Australian NOVEMBER 2013

Banana NewsKEEPING GROWERS INFORMED $2.8m Freckle eradication starts in NT A $2.8 million eradication of a Banana Freckle incursion in the began in October with the Australian ’s peak industry body, the Australian Banana Growers’ Council, fully supporting the move. The Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) said eradication was essential given the threat posed to the national industry if Banana Freckle spread beyond the Northern Territory to major banana growing regions. Eradication begins: Banana pseudostems being loaded at a Howard Springs property. All ABGC began working with government loads were covered and transported for deep burial. and industry in July, when an incur- sion was first suspected, as part of a to the Northern Territory to assist the to its appearance. Consultative Committee on Emergency Department of Primary Industry and It is the first time the disease has been Plant Pests (CCEPP) to manage a response. Fisheries with the incursion response, found on Cavendish bananas in the The incursion was confirmed in an including addressing public meetings Northern Territory. Only two small announcement made on August 26. in Batchelor and Howard Springs, where incursions have occurred previously on freckle-infected Cavendish plants and After a decision to eradicate was Cavendish in the West Australian locations fruit had been found. He also attended announced on October 4, ABGC Chief of Kununurra in 1979 and Kalumburu in a meeting of the NT Horticulture Executive Officer Jim Pekin traveled 2001. Both incursions were eradicated. Association (see story Page 3). The incursion response, including the Banana Freckle (Phyllosticta cavendishii) is eradication announced in October, is part a fungal disease that covers banana plant of a national response plan supported leaves and fruit with raised black freckles by the ABGC, nursery association and all Incursion tracker that have the texture of sandpaper. The governments. July – Banana Freckle suspected on fruit is safe to eat but the disease reduces Cavendish plants at a Howard Springs plant yield and the fruit is unsaleable due … CONTINUED NEXT PAGE backyard property. Start of testing, property quarantines, plant tracing and surveillance. Government and industry New territory for TR4 trial response via the Consultative Committee The first plantings to screen The Northern Territory is the only known on Emergency Plant Pests (CCEPP). banana varieties for resistance location in Australia where TR4 is present. August – NT Government announces to the soil-borne fungal disease The disease has devastated the banana Banana Freckle (Phyllosticta cavendishii) Panama Tropical Race 4 (TR4) will industry there and also affects banana confirmed on suspected Howard Springs begin in December at a Northern production in parts of south-east Asia. property and another nearby property. Territory site. The trial site will also be important for field NT public awareness campaign begins as Banana Plant Protection Program (BPPP) experiments to better understand how to part of surveillance activities. Sub Program Leader Dr Mike Smith said manage the disease and to make further September – Surveillance continues. NT Williams bananas will be planted at the selections for improving varieties already Government prepares response plan. Coastal Plains Research Farm to act as showing some resistance to the disease, “sentinels” on the site. such as DPM-25 and Formosana. October – NT Government announces Banana Freckle found on more properties. “The plants will be used to test how The BPPP’s Dr Smith and Program Leader Eradication begins under the national widely and uniformly disease is still Dr Andre Drenth have been discussing response plan. present in the block, important for varietal the trial with Northern Territory scientists screening trials to follow,” he said. Bob Williams and Lucy Tran-Nguyen.

IN THIS »» NT community meetings »» Plant trials bear fruit »» AGM date for ABGC ISSUE »» Regional update »» $10,000 scholarship winner »» Bananas’ Movember team biosecurity Year-long surveillance part of the plan The Northern Territory As at October 2013, the cost estimate Government’s Department of Primary Government’s response plan includes a $1.76 million commitment Industry and Fisheries, include: to eradicate Banana Freckle on from the NT Government and $1.05 ƒƒ quarantine of the infected properties Cavendish bananas will be a million in costs to be shared between preventing movement of banana fruit 12-month program currently esti- government and industry under the or banana plants mated to cost $2.8 million. Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed. ƒƒ creation of a Restricted Area covering The banana industry’s share has been a one-kilometre radius around estimated at about $500,000. This will be infected properties, where growing the first banana industry response under and planting of bananas will be the EPPRD. prohibited. All banana plants within A process for all banana levy payers to this area will be destroyed fund such a response was recently put ƒƒ once eradication operations in place and banana growers will be fully are completed, surveillance of consulted when details are at hand. surrounding properties within a Key points of the eradication plan, two-kilometre radius of infected which is being implemented by the NT properties will be done for 12 months. Plants are deleafed and cut down at an infected NT property at Howard Springs. Talk biosecurity skills with your workers The importance of good on-farm visited areas where there are soil-borne disease is spread through soil, wet or biosecurity is being stressed diseases, such as Panama Tropical Race dry, and could enter banana-growing following the Banana Freckle 4 (TR4). regions in , incursion and growers from all or New South Wales by being carried He said it would be well worthwhile to regions are being reminded to on footwear, tyres, vehicles, equipment, ask if prospective workers had visited talk with prospective workers pallets or other farm items. It can also be or worked on farms in the Northern about previous farm visits. transferred on planting material and the Territory, where TR4 remains active in movement of banana plants from the While the Banana Freckle species found soil, including on properties which previ- Northern Territory is prohibited. on Cavendish in the NT has only been ously farmed bananas but now farm found to spread when infected other produce. Those who had visited For more information on on-farm bios- are wet and moved by rain splashes, NT farms should dispose of footwear ecurity you can download the on-farm the Australian Banana Growers’ Council worn there. biosecurity manual from the ABGC is urging Australian growers to remain website, www.abgc.org.au. The warning is a part of continuing vigilant. biosecurity efforts to prevent the spread A growers’ meeting in north Queensland Chief Executive Officer Jim Pekin said of banana plant diseases. Apart from has discussed on-farm biosecu- growers should take extra precau- the current outbreak of Banana Freckle, rity measures following an industry tions when employing backpackers or the Territory is the only location in study tour’s report from a China and other workers who may have recently Australian where TR4 is present. The visit (see story, Page 7).

$2.8m Freckle eradication starts in NT … CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ABGC Chairman Doug Phillips said it had the significant damage it has caused to backyard bananas at Howard Springs been important to move quickly given banana production in areas of south- and four were about 60 kilometres the official start of the wet season was east Asia.” further south at Rum Jungle and nearby November 1. Batchelor. Included were three homes There were further finds of the disease with backyard plants and a one-hectare “The ABGC has been working with since the outbreak was first announced organic banana farm at Rum Jungle government and other industry groups on August 26 when it had been which had supplied Darwin’s Rapid as part of a Consultative Committee on confirmed at two rural residential Creek farmers’ markets. Emergency Plant Pests to address this properties at Howard Springs, about 30 exotic pest outbreak and ABGC fully kilometres south east of Darwin. All properties were quarantined to supports the incursion response,” Mr prevent any movement of infected In early October it was announced the Phillips said. banana plants and fruit. Banana plants disease had been found on a total of were cut down and disposed of and the “Banana Freckle is a serious banana nine properties in two separate areas. stools treated to prevent regrowth. plant disease as has been shown by Five properties were rural homes with

2 Australian Banana News | November 2013 biosecurity Plants near infected sites must go, meetings hear Community meetings have been held in Northern Territory areas where banana plants are being removed as part of Banana Freckle eradication. The first meeting was held on October 12 at Batchelor. It was addressed by Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) Chief Executive Officer Jim Pekin and NT Department of Primary Industry & Fisheries Chief Plant Health Manager NT Chief Plant Health Manager Stephen West addresses a community meeting at Stephen West. Batchelor. ABGC CEO Jim Pekin also addressed the meeting. Another meeting followed on October Speaking at Batchelor, Mr Pekin said the All banana plant material on properties 17 at Howard Springs. These two areas eradication was necessary to protect the within this radius will be eradicated. are the focus of eradication efforts local and national banana industries. The Once the eradication is complete, no after infected Cavendish plants were industry was making a significant initial bananas can be grown in these areas for found on backyard properties and contribution to the response plan of twelve months. This will ensure that the on an organic banana farm. Mr Pekin about $500,000. infection does not return. also attended a meeting of the NT Horticulture Association. Also speaking at Batchelor, Mr West “During the twelve month quarantine explained all banana plants in the town period, we will be checking all prop- The meetings heard banana plants would be eradicated over the coming erties within two kilometres of the within a one-kilometre radius of infected weeks. infected properties. After twelve months properties needed to be destroyed, if Banana Freckle has not been found whether or not they were infected with “We have drawn a line in a radius of one inside or outside the quarantine zone Banana Freckle. kilometre from each infected premises. then the area is declared Freckle free.” Qld border ban strengthens biosecurity Interstate travelers have contribute $125,000 towards the Banana Talks sought with been banned from bringing Freckle national eradication program,” Northern Territory bananas into he said. Federal Minister on Queensland under a regulation change made by the Queensland “If the disease was to become estab- banana issues Government in support of lished in Queensland, it could cause the national response to the serious damage to our major commer- Australia’s peak banana industry cial banana industry.” body has provided a written incursion. briefing to Federal Agriculture Mr McVeigh said the circumstances The government acted quickly after the Minister Barnaby Joyce on the of the incursion and the nature of the announcement of the Northern Territory Banana Freckle incursion. disease meant there was a low likeli- Banana Freckle incursion, strengthening hood of Banana Freckle spreading to The Australian Banana Growers’ Council Plant Protection Regulation 2002 to Queensland. (ABGC) hopes to keep the Minister ban movement of banana fruit from updated on the incursion and has the Northern Territory into Queensland, “However, to ensure any risk to our requested a personal briefing with him to prevent banana fruit being carried banana industry is as minimal as on the incursion and other industry across the border by travelers. Previously possible, we have taken action to issues, including the Biosecurity Import just the movement of banana planting step up our banana biosecurity in Risk Assessment (BIRA) process . material was banned. Queensland.” ABGC Chairman Doug Phillips provided The spores which carry Banana Freckle information to the Minister on the detec- (Phyllosticta cavendishii) can be carried tion of Freckle on Cavendish bananas in on infected fruit as well as banana plant the Northern Territory. leaves. There is no commercial trade of NT bananas into Queensland. He has also provided information about the processes under the Emergency Queensland Minister for Agriculture, Plant Pest Response Deed and ABGC’s Fisheries and Forestry John McVeigh said full participation in the response to the the national eradication program for incursion. Banana Freckle announced in October would greatly benefit Queensland Mr Phillips congratulated the Minister banana growers. on his appointment to the role of Agriculture Minister. Mr Phillips and “The Newman Government is Infected fruit: The NT Banana Freckle ABGC Chief Executive Officer Jim Pekin committed to protecting industry outbreak has prompted a strengthening hope to meet with the Minister as soon against biosecurity threats and will of Queensland biosecurity regulations. as convenient.

November 2013 | Australian Banana News 3 industry news Scholar gets green light on fungicide research The winner of the banana chemical companies to be very minor in ­industry’s prestigious annual terms of our use of chemical treatments. scholarship will soon be tackling research into what he considers “This means our access to new chemical to be one of the biggest issues treatments which could greatly assist now facing Australian banana the industry is extremely limited. It’s also production. difficult to get registrations for older chemicals.” In his work as an agronomic consultant Mr Riedy says biological fungicides – to banana growers in north Queensland, products based on micro-organisms Liam Riedy has been increasingly used to control fungal diseases, bacteria concerned by threats posed by leaf and nematodes – could be a solution. diseases, such as yellow Sigatoka, as These fungicides have the advantage they develop resistance to traditional of being more environmentally friendly, fungicide treatments. a goal set for the near future by the Now, as the recipient of the Australian banana industry. $10,000 Mort Johnston Professional He will use scholarship funds to travel Development Scholarship, Mr Riedy will to the United States in mid-2014 to be researching biological fungicides research the use of biological fungicides to be used as an alternative to, and in in a range of horticulture industries. conjunction with, current chemical treatments. “Biologicals will be a big thing if they can be shown to work in bananas,” Mr Riedy “This is one of the banana industry’s said. biggest issues,” Mr Riedy said. “Even though we’re the largest horticulture Mr Riedy, of Wongaling Beach, has Liam Riedy has been awarded the industry in Australia we’re considered by been an agronomist with Total Grower banana industry’s 2013 Mort Johnston Services for the past seven years. About Professional Development Scholarship to 90 per cent of the business’s clients are study biological fungicides. banana growers. assistance for projects advancing the New five-year “It’s a really exciting opportunity – not banana industry. only for me but for the business as well. This year’s applications were assessed Private consultants don’t often get plan taking shape by a selection panel including a funding to do research and I think we member of the Johnston family – one The banana industry’s new five- can really make a go of it and achieve of Mort’s son’s, Paul Johnston, who said, year plan for levy funds is taking some inroads into the use of biological “I think Liam is a worthy recipient. It’s shape with a first draft soon to be controls.” prepared ahead of further consul- an excellent project and fits well with tation with growers and other The Mort Johnston Professional industry initiatives, such as the new Best stakeholders. Development Scholarship, in honour Management Practice Environmental of the memory of Tully grower Mort Guidelines, helping growers better The draft plan will be based on discus- Johnston, is awarded by the Australian manage environmental impacts”. sions held at workshops in north Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) to give Queensland and northern New South Wales which involved more than 45 participants. BMP guidelines set for launch Consultant Jenny Margetts, from Plant After a successful test run, Developmental Horticulturist Naomi & Food Research Australia, conducted the industry’s online Best King said workshops would be held the workshops and has also completed Management Practices (BMP) in our three major growing regions further consultation and research. The Environmental Guidelines are set – far north Queensland, the eastern result will be the first draft of the new to be launched. subtropics and Carnarvon in Western Strategic Investment Plan (SIP). Australia – to show growers how the More than 40 growers, representing When finalised, the plan is to be consid- BMP works. about 20 per cent of the industry’s ered by bananas’ Industry Advisory production areas, registered on the iPads will be provided for use at the Committee (IAC) next February and ABGC website to trial the BMP in recent workshops. Growers will enter informa- then be presented to the Horticulture weeks. tion resulting in a list of action items, a Australia Limited Board. budget and a timeline for improving The growers now have individualised The plan will set out how industry levy farm practices. Growers can revisit the plans for improving their farm practices. income of about $5million annually site at any time to check their progress Their feedback is being incorporated will be invested in research and devel- and to compare their practices with the into the final online version soon to be opment as well as marketing projects industry average. launched in a series of workshops. starting in the 2014-15 financial year and As part of the launch, additional training continuing through to 2018-19. Queensland Department of Agriculture, sessions will be offered. Growers will be Fisheries and Forestry (QDAFF) advised on dates and locations. 4 Australian Banana News | November 2013 regional round up Dry spell and strong production for growers Dry conditions, strong production levels in north Queensland and a return to post-storm production in New South Wales are the major features of the regional growing reports from September and October.

Queensland production strong New South Wales dry and windy High Winter fruit production levels There have been extremely dry condi- increased further in Spring with tions in both far northern New South extremely strong production in Wales and the mid north coast. Strong September and October. winds in the far north have also exacer- bated dry conditions, with all growing Production levels have been reached regions needing rain. despite some expectations the stronger Winter harvest would moderate Spring Production has increased following the production. recovery from destructive January and February storms. Irrigation on: a Tweed Valley patch Paddocks are dry, with water needing to during the October dry spell. be kept up to plants, particularly those A return to higher production has, being prepared for harvesting next year. however, coincided with strong produc- tion levels from north Queensland, Western Australia Fruit quality was reported to be good affecting market prices. overall. The hot conditions have The lack of water continues to hamper prevented underpeel chill. There were David Norberry from Coffs Harbour banana production. Coming off the reports of fruit still exhibiting Winter wholesaler D & D Ripeners has reported back of the lowest Winter volumes expe- dullness and the drier conditions NQ’s strong production has been a rienced, Spring volumes are improving, have caused some instances of scar- significant consideration for growers. In but not to the levels of previous years. ring caused by hardened flower ends mid-­October he advised his growers to Further emergency irrigation water has marking fruit. temporarily stop cutting until market been released by the State Government conditions improved. Leaf Spot levels are reportedly under and growers have commenced new control due to the dry conditions (see Overall, NSW production of both plantings as they wait for Summer rains report, Page 7) and disease pressure is Cavendish and Lady Fingers has to bring a renewed supply of fresh irriga- quite low although there have been increased in September and October. tion water. some reports of red spider mites. In some instances, the dry conditions In the north of WA, bananas are being So far in the season, nurse suckering have caused fruit quality issues for unirri- planted and harvested in Kununurra in is believed to be more limited than gated bananas although a small amount the Ord River Irrigation area. last year with growers potentially still of rain in September has helped fruit to – Doriana Mangili, considering strategies for managing fill out. In unirrigated paddocks, some Sweeter Banana Co-op production cycling over the upcoming bunches have been hanging for some cyclone season and into next Autumn time leading to quality issues. and Winter. In the far north, Lady Finger quality This planting season, there have been is reportedly good with production Average cyclone season reports of strong demand for tissue increasing in September and October ahead, bureau says culture plants as growers replace old although there were still some instances Near average tropical cyclone bananas with young stock. of duller Winter fruit. activity is likely for the upcoming On the Tablelands, conditions have also Levels of Soldier Fly were down, the lack season, according to a Bureau of been dry, Tinaroo Falls Dam being at of flies a positive for fruit quality. Meteorology outlook released in a level of 68 per cent in mid-October, October. On the mid north coast, conditions down from 79 per cent at the same time have been extremely dry with less The bureau said there was a 57 per cent last year. than 20mm of rain in three months to likelihood of above average cyclone – ABGC north Queensland directors mid-October. activity. The long-term average number of tropical cyclones in a season is around 11, Despite flooding in February, paddocks with four crossing the coast. are now in drought conditions. Large fluctuation in daily temperatures and The tropical Pacific Ocean affecting some overnight frosts have affected Australia’s cyclone activity has been rated plants. as being neutral (neither El Niño nor La Niña) meaning there was no strong shift There have been reports of smaller fruit expected from the average. and bunch sizes with variations in sizes between top and bottom hands. Neutral conditions were forecast to continue through Summer and although – ABGC NSW directors an average year was expected, the Bureau and David Norberry said variations were possible. The bureau’s outlook is available at their Bananas growing at Walkamin on the website www.bom.gov.au Tablelands.

November 2013 | Australian Banana News 5 our regions : sub tropical Growers eat up trial work at field day Five new banana varieties New South Wales growers have seen BPPP leader of Resistant Varieties & growing at a New South Wales and tasted some of the 16 new banana Consumer Choice Mike Smith and trial trial block have been identified as varieties grown on the trial block at manager and leadership team member having potential for both Panama Duranbah in northern New South Wales. (subtropical) David Peasley have been Race 1 resistance and good agro- assessing the new varieties. nomic traits. At a field day held in October, growers from the Tweed Heads and Coffs Five varieties have been rated as most Harbour regions saw plants and taste- promising, showing Race 1 resistance tested fruit cut from the block. and high agronomic ratings. As part of the industry’s Banana Plant They include a local Cavendish selection Protection Program (BPPP), varieties which is a quick grower and rapid cycler, grown at Duranbah are now being rated throwing bunches from both the plant for resistance to Panama Race 1, which and ratoon. Others are the Honduran is present on the block, as well as their variety High Noon, two local selections agronomic performance. of Honduran varieties FHIA-18 and FHIA-01 and a Williams. The presence of Race 1 on northern New South Wales and its impact on As well as the trials being run at banana varieties including Lady Finger Duranbah, new varieties are also being and Ducasse is a major issue for the trialled in the wet tropics at South industry. Johnstone. More information on these varieties will appear in the next edition David Peasley with a Williams bunch of Australian Bananas magazine. at Duranbah. New home for NSW planting permits The Spring planting season The NSW Department of Primary has brought a steady demand Industries no longer has application for banana planting permits in forms available from their Murwillumbah northern New South Wales. There office but the forms can be collected are now new arrangements for from Wollongbar or emailed or faxed to accessing the permit applications. growers. Permits are needed to move or plant NSW DPI Biosecurity Compliance bananas in the State’s Banana Protected Regulatory Officer Kathy Goulding, Area, from the Tweed in the north who is based at Wollongbar, said through to Taree in the south. northern NSW growers could contact her to gain a copy of the form. She can be contacted on 6626 1345 or kathy. [email protected] Grower meetings NSW DPI’s Kathy Goulding with a planting In northern New South Wales, the use of permit. Nambucca District permits is a key factor in combating the plantations and Banana Bunchy Top soil-borne disease Panama Race 1 and Tuesday 5 November at Macksville infected plants, which are inspected and the Banana Bunchy Top virus, both of RSL from 6pm, followed by subsidised destroyed by the Bunchy Top team. which can be spread through the move- dinner. For information contact Tony ment of infected planting material. Styles on 0402 211 227. Completed applications are assessed by Show bananas at Coffs & District Banana Bunchy Top National Program Manager David Peasley. David has been Murwillumbah Wednesday 6 November at Club authorised by NSW DPI Biosecurity. Northern NSW growers are Coffs. Starts with subsidised dinner at Use black ink to complete the form, exhibiting at the Murwillumbah 6pm. AGM at 6.45pm sharp followed providing all details, including Lot Show, on November 1 and 2, by general meeting. For information, and DP numbers of properties where 2013. contact Michelle on 02 6652 5633. planting material is coming from and Show judging of Cavendish and Lady going to. To process the form quickly, Fingers in 11 categories was underway complete, scan and email it to David at Tweed/Brunswick District at time of publication and results will [email protected] Thursday 7 November at Murwillumbah be included in upcoming industry Golf Club. 5.30pm meeting, followed NSW DPI and the Banana Bunchy Top news. by subsidised dinner. For information, team work together in the permit appli- The event raised funds for the Westpac contact Robert Pierce on 07 5590 9812. cation process as well as in managing Rescue Helicopter and Murwillumbah other issues such as reports of neglected Hospital Auxiliary. 6 Australian Banana News | November 2013 our regions : tropical Biosecurity a must, study tour finds The need for better on-farm biosecurity has been identified as a priority by banana industry participants who have returned from a two-nation study tour that visited growing regions battling soil-borne, leaf and fruit diseases. Participants from the tour to China and the Philippines returned from the 10-day tour in mid-September and have already begun sharing information with other growers on biosecurity, disease manage- Shannon Paton, James Howe and Photo opportunity: The tour group in ment and overseas growing, packing, Andrew Serra, shed supervisor Weiwei supply-chain and marketing practices. Dr Anderson said one of the aims of the Cui and tissue culture industry members tour was to see how overseas banana Australian Banana Growers’ Council Puthiyaparambil Josekutty and Craig growing regions were managing the (ABGC) Research and Development Althaus. devastating fungal disease Panama Manager Jay Anderson and Costa Growers at the Mareeba BGA meeting Tropical Race 4 (TR4). Exchange General Manager Ben Franklin discussed on-farm biosecurity initia- gave presentations at Banana Growers’ “The trip demonstrated to the Australian tives including fencing and restricting Association meetings in Mareeba and growers the importance of good bios- unauthorised farm access and better South Johnstone in October. Other tour ecurity and the use of clean planting use of wash down facilities, including participants sharing information at one material,” she said. inter-paddock dips to limit the spread of or both of the meetings were growers soil-borne diseases. The study tour participants will continue to share their findings with other growers. The tour visited the Asia Fruit Logistica Exhibition in Hong Kong and Reef Rescue grants open soon farms in China and the Philippines. Terrain NRM will soon be calling Grants will be available to improve Included were Chinese farms devastated for applications from farmers in farming practices that reduce nutrient, by TR4 and “whole-of-supply-chain” the Wet Tropics region for the pesticide and sediment runoff in the operations in the Philippines. second phase of the Reef Rescue cane, banana, dryland grazing, dairy Water Quality Grants scheme. and Tablelands multicropping indus- tries. Grants must be matched with an Delivered by Terrain NRM with funding in-kind/cash contribution. from the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country initiative, the Keep an eye on local newspapers and Water Quality Grants scheme helps to the Terrain website for when the appli- Grower meetings improve the quality of water flowing in cation period opens. For information Cassowary Coast Banana to the Great Barrier Reef through land about the grants scheme, visit Terrain’s management practice change. website www.terrain.org.au. Growers’ Association Annual General Meeting to be held on Thursday November 14 at the South Johnstone Research Station from 7pm. Deleaf before the wet, growers advised Please note, the event will be held at South Johnstone in November and Growers who have been putting end up costing them more – it’s better the final meeting for the year will be off yellow Sigatoka (Leaf Spot) to bite the bullet now and get control held at the El Arish Tavern on Thursday, deleafing have only a short time of the disease leading up to the wet December 12. For more information, to act before the wet season season.” escalates the spread of the fungal contact Robert Mayers on 0427 676 287 disease. Under government regulations, Leaf or email: [email protected] Spot lesions must cover no more Yellow Sigatoka Liaison Officer Louis than 5 per cent of the surface area of Lardi said the majority of farms had Leaf banana leaves on plants in Queensland’s Mareeba Banana Spot under control. However, there were Northern Pest Quarantine Area. Mr Lardi Growers’ Association some growers who had been delaying said that, given the dry conditions of Wednesday, December 11, 6pm, action. recent weeks, growers should be at zero. Mareeba RSL. The association meets on “A small amount of Leaf spot now will Mr Lardi is continuously inspecting the second Wednesday of every second blow out really badly once the rains banana growing regions and said month. For more information, contact come,” Mr Lardi said. mid-October inspections of Tablelands Russell Drury on 0428 989 688 or email: farms had found the majority free of Leaf [email protected] “Some growers may have been putting Spot. There were also some incidences off their deleafing program because they of the disease in a small number of think it’s a way to save some money, coastal farms. but in the long run delaying action will November 2013 | Australian Banana News 7 news & events Banana industry grows closer Growers to meet Blokes from across the banana at South Johnstone industry have been invited to join the Australian Bananas’ for AGM Movember team to raise funds in The banana industry’s peak body this year’s mo-growing event. is encouraging all members to Tully grower Patrick Leahy is leading the attend its annual general meeting team and has encouraged everyone to be held Tuesday, November 26. in bananas to join forces for an indus- The Australian Banana Growers’ Council try-wide mo grow. (ABGC) will this year hold its AGM at the To join or support the team or an South Johnstone Research Station. individual mo grower search the team ABGC Chief Executive Officer Jim Pekin name “Australian Bananas” at www. said members had been provided with au.movember.com. information on the event, including the The mo growers are chasing last year’s notice of meeting and agenda. fundraising achievement of $3075 “All members are invited to attend raised by 16 team members including our annual general meeting. It’s an Paul Johnston, Neville Sloss, Charles important event for the ABGC and our Camuglia, Steve Lizzio and Mike Gaia, industry and we would encourage as Patrick Leahy, Adrian Crema, Chaise many of our members as possible to Pensini, Adrian Edgerton, Paulo Di Carlo, participate,” Mr Pekin said. Marc Darveniza, Marc Di Carlo, Shannon Paton, John Tschui, Matthew Abbott and The meeting starts at 5pm and will Mal Nixon. be followed by refreshments and a barbecue dinner for grower and affiliate members at the Currajah Hotel, Wangan. Fruit machine’s healthy jackpot The ABGC Board will hold a two-day The roll out of Australia’s first quarterly Board meeting at South banana vending machines is Johnstone on the Wednesday and continuing with two major new Thursday following the meeting. site additions. Two machines have been installed at one of Queensland’s major hospi- tals, the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Website members’ Hospital at inner-city Herston and one in a major Brisbane CBD travel hub, the section launched Roma Street Transit Centre. The two new sites follow the launch of on ABGC website Australia’s first banana vending machine ABGC members can now log in to in July at the Post Office Square food a special members’-only section court, also in the Brisbane CBD. of the ABGC website. The machines are operated by Mackays Included are the latest banana transport Marketing and Director Daniel MacKay figures as well as historical figures dating said two further sites were expected to back to 2005. be secured by the end of the year. To register for the members’-only Grabbing a healthy snack at the Roma section, go to our home page at www. Street Transit Centre. abgc.org.au and click on the registration link under the log in box. You will have access as soon as your registration has Figures show banana consumption up been approved by ABGC. National banana consumption 15.1 kilograms per person, up from 13.3 All growers, including those who are not has lifted 13.5 per cent since the kilograms in the 2009 financial year. ABGC members, can also use the log-in start of the national levy system box to register for the industry’s Best The increase was achieved despite four years ago. Management Practices (BMP) industry the industry’s worst cyclone, Tropical guidelines (see story, Page 4). The latest levy figures for the 2013 Cyclone Yasi, in 2011. financial year show consumption of

Australian Banana News is the national banana industry’s bi-monthly newsletter. Distribution is to banana growers and our many industry partners. Production is by the Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) as part of the Banana Industry Communications Project managed by Horticulture Australia Ltd (HAL) and funded by the banana industry levy and the Federal Government. ABGC is the national, peak industry body representing the interests of Australia’s commercial banana growers. HAL is a not-for-profit, industry-owned company working in partnership with Australia’s horticulture industries to invest in research, development and marketing programs.

EDITORIAL STAFF: Rhyll Cronin, ABGC Communications Manager, 07 3278 4786, [email protected] All mail to: ABGC, PO Box 309 Brisbane Market QLD 4106