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Biosecurity, 08 Aug 2024
What do you need to know about barley stripe rust?
Barley stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp hordei) poses a significant threat to wheat and barley production globally. Although not present in Australia, our grains industry is going to great lengths to keep this damaging disease out. Barley stripe rust is a fungal disease and is known to reduce plant and root growth, increase water loss and cut, resulting in fewer and lighter kernels.
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Biosecurity, 06 Aug 2024
Consider biosecurity at field events
Field days, trial inspections and crop tours provide growers, agricultural professionals and extension workers with the opportunity to learn about new farming techniques, technologies and varieties. However, these events also pose potential biosecurity risks due to the movement of people, machinery, vehicles and other materials. To reduce risk, consider the following measures.
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Biosecurity, 02 Aug 2024
Biosecurity stands or falls on collaboration
International collaboration and cooperation play a crucial role in maintaining biosecurity. Presenters at the 2024 Plant Biosecurity Research Initiative (PBRI) symposium in Cairns emphasized the significance of whole-of-industry strategies to mitigate threats posed by weed, pest, and disease incursions in agriculture.
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Biosecurity, 10 Jun 2024
$42m diagnostics initiative to bolster grains biosecurity
A new five-year National Grains Diagnostic and Surveillance Initiative will use state-of-the-art technology and processes to improve Australia’s ability to rapidly detect and accurately diagnose exotic pests and plant diseases. The $42 million national biosecurity initiative is set to transform the effectiveness and responsiveness of Australia’s grains biosecurity system.
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Biosecurity, 13 May 2024
PHA releases FMD quick guide for mixed producers
PHA has developed a FMD quick guide to help plant industries and mixed-farming operations prepare for animal and plant pest and disease outbreaks and identify business opportunities that could arise. Although Australia is currently free from foot and mouth disease (FMD), it is considered one of the country’s greatest biosecurity risks and an incursion would have significant consequences for animal health and trade, along with potential impacts for the grains industry.
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Biosecurity, 03 May 2024
Updated resource for growers to enhance – not hinder – beneficial insects
The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), in collaboration with Cesar Australia and the University of Melbourne, has released an updated version of the Beneficials Chemical Toxicity Table. This essential resource, part of the Australian Grains Pest Innovation Program (AGPIP), provides grain growers and advisers with critical information on the impact of insecticides and miticides on beneficial insects, such as ladybird beetles, parasitoid wasps, predatory mites, lacewings, and hoverflies. First introduced in 2022, the table helps integrate pest management strategies by categorizing chemical treatments based on their toxicity to beneficial species, using a color-coded system for easy interpretation. The update includes new data and insights, particularly on Australian wolf spiders and hoverflies, enhancing the table's role in supporting informed decision-making for effective pest control with minimal harm to beneficial organisms.
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Biosecurity, 13 Mar 2024
Prevention the key to biosecurity when sowing
To minimise the risk of plant pathogens and pests spreading through the transportation of seed, there are a few simple farm biosecurity practices that can boost farm hygiene when planning to sow winter crops. Prevention is better than cure, so taking the time to plan will help minimise problems down the track.
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Biosecurity, 22 Jan 2024
Honey bee surveillance plays vital role in grains industry
The National Bee Pest Surveillance Program is an early warning system that uses a range of surveillance methods at seaports and airports throughout Australia, as these are the most likely entry points for honey bee pests and pest bees. Surveillance at additional ports is also provided through in-kind contributions by state and territory governments.
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Biosecurity, 12 Jan 2024
Oat noodles and oat ‘rice’ headed for supermarket shelves
Oat scientists at the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre have developed manufacturing processes for 100 per cent wholegrain noodles and a ‘rice’ product that can be eaten like regular rice. Made from Australian oats, which are high in beta-glucan, the products offer superior nutritional benefits.
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Biosecurity, 11 Jan 2024
Gene editing to enhance colour and flavour in wheat
The Agricultural Biotechnology Council of Australia is an industry initiative established to increase public awareness of, and encourage informed debate and decision-making about, gene technology.