australia E: [email protected]

4

western austral ia

CURRENT MINOR USE PERMITSPermit ID Type Description Status Date Issued Expiry DatePER10095 AG Metalaxyl-M / Lettuce / Damping off CURRENT 22-Jun-07 30-Jun-09PER10152 AG Agri-Fos 600 / Brassicas / Downy Mildew CURRENT 13-Feb-08 30-Jun-10

PER10184 AG

Products containing potassium salts of fatty acids @ 285 g/L /Glasshouse and hydroponically grown capsicums, lettuce and cucumbers / Glasshouse whitefly and Silverleaf whitefly CURRENT 20-Feb-08 28-Feb-13

PER10184 AG

Products containing potassium salts of fatty acids @ 285 g/L /Glasshouse and hydroponically grown capsicums, lettuce and cucumbers / Glasshouse whitefly and Silverleaf whitefly CURRENT 20-Feb-08 28-Feb-13

PER10218 AG Acramite Miticide / Cucumbers, Capsicums and Tomatoes / Various Mites CURRENT 3-Jun-08 30-Jun-10PER10240 AG DuPont Vydate L Insecticide / Capsicums & tomatoes / Root Knot Nematode CURRENT 17-Feb-08 30-Sep-09

PER10261 AGAzoxystrobin / Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Beans, Lettuce and Cauliflower / White Blister and Sclerotinia rot CURRENT 3-Jan-08 1-Jan-10

PER10265 AG Methidathion / Peppers, ornamentals, eggplant & tomatoes / Western flower thrips CURRENT 18-Mar-08 30-Sep-12PER10273 AG Bifenthrin / Sweet potato / Sweet potato weevil & Bean spider mite CURRENT 22-Feb-08 30-Sep-13PER10275 AG Fusilade Forte 128EC (fluazifop) / Sweet Potato, Leeks & Garlic / Grass Weeds CURRENT 31-Mar-08 31-Mar-09

PER10311 AGEco-Oil (Botanical Oil) / Greenhouse & hydroponic capsicum, cucumber & lettuce / Greenhouse whitefly & Silverleaf whitefly CURRENT 7-Feb-08 30-Sep-13

PER10334 AGMethomyl / Specified Fruiting vegetables, Legume vegetables and sweet potato / Heliothis, cucumber moth and cluster caterpillar CURRENT 9-Oct-08 30-Sep-10

PER10335 AG Petroleum oil / Lettuce (greenhouse & hydroponic) / Various Insects CURRENT 18-Mar-08 31-Mar-11PER10402 AG Clethodim / Carrots & Parsnips / Grass weed control CURRENT 16-Jan-09 31-May-11PER10416 AG Methamidophos / Head Lettuce / Western Flower Thrips CURRENT 25-Mar-08 31-Mar-13

PER10460 AGPhorate (Thimet 100G) / Sweet Potatoes / Aphids, Thrips, Jassids and Organo-phosphate Susceptible Two Spotted Mite and Wireworm. CURRENT 2-Jan-08 1-Jan-13

PER10617 AGTalstar 250 EC Insecticide/Miticide & other registered 250g/L formulations of Bifenthrin / eggplant & capsicum / Two spotted Mite CURRENT 11-Jun-08 30-Jun-09

PER10670 AGAbamectin / Tomatoes, cucumber, eggplant, ornamentals, strawberries & Cape Gooseberries / Two spotted mite & Western flower thrips CURRENT 1-Apr-08 30-Apr-11

PER10674 AGMancozeb + Metalaxyl-M / Brassica vegetables, Brassica leafy vegetables & Rocket / Downy Mildew & White blister CURRENT 14-Apr-08 31-Mar-13

PER10678 AGChess Insecticide (pymetrozine) / Various vegetables & Pistachio / Silverleaf white-fly, Lettuce aphid & Green peach aphid CURRENT 3-Feb-09 30-Apr-10

PER10764 AG Pyriproxyfen / Cucurbits, eggplant & tomato / Silverleaf whitefly CURRENT 1-Jul-08 30-Sep-12

PER10822 AGSodium hypochlorite / Potatoes, Various seeds & Soil / Various insect and fungal pests CURRENT 30-Jan-09 1-Feb-14

PER10900 AG Endosulfan / Cucumber, eggplant, peppers, & ornamentals / Western flower thrips CURRENT 8-Oct-08 31-Oct-09PER10948 AG Abamectin / Eggplant / Two Spotted Mite CURRENT 17-Oct-08 30-Oct-13

PER10971 AGTecto Flowable SC or Storite / Sweet Potato / Field Rots of Seed Roots caused by scurf (Monilochaetes infuscans) and root rot (Fusarium spp) CURRENT 1-Nov-08 30-Sep-10

PER5776 AG Propachlor / Lettuce / Grass and broadleaf weeds CURRENT 10-Nov-05 3-Nov-10PER5815 AG Spinosad / Eggplant / Melon Thrips CURRENT 11-Aug-08 31-Jul-13PER6552 AG Chlorpyrifos / Pumpkin / African Black Beetle CURRENT 18-May-05 30-Sep-09

5

Permit ID Type Description Status Date Issued Expiry DatePER6920 AG Dacthal (chlorthal-dimethyl) / Lettuce / Stinging nettle. CURRENT 24-Aug-05 24-Aug-10PER7416 AG Confidor 200SC (imidacloprid) / Lettuce, chicory, endive & radicchio / Lettuce aphid CURRENT 24-Mar-04 31-Dec-09PER7560 AG Fluazifop-p as Butyl / Eggplant or Aubergine / Various grass weeds CURRENT 24-Oct-05 20-Oct-10PER7561 AG Select Herbicide / Eggplant or Aubergine / Various Grass Weeds CURRENT 25-Oct-05 25-Oct-10

PER7905 AGPhosphorous / Lettuce (leaf and hydroponic), Fennel and Bulb (Alium)Vegetables/ Downy Mildew CURRENT 4-Apr-06 30-Sep-12

PER7935 AG Dimethomorph / Lettuce / Downy mildew CURRENT 30-Jan-09 30-Sep-11PER8231 AG Filan Fungicide / Alliums (other than onions) and Carrots / Sclerotinia Rot CURRENT 31-Jul-06 30-Jun-09

PER8249 AGPetroleum oil / Capsicum, Eggplant, Tomato, Okra & Cucurbits / Whitefly (Bemisre tabaci) CURRENT 4-Aug-05 31-Mar-10

PER8537 AGHelicoverpa Zea or Armigera / Eggplant, Snow Peas & Sugar Snap Peas / Helicov-erpa spp. CURRENT 7-Sep-05 7-Sep-10

PER8538 AG Products containing Copper / Various Vegetable Crops / Various Diseases CURRENT 4-Nov-05 31-Oct-10PER8743 AG Chlorothalonil/Eggplant and Radish/Alternaria/Downy Mildew and Grey leaf spot. CURRENT 24-Apr-06 30-Apr-09

PER8765 AGPermethrin/ Cucurbits: Rockmelons, Watermelons, Pumpkin & Cucumbers/ Cu-cumber Moth Larvae (Phakelura Indica). CURRENT 5-Jan-06 31-Dec-10

PER8768 AG Zineb / Eggplant, Spinach & Silverbeet/ Anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.) CURRENT 10-May-06 10-May-11

PER8773 AGVectoBac WG Biological Larvicide / Greenhouse and/or hydroponic crops, mush-rooms / Fungus gnats and Sciarids CURRENT 24-Mar-06 31-Mar-09

PER8819 AGFilan Fungicide (boscalid) / Brassicas & Brassica leafy vegetables, Lettuce & Beans / Sclerotinia rot CURRENT 10-Oct-05 31-Oct-09

PER8929 AG Trifluralin/ Chillies, Paprika and Eggplant/ Various Broad Leaf and Grass Weeds. CURRENT 30-Mar-06 30-Mar-11

PER8971 AGChemagro dalapon/ carrot crops (for seed) / promotion of bolting and grass weed control CURRENT 14-Mar-06 30-Nov-09

PER9063 AG Regent 200 SC / Sweet Potato / White Fringed Weevil & Wireworm CURRENT 21-Mar-06 1-Dec-11PER9064 AG Methomyl / Eggplant / Heliothis species CURRENT 19-Apr-06 12-Dec-10PER9127 AG Folicur 430 SC Fungicide / Lettuce / Sclerotinia rot CURRENT 30-Aug-07 30-Aug-09PER9134 AG Alpha-cypermethrin / Potatoes / Garden weevil CURRENT 31-May-06 31-Jan-11PER9160 AG Imidacloprid / Various situations / Various pests (consolidated use patterns) CURRENT 29-Nov-07 31-Dec-10PER9241 AG Pirimicarb / Various situations / Aphids (consolidated application) CURRENT 23-Feb-07 31-Mar-10PER9318 AG VERTIMEC Miticide/Insecticide / Hydroponically grown lettuce/ Two-spotted mite CURRENT 4-Jan-07 4-Jan-10PER9778 AG Ecocarb Fungicide / Various Greenhouse-grown Vegetables / Powdery Mildew CURRENT 6-Sep-07 5-Sep-12PER9840 AG Chlorpyrifos 500g/L / Capsicum / Cluster Caterpiller CURRENT 5-Mar-07 1-Feb-10PER9859 AG BALAN (benfluralin) / lettuce / grass and broadleaf weed control CURRENT 1-Apr-07 31-Mar-12PER9893 AG Methidathion / Peppers and eggplant / Rutherglen Bug CURRENT 8-May-08 31-May-13PER9917 AG Pyrimethanil / Glasshouse Capsicums, Lettuce & Tomatoes / Botrytis Rots CURRENT 12-Sep-07 30-Mar-09

PER9918 AGSwitch Fungicide /Protected and Field Grown Cucumbers, Capsicums, Lettuce (head varieties only) / Botrytis CURRENT 4-Feb-08 30-Jun-10

PER9920 AG Flint 500 WG Fungicide / Capsicums / Powdery Mildew CURRENT 4-Sep-07 31-Dec-09

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Potatoes in schools2008 provides perfect Educational Opportunity for Western Potatoes

As the United Nations International Year of the Potato, 2008 provided the

perfect opportunity for Western Potatoes to visit schools and educate younger consumers. In particular, home economics classes were interested to hear why potatoes were such a vital crop.

Justin Wearne, Retail and Development Manager of Western Potatoes explained that schools were interested to know that food shortages, a lack of water and lack of available land made the potato a super power in third world countries.

“Not only can more potatoes be grown per hectare than the equivalent amounts of rice or grain, but they can be grown almost anywhere.”

“2008 really threw the spotlight on the importance of the potato, giving us the opportunity to speak not only about potatoes in our world under pressure, but also other aspects of the product.”

“It fits nicely with our role in the industry of educating younger audiences on the how and why of selecting, storing, preparing and cooking potatoes, while

simultaneously promoting the health and nutrition benefits,” he said.

One of the schools to benefit from a Western Potatoes visit in 2008 was Penhros College. Food production students were so impressed they requested a follow up visit in February this year.

This time, the girls were interested to learn that Western Australian spuds are dug year round, thus ensuring the freshest local potatoes are continually on offer for local consumption. Varieties such as the Royal Blue – Justin’s personal favourite – provided versatile options for cooking year round.

Justin also provided valuable tips such as storing potatoes in a paper bag and not exposing them to light, looking for firm potatoes that were not yet soft or sprouting and, where possible, purchasing spuds that still had dirt on them.

Food Preparation teacher Margaret Jones said that the students learnt a great deal about the misconceptions of the potato, confirming the importance of Western Potatoes visits to dispel the myths.

School Education Pack

In response to a sharp increase in demand for school visits, an education pack has been produced through a co-operative effort between Western Potatoes and Kondinin Group. It is a classroom resource using Western Australia’s potato industry as the central theme in a range of lessons and activities across the different learning areas. It is based on the popular Workboot Series’ The Story of Potatoes book, which details the journey of potatoes from paddock to plate.

The education pack is suitable for middle and upper primary, as well as lower secondary school classes. It is a tool to develop an integrated learning theme, teaching children valuable lessons about the origins of potatoes and recognising the importance of agriculture in our daily lives.

For more information on the schools education pack please contact Western Potatoes on 9284 6266.

by Justin Wearne


Penrhos students benefit from ties with Western PotatoesStudents shown how to select, store, prepare and cook potatoes

Food Production students at Penrhos College were once again treated to the company

of Western Potatoes’ Mr Justin Wearne on Thursday, 12 February 2009. In teaching students about the importance of food production and preparation, Penrhos College teacher Mrs Margaret Jones invited Justin to present to students on how to select, store, prepare and cook potatoes.

In 2008 Justin shared a wealth of knowledge with Penrhos students including why the United Nations had pronounced last year the “International Year of the Potato”. Citing food shortages, a lack of water and lack of available land, Justin suggested that not only could more potatoes be grown per hectare than the equivalent amounts of rice or grain, but that they could be grown almost anywhere. The girls were interested to learn that Western Australian spuds are dug year round, thus ensuring the freshest

local potatoes are continually on offer for local consumption.

“The Royal Blue is my personal favorite,” said Justin. “When storing your potatoes, place them in a paper bag like you would your mushrooms. You don’t want to leave them sitting out exposed to light – they’ll turn

green and make you sick.” Justin’s other tips included looking for firm potatoes that were not yet soft or sprouting and, where possible, still had dirt on them.

For more information on the schools education pack please contact Western Potatoes on 9284 6266.

by Justin Wearne


Ten minutes with Tom Kyme“We don’t just have to do the right things, we need to be able to prove we are doing the right things.”

Tom Kyme is the front man for P Kyme and Co Pty Ltd, Bernard Road, Carabooda,

in conjunction with their commercial chicken farm they grow tomatoes and pumpkins in the summer and leafy lines in the winter.

The Kyme family has been in business at Carabooda for almost half a century; Tom is passionate about growing vegetables and is a regular at field days and seminars. “Growing is my life and while I know we don’t have everything operating at 100%, we are always trying to improve” said Tom “Growing costs are increasing and if we don’t keep improving, we will go out of business. Times are changing and if we want to stay in the industry, we don’t just have to do the right things, we need to be able to prove we are doing the right things.”

Part of that proof is in monitoring and record keeping. “Our bores are

metered now. We have soil probes monitoring our water use and soil nutrients and nearly four years of records compiled by our consultant. This is part of the proof we need to stay in the industry” Tom says “But it’s not just about fertiliser and water. We have been using chicken manure to replace fertilisers and improve the soil for years and now we are told we need to phase it out by 2011. I don’t know what we are going to do with the chicken manure when we can’t use it on the farm and we can’t make changes overnight.”

This is why Tom has taken such a keen interest in new information “We have been growing vegetables here for a long time” he said “If we change to a mix that includes new things, we need to learn how to do it right and we need to be able to see the benefits.”

It is refreshing that Tom’s attitude to change is so positive and aligns

with vegetablesWA’s sustainable production strategies outlined in the Good Practice Guide. If we approach change as a process of continual improvement, we can have our best shot at a sustainable future.

by Gavin Foord


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Vegetable Industry Development Program As a result of the Vegetable Industry Development Office’s program being replaced on the 30th of June 2009 with a National Vegetable Development Program. VegetablesWA will be tendering with other states for one or more of the components in this program.

Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) is seeking proposals from organisations and/or individuals to deliver the vegetable industry development program from July 2009 June 2012. The program will: ●TurnR&Dresultsintopracticalknowledge ●Targetallrelevantstakeholdersthroughtheirpreferrednetworks,and ●Developrelationshipsenablingtwowayflowsofinformation.The vegetable industry development program consists of six integrated components: Program Coordination; Knowledge Management;PeopleDevelopment;ConsumersandMarkets;LocalInformationandFarmProductivity;Economics.Allcomponents,exceptEconomics,arebeingtendered.HAL encourages: ●Combinedproposalsfrommorethanoneorganisationand/orindividuals ●Integratedproposalsforalloranycombinationoftheprogramcomponentsbeingtendered.Proposals for individual program components and/or from single organisations and/or individuals will also be considered. HAL reserves the right to negotiate with tenderers to secure the best possible combination of service providers.HOW TO APPLYAcopyoftheTenderBriefandtheVegetableIndustryDevelopmentProgramOperatingPlan2009-2012isavailablefromHALuponrequestbycontactingKarenSymesatkaren.symes@horticulture.com.auorphoning0282952339.AnoptionalbriefingsessionbeheldatHAL’sSydneyofficeonWednesday8April,10amto12noon.Proposals must be lodged by 5pm Monday 27 April 2009HorticultureAustraliaLimited(HAL)isresponsibleforthecoordinationandmanagementofindustryandpublicly-fundedR&DandmarketingforAustralia’shorticultureindustries.Theseincludefruit,vegetables,nuts,nursery,turf,cutflowersandextractivecrops.Formoreinformationgotowww.horticulture.com.au

Tenders are invited for delivery of the vegetable industry development program


RIRDC Winner2009 WA Rural Woman of the Year Announced

Local Boyup Brook woman, Kirsten Skraha, has taken out the 2009 WA RIRDC Rural

Women’s Award at a recent ceremony held in Perth.

The RIRDC Rural Women’s Award celebrates rural women and their contribution to primary industries. It gives rural women the chance to discover their strengths and build their capacity to contribute to primary industries and rural Australia.

As well as being involved in her husband’s family mixed enterprise farm, Kirsten coordinates a national, award winning environmental management systems program at the Blackwood Basin Group. The project helps farmers identify, prioritise and manage environmental issues on their properties and provides recognition for environmental stewardship, which Kirsten sees as vital to the social, economic and environmental health of our rural communities.

Despite growing up in Perth, Kirsten has spent the last 5 years in Boyup Brook and has developed a strong passion for rural communities. “Moving to the south west and being part of such a tight-knit community filled with amazing people has been inspirational to say the very least,” noted Ms Skraha.

“I am extremely honoured to have received this award and to be representing rural women of WA. I am looking forward to meeting many more rural women as part of the award, and encouraging them to gain recognition for the valuable contributions they make to our communities.”

“In the long term, I have a vision for sustainable environmental management and sustainable communities.” she concluded.

Kirsten is also actively involved in the region’s viticulture industry, and was secretary for the Blackwood Valley Wine Industry Association for three years. ” We have a boutique wine label, Wild Orchid Wines, and grow 17.5 hectares of wine grapes, so I am interested in helping to establish further adoption of environmental practices and management within the viticulture industry that will lead to better production efficiencies and quality produce.” she said.

Kirsten will be heading to Canberra in late March for the national selection of RIRDC Rural Women’s Award Winner. The Award is sponsored by the Australian Women’s Weekly, ABC Radio and Rural Press Ltd.

Winner of the RIRDC 2009 WA Rural Women’s Award, Kirsten Skraha with Minister for Child Protection; Community Services; Seniors and Volunteering; Women’s Interests, Hon Robyn McSweeney, MLC.


Process Vegetable Product Group Trip to TasmaniaDecember 2008ComparisonofgrowingandmarketingvegetablesinTasmania&NZ

Objectives of the trip and participants

In 1997 a small delegation of growers visited Northern Tasmania to compare and contrast all aspects of growing and marketing vegetables.

The objectives of this 2008 trip were similar and we also wanted to investigate the functioning of grower organisations.

Specifically the objectives were:

• To examine the underlying competItIve advantages and disadvantages of growing vegetables in Tasmania;

• To examine the role of grower organisations in negotiations with Processing Companies;

• To find out about any particular crop husbandry techniques which could help growers in New Zealand.

Growers on the trip: Alan NewtonDavid HadfieldRon PrebbleAndy LysaghtAndrew JonesJim SimLeo GaffaneyBusiness Manager: Chris Ward

Vegetable Growing in Tasmania

Total vegetable production accounts for 21 percent of Tasmania’s rural agricultural production. Agriculture represents 16% of GDP in Tasmania. Most vegetables are grown in the North West area of Tasmania and are supplied mostly to Simplot and

McCains. Total farm gate value is put at approximately $200 million. Processed value is put at double that. There are about 500 vegetable growers in Tasmania. About 95% of production is consumed within Australia. Potato growing is in decline (but still dominates) and is being replaced by expanding areas in pyrethrum and poppies. Carrots grow very well there, with yields exceeding 100 tonnes per hectare being common, some 20-30 % ahead of our yields.

Major findings:The growing environment

The climate and soils of Northern Tasmania are seen as well suited to vegetable production. Whilst irrigation is essential, irrigation is supplemented by a 120 cm average annual rainfall and the terrain lends itself well to storage of water in on farm dams. However, like mainland Australia, drought in recent years had tested water reserves and lead to some lower crop yields.

Water storage and, in some cases, management of water resources seemed better and more advanced than in New Zealand. Groundwater in Tasmania is limited and most water used in the growing season is stored from winter flows diverted into farm dams. Most properties had several dams. Some are just used for storage; others were collection dams.

Land owners on a joint scheme typically pay up to $1000 per megalitre in year one (to be on the scheme) and then an “admin” annual cost of $60 to $100 per megalitre for the right to use the water. (One megalitre equals 10 cm over one hectare). Even though they were catching water on their own farm land, that did not confer ownership of the water and consents were needed for building dams, just as here in New Zealand.

Thanks to generous depreciation taxation, treatment irrigation equipment capital value could be written off in three years.

Grower Magazine February 2009 Volume 64 No. 1 Chris Ward

Latest Tasmanian Growing Areas

New Zealand Growing Areas

Hects Yields/ Hect tonnes

Hects Yields/ Hects

Potatoes 46 6,717 48 10.850Peas 4,769 5.5 8,477 7.2Beans 1,809 746Onions 1,289 56 4.931 42Broccoli 936 1.717Carrots 753 70 1,450 45


Land values were much lower than New Zealand. Typically, land values were $25,000 per hectare for good vegetable growing soils. In New Zealand, comparable values would be $40,000 to $60,000 per hectare.

Tasmania has and considers mainland Australia as its main “export market”. A transport equalisation scheme operates to ensure that Tasmanian “exporters” to other Australian states are not disadvantaged. Combined with very high quality roads, this meant transport costs were low.

Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA) is the umbrella organisation looking after the interests of all Tasmanian farmers including vegetable growers. They have about an 80% voluntary membership with a fee of 53 cents per $100 of farm sales The emphasis was now more as a lobbying for farmer interests group rather than on providing a range of services to farmers. They do employ a membership officer.

Tasmania has formed a Tasmanian Agricultural Production Group (TAPG) which includes representation from all sectors and parts of the sector. e.g. transport operators, processors etc. It meets regularly to consider matters relevant to production issues and was formed by David Sterling of Simplot.

Land used for growing vegetable crops was surprisingly steep in places.

But both machinery and irrigation equipment had been especially designed or modified to cope with steeper terrain.

Both fresh and process growers in Tasmania operate with a multitude of QA systems and were envious of our NZ GAP quality assurance scheme for fresh vegetables in New Zealand. They had more retailer owned programmes to adhere to.

Growers commented on the recent rifts within the hierarchy of AusVeg. However, they were hopeful that a revitalised, more cohesive grouping would evolve.

Crop production

Tasmanian farmers had two crop options we don’t have. Namely the growing of poppies for methadone and other derivatives, and the growing of pyrethrum for insecticides. Both of these sectors were strong at the time of our visit.

Each crop had a negotiating committee, usually just three people who negotiated price with the processing factories well before the season. These committees could be used in other grower–processor dialogues.

Unlike New Zealand, all areas in Tasmania had different processors competing for processing product.

Labour costs for seasonal assistance were a minimum of $17 AU an hour. And for experienced operators, $25 an hour was more common. Our minimum is $12 NZ an hour Understandably, growers were more optimistic about the future of mechanised crops.

The research facility at Forthside had recently been taken over by the university and the emphasis is very much now on sustainability. Private researchers can lease land and management of the research from Forthside. Farmers were concerned about the loss of simple fertiliser and fungicide type trial work. Tasmanian farmers seem to make more use of private agronomist professionals, who typically visit the farm weekly during the season and provide crop husbandry advice. This is in addition to the processor field officer, and the spray and fertiliser company representatives. The independent-agronomist was often used as a “third umpire”.

The R and D levy growers pay is matched by government. It is set at 0.5% at first point of sale. Last year in total, this was $14 million.

Australian Grown was pushed hard as a promotion tool

Many farmers were still using fertiliser on pea crops, but mostly phosphate only. continued...


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Prophet – Uniform broccoli with thick stems, medium beads and heavy head weight. Cuts well from late autumn through winter into spring. Not recommended for cutting later in spring, as it performs best under cooler conditions.

Origin – New release, a top performer in trials. Relatively slow bolting with IR to some Club Root strains.

Miyako – Green stem Pak Choi which has dominated the market, especially where Club Root is a problem. IR to Club Root.

Celtic ‐ A revelation in the baby leaf market. Mid green oakleaf with very upright habit. Excellent tolerance to mildew pressure.

Pea yields were high (7-8 tonnes per hectare) but like New Zealand, peas were not very profitable. They fitted in a crop rotation.

On newer pea growing areas, inoculum is used at sowing to improve yields.

Forthside were trialling silicon sprays to provide crop protection.

Gross returns for many crops obviously varied but were around $3,000 a hectare for peas. New Zealand pea crops are comparable but New Zealand farmers arguably have other options such as seed production which can, if all goes well, gross a lot more.

Carrot yields were especially high with 120 tonnes per hectare quoted as possible.

Russet potatoes were increasingly hard to get rid of after harvest.

One pass operations prior to potato planting seemed to be working well and farmers commented on the better water holding capacity in soils with plant residue resulting from one working only.

Mention was made of using calculators to manage nitrogen inputs.

Some Tasmanian growers were experimenting with controlled traffic systems to prevent compaction on growing areas. Currently not all farm machinery and trucks fitted this well but where we saw it used with onions, yields were higher. In uncompacted areas, ground working for the next crop was always a lot easier.

Processors

Whilst Simplot and McCains dominate, Logan Farms (sourcing from Talleys NZ) are supplying Aldi type supermarkets and were gaining a foothold. This was not seen as a

positive development by growers in Tasmania.

Simplot graded out small peas rather than having separate contracts for growing of baby peas.

Companies did work together on small crop harvesting and to avoid bypass.

Peas were transported quite a long way from southern Tasmania but not before they were cooled using water before the 3-4 hour journey.

Recent price increases for peas matched our increase over the last year and were in the order of 32 to 40%.

Companies seemed to accept grower price negotiating committees as entities that they would annually negotiate prices, and other grower-processor business with.


Potato Wart eyed as risk to potato productionThe potato wart has the potential to be devastating to economies that depend on potato production

ScienceDaily (June 19, 2007) — While many may be familiar with potato late blight, the plant

disease responsible for widespread potato shortages, the lesser known potato wart has the potential to be as devastating to economies that depend on potato production, say plant pathologists with The American Phytopathological Society (APS).

According to Gary Franc, plant pathologist with the College of Agriculture, Plant Sciences Department at the University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, potato wart is a serious disease of cultivated potato that has been detected worldwide. Potato wart is caused by the fungus Synchytrium endobioticum, which is considered to be the most important worldwide quarantine plant pathogen of potato. While not harmful to humans, the disease causes unsightly growths that initially appear white, and then turn brown or black as they decay, rendering the potato tuber unrecognizable and inedible.

There is a zero tolerance for the fungus that causes potato wart. As a result, this disease has been placed on the USDA’s “Select Agent List” of plant pathogens deemed to pose a severe threat to plant health or to plant products.

Although direct losses from potato wart may be insignificant when first detected, indirect economic losses resulting from zero-tolerance

regulations for potato wart can be devastating to growers. Indirect economic losses become especially evident in potato production areas that are subject to quarantine measures, as well as when the movement of commercial potatoes is restricted.

Spores released from infected plants can make soil unsuitable for potato production for decades. The long-term survival of fungal spores and the lack of suitable chemical controls for potato wart suppression make this disease especially problematic for any type of cultivated potato production, including small garden plots and subsistence farming to extensive land areas economically dependent on commercial production

of potatoes for consumption or for potato seed production.

“Potato wart is much easier to prevent than it is to control,” Franc said. “It is highly critical that we prevent the introduction of the potato wart pathogen to production areas, and, where it is already introduced, to limit its spread,” he said.

“While regulatory action is important in potato wart management, it is essential that research efforts continue with the goal of developing and improving reliable and integrated disease suppression methods to directly deal with this disease,” said Franc.

Science News http://www.sciencedaily.com releases/2007/06/070618102406.htm

A cross-section of a potato wart gall on a tuber reveals that galls result from an overgrowth of tuber tissue. The potato wart pathogen reproduces within gall tissue. (Credit: M.C. Hampson from the APS digital image collection CD Diseases of Root and Tuber Crops 2002)


The Soil Page no.8

Bob Paulin, Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia

The next stage of developing ‘Good practice vegetable production’ is about integrating

available information on increasing soil carbon levels and improving soil health with the application of current good practice management of irrigation, fertilisers and pesticides.

We know that we can significantly increase soil carbon when we use good quality compost and that around 18% of that carbon and 80% of the nitrogen will be retained after seven consecutive applications to typical sandy soils of the Swan coastal plain. This retention appears to be independent of compost rate (Figure 1). These increases are significantly greater than can be achieved with un composted organic materials such as manures and cover crops. The advantage is that not only can we reduce fertiliser rates (savings can largely cover the cost of compost), but there is better buffering against adverse events and leaching losses are also reduced.

From work in California, we also know that combining the use of compost with cover crops can give similar results with lower compost rates. The net result of increasing soil carbon are improvements in soil health that include

reduced compaction•

better drainage and soil aeration•

increased nutrient retention•

maintenance of neutral soil pH•

improved water holding capacity•

These factors, together with increased biological activity and diversity will, over time, reduce the need for pesticides.

With the completion of the soil management chapter of the vegetablesWA Good Practice Guide, our next step is to work at a number of grower sites to demonstrate that implementing good practice in soil management as well as irrigation, fertiliser and pesticide management

will produce better crops and returns. See Demonstrating Good Pactice article page 5.

Figure 1B. Soil nitrogen to 45cm depth after 7 compost applications

Figure 1A. Soil carbon to 45cm depth after 7 compost applications

ProgressingGoodPracticevegetableproduction

Soil page #8Progressing Good Practice vegetable production By Bob Paulin DAFWA

The next stage of developing ‘Good practice vegetable production’ is about integrating available information on increasing soil carbon levels and improving soil health with the application of current good practice management of irrigation, fertilisers and pesticides.



• reduced compaction • better drainage and soil aeration • increased nutrient retention • maintenance of neutral soil pH • improved water holding capacity




With the completion of the soil management chapter of the vegetablesWA Good Practice Guide, our next step is to work at a number of grower sites to demonstrate that implementing good practice in soil management as well as irrigation, fertiliser and pesticide management will produce better crops and returns. See ??? article page???

Soil page #8Progressing Good Practice vegetable production By Bob Paulin DAFWA

The next stage of developing ‘Good practice vegetable production’ is about integrating available information on increasing soil carbon levels and improving soil health with the application of current good practice management of irrigation, fertilisers and pesticides.



• reduced compaction • better drainage and soil aeration • increased nutrient retention • maintenance of neutral soil pH • improved water holding capacity




With the completion of the soil management chapter of the vegetablesWA Good Practice Guide, our next step is to work at a number of grower sites to demonstrate that implementing good practice in soil management as well as irrigation, fertiliser and pesticide management will produce better crops and returns. See ??? article page???

Next edition » Putting it into

Practice

SOIL MANAGEMENT

PAGE 14 vegetablesWA – Good Practice Guide

3.3 Cultivation practices

Vegetable production on the Swan Coastal Plain is traditionally reliant on the use

of rotary cultivation.

Unfortunately rotary cultivation is the greatest destroyer of soil organic carbon because its

action has maximum physical effect, destroying soil structure and oxygenating the soil,

maximising the rate of soil organic carbon degradation.

We should carefully consider current cultivation practices and develop a suite of practices

that minimise the number of cultivations. This may include the use of herbicides, cover

crops or organic and inorganic mulches for weed control.

The next step is to consider whether less aggressive forms of cultivation such as the use

of tyne implements and permanent beds (Rogers, 2001), can be incorporated into the

cropping process.

Good Practice Guide Soil.qxp 25/7/08 1:27 PM Page 14

COUNCIL SITE FOR BOOKINGSMurray (Pinjarra) Corio Rd Waste Transfer Station 9531 7777

Waroona Buller Rd Refuse Site 9733 7800

Augusta - Margaret River Davis Rd Waste Transfer Facility For Info 9757 6077

Boyup Brook Boyup Brook Recycling Centre 9765 1200

Bridgetown - Greenbushes Bridgetown Waste Facility 9761 1555

Busselton Dunsborough Waste Facility 0417 179 596

Donnybrook- Balingup Donnybrook Landfill Site 9780 4200

Balingup Landfill Site 9780 4200

Harvey Harvey Landfill 0428 950 120

Manjimup Manjimup Refuse Site 9777 2332

Pemberton Waste Transfer Station 0427 767 010

Armadale City Armadale Landfill & Recycling Facility 9399 0127

Mindarie Tamala Park 9305 5246

Broome Broome Waste Management Facility 9193 8018

COUNCIL SITE/ COLLECTION INFORockingham Miller Rd Landfill

One day in March & September

Gingin Frogmore Shire DepotFirst Wednesday each month by appointment ph: 9571 2211

Carnarvon Browns Range Landfill SiteMonday to Friday 8.00am to 5.00pm

Eastern Metropolitan Red Hill Waste Disposal SiteSecond Wednesday each month between 8.00am to 12 noon

Wyndham - East Kimberly KununurraContact the council

STANDARDS FOR WASTE DISPOSAL..


Following an approach from several tomato growers in Western Australia,

vegetablesWA has commenced exploring the possibility of having a fee for service for tomato growers (the same as vegetables growers are currently paying). This fee will fund research, representation and a host of other services that would assist and enhance the growers of tomatoes who are currently not receiving the benefits of these services.

If successful, the fee for services funding would be managed by the Agriculture Produce Commission – Vegetable Producers Committee (APC-VPC) where tomato growers would be represented.

VegetablesWA are currently (12th March 09) compiling a list of tomato

growers for the poll and arranging a series of meetings in the regions and metro areas to carefully explain the benefits of the funding services to the growers. If any growers are concerned about their names not appearing on the list or any other aspect of the funding poll, please contact Jim Turley APC-VPC Secretary on (08) 9481 0834.

The poll papers will be posted out around the 14th of April 2009 and close on the 30th April 2009.

Tomato Growers Poll

Inspecting the young tomato crops in Geraldton.From the left: Huynh Van Nhut, Larry Cripps Horticulture Manager Great Northern Rural Services and Brett Metcalfe Committee of Management Member for vegetablesWA.

by Jim Turley


Good carbs can help you lose weight.

[ 27 ]

Aim for the moon. Even if you miss it you will land among the stars

vveeTHEPOTATODIET

By Nutritionist Jo Beer

Good carbs don’t make you fat

The feel good food diet for tasty healthy living

DIETDIETDIETDIETBy Nutritionist Jo BeerBy Nutritionist Jo BeerBy Nutritionist Jo BeerBy Nutritionist Jo Beer

In this fully illustrated book, nutritionist Jo Beer outlines a healthy and scientifically sound method to re-energise and

lose weight. Featuring over 50 easy to cook, tasty recipes, extensive nutritional facts and healthy living strategies,

‘The Potato Diet’ includes daily meal plans for both the ‘Five Day Potato Taster Diet’ and the ‘28 Day Potato Diet.’

At only $14.95 (+ $5 postage & handling), there’s never been a more delicious way to change habits, eat healthily and lose

weight. Order your copy today, send a cheque to: Potato Diet Book, PO Box 586,

Claremont 6910, or via website www.potatodietbook.com.au or call 9284 6266.

In this fully illustrated book, nutritionist Jo Beer outlines a healthy and scientifically sound method to re-energise and lose weight.

Featuring over 50 easy to cook, tasty recipes, extensive nutritional facts and healthy living strategies, ‘The Potato Diet’ includes

daily meal plans for both the ‘Five Day Potato Taster Diet’ and the ‘28 Day Potato Diet’.

At only $14.95 (+$5 postage and handling), there’s never been a more delicious way to change habits, eat healthy and lose weight.

Order your copy today by posting a cheque to: Potato Diet Book,

Western Potatoes Proprietary Limited, 103 Outram Street, West Perth,

WA 6005, or call (08) 9284 6266.


EditorialIaminmythirtythirdyearasapartoftheWAVGA

As I write this, my final editorial for the WA Grower, I am in my 33rd year as a part of

the Western Australian Vegetable Growers Association, now known as VegetablesWA.

As part of the WAVGA one had the opportunity to go progress through the ranks and learn about the Vegetable Industry. It enabled growers to educate themselves and view life from many different perspectives.

I am eternally grateful to the WAVGA for what it has taught me, the wonderful people I have met and the life-long friendships I have made through helping fellow Vegetable Farmers.

As a member of the association I have traveled Australia and the world gaining access to production plants, farms, seed breeding facilities, terminal markets, distribution centres and supermarket outlets.

This has all contributed to and informed my decisions as editor of the WA Grower. In learning about the industry within which I work I have endeavoured to share experiences, knowledge while hopefully informing people of the latest developments in the vegetable growing industry.

The problems that confront Vegetable Farmers in this State are those which face Growers every where on the planet: water, the availability of suitable land, escalating costs of production and competition from other products.

Although these are big problems, many can be resolved while others are constant causes for concern. They are also issues the WA Grower has attempted and will continue to tackle into the future.

Speaking of the future, it is bright and opportunities are abundant. As the obesity epidemic takes a firmer

grip on society, vegetables will come to forefront as being a major tool (along with exercise) in helping people maintain a healthy lifestyle.

We need to ensure that vegetablesWA remains the grower-representative body, where growers resolve their own issues.

I wish to thank all who have supported me in my time as editor and I hope to see you in the future, wherever it may take us.

vegetablesWASubscription

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To the SecretaryvegetablesWA

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Tel: (08) 9481 0834 Fax: (08) 9481 0024


Seeds of doubtTheexceptiontoinfringementofPlantBreeder’sRights(PBR) was incorporatedintothePlantBreeder’sRiqhtsAct1994(Cth),buttheoperationoftheexceptionisambiguous.

The ‘farm saved seed’ exception (the exception) to infringement of PBR only

excludes the acts of conditioning for reproduction and reproduction of harvested propagating material (farm saved seed) from PBR infringement.

TheexceptionFarmers have long engaged in the conventional farming practice of saving seed (propagating material) harvested from crops grown by the farmer for the purpose of planting further crops in subsequent cropping seasons. It was for this very reason that the exception to infringement of PBR was incorporated into Australian PBR legislation, most recently the Plant Breeder’s Rights Act 1994 (Cth) (the Act).

The effect of the exception is to exclude infringement of PBR in circumstances where a farmer conditions for reproduction or reproduces further propagating material for their own use from material harvested from legitimately obtained propagating material. The exception was intended to be compatible with the objectives of Australian PBR legislation, namely to encourage breeding of new plant varieties for both domestic use and export.

In reality, the exception has created a state of confusion and ambiguity throughout the agricultural and horticultural industries with respect to the true nature of the exception and the rights of the farmers to continue with their time-honoured practice.

AmbiguityAlthough the exception is not intended to permit a farmer to do any

act in respect of farm saved seed other than condition for reproduction or reproduce propagating material for the farmer’s own use, the drafting of the relevant section(s) does not make this fact clear. As a result, a farmer might mistakenly engage in acts involving the trade or bartering of farm saved seed, that is ‘over the fence’ dealing - acts that do not fall within the scope of the exception.

Further, a farmer might justifiably be misguided as to the nature of the material to which the exception applies. For example, does the exception apply to seed only as suggested by the heading to the relevant section, or does it apply to all forms of propagating material harvested from crops grown from legitimately obtained propagating material, such as cuttings? This uncertainty detracts from the benefits that are otherwise intended from the operation of the exception.

Effectoftheexception

Many undesirable consequences flow from the confusion surrounding the operation of the exception. For instance, the inability of PBR owners to regulate the acts of farmers in respect of farm saved seed often results in the PBR owner being deprived of potential financial returns. It is these financial returns that encourage the investment in, and commercial exploitation of, new plant varieties. As a result, potential plant breeders and third-party financiers may be deterred from investing in plant breeding in Australia, to the detriment of the Australian agricultural and horticultural industries.

Is there a way out?

Under the Act, it is possible to make an application for a declaration that a particular taxon be exempted from the farm saved seed exception Currently there are no taxons declared exempt from the farm saved seed exception. It may be that no taxons have been declared exempt because of a general lack of knowledge of this possible course of action. PBR owners should, however, keep this in mind.

Conclusion

The inclusion of the exception in Australian PBR legislation has generated considerable confusion and ambiguity, much to the detriment of plant breeders, the agricultural and horticultural industries, and the Australian public in general. In order to ensure progress and innovation within these industries, the efficacy of the exception should be seriously assessed in the near future.

For further information, contact: Benny Browne, Principal, benny.browne®griffithhack.com.auBelinda Muir, Lawyer, belinda.muir®griffithhack.com.au

Breakthrough Magazine. Issue 1, 2009Griffith Hack

What you need to know •The exception is inherently confusing and ambiguous. •The exception does not allow farmers to engage in ‘over the fence’ dealings, but is strictly confined to the conditioning for reproduction and reproduction of harvested propagation of harvested propagating material for the farmer’s own use.


ClassifiedsWAGrowerAdvertising

Do you have something you want to sell? Or a special event you wish to let our members know about? Or even a job vacancy!

We will be accepting lineage advertising for future magazine editions. Some of the lineage advertising that we will be accepting is as follows:

We can accept special events e.g. a wedding, birthday, milestone etc

We can also accept items for sale that may be of interest to our growers.

Please contact Valeria at [email protected] with your advertisement or special event notice. POA.

For Sale

For Lease

Wanted

Birthday

Anniversary

Milestone

Births

Engagement

Wedding


NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONDUCT A POLL OFWA TOMATO GROWERS

In accordance with provisions of the Agricultural Produce Commission Act 1988, the AgriculturalProduce Commission intends to poll Westem Australian tomato producers on tomatoes being includedas an APC Vegetable Producers’ Committee Fee for Service paying product.

The objective of poll is to further the interests of the WA tomato industry by the provision of service functions listed (a) to (m) in Section 12.1 of the APC Act.

The poll will be a postal poll with a closing poll date of 30 April 2009.

The poll question asked will be: “Do you support the inclusion of tomatoes, grown in Western Australia, as a fee for service paying product within the Agricultural Produce Commission’s Vegetable Producer’ Committee, and covering all service functions listed (a) to (m) under Section 12.1 of the APC Act 1988”

SUBMISSIONS ARE INVITED

The Agricultural Produce Commission invites written submissions from tomato producers who may be affected by the proposal.

Submissions must be received by the Commission no later than Monday 20 April 2009.

Ingrid Smith, Returning Officer,Agricultural Produce Commission,Sort Bin 243 Baron Hay CourtKensington WA 6151Email ph 9368 3127, fx 9368 2186

For publication in the Public Notices section of the:“The West Australian” Sat 4th April“Farm Weekly” Thurs 2 April“Countryman” Thurs 2 April WAGrower (Industry newsletter) end March

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Documents

WA Grower March 09