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EDITION 20 | AUGUST 2023
Message from the CEO
The critical need for ongoing national discussions to promote a common understanding, collaboration, and consistency across government, researchers, growers, and other industry stakeholders, was highlighted again this month.
Board Meeting #112
We are preparing for Board Meeting #112 that will take place from 18 - 20 September in Darwin.
Board Members will be familiarised with the operating environment in northern Australia.
PHA celebrates National Science Week 2023
National Science Week is an annual celebration of science and innovation across Australia. It gives us an opportunity to reflect, share and celebrate the important role of science in our day-to-day lives. PHA is at the forefront of developing tools, information and networks to minimise risks and help keep Australia free of exotic plant pests and diseases.
Latest news from the Plant Biosecurity Surveillance and Diagnostic Networks
Following the success of the Annual Diagnostic and Surveillance Workshop in May this year, the Plant Surveillance Network Asia-Pacific (PSNAP) and National Plant Biosecurity Diagnostic Network (NPBDN) are currently planning some exciting events for their members over next nine months. The network websites are also undergoing a refresh, which will launch in the near future.
Save the date for the 3rd Australian Biosecurity Symposium
The news is out, the 3rd Australian Biosecurity Symposium is coming back with a splash from 27 - 29 August 2024 at the Sea World Resort on the Gold Coast. Building on the innovative ideas and conversations shared at the previous Biosecurity Symposiums, #BioSym2024 will further explore our future in shaping the Australian biosecurity landscape.
Exercise Aggregate: improving industry liaison in Victoria
PHA, Agriculture Victoria, and industry representatives from AUSVEG and the Australian Table Grapes Association, collaborated to design and deliver Exercise Aggregate: Industry liaison training earlier this month. This training aimed to enhance AgVic's comprehension of plant industries' capacity and capability to support a plant biosecurity response.
CitrusWatch’s Early Detector Network newsletter out now
CitrusWatch, a five-year national biosecurity program funded by Hort Innovation, PHA, and the Australian Government, recently published the first edition of the Early Detector Network Newsletter. Apart from ensuring that early detection sticky trapping is conducted in autumn and spring, the newsletter will also be a source of knowledge for volunteers.
Our CEO speaks to ABC Country Hour South Australia
More support and focus are needed to improve domestic market access for growers. Sarah Corcoran said growers have been hit hard with the increase in protocols to manage fruit fly amid the current Queensland fruit fly outbreak. Listen to the interview at the 49 minute mark.
PHA develops new partnerships to support and build biosecurity
Earlier this year, PHA worked in partnership with forest health and Indigenous engagement specialists to deliver the Commonwealth-funded project, Safeguarding Indigenous-led forestry in northern Australia. Forest biosecurity training was conducted in East Arnhem Land and the Tiwi Islands.
Have your say on sustainable funding
As part of the Budget 2023-24, the Australian Government will be introducing new funding arrangements. They will be consulting on the best way to design and implement these arrangements. Register your interest.
Major milestone in the management of Panama TR4
Queensland’s ongoing management of Panama disease tropical race 4 (Panama TR4) will be led by the banana industry from 1 July 2023. The transition of disease management to industry is the first of its kind to occur in Queensland.
Hort Innovation unveils new Strategy 2024-26
Hort Innovation’s new three-year plan will focus the organisation on industry-wide, grower priorities through the delivery of five imperatives and 18 priorities.
Draft SA Biosecurity Bill open for consultation
Public consultation on a draft Biosecurity Bill that will enable a modern approach to biosecurity management in South Australia is now open.
Historic $130M trade alliance
The largest trade initiative in Australian horticulture has been given the green light with a host of partners signing on to an historic $130 million program, the Fresh and Secure Trade Alliance (FASTA).
Red dwarf honey bee detected
The Department of Industries and Regional Development is investigating the detection of the exotic pest red dwarf honey bee Apis florea discovered on the Burrup Peninsula near Karratha.
Proposed suspension of dimethoate products
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) invites written submissions on the proposed suspension of specific products containing dimethoate and associated label approvals due to unacceptable levels of dimethoate residues following use as a post-harvest dip.
AUSVEG and Onions Australia announce strategic merger
AUSVEG and Onions Australia, which represent the interests of Australian vegetable, potato and onion growers, are pleased to announce a strategic merger that will see the onion industry joining with AUSVEG.
$80 million to protect NSW against red imported fire ants
The NSW Government will spend an additional $80 million to protect the state from red imported fire ants, with the invasive and aggressive pest now on the march towards the NSW border.
New fleet of noses and tails to protect our borders
Tasmania’s borders will soon have a new team of 14 detector dogs helping to reduce the risk of biosecurity threats from entering the state and protecting our world-class natural environment, seafood, and agricultural sectors.
Varroa mite detected in central west NSW but honey producers remain confident
The Department of Primary Industries has euthanased 23 hives at Gumble near Molong that tested positive to varroa mite after tracing their movement from Sackville North in Sydney.
AES 54th AGM, Scientific Conference, photo competition
The Australian Entomological Society (AES) conference will be held in regional Western Australia, in Albany from 13–15 November this year.
Is your avocado orchard on the map?
Avocados Australia would like to account for all commercial avocado orchards across Australia. Check the map and complete the survey in six simple steps.
Grants open for wine and cider producers
Wine producers who have met the eligibility criteria may apply for a grant payment of 29 per cent of the notional wholesale selling price of their eligible rebatable domestic cellar door sales (up to $100K).
2023 PhD research opportunities at AgrioBio
Apply today to study viruses associated with Agaricus mushrooms in Australia. Successful candidates will receive a $35K scholarship for up to three and a half years, training at AgriBio, professional development, and international travel opportunities.
Latest from Prevent Fruit Fly
National Fruit Fly Symposium examines a bold fruit fly future
The fruit fly system community met face-to-face at the recent National Fruit Fly Symposium at the National Wine Centre in Adelaide, for the first time since 2018 to explore ‘The view over the horizon’. The Symposium took stock of progress against the National Fruit Fly Strategy to date and built a collective view of future opportunities. With more than 120 delegates in attendance, the two-day event provided opportunities to listen, engage and contribute to a bold fruit fly future.
Various control options for Queensland fruit fly
As spring approaches, it is important to turn our attention to fruit fly management. Early season intervention is critical to reduce the build-up of local fruit fly populations. Some of the control methods for Qfly include: cultural control, biological control, chemical control, baiting and trapping, monitoring, and integrated pest management.
Latest from Grains Farm Biosecurity
Vehicle washdowns - prevention is better than cure
Vehicle and machinery hygiene on-farm is crucial to prevent the spread of hitchhiker pests, diseases and weeds that could potentially devastate Australian agriculture. The impact of pests and disease is estimated to contribute to a yield gap of between 20 – 40 per cent in grain crops each year.
Latest from Farm Biosecurity
Securing farms: a guide to vehicle biosecurity measures
Ensuring effective biosecurity measures on-farms is not only about the health of crops and livestock, but it also involves managing external factors that could introduce threats, such as visitor vehicles. Vehicles can inadvertently carry pests, seeds, and diseases onto a property, increasing cross-contamination and posing a risk to farm biosecurity.
Staff movements
Welcome to Dr Rachel Mann
Welcome to Dr Rachel Mann who recently joined PHA in the role of Manager, Diagnostics. Rachel leads the Diagnostics team to deliver the National Plant Biosecurity Diagnostic and Surveillance Professional Development and Protocols projects.
Rachel brings over 15 years of experience in plant pathology, biosecurity and diagnostics to the role. Rachel has worked in senior advisory, diagnostic and research roles at Agriculture Victoria, as part of the Chief Plant Health Officer’s unit and Microbial Sciences, Pests and Diseases branch. The national and international research that Rachel has collaborated on has focused on pathogens of biosecurity significance (e.g., Xylella fastidiosa, Candidatus Liberibacter solnanacearum (CLso) and Erwinia amylovora) and has influenced Australian and global diagnostic protocols, sampling strategies and surveillance.
In addition, Rachel is an internationally recognised phytopathogenic bacteria specialist with peer reviewed publications and a track record in successful grant applications. She actively builds collaborative partnerships with various stakeholders to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
Congratulations to Dr Yvonne Ogaji on receiving a PhD!
We are excited to congratulate Dr Yvonne Ogaji recently receiving her PhD.
Yvonne’s PhD thesis focused on Ascochyta blight (AB), a damaging fungal disease complex causing significant field pea yield losses without a fully resistant variety in Australia. The thesis investigated AB genetic resources, pathogen evolution, diagnostics and host-pathogen interactions utilizing long-read sequencing. The study delivered 18 high-quality AB species genomes, population genetics analyses showcasing evolutionary potential and adaptability of the species, molecular diagnostic tools for AB detection, and identified potential disease resistance genes via gene expression analysis for targeted and robust field pea breeding of AB resistant varieties.
Yvonne started her PhD studies in March 2019 at La Trobe University, Melbourne and was conferred in July 2023.
Out and about
PHA's CEO Sarah Corcoran and Dr Lloyd Klumpp at the recent National Fruit Fly Symposium.
Sarah Corcoran, CEO, delivered the welcome address at the National Fruit Fly Symposium in Adelaide.
The NFFC’s Stuart Burgess and Chris O’Connor caught up with Hort Innovation’s Anthony Baker at the recent National Fruit Fly Symposium.
PHA and AHA Board members gathered at the annual joint meeting in Canberra recently.
34 Delegates participated in Exercise Aggregate to improve industry liaison in Victoria.
PHA’s Naomi Wynn, A/Manager Learning and Development, recently presented at the 2023 Environmental Biosecurity Webinar Series.
PHA’s CEO Sarah Corcoran attended an international workshop in Brisbane on pest risk mitigation of sea containers and their cargoes and the facilitation of international trade in July.
PHA's three science masterminds Rebecca Powderly, Jimmy Lu and Jaye Newman, who answered 9 out of 10 questions correctly in PHA's internal science week quiz
Sarah Corcoran with Katherine Delbridge, CEO of the Australian Seed Federation in Adelaide this week.
Congratulations to Michael Milne, Jonathan Terlich, and Dr Jenny Shanks who celebrate their birthdays in August.
