NGI Updates

Monday, 17 February 2020

The Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is an exotic pest that has been detected on the northern Torres Strait Islands of Saibai and Erub in January 2020, and more recently on the tip of Cape York (Bamaga) in February. This is the first incidence of Fall armyworm being detected in Australia.

This pest poses a significant risk to Australia’s nursery industry, and production nurseries are urged to implement rigorous plant protection protocols to reduce the risk of incursion.

Known to eat and destroy more than 350 plant species when caterpillar population levels are high, the destruction of crops can almost occur overnight.

Detection of this pest in Australia has been in the form of Adult fall armyworms (moths), which were caught in surveillance traps managed by the Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment’s Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy (NAQS).

Although detection sites were a significant distance from the nearest commercial production areas in Lakeland

Downs and Atherton Tableland, growers are urged to remain on alert.

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Friday, 14 February 2020

Greenlife Industry Australia (GIA) is pleased to announce Kimberley Thomas as its new Plant Protection Officer for Victoria and South Australia, under the levy funded ‘National Nursery Biosecurity Program’ (NY15004).

With a background in plant biosecurity, production and retail horticulture, Kimberley brings over 25 years’ experience in the horticulture industry.

Kimberley previously worked as a Plant Biosecurity Officer with the Department of Agriculture for over 15 years, employed as a Supervisor and then Operations Manager of the Plant Quarantine Facility in Knoxfield, Victoria.

“I come from a plant biosecurity background, and I look forward to returning to this arena and sharing my knowledge with growers,” Kimberley said.

“I want to help them implement effective plant protection systems that will benefit their businesses and support the long-term sustainability of the Australian nursery industry.”

Using her experience in NIASA accreditation, Kimberley plans to assist Australian growers with the successful implementation of the NIASA, EcoHort and BioSecure HACCP programs, helping them improve management systems within their businesses, to boost profitability and ensure ongoing market access opportunities.

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Name: Diamond back moth – Plutella xylostella

Hosts of the diamondback moth are buk choy, cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables.

Larvae feed on the leaves, stems, flowers and seed pods. Damage is seen as holes in the leaves, or ‘windows’ (‘see-through’ leaf with an unbroken upper leaf layer) where larvae have tunnelled into the leaf. When infestations are high, leaves may be skeletonised.

Eggs: Pale yellow, flattened and ovalshaped, and 0.5 mm in length.

Immatures: Larvae are pale-green or grey-green with a dark head and a darker green stripe running down the body. They are up to 12 mm in length.

Adults: Grey-brown with a white diamond-like pattern along the back where the folded wings meet (viewed when the adult is at rest). Adults are 10 to 12 mm in length.

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Tuesday, 28 January 2020

The United Nations has declared 2020 ‘International Year of Plant Health. Led by the global UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, the aim  is to highlight the importance of protecting plants and is putting a spotlight on biosecurity.

With plant industries contributing over $30 billion annually, the protection of plant health is not only vital for the environment but the economy, food security and trade.

The Australian International Year of Plant Health 2020 steering committee is looking to have government, industry and communities collaborate and help build a solid foundation for a stronger, more sustainable future for growers.

A large focus has been placed on establishing effective plant protection programs, with the initiative hoping to inspire Australians to recognise their role in minimising the threat of pests and diseases.

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Tuesday, 21 January 2020

2019 was a record-breaking year for the nursery industry, with sustained growth seeing the total value of the sector reaching $2.4 billion.

It was also a busy year for the industry, a year which saw the launch of Greener Spaces Better Places, the national Tree Stock Roadshow tour, the progress and commencement of several levy-funded projects, and more.

In order to deliver this information to stakeholders, a library of resources is developed through the ‘Nursery industry communications program’ (NY18001) to share updates on marketing, R&D and general industry updates.

Whether it be grower case studies, videos, newsletters, blogs, nursery papers or media releases, a variety of mediums are used in order to ensure that the nursery community are in the know when it comes to how their levy is spent.

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