Farms in the agricultural areas of south-west Western Australia are particularly susceptible to fire in the hot, dry summer months – accidental and intentionally started fires are not uncommon.
The Pome and Summer Fruit Orchard Spray Guide 2020-21 provides information on chemical products, both registered and those as minor use permits, to control insect, mite and mollusc pests, diseases and weeds in orchards in Western Australia.
This page provides a brief overview of the avocado industry in Western Australia, with links to other relevant information.
Chlorination effectively reduces problems with water colour, taste and odour, and treats bacterial contamination.
Six-spotted mite can defoliate avocado trees and grapevines in the lower south-west of Western Australia.
Natural enemies may keep numbers in check, but monitoring is important to assess whether chemical intervention is required especially in avocado orchards.
Apple looper (Phrissogonus laticostata) is a native insect that damages fruit in apple orchards and vineyards in the South West of Western Australia.
As looper larvae commence feeding on fruit, close monitoring during early fruit formation is critical to avoid damage.
Apple dimpling bug (Campylomma liebknechti) adults feed on developing fruitlets of apples, pears, nashi pears and occasionally summerfruit (stone fruit) resulting in distortion that makes fruit unsaleable.
Regular monitoring is critical to avoid major crop loss.
Garden weevil (Phlyctinus callosus) was accidentally introduced into Western Australia from South Africa. This weevil is now a severe pest of grapevines, deciduous fruit and other horticultural crops. Adults feed on any soft plant tissue, and the soil-borne larvae feed on roots.
The feed requirements of a ewe with a lamb at foot are higher than if the ewe and lambs are fed separately. In a difficult season with short feed supplies, it is better to early-wean lambs from their mothers to lower feed costs and ensure that the ewes regain condition before joining.
A national livestock standstill is when it is nationally agreed that specific livestock species affected by an emergency disease must not be moved. The livestock species affected by the standstill are named when the standstill is announced.
