The threat of Newcastle disease is managed nationally through the National Newcastle Disease Management Plan. Components of this plan applicable to WA are given here as the Code of practice: managing the risk of Newcastle disease in Western Australia.
Manganese deficiency is most often seen on well drained neutral or calcareous soils but heavy fertiliser usage can induce it in other soils, particularly after heavy applications of lime.
Carrot virus Y has been found in carrot crops throughout Australia. Infected plants cannot be cured so the best means of control is adopting management practices that minimise the reservoir of infection. Symptoms and management are described.
Over-application of fertiliser nutrients can cause growth and quality problems in vegetable crops.
The storage life of fresh fruit and vegetables varies with type, variety and pre-harvest conditions. There is scope to control storage life through postharvest management of the two most important determinants of storage life and quality — respiration and transpiration.
Irrigating crops with saline water can result in yield loss and decreased quality.
Hollow heart is an internal disorder where a 'lens' or 'star'-shaped cavity forms in the potato tuber. Some varieties are more susceptible than others but, under predisposing conditions, most varieties can be affected.
Matching water supply in the soil to crop demand using good irrigation practice is important to produce a high quality potato crop.
When different fruits and vegetables are stored together, one foodstuff may be tainted by odours given off by another. A second important problem is that optimum storage temperatures and relative humidities for different produce vary widely.
Five varieties provide Western Australian chickpea growers with their best options for growing. These include PBA Striker, PBA Slasher, PBA Maiden, Neelam and Ambar.
