Make the call about moving plant material

Queensland growers concerned about the movement of planting material between farms, increasing the risk of spreading TR4, are reminded that they can report this activity to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.

Using clean planting material is critical to reducing the spread of Panama disease tropical race 4, banana bunch top virus and other pests and diseases.

For more information, visit the ABGC website. You can also find out more about using clean planting material in the Banana Industry Biosecurity Guideline here.

Help shape the banana industry

Hort Innovation is currently on the lookout for growers and industry representatives to join the banana R&D Strategic Investment Advisory Panel (SIAP). This is a unique opportunity to have your say and collaborate with others on where R&D levies should be spent.

For more information, read the EOI or contact Relationship Manager Corrine Jasper via Corrine.Jasper@horticulture.com.au.

Applications close February 24. 

Your levy, your say, in your region

Do you want to have your say on how Hort Innovation works to invest Australian horticulture levies? Register to take part in one of Hort Innovation’s 2019 Company Strategy Consultation Workshops, taking place around the country, here. 

The workshops will help to shape the organisation’s new Strategic Plan, to be released in mid-2019.  

Upcoming dates include:

·         Bundaberg, QLD – March 13

·         Darwin, NT – March 18

·         South Johnstone, QLD – March 20

·         Mareeba, QLD – March 21

·         Sunshine Coast, QLD – April 2

All workshops begin at 6pm local time.

Visit the website to learn more (including venue) and register. For any questions, you can also call 02 8295 2300 or email communications@horticulture.com.au. If you can’t make a workshop in person, you can also share your thoughts and ideas online at www.bit.ly/2AQ5dDW.

Book early to win your Congress experience

Take advantage of our great early bird prices and your Banana Congress experience could be on us!

If you register for Congress before March 15, you won’t just receive a 13 per cent discount – you’ll also be entered into the draw to win back your registration, accommodation and travel costs.*

Check out the Banana Congress website for details on our fantastic program and how to register: www.bananacongress.org.au.

*DISCLAIMER: Accommodation is for one room on the three nights of Congress (May 22, 23, and 24) at Royal Pines Resort. Travel costs are limited to $500. Competition closes midnight March 15 (AEST), with the winner to be drawn randomly shortly afterwards. Winner will be announced on social media and contacted directly.

New Year, New You, Next Gen

Are you young at heart and striving to improve your farming and business practices? The NextGen growers group could be right up your alley.

The group is organised as part of the National Banana Development and Extension Program and is gearing up for a big year of trips and activities. In the past, members have not only been involved in visiting banana farms but also other industries, manufacturing operations and variety trial sites.

If you want to know more about the group or are interested in getting involved contact Tegan Kukulies – 0459 846 053 or tegan.kukulies@daf.qld.gov.au

Dispose of old chemicals safely

If you’ve got old chemicals lying around your property that you no longer need, ChemClear provides the perfect opportunity for a safe, convenient cleanout.

ChemClear is a widely recognised program that manages the risks associated with obsolete agvet chemicals.

·         QLD registration deadline: April 19 for collection in June

For information on eligible chemicals, to register or to make a booking in another state or Territory, visit www.chemclear.org.au

Spinetoram (Success Neo) now legal to bell inject

The following permit has been issued by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). You can confirm the details of this permit here.

Banana shelf life studied

Researchers have found a rice starch edible coating, blending with sucrose esters, could extend the postharvest quality of Cavendish bananas.

The study, conducted by the University of Newcastle, NSW DPI and United Arab Emirates University, showed shelf life was prolonged by 12 days. The pilot study demonstrated the effectiveness of a start-based edible coating formulation for improving the ambient storage capacity of bananas.

For more information, visit ScienceDirect.

Mid North NSW BGA News

Nambucca BGA and Coffs BGA recently held their first meetings of 2019, discussing a range of issues including HARPS, subtropical projects and levies.

At the Nambucca meeting, growers paid tribute to Michael Cagnacci (NSW DPI), who was attending his last meeting before retirement. He’s pictured, in the above left photo, with BGA chair Vicki McCudden.

At the Coffs meeting, Ron Gray and Ian Owens received the honour of life-time membership, presented by Greig Ireland. Thanks to Michelle Williams and the BGA for the photo (above right), also featuring chair Wally Gately.