A simulation exercise to investigate and improve Australia’s preparedness to respond to a possible detection of Xylella Fastidiosa was conducted by Plant Health Australia in Brisbane recently.

Xylella is an invasive bacterial plant pathogen and is one of the world’s most feared pests. Although it is not present in Australia, it is of major concern to Australian plant industries.

Funded by the nursery industry levy, the two-day exercise brought together 60 key representatives from plant industries, science and academia, as well as government regulatory bodies across Australia and the Commonwealth.

The first part of the Xylella workshop looked at key technical information about the pathogen and its vectors, including known hosts and its increasing spread around the world.

After discussing the foundations, the workshop focussed on the technical feasibility tool, an excel-based program designed to support decision makers before and/or during a pest incursion. More

The nursery industry’s marketing campaign Plant Life Balance has released two new plant looks for retailers, to encourage customers to introduce more green life into their work and living spaces.

The new looks, known as Beachy Green and Hanging Botanica, mark the expansion of the marketing campaign from beyond the home and into our local shops, cafes and offices.

It features two green innovators, who share their own spaces and communicate the importance of achieving Plant Life Balance across all parts of their lives.

Updated digital kits containing images of new looks have been sent to retail nurseries on November 19. Nurseries can also download and print the kit here.

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Category: Virus

Symptoms:

The symptoms found on an infected plant will vary with the genus, species, cultivars and growth stages of the plant, and the strain of the virus.

In cucurbits, symptoms described range from light yellow green spots, vein clearing and crumpling on young leaves, to chlorotic mottling, leaf deformation, plant stunting, bleaching of mature leaves and necrosis at later stages of growth. Symptoms on fruit can include fruit abortion, fruit malformation, fruit drop, uneven ripening, internal yellowing, breakdown and discoloration of the flesh.

In cucumber, fruit become soft and has a reduced shelf life, slightly reduced size and overall reduced yield.

Other mosaic diseases, caused by potyviruses, can cause similar symptoms. This makes the disease difficult to identify by symptoms alone and laboratory tests are necessary to confirm infection.    More

Lisa Bassington and Patrick Noonan – Hort Masterclass Graduates.

There is still time to apply for the 2019 Masterclass in Horticultural Business. Scholarship applications will now close Monday, 19 November.

General applications to participate in the course are due Monday, 10 December 2018.

Described as a mini-MBA, the Masterclass runs for 10-months and provides a comprehensive, affordable and accessible program for those looking to accelerate their horticultural career.

This year, the nursery industry has several scholarships on offer; each valued at $10,000 to cover tuition costs.

Why apply?

We’re on the brink of a green era, so we need to make sure we are propelling the careers of our future industry leaders, to facilitate this growth. Nursery employers and employees that have a passion for building their skills and the industry’s capacity are strongly encouraged to apply!

Don’t miss your chance – apply today at: http://www.utas.edu.au/tia/study/masterclass-in-horticultural-business/apply-now

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