Author: Amy Spear

New South Wales growers were recently asked for their feedback on the proposed new Biosecurity Act 2015, which comes into effect in 2017, replacing 14 separate Acts. Initial consultation with growers sought feedback on present and future risks to the industry and how we can do…

As part of the Banana Plant Protection Program project Jeff Daniels has been evaluating the agronomic performance of new banana varieties at South Johnstone. Results from the plant crop were presented in Australian Bananas vol 44, pp 26-27. More background information on the varieties can be found…

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…