On-farm biosecurity, or hygiene, is about minimising the risk of unwanted plant, animal and microbiological organisms entering your property and causing problems.
Anthrax is a bacterial disease of animals, most commonly seen in cattle, sheep and goats. Anthrax is usually transmitted by feed and water contaminated with spores, which can last in soil for many years.
As a protection mechanism from damage during harsh winter conditions, perennial fruit trees go through a period of dormancy. Dormancy is ‘broken’ when the right amount of cold weather has been accrued and warm temperatures return.
Surveillance and diagnosis for pests and diseases in the Western Australian grape industry was a transformational project to boost the early detection of exotic pests and disease incursions and enhance biosecurity preparedness within the WA grape industry.
In Western Australia, all owners of livestock and bees are legally required to register with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Brands Office. This includes beekeepers.
Plant available soil water graphs show the amount of soil water accumulated from the start of summer (1 November) through the grain growing season and can be used as a tool in the seasonal decision-making process.
Options for control of winter broad leaved weeds, in pastures, is a common inquiry. A fairly reliable method is spray grazing. This involves applying a hormone herbicide then grazing 7-10 days later.
Pasture manipulation is the application of herbicides for grass control early in the growing season (autumn or early winter).
It is often the preferred option for grass control.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and The University of Western Australia (UWA) are leading research into breeding flavonoid-rich apples – healthier apples for consumers.
In this article we provide details on how to approximate your annual water requirements for commercial production of avocados.
