Carnarvon growers muster to talk about pests and diseases
More than 50 representatives from the Carnarvon horticultural industry attended a special pests and diseases information night held at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Research Station in Carnarvon last month.
Local growers, representatives from the department, the Carnarvon Growers Association (CGA) and local consultants all turned up to listen to a series of guest speakers share their knowledge about exotic and invasive pests and diseases.
The information night was held on the eve of the Gascoyne Food Festival– a week-long event that showcased locally produced fruits, vegetables and seafood, and the unique horticultural area within the Gascoyne region.
The three-hour information session was an initiative of the Gascoyne Irrigation Innovation Group, which is a subcommittee of the CGA and includes representatives from the department, CGA and local consultants.
The Piloting new techniques to control and eradicate Mediterranean fruit fly in Carnarvon project is partnering with the CGA to carry out a number of fruit fly control programs with the aim to eradicate fruit fly from the area.
Several members of the project team took advantage of the event to shine the spotlight on the need for the wider Carnarvon community to join the fight by controlling fruit fly in their backyards. The presentation included a technical walk through of the Sterile Insect Technology rearing and release facility located at the research station.
Attendees also enjoyed demonstrations by department Development Officer Christiaan Valentine on smart trapping, new technology designed to provide real time pest movement data.
A number of consultants gave presentations about pests and diseases that were impacting growers locally and possible control options, plant nutrition.
The event was chaired by CGA Operations Manager Luke Skender who provided insight into the association’s activities as well as ensuring the night progressed smoothly.
The Piloting new techniques to control and eradicate Mediterranean fruit fly in Carnarvon sub-project is part of the Boosting Biosecurity Defences project, led by the department and supported by Royalties for Regions and Horticulture Innovations Australia.