Your Levy at Work

March Pest of the Month: Edema ‘leaf spot’

Edema is not actually a pest or pathogen. It is a non-pathogenic, physiological disorder that is often mistaken for a leaf spot disease. It results when roots take up water faster than it can be used by the plant or transpired through the leaves. This results in the epidermal cells swelling and eventually collapsing.

Symptoms can include brown or tan wart-like, corky growths that harden and darken with age. Some plants develop water soaked lesions, or fluid filled blisters. The exact symptoms vary with plant species, growing conditions and the tenderness of plant tissue. Most often symptoms occur on leaves and can also occur on stems with severe cases. More

UPDATE: New Minor Use Permits for Fungicide & Pesticides Available

by Levy Communications • NGI Updates

Thursday, 4 March 2021

Three Minor Use Permits have been approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) for the nursery industry.

Through the newly contracted, ‘‘National Biosecurity and Sustainable Plant Production Program’ (NY20001), levy funds and additional contributions from the Australian Government were used to apply for and renew Minor Use Permits (MUP). More

Vegetable leafminer communication and extension package available for industry

by Levy Communications • NGI Updates

Thursday, 4 March 2021

The ‘Research, Development and Extension program for control, eradication and preparedness of vegetable leafminer’ (MT16004) project wrapped up at the end of 2020.

Working to better understand and promote the full impact an infestation of the vegetable leafminer species could mean for the Australian horticultural sector, a suite of resources were developed to be utilised by the nursery industry to ensure the risk of an incursion is minimised and highlight what management practices could be put in place. More

February Pest of the Month: Pythium

by Levy Communications • NGI Updates

Name: Pythium

Pythium infects roots via motile zoospores and is favoured by wet, poorly drained soils and is closely related to Phytophthora. Pythium tends to nibble root tips but can cause serious losses in production nurseries and hydroponic systems as a root rot and damping off pathogen.

Plants can often appear as though they have a nutrient deficiency and fail to thrive. Roots may have necrotic tip dieback, appear ‘glassy’ or sometimes may not have any noticeable symptoms. More

NEW PROJECT to invest $5 million in plant protection and biosecurity

by Levy Communications • NGI Updates

Friday, 12 February 2021

Plant protection, biosecurity and sustainable plant production are key areas of levy RD&E investment for Australia’s nursery industry, and growers are set to benefit from a new levy funded project aimed at further enhancing Australia’s defence against endemic and exotic pests and diseases as well as maintaining and enhancing sustainable plant production through systems and support.

The ‘National biosecurity and sustainable plant production program’ (NY20001) is set to invest $5 million over five years into equipping industry with the knowledge and skills to improve industry preparedness, production sustainability and plant protection outcomes. With a national extension network of Plant Protection Officers, the project will take relevant information to growers and assist in adoption and implementation through advice and support.

Have your say: 2021 levy communications program

by Levy Communications • NGI Updates

Monday, 8 February 2021

Nursery levy payers are urged to complete a short online survey to help evaluate and provide insights on the ‘Nursery industry communications program’ (NY18001).

Facing several challenges around climate variability, pest incursions and market pressures, levy funded projects are critical to supporting the growth and sustainability of Australia’s nursery industry.