Name: Bean spider mite Tetranychus ludeni

Similar to: Two-spotted mite

Description

Egg: Minute, globular, almost transparent, can have reddish tinge.

Immatures: Similar to two-spotted mite.

Adult: Approximately 0.5 mm long with 8 legs, uniformly dark red, distinguishing it from two-spotted mite which is yellowish-green with two dark spots. In cooler climates the red overwintering phase of two-spotted mite is a lighter red than that of bean spider mite.

Damage: Feeds on underside of leaf and sometimes on upper surface. Leaves become mottled and bleached. Severe infestations can cause premature leaf fall. Damaging populations develop quickly in warm, dry conditions.

For further information please refer to the industry Pest ID Tool – http://pestid.com.au/

An initiative of the Nursery Levy funded National Nursery Industry Biosecurity Program (NY15004) and ‘Building the resilience and on-farm biosecurity capacity of the Australian production nursery industry’ Project (NY15002).

A review of the nationally recognised Tree Stock standard is now complete. Assessed by Standards Australia, an updated edition of AS 2303:2018 ‘Tree stock for landscape use’ is now available for public purchase.  

Through industry consultation and the strategic investment of nursery levy funds, ‘Evaluation of nursery tree stock parameters’ (NY15001) project was able to yield a productive and tangible outcome for industry.

The standard enables the assessment of above and below ground characteristics of tree stock, to be supplied for landscape use. While not mandatory, this standard is widely used by suppliers and purchasers of containerised trees across Australia to increase the likelihood of successful plantings. More

The nursery industry’s communication program ensures growers and key value chain members are kept up to date with the latest news and information on R&D and marketing outcomes.

From advances in biosecurity legislation through BioSecure HACCP to an award winning Plant Life Balance app, industry’s levy investment portfolio has ensured a strong return on investment for its levy payers in 2018.

On the frontline of delivering this information is the nursery communications team. In collaboration with industry, the team has developed a library of resources for growers and the supply chain based on the latest R&D and marketing insights.

Grower case studies, videos, newsletters, social media and Nursery Papers are just some of the activities that fall under the communications program. You may have received these in your inbox, via social media or in a Hort Journal every month.

More

The nursery industry’s national marketing campaign is expanding its reach to further educate the Australian community about the value of plants, and to encourage people to incorporate more green life into their homes and workplaces.

It was a message echoed by the Plant Life Balance team, which held its first ever consumer facing event in Sydney last week. Hosted at Newton’s A Loft Story on December 10, ‘Plant Tales and Cocktails’ brought together more than 60 consumers to hear from five panellists from various green backgrounds. More

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