Your Levy at Work

December Pest of the Month: Foliar nematode

Name: Foliar nematode, Aphelenchoides fragariae

Aphelenchoides fragariae is a foliar nematode which is widely distributed through the tropical and temperate zones around the world and is the primary target of quarantine checks for imported strawberry material throughout Asia, Russa, and the USA. It is a frequent and economic pest of strawberries, foliage and nursery plants. Over 250 plants in 47 families have been identified as a host of this nematode, hosts include strawberry, fig, aster, begonia, anthurium, 100 fern varieties, members of Liliaceae, Primulaceae and Ranunculaceae families.

Similar to: Aphelenchoides ritzemabosi that occurs mainly in chrysanthemum, and Aphelenchoides besseyi which causes “crimp disease” in strawberries. More

Nursery project seeks to enhance resilience to natural disasters

by Levy Communications • NGI Updates

Wednesday, 27 November 2019

A new research project is looking to boost Australian nursery industry’s resilience when it comes to natural disasters and severe weather events.

‘Nursery industry natural disaster risk mitigation and recovery plan’ (NY18008), commenced in July 2019, as a means to identify and examine key vulnerabilities facing the nursery industry. The results will be used to develop a risk mitigation map with the assistance of independent agency, Cohga Pty Ltd.

The risk map aims to prepare production businesses for severe weather events by identifying natural hazard zones for bushfires, cyclones and flood.

This two-year project is managed by Nursery & Garden Industry Queensland (NGIQ) and funded by Hort Innovation using nursery industry levies and funds from the Australian Government.

Heightened biosecurity measures set to protect Australia from Brown marmorated stink bug

by Levy Communications • NGI Updates

Wednesday, 20 November 2019

The Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) poses a significant threat to the nursery industry, and tighter biosecurity measures must be taken to keep this pest out of Australia.

This exotic pest has high establishment potential in Australia, and could cause major damage to agricultural crops, nursery stock and ornamental plants, so keeping this pest out is a top priority.

Biosecurity agencies and departments are on high alert with peak BMSB season happening from 1 September 2019 through to 31 May 2020.

Past incidents of BMSB arriving at the Australian border have occurred during spring and summer, when climatic conditions and host availability in temperature regions are suitable to the pests feeding and development.

In response to the increased threat during these months, the Department of Agriculture has strengthened seasonal measures to manage the risk of BMSB arriving in Australia. The Department is working with the Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests (CCEPP), of which NGIA is a party, to provide a platform where information can be shared, and emergency pest incursions managed.

Eriophyids tristaniopsis laurina 'luscious'

November Pest of the Month: Eriophyid mites

by Levy Communications • NGI Updates

Name: Eriophyid mites – gall, bud, rust and erinose mites

There are over 300 known species of mites that fall under the name ‘eriophyid mite’, many are named for the host they are found on or for the symptom they cause e.g. tomato russet mite, russet mite, rust mite, gall mite, redberry mite, and many more. They infest a wide variety of Field and greenhouse crops as well as weeds and native plants. They can be serious pests of certain crops. More

Greener Spaces Better Places has launched

by Levy Communications • NGI Updates

Monday, 4 November 2019

The 202020 Vision has evolved, as the next phase of this urban greening initiative takes root under a new title – Greener Spaces Better Places.

Working to build on the momentum, networks, and ambassador program grown through 202020 Vision, the mission of this next phase is to make Australia’s urban areas the greenest in the world.

This national program works to engage growers and encourage greater collaboration with councils, developers and landscapers to increase green life in Australian cities and towns.

In October, the Greenlife Industry Australia (GIA) team headed to the Sydney launch event, held at the Dove & Olive in Surry Hills. More

Growers urged to participate in 2019 Statistics survey

by Levy Communications • NGI Updates

Collection for the 2019 Nursery Industry Statistics survey is underway.

During the month of November, production nurseries are urged to make an appointment to participate in the voluntary survey, if called upon.

The independent research agency leading the survey, Down To Earth Research (DTER), are aiming to interview around 300 production nurseries nationwide.

The interviews collect key business data in order to produce a reliable and accurate snapshot of the size, value, production and employment in Australia’s thriving nursery industry.

By collating key business data, production nurseries will be able to make more informed business planning and resourcing decisions and monitor industry trends. The data collected will also be used to inform the development of the business-benchmarking tool.

At this stage survey progress has been steady, resulting in over half of the 300 required interviews being completed. During the final 3 weeks of the survey period, the DTER team will reach out to growers not already completing a survey.