Month: August 2016

Tim Liebelt, ABGC Biosecurity Extension officer, spent time with northern Queensland banana growers Peter and Vivien Grant, finding out about their farm and their experiences responding to the threat of Panama TR4 disease. Here is their story. Peter and Vivien Grant own and operate a 12 acre plantation at South Johnstone, growing niche banana varieties.…

Mick Russo, 34, is a third generation banana grower and a first generation biological farmer. The Boogan banana grower is dedicated to using the knowledge he gleaned from international biological leaders to bring out the best in his soil. Paula Doran reports. What started as an interest in using…

Australia’s and Africa’s Panama disease experts recently combined forces for the ‘Australia-Africa Plant Biosecurity Partnership Workshop’ in Tanzania, as part of ongoing global efforts to better manage the industry’s ‘fungal pariah’. Panama Disease tropical race 4 (caused by a strain of the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp.…

Since the outbreak of Panama TR4, the need for cohesive team work across the industry has been vital. Biosecurity Queensland has brought together a strong and talented team, led by Rebecca Sapupo, to work with growers and industry. Here we introduce you to Rebecca’s team members. Panama impacts…

Queensland’s Panama disease testing procedures have been confirmed as being accurate and reliable with two independent laboratories verifying the local program’s results and findings. Panama TR4 Program leader Rebecca Sapuppo said the Royal Botanic Gardens laboratory in Sydney, and Stellenbosch University in South Africa had conducted their own tests of suspect samples taken…

The Australian banana industry will need a diverse strategy to successfully fight Panama Tropical Race 4 (TR4) and maintain production in the event of TR4 becoming more widespread. These were the findings of a three-person Australian banana industry team who undertook a 12-day study tour of banana production…

Growers in New South Wales suffered severe losses from storm damage brought about by the East Coast Low early this month. Paula Doran reports. Return to full production could take a minimum of 18 months according to long-time growers, following a storm they say was more like…