Author: Amy Spear

By Tony Pattison Filipino banana growers differ greatly in how effectively they manage Fusarium Wilt (Panama Disease) of banana. In a nutshell, the farms that were most effective in managing the disease were typically those with more resources to allocate to the problem. These stark contrasts in…

Several new varieties shown to be resistant to TR4 overseas are being assessed for agronomic performance in a new trial commenced recently at South Johnstone Research Facility. Queensland DAF gives an overview of what’s in store. Jeff Daniells, Katie Ferro and Massimo Bianco – DAF Queensland…

In August 2018 the three-year funded BA14012 ‘Coordination of the Banana Industry R&D Panama TR4)’ project was completed. The purpose of this project was to coordinate and build knowledge and capacity within the Australian banana industry to manage and contain Panama Tropical Race 4 (TR4) fungal disease…

Carl Rickson has certainly taken the road less travelled on his way to becoming a Plant Health Officer. The newest face in the Australian Banana Growers’ Council office has played NRL, skippered boats, worked on a ski mountain in Japan and even in rail. But it’s clear he brings…

Organophosphate insecticides are commonly used to control insect pests in bananas, including thrips, caterpillars and borers. Chlorpyrifos dust is a common option, but it can poison humans as well as insects if absorbed through the skin, inhaled or swallowed. Under state laws, businesses are therefore required to ensure the health and safety…

Coffee Bean Weevil Araecerus fasciculatus has been removed from the list of quarantine pests for WA. The beetle is now considered a permitted organism and all previous regulations have been revoked after the pest was found in multiple locations in the Perth area. This means that although banana loads entering WA…

Walkamin growers, Rob and Krista Watkins (Natural Evolution), were awarded the prestigious Peter Kenny Medal in November. The Medal, which includes a prize of $3000, is awarded annually to an individual or organisation who has made an outstanding contribution to Queensland’s agriculture, fisheries and/or forestry sector in terms of innovation…