Growers and agronomists are invited to attend a three-day workshop in August to gain ‘hands on’ training in identification of insect pests and diseases in grain crops.
Hosted by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, with investment from the Grains Research and Development Corporation, the disease and insect identification workshop will be held from Monday 26 August to Wednesday 28 August at the department’s South Perth office.
Department plant pathologist Dominie Wright said the course was designed for agronomists, growers and other grains industry representatives to improve their disease and insect identification skills in broadacre crops.
“Early detection of any insect pests or diseases is vital to being able to contain and manage any potential impacts on the grains industry,” Dr Wright said.
“The more we can do to engage the broader community and raise the awareness of what to look for and how to report what they have found the better.
“Previous participants in the course have found the practical and 'hands on' nature of the training valuable in giving them confidence in identifying diseases and insects in grains crops.”
Dr Wright will present at the workshop along with other department entomology and crop disease experts Dustin Severtson, Geoff Thomas, Sarah Collins, Ravjit Khangura and Daniel Huberli.
The workshop is split into two parts, disease identification on Monday 26 and Tuesday 27 August, and insect identification and integrated management on Wednesday 28 August.
Registration can be for either or both components of the workshop. The cost is $150 per day or $300 for all three days, which includes reference materials and catering.
Numbers are limited and to register email Dominie Wright dominie.wright@dpird.wa.gov.au or phone 9368 3875. Registrations close on Friday 2 August.
For more information about the workshop contact Dr Wright on 9368 3875 or Dr Severtson on 9690 2160.
Media contact: Jodie Thomson/Katrina Bowers, media liaison +61 (0)8 9368 3937