Banana growers have been asked for their ideas on the industry’s hot research topics as part of preparations for the national banana roadshow, set to roll out across three States in June and July.

The industry’s National Banana Development and Extension Program is hosting the event which will take banana scientists to major growing regions to speak with growers about research findings.

Program Leader Tegan Kukulies, Development Horticulturist with the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, has been speaking with North Queensland growers about the research areas of most interest to them. Tegan also attended the February subtropical banana field day held at Burringbar in northern New South Wales to gain the views of growers there.

The roadshow was a major success when it was first rolled out in 2014, assembling some of Australia’s top banana scientists and researchers to each give 10-minute presentations on the most important aspects of their work. “Banana growers really love the roadshow format,” Tegan said.

“We’re expecting one of the biggest draw cards will again be the quick research updates that give growers practical information they can take back to their farms and use straight away.

“Growers have told us that it’s really useful for them to be able to get across so much research and so many industry issues in the space of just a few hours.

“They also really enjoy the chance to ask questions, discuss research and provide feedback.”

The roadshow is held every two years and hundreds of growers and industry partners attended the inaugural event.

In 2016, the roadshow will stop at The Tablelands, Innisfail, Tully, Murwillumbah, Coffs Harbour and Carnarvon during June and July.