Earlier this year the Banana Strategic Agrochemical Review Process (SARP) was conducted through desktop audit and industry liaison to: 

• Assess the importance of the diseases, insects and weeds that can affect each industry 

• Evaluate the availability and effectiveness of fungicides, insecticides and herbicides (pesticides) in the control of these plant pests 

• Determine any gaps in the current pest control strategy 

• Identify suitable new or alternative pesticides to address the gaps. 

Many growers and industry stakeholders provided valuable input into the process and the final report has now been published on the Hort Innovation web site. 

The SARP report will assist in directing ongoing efforts to ensure the availability and access to effective chemical controls for the industry, to address needs and gaps. 

This may relate to pursuing chemical registration with agrichemical companies, or minor use permits with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). 

Growers can read about industry priorities and future options outlined in the SARP Report at: www.horticulture.com.au