NGI Updates

Category

Fungi

Symptoms

There are over 100 varieties of Fusarium spp. with symptoms varying greatly according to host and pathogen species. Some symptoms commonly seen include yellowing of lower leaves, wilting, leaf chlorosis and vein clearing, stunted growth and red to brown discolouration of vascular tissue. Stem or cutting rot (but not always) appear as a soft, mushy rot at the base of a cutting or rooted plant, frequently with a purplish-reddish margin.

Sometimes bright red, globular fruiting bodies may form on stem bases in the case of advanced infection. Leaf spots often appear on immature leaves, are irregularly-shaped and tan-reddish brown in colour, sometimes surrounded by a chlorotic halo. Under wet conditions, creamy orange spore masses may be produced in lesions. Bulb rots often start at wounds or through cuts formed at harvest. The basal plate, scales and roots become brown-black, and the rot is generally dry and firm. Foliage turns yellow or brown and dies prematurely.

Many Fusarium spp. are host specific so check symptoms to the host to determine infection.

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With the growing recognition of the power of green, the nursery and garden industry is booming.

To support this increasing demand, it’s important to nurture the growth and prosperity of this vibrant industry, by providing the workforce with unique opportunities to learn, develop and grow.

One way of doing this is by offering scholarships to better empower the leaders, and future leaders of the industry.

Here’s a quick snapshot of the several scholarships being run; to let you know what’s out there and which best suits you! More

Queensland nursery growers who are keen to sharpen their pest and insect mite management skills are encouraged to attend an upcoming workshop being held at two leading nurseries in Queensland this week.

The workshops will be run by NGIQ and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (Queensland) and are aimed at providing practical information on how to better manage pests and insect mites using an integrated crop management approach.

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A nationwide survey of Australia’s nursery and garden industry is set to get underway for a second year in a row.

Known as ‘Nursery Industry Statistics 2017-18 to 2019-20’ (NY17008) the project aims to provide a comprehensive snapshot of the industry’s economic contribution, size and employment.

Building on the success of the 2017 collection, the project will seek to survey 300 greenlife producers, as well as 200 greenlife customers including retailers and landscapers.

As with the previous year, it will be managed by an independent research agency, Down to Earth Research (DTER), in partnership with ACIL Allen (AAC) and Nursery & Garden Industry Australia. More

Australia’s nursery sector is a vibrant industry with a very positive story to tell. It contributes over $2.29 billion to our economy every year, provides starter stock into our food and fibre supply chains, and delivers a green product which boosts the health and wellbeing of our environment and our communities.

But, like many other agricultural industries, it’s facing a major challenge around high staff turnover and an ability to attract and retain appropriate talent. In a more competitive employment environment than ever, the industry is needing to improve its image as an attractive and rewarding career choice in Australian horticulture.

A new project, titled Review of Nursery industry career pathways (NY17002), is being funded by Hort Innovation using the nursery industry levy and funds from the Australian Government, to help address the employment issue and provide a clear response roadmap for industry. More

Name: Vegetable looper; Looper Chrysodeixis eriosoma; Chysodeixis spp.

Category name: Caterpillars

Importance: Occasionally a significant pest of broad leaf vegetables as well as Geranium, Dahlia, Coleus, Tomato, and Citrus amongst others.

Similar to: Heliothis (budworms), armyworms, soybean looper, Tobacco looper, and various other looping caterpillars.

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