Year: 2015

Lightning strikes frequently hit banana plants in North Queensland causing leaf damage that looks similar to TR4 symptoms. Growers are urged to report all suspect plants and not assume electrical storms are the cause of damage. Visiting Montpellier SupAgro University student Kévin de Cozar reports.…

Every part of the supply chain, from growers through to retailers, has an important part to play in ensuring fruit reaches consumers in the best possible condition. The carton project made the following best practice recommendations for each stage of the supply chain: Tips for…

Initial research has found that some of the seven active ingredients in herbicides may affect soil biology and suppress beneficial organisms. By Tegan Kukulies, Tony Pattison and Paul Dennis The Australian banana industry has a growing focus on improving soil biology, in order to suppress diseases and…

Young growers want to be part of the banana industry and are the industry’s strength, according to the recipient of the industry’s highest honour. Tully grower Patrick Leahy received a Life Membership of the Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) at the industry’s Awards Of Honour…

Meet the ABGC’s two new Queensland directors: Costas General Manager Banana Category Ben Franklin and Tablelands and Lakeland grower Paul Inderbitzin. Ben Franklin Tell us about your background in bananas. I started in the fresh produce industry as a teenager working part time in the…

The largest emergency plant pest response underway in Australia, the $26 million National Banana Freckle Eradication Program, is now in its second phase following the removal of banana plants from Northern Territory eradication zones. Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) Chief Executive Officer Jim Pekin visited…

Workshops are showing North Queensland banana growers how to defend their properties against Panama disease. ABGC Communications Manager Rhyll Cronin reports. If you know the comic book story of The Incredible Hulk, you already know a bit about why Panama TR4 can be so bad.…