News

New project to transform future of north’s mango industry

Mangoes Sept. 18, 2018



A new project promising to transform the productivity and profitability of the north Australian mango industry, has been unveiled at a meeting of the north’s top producers in the Burdekin.

Read full story

Rising water prices to hit almond, avocado, citrus and grape farm values, warn valuers

Almonds Avocado Citrus Sept. 17, 2018



Rising water prices to hit almond, avocado, citrus and grape farm values, warn valuers

Read full story

Apple disease control critical

Pome fruit Disease & weed control Sept. 16, 2018



As a major disease threat in his orchards, Victorian apple producer Brad Fankhauser knows how critical it is he carefully manages black spot. Mr Fankhauser, who farms near Drouin in Gippsland, says even in a relatively dry season black spot can be a threat, however the introduction of Luna Sensation fungicide to his program in the 2015/16 season proved to be a gamechanger.

Read full story

Stronger biosecurity measures to manage stink bug risks

Insect & mite control Sept. 14, 2018



Australia has implemented stronger offshore biosecurity measures for the upcoming brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) season, to manage risks associated with this significant cargo pest. Head of biosecurity at the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, Lyn O’Connell, said BMSB are a threat to agricultural industries and the environment, feeding on over 300 different plant species.

Read full story

Mango box that transformed Australia's horticulture industry

Mangoes Packaging & labelling Sept. 13, 2018



In the early 2000s, a cardboard box emerged from a workshop in the Northern Territory. It had a unique design and would go on to shape the future of Australia's fruit and vegetable industries. One of its developers, David Hoseason-Smith, received due recognition in July, winning an innovation award at the Northern Australia Food Futures Conference in Darwin.

Read full story


'Bee Prepared' - Testing and building Australia’s Varroa defence

Flowering, thinning & PGRs Sept. 12, 2018



Government and industry stakeholders from across the country are taking part in one of the nation’s largest biosecurity exercises to help Australia bee prepared to manage a potential varroa mite incursion.

Read full story

Tasmania's fruit fly restrictions could mean fewer local cherries at Christmas

Cherries Sept. 9, 2018



Tasmanians will be unable to purchase cherries prior to Christmas from any growers within the fruit fly control zone, unless biosecurity restrictions are relaxed.

Read full story

Postharvest – delivering high quality cherries

Cherries Sept. 7, 2018



The Australian cherry industry is in a strong phase of growth with forecast increases in production over the next five years.

Read full story

Citrus canker - Notification of removal of plants in NT

Citrus Sept. 6, 2018



The NT DPIR has advised that residents who live in a citrus canker restricted area have been contacted regarding the removal of their citrus plants to work towards eradication of the plant pest.

Read full story

Brevis – new option for apple thinning

Pome fruit Aug. 29, 2018



A new secondary fruit thinner with a unique mode of action is tipped to revolutionise the way apples are thinned.

Read full story


Moringa oleifera – a potential new industry for Australia

Tropical trees Aug. 29, 2018



Moringa has been identified as a potential emerging industry for Australia.

Read full story

New developments for HiveXchange

Marketing & export Aug. 29, 2018



Australian made digital market innovation is empowering growers to trade more freely into national and export markets.

Read full story

Pink Lady and Bravo apples among the healthiest

Pome fruit Aug. 29, 2018



Eating apples is good for you, ongoing research carried out by The University of Western Australia (UWA) and Edith Cowan University (ECU) has reaffirmed.

Read full story

Scientists find a way to zap fruit, killing mould and extending shelf life using air

Avocado Aug. 28, 2018



It sounds like the stuff of science fiction — a low-energy, chemical-free process that can zap fresh produce, stopping mould spores from germinating and extending its shelf life for weeks.

Read full story

China's appetite for a stinky fruit booms — could durian be the next baby milk formula?

Tropical trees Aug. 26, 2018



Could a fruit that smells so offensive it can cause entire buildings to be evacuated be the next baby milk formula craze for Chinese consumers?

Read full story