Home » Resources » Technical Library » Biosecurity, Pest & Disease
Biosecurity, Pest & Disease
Disinfestation of Nursery Equipment and Surfaces
Disinfestation of the various equipment and surfaces used in a production nursery form the basis of sound hygiene practices. Disinfestation procedures should be an integral part of all nursery growing processes, with regular reviews being carried out to ensure practices are being implemented correctly. The following outlines recommended disinfestation procedures for nursery equipment and surfaces.
Sudden oak death
This contingency plan provides background information on the pest biology and available control measures to assist with preparedness for an incursion into Australia of Sudden oak death (Phytophthora ramorum). It provides guidelines and options for steps to be undertaken and considered when developing a Response Plan to this pest. Any Response Plan developed using information in whole or in part from this Contingency Plan must follow procedures as set out in PLANTPLAN and be endorsed by the National Management Group prior to implementation.
This contingency plan was developed for the Nursery and Garden Industry Australia (NGIA), and therefore is focussed on production nurseries covered by this association. In the event of an incursion, operations not covered by the NGIA (e.g. retail nurseries) will not be eligible for Owner Reimbursement Costs, as defined in the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD), if affected by actions carried out under the Response Plan.
Soilborne root pathogens in production nurseries
The purpose of this paper is to provide information on destructive soilborne fungal pathogens that can occur in production nurseries, how they can be spread and how they can be managed. Practical application of this knowledge will lead to healthier plants, as well as improved plant growth and greater uniformity. It will also help to minimise biosecurity risks. Several serious soilborne pathogens are being spread around the world with nursery plants. As “best practice” is fundamental to the production of healthy plants, short cuts should never be taken.
Managing silverleaf whitefly in production nurseries
Background and general biology
In general, adult whiteflies are small (about 1 mm in length), white-winged insects. The immature stages are largely immobile, becoming attached to the surface of the leaf soon after hatching. All life stages are found on the undersides of the leaves (Fig. 1) and can be associated with significant economic loss and/or increased costs in production.
Designing an Efficient Pumping System
When considering options for improving pump efficiency, the option of designing a new system should always be investigated. It may be, over time, this will result in greater cost savings than upgrading an existing system. If a pumping system is being designed for a new development, it’s critical that the system be carefully designed to ensure it meets the required capacity, while being the most efficient system possible.
Cylindrocladium diseases of nursery plants
Various species of the fungus Cylindrocladium cause a wide range of destructive diseases in nursery plants and are particularly prevalent in more tropical areas. Cylindrocladium scoparium occurs worldwide, and is the most commonly reported causal agent of Cylindrocladium diseases in Australia, although a number of other species are also important pathogens including Cylindrocladium spathiphylli.
Water Weed Management
Aquatic plants perform a number of beneficial functions in aquatic systems. They help with nutrient buffering, bank stabilisation, sediment trapping, oxygenation of water, providing habitat for various organisms, giving shade, reducing evaporation and keeping water temperatures more stable.
Nursery Production Pest Monitoring, Inspection and Surveillance Methodology
In 2013 NGIA commissioned a project to investigate statistically valid systems and protocols for on-farm monitoring, inspection and surveillance for pests of biosecurity concern within production nurseries. The project, completed in 2014, has investigated national and international information and systems and has developed recommended monitoring, inspection and surveillance protocols that have the highest probability of success. NGIQ Industry Development Manager John McDonald provides details in this Nursery Paper on the key project outcomes for use within production nurseries.
Nematodes in nurseries
Nematodes are a diverse group of microscopic, non-segmented round worms that are tapered at each end. There are over one million species and they have been estimated to account for 80% of all individual animals in the world. About half of all nematode species are parasites of marine animals (e.g. sperm whales), 25% are free-living non-parasitic soil inhabiting nematodes, 15% are animal and human parasites (e.g. heart worm in dogs) and 10% are plant parasites.
Myrtle Rust (Uredo rangelii) Management Plan
Myrtle rust (Uredo rangelii) has the potential to infect all myrtaceous plants in both our built (gardens & landscape) and natural environments plus a range of industries (nursery production, timber, cut flower, etc) more likely along the coastline of Australia due to suitable environmental conditions. Under threat from this disease, if it becomes widely established, are a number of identified threatened native plant species across Australia plus a number of endangered wildlife habitat(s) that could have a major impact on our natural biodiversity.