Month: May 2015

South Johnstone field trials are rating the growing performance of new varieties, including two that were developed for TR4 resistance. Story by Jeff Daniells Two Cavendish varieties sourced from a Taiwanese research program developing TR4-resistant plants are among new varieties that have had their plant…

Fencing banana farms to keep out Panama TR4 is being supported by the Cassowary Coast Regional Council (CCRC) but growers are being asked to check that fences are going up within property boundaries. A Council spokesman has asked growers who are unsure of their exact…

Indonesia is believed to be the birthplace of the first bananas. New research conducted there is now helping with strategies to help the modern-day industry in Australia. This report from Jeff Daniells, Tony Pattison, Stewart Lindsay and Wayne O’Neill Australian banana researchers have been working…

The second phase of the National Bunchy Top Project will end in June but work on the challenge to eradicate the disease from commercial plantations will continue in a planned third phase. While extensive progress has been made in the eradication effort, Bunchy Top has…

The Australian banana industry’s most prestigious scholarship is to have a new focus – assisting budding young scientists into banana research careers. The renewal of the Mort Johnston Professional Development Scholarship comes after six years of funding important industry work  conducted by  established researchers or…

One of Australian horticulture’s most significant biosecurity responses began in March when Panama disease Tropical Race 4 (TR4) was first suspected on a Tully Valley farm. Quick action from a grower reporting unhealthy plants, and in sampling and testing, bring the shock news that TR4 had…