Author: Amy Spear

By Stewart Lindsay, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries The outbreak of Panama disease TR4 in the North Queensland banana industry in March 2015 has generated a lot of interest among banana growers and marketers about the potential for new banana varieties with desirable pest and disease resistance. While banana varieties…

The banana industry continues to adopt Best Management Practices, with the 2016 Reef Report Card showing 62 per cent of Wet Tropics production land had improved their practice. Released in October, the latest figure was a considerable increase from 56 per cent the previous year. “The results show we’re going in…

New varieties were screened against Fusarium wilt Race 1 in the Australian subtropics and tropics as part of the ‘Banana Plant Protection Program’ project. Here we look at several promising varieties which were identified. By Jeff Daniells, Mike Smith, David Peasley, Wayne O’Neill and Andre Drenth THE DISEASE Fusarium…

The tireless work of North Queensland banana growers Frank and Dianne Sciacca has been acknowledged with the 2017 Prince of Wales Environmental Leadership—Reef  Sustainability Award. The Sciacca’s innovative system is often regarded as ahead of its time, reflected in their recognition at the Reef Alliance Awards ceremony in Townsville. Amy Spear reports.…

NSW banana industry development officer Matt Weinert has just completed his three-year contract, working with the Department of Primary Industry, funded by Hort Innovation. And while Matt’s future remains in NSW within the banana industry, Paula Doran took time to speak to Matt about the highlights of three years thus…

By Deanna Belbin Growers that undertake mixed cropping on their properties are reminded that biosecurity measures should be followed for all cropping areas. Minimising the risk of spread of all pests, diseases and weeds specific to each crop is not only sound farm management, but also part of your general biosecurity…

THE new project to update and transition the QBAN (Quality Approved Banana Nursery) from a state government regulated scheme to an industry-run scheme has begun. Having access to clean planting material is crucial for reducing the spread of both exotic and endemic diseases such as TR4 and Bunchy top virus.…