Research & development projects

PRODUCTION / POSTHARVEST

This project led by Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries also involves CSIRO and QUT as key project collaborators. It is about the development of vision-system sensing and sensor networks in relation to vegetable crops, and is part of a suite of projects relating to precision agriculture for vegetables.
Contact: The QLD Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF)
This project by the Australian Centre for Field Robotics based at Sydney University. it is about the development of vision-system sensing and sensor networks in relation to vegetable crops, and is part of a suite of projects relating to precision agriculture for vegetables.
Contact: Salah Sukkarieh, University of Sydney - salah.sukkarieh@sydney.edu.au
This is one of a group of projects that is being conducted in the area of automation and robotics.
Contact: The QLD Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF)
The project reviewed a range of innovations in relation to irrigation of vegetable crops. The project produced a factsheet and ran a series of workshops. The main areas covered were soil moisture monitoring, variable rate irrigation, drip irrigation, system automation, energy costs and the need for technical support. Non-drain sprinklers, solar pumping, automating surface irrigation systems, tracking nutrient movement to save money, the importance of an irrigation design and minimum tillage were also seen as viable options to improve water productivity in some areas.
Contact: Matthew Plunkett, Irrigation Australia Ltd - matthew.plunkett@lls.nsw.gov.au
The cause of a bacterial disease in a crop in Victoria was identified as Pseudomonas syringae. There is no doubt that a significant infection of bean pods will, in its own right, reduce the quality of bean pods, a problem experienced by a number of growers. In this instance, however, the bacterium was isolated only from leaves, not from pods. There is detailed quality information available on chilling injury and on bacterial diseases. The diagnosis of chilling injury was based mostly on anecdotal evidence.
Contact: Dr Brendan Rodoni, Agriculture Victoria Services Pty Ltd - brendan.rodoni@dpi.vic.gov.au
This project involved a review of pre-harvest effects on post-harvest quality of vegetables.
Contact: Dr Roberto Marques (NSW Department of Primary Industries) and Dr Gordon Rogers (Applied Horticultural Research) - gordon@ahr.com.au
The project provides a list of farm management software programs compiled for vegetable growers to identify the most appropriate tool they can buy to meet their farm-management needs - from crop management through to social media. A spreadsheet lists all the apps and farm management software available to growers.
Contact: Belinda Hazell, TQA Australia Inc - Belinda.hazell@tqaaustralia.com.au
This study investigated the freshness of broccoli at retail and found that freshness at retail is highly variable, and that the quality does not correlate well to display method or price. The project recommended further studies on the cost of the effectiveness of cooling practices, production of training materials targeted at retailers, further evaluation of supply chains, particularly in relation to icing versus non-icing systems, and to test the effectiveness of 1-MCP (SmartFresh) as an alternative to top icing. These activities are underway.
Contact: Jenny Ekman, Applied Horticultural Research - jenny.ekman@ahr.com.au
This project has carried out postharvest research on new vegetable crops for which there was no data available. It has produced the Postharvest Management of Vegetables handbook and a series of product orientated factsheets. The project has also conducted a series of workshops around the country.
Contact: Jenny Ekman, Applied Horticultural Research - jenny.ekman@ahr.com.au
The objective of this project is to monitor and demonstrate the use of controlled traffic farming in vegetable production within the constraints of existing farm operations, with a focus on the north-west coast of Tasmania.
The take home messages from the project are:
- Tracking stability on compacted wheel tracks and side slopes remains an issue to be addressed for the implementation of controlled traffic farming (CTF)
- Undulating topography creates challenges for tillage operations and drainage under CTF
- Harvest traffic can cause soil compaction, even for summer harvested crops like poppies
Contact: John McPhee, Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) - University of Tasmania - john.McPhee@utas.edu.au
The Australian vegetable industry aims to increase its vegetables' attractiveness and competitiveness as exports to Asian markets. To achieve this, research into the various types of innovation used within the vegetable industry was conducted to identify new, relevant and commercially viable solutions to assist Australian growers. Seven innovations that presented the best opportunities were developed and are ready to be distributed to growers and relevant stakeholders.
Contact: Ben Dunsheath, Euromonitor International Ltd - Ben.Dunsheath@euromonitor.com
The Soil Wealth project led jointly by AHR and Dr Doris Blaesing from RMCG have created a new national framework for the delivery of soil and crop protection information to Australian vegetable growers.
They have resulted in new resources and approaches to communicate information and skills to the vegetable industry, including:
- Best-practice demonstration sites with leading growers in 10 Australian regions
- Website and Facebook sites
- A soil-borne disease masterclass
- Field days, regional workshops and interest groups
- Videos, factsheets and social media deliver information and training to vegetable growers and agronomists
- A network of 1,500 growers, agronomists, resellers and chemical companies interested in soil-borne disease management
Contact: Gordon Rogers, Applied Horticultural Research - gordon@ahr.com.au
A range of low-cost protective cropping measures were evaluated to help reduce the impact of adverse weather events on vegetable crop yields and quality. A range of measures were evaluated, including: permanent shade structures, windbreaks, low-cost retractable roof structures and floating row covers.
Contact: Adam Goldwater, Applied Horticultural Research - adam.goldwater@ahr.com.au
The challenges faced by Australian growers are shared by others across the international community. The study, conducted by project leader Richard O'Brien, considered guest worker programs in countries with broadly similar market characteristics and employment needs to those in Australia. Specific examples were drawn from North America, Europe and Oceania. The study also considered guest worker schemes currently available within Australia and recommended some adjustment to those that apply to the horticulture sector.
Contact: Richard O'Brien - richardaobrien@gmail.com
The aim of this project was to reduce the cost of compliance for the construction of Greenhouse and Growing Structures (G/GS) and to provide guidelines for a consistent building approval approach across Australia. The investigations and documentation determine where cost-reduction measures can be implemented to economically assist the protective cropping industry and provide a defined approval process throughout Australia.
Contact: Marcel Olivetto, Osborn Lane Consulting Engineers - brisbane@osbornconsulting.com.au
This project is about micro-filtration of water as a low-cost means of disinfection of the nutrient solution and of water supplied for protected cropping.
Contact: Jeremy Badgery-Parker, Primary Principles - info@primaryprinciples.com.au
Currently, a major factor limiting aquaculture is the continued reliance on wild caught fish to produce fishmeal. Much research has focused on replacing fishmeal with animal and/or plant-based products, however with only partial success. This project examined the potential use of vegetable wastes to grow insect larvae, which can be used in animal or aquaculture feeds. Feeding trials with larvae showed that pumpkin, carrot, eggplant, capsicum and even processed vegetable sludge were all readily consumed.
Contact: Jenny Ekman, Applied Horticultural Research - jenny.ekman@ahr.com.au
The trials at Mulyan Farms have provided commercial scale validation that "softer" soil management practices can be integrated into large-scale vegetable production. The project has successfully demonstrated and communicated that combining cover cropping with controlled traffic and reduced tillage will allow for sustainable improvement to the soil condition, which can maintain or improve yields and reduce input costs.
Contact: Gordon Rogers, Applied Horticultural Research - gordon@ahr.com.au
The project evaluated rootstocks, varieties, ratooning and shading to increase the productivity of capsicums and chilli.
Contact: David Carey, The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries - david.carey@deedi.qld.gov.au
Total waste from these crops was estimated at 278,000 tonnes, representing 25% of production and costing growers $155 million annually. This figure includes crops that were grown to maturity and either not harvested or harvested and not marketed. The calculations take into account the value growers receive from alternative lower value uses for the crop such as processing using a stock food.
Topics covered include:
- Summary of waste categories and amounts of x crop
- Biogas feasibility
- Fish feed feasibility
- Promoting healthy eating - more vegetables
- Extraction of volatiles and flavour compounds
- Extraction of antioxidants
Contact: Gordon Rogers, Applied Horticultural Research - gordon@ahr.com.au
This project investigated the cause(s) of blindness in lettuce. It also evaluated the use of additives at planting to reduce the impact of transplant shock in seedlings.
Contact: Adam Goldwater, Applied Horticultural Research - adam.goldwater@ahr.com.au
This project reviewed the soil health program for the vegetable industry in Australia and includes recommendations for future research and extension required by growers in relation to managing the soils in a sustainable and profitable way. The project also directly surveyed 72 growers and collected their views on the major soil health issues, preferred communication styles and prioritised soil health issues for further study. The project also contains a list of relevant soil health publications and research outputs and an analysis of vegetable cropping areas and production timeslots by region.
Contact: Gordon Rogers, Applied Horticultural Research - gordon@ahr.com.au
This project outlines the use of controlled traffic cropping systems for vegetable production. The focus of the project is in Tasmania, especially on processing vegetables. It links to a larger DAFF-funded project showcasing controlled traffic and deep organic matter use in vegetable crops.
Contact: John McPhee, Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture - UTas - john.McPhee@utas.edu.au
This project reviewed issues facing peri-urban vegetable production and this will have relevance to groups operating in production areas close to large urban centres.
Contact: Charles Drew, Scholefield Robinson Horticultural Services - srhs@srhs.com.au
This project investigated the use of floating row covers in the production of baby leaf lettuce, with a focus on south-east Queensland for the fresh-cut sector. Projects VG12108 and VG13075 also looked at floating covers.
Contact: Robert Munton, Britton Produce - robmunton2@optusnet.com.au
This project is focused on energy-efficient in greenhouse production.
Contact: Joshua Jarvis, NSW Department of Primary Industries - joshua.jarvis@dpi.nsw.gov.au
This project is about an evaluation of sanitisers for washing vegetable crops with a focus on processing. Growers who produce leafy vegetables that are sold as pre-washed and ready-to-eat should consider using peroxyacetic acid-based sanitisers. However, these sanitisers are considerably more expensive and may contribute to a lower shelf-life of the product. The trials showed that electrified oxidised water to have superior efficacy to any of the other products tested and extended product shelf life.
Contact: Robert Premier, Global F.S. - robert.premier@consultant.com
This project has produced resource information in relation to capsicum greenhouse production. The resources include fact sheets on essential knowledge, preparing and planting, managing the crop and an economic benefit cost analysis. The following technical areas are also covered - nutrition, greenhouse design, pest and diseases, soil health management, irrigation and salinity.
Contact: Trevor Linke
A large number of soil properties and management practices were analysed against carrot and potato crop performance over a three-year period in Tasmania. Soil organic carbon, aggregate stability and soil type were found to have an influence on potato quality. On average, potatoes performed better when produced in Red Ferrosol soils compared with other soil types.

Soils other than Ferrosols produced higher quality potatoes with higher organic carbon and aggregate stability levels. Sampling of paddocks using PCR testing revealed a good correlation between disease expression on washed tubers and the levels of soil DNA for black dot and powdery scab. Relationships between carrot quality, sap nitrate and soil compaction were found in the first two seasons but not in year 3, probably due to extreme weather events in that year.
Contact: Kevin Clayton-Greene, Harvest Moon - kevin@harvestmoon.com.au
The project found that using a pressure control retro-fitted system to a travelling gun irrigator showed an energy saving of 17-21.8% and water savings of 5-10%. With the proven savings in water expenditure and energy consumption displayed in the project, it is reasonable to estimate that the cost of the modified irrigation system could be recovered in 2-3 years. Variable rate irrigation (VRI) using a network of soil sensors and a modified linear move irrigator also led to water savings.

Contact: Susan Lambert, University of Tasmania - Susan.Lambert@utas.edu.au
A best-practice manual for conversion to simple hydroponics from soil-based production systems was developed in project VG07144 and was released in August/September of 2012. Demonstration sites exhibiting conversion to hydroponic systems were set up to compare yields and productivity with soil-based systems and facilitate communication with other growers - in some cases, yields were three to four times higher in simple hydroponic systems. Water use efficiency was also significantly higher when compared with soil-based crops. Hydroponic systems are often favoured for their high levels of efficiency in their utilisation of inputs including water, fertilisers, labour, land and energy.
Contact: Barbara Hall, South Australian Research and Development Institute - barbara.hall@sa.gov.au
This project was aimed at evaluating new processing beetroot varieties with a view to increasing yield. Essentially, the project found new varieties were not significantly better than the current standard. Most of the varieties were globe-shaped but a cylinder-shaped variety trialled yielded as well as the industry standard and could be suitable for the industry except for the need to re-engineer the method of slicing.
Contact: Donald Irving, NSW Department of Primary Industries - donald.irving@dpi.nsw.gov.au
Part one of this project the project team will develop technical guidelines for G/GS’s for inclusion in the National Construction Code and Part 2 will developed and communicate relevant G/GS’s information for growers in an accessible and practical format. This follows a previous project Building Codes and Greenhouse Construction (VG13055) completed by Osborn Consulting Engineers in 2014 which was developed in response to the cost of local council compliance concerns raised by growers and developed a Code of Practice document.
Contact: Marcel Olivotto, Osborn Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd - marcel.o@osbornconsulting.com.au
This project will develop an irrigation app that will allow growers to enter a location, crop type and crop growth stage to get a quick and easy estimate of vegetable water use and soil water balance – information that can in turn be used to inform irrigation. The app will initially focus on brassicas, carrots, lettuce and leafy vegetables.
Contact: Ros Harvey, The Yield Technology Solutions Pty Ltd
This project aims to improve energy-efficient design and energy use in greenhouses, with a focus on the use of smart glass and semi-transparent photovoltaic glass (STPVG). The project will begin with a review of existing and in-development smart glass and STPVG technologies, prior to trials to assess their use and value under Australian conditions.
Contact: Swinburne University of Technology
This three-year project will identify practical and cost-effective ways vegetable growers can use earthworms and vermiculture products in their growing systems. Vegetable growers at sites across Australia will be involved in field research over the next three years, and the project managers would like to hear from interested growers.
Contact: Bill Grant, Blue Environment Pty Ltd - bill.grant@blueenvironment.com.au
Details to come.
Contact: Alistair Gracie, University of Tasmania - Alistair.Gracie@utas.edu.au

PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT

This project is being run by the University of New England weed research team. There was a webinar on weed management conducted in 2016.
Contact: Paul Kristiansen, University of New England - paul.kristiansen@une.edu.au
This project has four components. There is an IPM training component led by IPM Technologies, a coordination component led by AUSVEG SA, an evaluation component led by Clear Horizon Consulting and a parent project led by Horticulture Innovation Australia.
Contact: Paul Horne, IPM Technologies - paul@ipmtechnologies.com.au
This project is being run by the Northern Territory Department of Primary Industries and is researching control and management of cucumber green mottle mosaic virus.
Contact: Greg Owens (info only), Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries - idm@ntfarmers.com.au
This three-year project aims to provide Australian vegetable growers with the tools, information and skills they need to manage the risk of crop losses due to soil-borne disease in the major vegetable growing regions in Australia. There are five soil-borne disease groups that continue to be a major problem for Australian vegetable growers: Sclerotinia spp. (S. sclerotiorum and S. minor); Fusarium spp, (F. oxysporum and F. solani), water moulds (primarily Plythium spp.), nematodes and Rhizoctonia spp. The project, being run jointly between RMCG and AHR is delivering an efective soil-borne disease management service to Australian growers, utilising the successful extension and delivery framework already developed under the Soil Wealth and Integrated Crop Protection projects.
Contact: Gordon Rogers, Applied Horticultural Research - gordon@ahr.com.au
This project is being run by SARDI who developed the PreDicta B molecular soil tests for the detection and quantification of soil-borne disease organisms for cereals. The project will focus on the development of molecular diagnostic probes for the identification of soil-borne diseases for vegetables. The focus will be on developing new diagnostic techniques for club root in brassicas and cavity spot disease in carrots. In addition there will be calibration studies undertaken on a wider range of soil-borne disease organisms that affects vegetable crops, including Sclerotinia, Fusarium, Pythium, Rhizoctonia and nematodes. The project is coordinating with VG15010.
Contact: Michael Rettke, South Australian Research and Development Institute - Michael.Rettke@sa.gov.au
This project is a desktop review considering viruses of national importance in relevant leviable vegetable crops. It covers aspects of virus epidemiology such as host range, transmission rates and mechanisms, influencing factors (e.g. environmental factors), diagnostic capacity and potential management options. The review includes a prioritisation of future R&D in this area, considering potential for improvements in management practices of viruses of national importance and reduction of impacts of these viruses that would contribute to improvements in productivity and profitability of vegetable production in Australia.
Contact: Byron de Kock (HIA), The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries - byron.dekock@horticulture.com.au
For more information about this project contact the project leader.
Contact: Neena Mitter, The University of Queensland - n.mitter@uq.edu.au
This project is currently in the research phase. For more information about this project contact the project leader.
Contact: Denis Persley, The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries - denis.persley@daff.qld.gov.au
Previous investigations into root rots in parsley crops have largely focused on winter root rots caused by Pythium and Phytophthora and not summer root rots. The incidence of summer root rots is variable and growers do not know when they will lose a crop. Crop losses of up to 90% or greater can occur. Summer root rots generally occur after a period of increased irrigation applications or a significant rainfall event. Fusarium was identified as the only common root rot pathogen identified in all three plan and soil samples that underwent plant pathology assessment.
Contact: Stuart Grigg, Stuart Grigg Ag-Hort Consulting Pty Ltd - stuart@sgaghortconsulting.com.au
This project is investigating methods for controlling parsley summer root rot. The project is in its final year and results are expected in early 2017. Contact the project leader for more information.
Contact: Len Tesoriero, NSW Department of Primary Industries - len.tesoriero@dpi.nsw.gov.au
This project is a review of weed management for the vegetable industry. There is now a follow-on project that is being conducted by Paul Kristiansen, which covers both research and extension in relation to weed management for Australian vegetable growers.
Contact: Paul Kristiansen, University of New England - paul.kristiensen@une.edu.au
This project is focused on communicating information about pest, disease and weed management to vegetable growers and their advisers. It is being run in collaboration with the soil wealth project, jointly run by Applied Horticultural Research and RM Consulting Group. Topics covered include: weeds, pest management, disease management, soil-borne disease, pesticide application, integrated pest management. This is being achieved through a combination of training, webinars, factsheets, videos and field demonstration.
Contact: Anne-Maree Boland, RM Consulting Group - anne-mareeb@rmcg.com.au
Metham Sodium is a broad-spectrum fumigant used to control a variety of soil-borne pests and diseases including nematodes, fungi, insects and weeds. An integrated crop protection alternative was proposed as an alternative to metham sodium. The approach included biofumigation, proven amendments or "soil/plant health enhancers"; rotation or break crops such as seed crops/pasture breaks and biocides/biological control.
Contact: Doris Blaesing, RM Consulting Group - dorisb@rmcg.com.au
The two case studies were silverleaf whitefly (Bemisa tabaci) in Bundaberg and diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella). Both pests were modelled to explore how their climate suitability might change under climate change scenarios. We found that both pests could increase the number of lifecycles they can complete each year by approximately 50%. The report made three recommendations:
1. Determine if it feasible to make periodic assessments of pest densities (e.g. every 5 years) to monitor how pest abundance changes over time
2. Investigate the reasons for poor adoption of existing pest management recommendations
3. Improve grower understanding of the nature of climate changes and no regrets options for adapting management practices to changing conditions
Contact: Darren Kriticos, CSIRO Climate Adaptation Flagship - darren.kriticos@csiro.au
Green peach aphid is a widespread and damaging pest in a broad range of horticultural crops and for effective management growers should:
- Have resistance management strategies in place for this pest. High levels of resistance to synthetic pyrethoids, carbamates and organophosphates are widespread across Australia
- Due to the way aphids reproduce, resistant individuals can soon dominate a landscape with widespread use of the same insecticide
- Incorporating non-chemical control methods is critical to GPA management
Contact: Paul Umina, Cesar Pty Ltd - pumina@unimelb.edu.au
Insect contaminants in harvested leafy vegetables crops is a major source of rejection for Australian vegetable growers. This project, conducted in collaboration with One Harvest, assessed the effectiveness of ways to remove insect contaminants from leafy vegetables, especially baby leaf spinach and lettuce.
The most effective practices were:
- Remove from the crop prior to harvest by using a combination of blowers, chains in the crops and shaking tables
- Removing moths from crops using the Vortex insect trapping system prior to harvest
- Floating row covers as a physical barrier to exclude insects
- Low toxicity, short withholding period insecticides can also be beneficial
- Removing insects from leafy vegetables in the field is better than removing them on the processing line
- Dead insects (moths) were easier to remove in the processing line than live moths
Contact: Gordon Rogers, Applied Horticultural Research - gordon@ahr.com.au
This project has resulted in the publication of five pest and disease identification unit guides covering:
- Pests, Diseases and Disorders of Carrots, Celery and Parsley
- Pests, Diseases and Disorders of Sweet Corn
- Pests, Diseases and Disorders of Sweet Potato
- Pests, Diseases and Disorders of Brassicas
- Pests, Diseases and Disorders of Babyleaf Crops
The project has also developed a pest and disease identification app called VegPestID, which can be downloaded for Android or Apple phones and tablets from the Play Store or Apple store.
Contact: Gordon Rogers, Applied Horticultural Research - gordon@ahr.com.au
Key study of resource lists from all VG Plant Health Projects. In addition to the review, there is a detailed database of all previous crop protection projects, an economic evaluation tool spreadsheet and instruction guide, and a separate document, which outlines the smart phone apps that are available to assist in managing vegetable crop protection. The implementation of this strategy has been achieved through the integrated crop protection and soil wealth projects. Refer to the Soil Wealth/ICP website for more information.
Contact: Doris Blaesing, RM Consulting Group - dorisb@rmcg.com.au
This is a key study in relation to managing soil-borne disease in vegetable crops in Australia. This study reviews all previous work in relation to soil-borne disease management and research as of 2012, in Australia. This study informed the new soil borne disease project, which is currently involved in research and extension in vegetable soil borne disease in Australia.
Contact: Prue McMichael, Scholefield Robinson Horticultural Services Pty Ltd - srhs@srhs.com.au
The project reviewed current Australian and international best practice in relation to managing Anthracnose in head lettuce, with a focus on iceberg and cos lettuce. The project included an industry consultation workshop with input from Australian plant pathologists, the vegetable seed industry, processors and major vegetable growers in Australia.
Contact: Gordon Rogers, Applied Horticultural Research - gordon@ahr.com.au
This project reviewed control measures for viral diseases in capsicum and cucurbit crops in Australia. Diseases covered included cucumber mosiac virus, zucchini yellow mosaic virus in WA and tomato spotted wilt virus in greenhouse grown capsicum in Adelaide. Tolerant zucchini varieties were identified for Gatton, Queensland, producing up to 90% marketable fruit compared to susceptible varieties (20% marketable). Biological control of thrips is reducing tomato spotted wilt virus in Adelaide. Control should also include planting upwind from existing crops to reduce insect vector movement and destroying harvested, infected crops prior to planting new crops.
Contact: Denis Persley, The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries - denis.persley@daff.qld.gov.au
Contact the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for more information.
This project reviewed the current research and information available in relation to weed control on cucurbit crops. This issues for weed management are a sprawling plant habitat and the lack of registered herbicides available for broadleaf weed control. The study identified recent innovative approaches including soil solarisation, biofumigation, cover crops, bio herbicides and biodegradable mulch films. There are also several herbicides registered overseas for use in cucurbit crops that are not currently registered in Australia.
Contact: Brian Sindel, University of New England - bsindel@une.edu.au
The project has produced the factsheet “A guide to effective weed control in Australian brassicas”. There is also a final report and a VegeNote available for download for more information. Please note that your Eurofins Agrisearch have now changed their name and the email address for Les Mitchell may no longer be functional.
Contact: Les Mitchell, Eurofins Agrisearch - les.mitchell@agrisearch.com.au
This project investigated the use of fungicides and plant growth products in the management of Brassica stem canker. None of the products evaluated provided complete control of stem canker. The fungicides Impact-In-Furrow® (flutriafol) and Jockey (fluquinconazole) in combination with Amistar ® (axozystrobin) reduced stem canker in both greenhouse and field evaluations, and registration of these products for use on vegetable Brassica crops was recommended. The research showed the use of plant growth products and fungicides in low disease situations did not significantly reduce stem canker severity, but could improve plant growth.
Contact: Barbara Hall, South Australian Research and Development Institute - barbara.hall@sa.gov.au
The project report explains how to rear the biological control agent Orius armatus for the control of western flower thrips in the Australian vegetable industry. The report includes information on laboratory and greenhouse bioassays, how to breed and use the biological control agent, with a focus on greenhouse vegetable production.
Contact: Lachlan Chilman, Manchil IPM Services - lachlanchilman@hotmail.com
Diamondback moth (DBM) (Plutella xylostella L.) is the main pest of Brassica vegetable crops in Australia, and has international notoriety for rapidly acquiring insecticide tolerance, which then leads to field control failures. DBM resistance to older insecticide classes is widespread in Australia; hence the choices for DBM control are increasingly limited to several newer synthetic pesticides and Bacillus thuringiensis products. This project investigated mechanisms and options for managing resistance to diamondback moth control measures.
Contact: Greg Baker, South Australian Research and Development Institute -greg.baker@sa.gov.au
The research focused on how to get more out of the parasitoid, and better silverleaf whitefly (SLW) control by investigating: What management practices and decisions influence the abundance and distribution of the parasitoid; what features of the landscape influence the capacity of the parasitoid to achieve early colonisation of at-risk crops; and why the introduced E. hayati provides better control than the native E. mundus. Results were used to provide guidelines to growers that help to integrate control options for SLW. These guidelines were summarised in a user guide which identified a set of practical approaches that growers could adopt and integrate into their farming practice. The guide was prepared in consultation with growers so that the content and layout made sense to them.
Contact: Paul de Barro, CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences - Paul.Debarro@csiro.au
This research suggests that immune-suppression could be utilised as part of integrated pest and resistance management strategies, for Brassica caterpillar pests. In addition, as the immune-suppressive compounds are not inherently toxic per se, they would have less environmental impact and be seen as a greener option compared to traditional insecticides and/or could be used synergistically with traditional insecticides and other existing management options. We estimate that a further 1–2 years research would be needed to provide the level of understanding (of the compounds) required to investigate commercial development with relevant partners such as agrichemical companies.
Contact: Richard Glatz, South Australian Research and Development Institute - richard.glatz@sa.gov.au
Powdery mildew has been found on a carrot crops in three states of Australia. The first finding of the disease was in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA) of NSW in 2007. It has subsequently been found in Tasmania and South Australia in 2008. A factsheet outlining the cultural and chemical control is available. Permits are now (2016) available for: AMISTAR 250 SC FUNGICIDE (Permit 14816) and FOLICUR 430 SC FUNGICIDE and HORNET 500 SC 430SC (Permit 13091). More information on the status of permits and registration is available at www.apvma.gov.au.
Contact: Andrew Watson, NSW Department of Primary Industries - andrew.watson@dpi.nsw.gov.au
A detailed FAQ sheet outlines the biology of the disease, photographs of symptoms and current control practices.
Contact: Andrew Watson, NSW Department of Primary Industries - andrew.watson@dpi.nsw.gov.au
Identification of IPM strategies for Pythium induced root rots in Apiaceae vegetable crops. The project was aimed at determining the role of Pythium in causing root rot and canker, identifying predisposing factors to disease and disease control strategies. Chemical control options are briefly outlined in the fact sheet with more detail in the final report.
Contact: Elizabeth Minchinton, The Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources - liz.minchinton@dpi.vic.gov.au
Findings from this study contributed to the development of guidelines for improved resistance management which were published through VG07110 (Best practice production models in lettuce, brassica) and VG07109 (Development of effective pesticide strategies compatible with IPM management used on farm). A key recommendation is that growers should continue to follow resistance strategies to minimise further development of resistant populations. It is critical that availability of alternative fungicides from different classes be available for these strategies to be sustained.
Please note: We were unable to find the final reports for VG07110 or VG07109. We suggest you contact the project leader information about these follow-on projects.
Contact: Len Tesoriero, NSW Department of Primary Industries - len.tesoriero@dpi.nsw.gov.au
This project set out to establish the resistance status of several important fungal and bacterial pathogens from Australian vegetable crops. Findings from this study contributed to the development of guidelines for improved resistance management which were published through VG07110 (Best practice production models in lettuce, brassica) and VG07109 (Development of effective pesticide strategies compatible with IPM management used on farm). A detailed factsheet on Lettuce Integrated Pest Management along with the final report is available.
Contact: Sandra McDougall, NSW Department of Primary Industries - sandra.mcdougall@dpi.nsw.gov.au
This project focused on white blister on brassicas, powdery mildew on cucurbits and downy mildew and anthracnose on lettuce. The project determined the efficacy and economics which could be achieved with weekly fungicide sprays, disease predictive models, irrigation timing and growing a resistant variety, but the latter was the most superior IPM tool. It evaluated the benefits of nutrient management; developed a disease predictive model for powdery mildew of cucurbits and a detection kit for airborne spores of white blister.

The outcomes of this project, methodology conclusions and recommendations are outlined in a VegeNote entitled "Benchmarking predictive models, nutrients and irrigation for management of downy and powdery mildews and white blister". There is also a separate factsheet entitled "Benchmarking Models, Aerial Spore Sampling, Irrigation and Nutrients for downy mildew of lettuce and white blister on brassicas”.
Contact: Elizabeth Minchinton, The Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources - liz.minchinton@dpi.vic.gov.au
Thrips can attack green beans from the moment the seedlings emerge from the ground through to flowering, but it is the damage some do during flowering that has the greatest impact. This project investigated the management of thrips in green beans. The outcomes of the project are summarised in a fact sheet.
Contact: John Duff, The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries - john.duff@daff.qld.gov.au
Grower uptake of IPM in Western Australia was poor before this project commenced in 2007, with lettuce and capsicum growers spraying prophylactically for western flower thrips (WFT). Additional management tools were developed during the project, including the evaluation of a native WFT predator (Orius armatus) and a thrips predatory mite (Neoseiulus cucumeris) in greenhouse capsicum, and bioassays to determine which commonly used pesticides could be safely used with O. armatus. The potential of a non-chemical control method using thrips attractants was also evaluated. For more information download the final report.
Note: Refer to the related project VG08186 (Investigations for mass rearing of Orius armatus for controlling Western Flower Thrips in the Australian Vegetable Industry).
Contact: Sonya Broughton, Western Australian Agriculture Authority - sonya.broughton@agric.wa.gov.au

This National Vegetable Industry Leadership Program, develops skills of new and emerging leaders with a mix of theory, practical industry-based visits, and discussion panels with industry experts.
The program focuses on developing skills at three levels: personal, business, and industry. Therefore, all employees from all sectors of the industry, which includes growing, harvesting, processing, extension, exporters, importers, and marketing, are encouraged to participate.
Contact: Rural Training Initiatives - admin@ruraltraininginitiatives.com.au
Nuffield Australia Farming Scholarships is a unique program that awards primary producers with a life-changing scholarship to travel overseas and study an agricultural topic of choice.
Owners or managers of vegetable businesses should be encouraged to apply for the scholarship on April 1, 2017.
Contact: Nuffield Australia Farming Scholars
This project developed a suite of tools for growers to use to help them improve WHS practice on farm and in the packing shed. Approximately 1200 files of information have been provided on an easy-to-use carrot-shaped USB to 944 vegetable growers across Australia, called VegWHS.
Contact: Luke Rolley, RM Consulting Group - luker@rmcg.com.au

COMMUNICATIONS

EXPORT FOCUS

The objective of this study was to complete an analysis of the fresh carrot and sweet corn markets in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Malaysia; identify and profile relevant supply chain participants that would assist growers to develop export trade networks; and prepare an R&D investment plan. Opportunity to grow the export market for carrots and sweet corn was identified in the UAE and additional commercial opportunity was also identified for carrots in Malaysia. A Three Year Market Development Investment Plan for Carrots UAE and Malaysia was developed.
Contact: Michael Clarke, AgEconPlus Pty Ltd - Clarke@AgEconPlus.com.au
This feasibility study was carried out by Euromonitor International. Throughout the course of the research, a comprehensive inquiry has been conducted on local consumers' preferences via extensive consumer surveys and in-store interviews, followed by trade interviews and product placement studies. Trade networks and supply-chain participants between Australia's growers and offshore distributors in Malaysia and UAE were identified and profiled. Recommendations on the two markets by product are available in the report.
Contact: Umesh Madhavan, Euromonitor International Ltd - umesh.madhavan@euromonitor.com.sg
An export symposium was held in Cairns to deliver a forum specifically designed to explore the opportunities the Japanese market presents while increasing the understanding of what the consumer is seeking in this market. Presentations from the symposium are available in the final report.
Contact: AUSVEG
This project focused on exploring opportunities for Australian vegetables in China. Research was conducted among Chinese consumers, as well as local retailers, wholesalers, government and thought leaders. The target market for Australian vegetables in China is large and open to considering Australian produce. Modern channels such as hypermarkets and premium retail should be primary target channels.
Contact: Bill Morgan, Cognition Research
The aim of the symposium was to deliver a forum designed to increase the understanding of the Chinese market and consumer, increase understanding of how to tap into the Chinese market and successfully conduct business. Presentations from the symposium are available in the final report and are summarised in the factsheet.
Contact: AUSVEG
This project details a strategy to assist the Australian vegetable industry to open new domestic and export markets and make existing markets more viable. To deliver the strategy it was necessary to focus on three key issues: domestic and export impediments; relevant leviable products; and existing and potential markets. The final report includes case studies of export success, market analysis summaries, and an export viability checklist for growers.
Contact: Michael Clarke, AgEconPlus Pty Ltd - clarke@ageconplus.com.au
This project supports the benchmarking of the Freshcare Food Safety and Quality Standard (FSQ4) against the internationally recognized GlobalG.A.P. standard. Successful completion of this benchmarking, and recognition of the Freshcare Standard by GlobalG.A.P., will help streamline compliance processes for Australian growers accessing export markets. The process is expected to be completed by mid-2017.
Contact: Clare Hamilton-Bate, Freshcare Ltd - info@freshcare.com.au

FOOD SAFETY, HEALTH & NUTRITION

This project sought to quantify the extent of food safety certification in the Australian vegetable industry as a primary measure of food safety commitment. It discusses food safety hazards and opportunities for effective food safety management to maintain the industry’s good food-safety record. Data and recommendations from the project are available in the final report.
Contact: Doris Blaesing, RM Consulting Group - dorisb@rmcg.com.au
This project collated information on the phytonutrients (bioactives) in levied vegetables. This project has developed a useful resource of information on phytonutrients in vegetables and as a result amendments were made and resources added to www.veggycation.com.au as text and downloads. Amendments include new information on postharvest factors that impact on phytonutrient levels, status of health claims of phytonutrients and typical amounts of phytonutrients present.
Contact: Carolyn Lister, The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Ltd - Carolyn.Lister@plantandfood.co.nz
Many factors can affect the levels of bioactives including weather, variety and handling. The main aim of this project was to measure the impact of these factors on the levels of bioactives. It was found that while location, season and storage all affected the levels of vitamin C, vitamin A and folate in rocket and spinach, claims could be made on vitamin C, folate, and beta-carotene. Models were developed to determine the estimated levels of vitamin C and folate in blends of salad mixes.
Contact: Gordon Rogers, Applied Horticultural Research Pty Ltd - gordon@ahr.com.au
This project developed sweet corn varieties with high levels of zeaxanthin to help improve eye-health. Ten new 'SuperGold' varieties were produced. The high-zeaxanthin corn has increased levels of zeaxanthin by more than seven times, which means people can eat a practical amount of corn each day to manage aged-related macular degeneration.
Contact: Tim O'Hare, The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries - t.ohare@uq.edu.au
This project is run by Salah Sukkarieh from the University of Sydney field research robotic centre. The focus of the project is on the development of a sensor to detect salmonella on the surface of spinach and also, possibly, in processing factories.
Contact: Salah Sukkarieh, The University of Sydney - salah.sukkarieh@sydney.edu.au

ENVIRONMENT

This project reviewed Australian and international literature related to the role of field margins and landscapes surrounding crop fields in providing resources to beneficial organisms and reducing arthropod pest pressure in vegetable and other crops. This review was used to generate recommendations on how to manage off-production habitats at field margins and in surrounding landscapes for vegetable pest suppression, and what is needed for this to be implemented by farmers.
Contact: Vesna Gagic, CSIRO Sustainable Agriculture Flagship - vgagic@gwdg.de
Vegetable production can result in the creation of large amounts of unwanted materials or waste products. The aim of the project was to enable the Australian vegetable industry to consider alternatives to plastic use and recycling, contributing to continuous improvement in farm management practices, efficiency and sustainability. Recommendations were made for the future of plastic management on vegetable farms.
Contact: Anne-Maree Boland, RM Consulting Group - anne-mareeb@rmcg.com.au
An environmental assessment was undertaken to measure the performance of the vegetable industry with regard to good environmental practices and also the impact it is having on the environment around it. This performance report provides the first environmental assessment for the vegetable industry. The report highlights the important environmental issues that were identified by different stakeholder groups and important issues that they say are emerging.
Contact: Anne-Maree Boland, RM Consulting Group - anne-mareeb@rmcg.com.au
Infotech Research conducted 22 energy audits of vegetable growers around Australia. These audits best assisted medium-sized growers with farms and packing sheds in improving their business profitability through energy saving measures. The best returns on investment are achieved through prevention of energy losses (waste losses) followed by energy efficiency improvements.
Infotech Research produced a benchmarking report and options analysis to assist growers to evaluate their own energy consumption.
Contact: John Cumming, Infotech Research - john@infotechresearch.org
Research into on farm power generation has produced details of the options, and explored feasibility of adoption of such systems. Growers can use this to help them make informed decisions about the economic, technical and operational costs and benefits of the various technologies, the challenges of installation and operation, and the suitability of systems to individual ventures.
A summary factsheet, as well as factsheets on gas, solar and wind power were produced.
Contact: Gordon Rogers, Applied Horticultural Research - gordon@ahr.com.au
This study was commissioned to explore in more detail the feasibility of biogas on Australian vegetable farms. Extensive consultation with industry was undertaken, including a number of case studies.
Analysis highlighted the complexity of determining biogas feasibility for individual farms. The analysis also suggests that the biogas technology is likely to be feasible for a small segment of the industry (large farms which generation large waste volumes and have high energy needs). For this reason future activities should be focused specifically on this segment.
Contact: Anne-Maree Boland, RM Consulting Group - anne-mareeb@rmcg.com.au
This project was the first research study undertaken on survival of Salmonella enterica in soil contaminated with chicken manure conducted under Australian conditions. The research indicated that Salmonella enterica counts decline over time under natural field conditions after a contamination event. Solarisation (black plastic covering the soil) may have potential to promote faster die-off of Salmonella enterica, providing soil temperatures under the plastic have several hours at 37⁰C or above.
Contact: Robyn McConchie, University of Sydney - Faculty of Agriculture & Environment - robyn.mcconchie@sydney.edu.au
This review identifies the potential threats, as well as opportunities, that relate to the current Federal Government regulatory framework. Outcomes from the project have been summarised on the vegetableclimate.com website and in the factsheet.
Contact: Gordon Rogers, Applied Horticultural Research - gordon@ahr.com.au
This review was commissioned by the industry in 2013 to provide a comprehensive assessment of the threats and opportunities around climate variability and climate change, and to develop a plan for the future. The Australian vegetable industry is in a strong position to deal effectively with climate change and vegetable growers have a greater capacity to adapt to change more than most other rural industries. Project outputs and materials relevant to the vegetable industry is available on the vegetable climate website.
Contact: Gordon Rogers, Applied Horticultural Research - gordon@ahr.com.au
EnviroVeg provides growers with guidelines and information on how to manage their business in an environmentally responsible manner. It provides a visible way of demonstrating a responsible attitude towards the environment. It also assists growers by showing the community that they are responsible environmental managers.
Growers can volunteer for free independent assessment of their environmental practices. The EnviroVeg manual is available on the website.
Contact: Andrew Shaw, AUSVEG - andrew.shaw@ausveg.com.au
A two-year study was conducted to demonstrate reduced GHG emissions management techniques on vegetable farms in Australia. On-farm demonstration of activities leading to reduced GHG emissions were packaged into case studies and informational products to provide the industry with an understanding of the importance of carbon and GHG emissions in the vegetable supply chain. A vegetable carbon calculator and links to other resources is available on the website.
Contact: Peter Melville, Horticulture Australia Ltd
This project aimed to develop processes that enable vegetable farmers to address environmental concerns with respect to sensitive waterways, at a farm and community level. This has been achieved by identifying nutrient [nitrogen (N)] losses, validating nutrient application practices and developing tools to better manage nutrient application in vegetables and processes to engage with communities on issues associated with waterways. The activities were focussed in several vegetable growing regions that impact on sensitive waterways including Watsons Creek (Victoria), Lockyer Valley (Queensland) and Bowen (Queensland).
The project developed a good agricultural practice guide, vegetable nutrient removal calculator, fertiliser use efficiency factsheets.
Contact: Stephen Harper, The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries - stephen.harper@daff.qld.gov.au
This project developed farm economic and GHG models relevant to different enterprise types in the Tasmanian vegetable industry. The models allow variables to be altered to conduct sensitivity analyses, thereby identifying the factors that are most important in delivering the benefits of CTF. This helps identify areas of focus for the adoption of CTF, and for future research and development.
Modelling showed CTF could increase average gross margin across the rotation by 66%, while seasonal controlled traffic farming (SCTF) could lead to a 16% increase, compared to the conventional production system.
Contact: John McPhee, Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture - University of Tasmania - john.McPhee@utas.edu.au
Experiments were conducted throughout the Lockyer Valley, QLD. These included: 1. The impact of early predation on pest populations, and how pest suppression was affected by land use, e.g. crops, grassland, bushland; and the sources of natural enemies at multiple spatial scales, e.g. farm, neighbouring farms, and landscape. 2. The contribution of an on-farm refuge for beneficial insects in landscapes with few and many beneficial insect sources. 3. The potential of two commonly observed predators to eat pests. Recommendations included trials of on-farm beneficial-refuge options for vegetable production systems in different regions, developing a decision-support tool to assist growers with plant selection, and investigation how the condition of native remnant vegetation affects the pest load and habitat for beneficial insects.
Contact: Nancy Schellhorn, CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences - Nancy.Schellhorn@csiro.au

BIOSECURITY

Biosecurity is an important issue for the vegetable industry, both in terms of protecting Australian farms from pests and diseases we yet do not have, and maintaining our pest-free status for international trade. It is also important for minimising the spread of pests and diseases internally in Australia.
AUSVEG have a range of resources that are useful in managing biosecurity. Please follow the link to the biosecurity section of the AUSVEG website to access this content.
Contact: Jessica Lye, AUSVEG - jessica.lye@ausveg.com.au
This project evaluated methods of preventing stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans) development from vegetable crop residues. Recommendations were generated for industry and growers, which were incorporated into Vegetables WA’s (VWA) Good Practice Guide and reflected in the Stable Fly Management Plan (2013) within the Biosecurity and Agricultural Management (BAM) Act regulations to minimise stable flies.
Contact: Don Telfer, Western Australian Agriculture Authority - don.telfer@agric.wa.gov.au
This project will see an options paper developed for a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points based biosecurity system to manage plant pests in Australia that are of concern to industry, and government biosecurity agencies. Initially, the paper will concentrate on some key pests for the vegetable industry; however the ultimate intent is that such a system would have broader use for the horticulture sector, and perhaps all plant industries.
Contact: Grant Telford, Biosecurity Solutions Australia Pty Ltd

MARKETING / SUPPLY CHAIN

Colmar Brunton has been tracking consumer perceptions and behaviour in relation to vegetables through Project Harvest. Twenty-eight vegetables were analysed on a quarterly rotational basis – monthly tracker reports are available on the AUSVEG website. This work provides feedback and insights for vegetable growers who can use it to better understand their customer.
Contact: Denise Hamblin, Colmar Brunton - denise.hamblin@colmarbrunt.com
The aim of the project was to help equip Australian vegetable growers and producers with the tools required to innovate and develop new products to maximise the value of their crops. Resources include a how-to guide for developing new, added-value vegetable products; a guide to find Australian companies that could help the grower; and videos from the workshop held during this project.
Contact: Hazel MacTavish-West, MacTavish West Pty Ltd - hazel@mactavishwest.com
The project aim was to determine the size of the opportunity for vegetables in the Australian snack food market by quantifying the total snack food market and to identify opportunities for vegetables within it. Information could be summarised further for growers/processors, including new snack product opportunities and market size/buyer profile.
Contact: Martin Kneebone, Freshlogic Pty Ltd - info@freshlogic.com.au
AUSVEG undertakes activities including reverse trade missions, tradeshows, seminars and symposiums to develop export markets and increase market availability for Australian produce. Market development resources including export market snapshots are available on the AUSVEG website.
Contact: AUSVEG
The aim of the project was to supply growers and other key industry stakeholders with data and insights to support their already extensive knowledge; to enable them to have an informed discussion with their retail partners and with their end client – the consumer. The project provided the vegetable industry with a baseline demographic read of the vegetable industry, by which growers can measure performance of the 15 participating commodities. Monthly reports are available on the AUSVEG website. Also on the website are opportunity calculators, which identify retail opportunities for particular vegetables.
Contact: The Nielsen Company
In order to gain a better understanding of what attributes are required to place Australian produce at an advantage in export markets, a benchmarking study was carried out across key export markets into local consumer behaviours and preferences. Australian imports attained a strong, positive brand image, and the country should leverage on the quality of specific produce while improving on price and freshness. Details from the market analysis are available in the final report.
Contact: Ben Dunsheath, Euromonitor International Ltd - Ben.Dunsheath@euromonitor.com
This project provided information for the vegetable industry by identifying a range of QA tools that can assist vegetable growers, including packers, in deciding on the selection and purchase of tools to assist in managing their QA systems.
The final report contains summary tables of QA software and tools, with details of their potential uses and ease of use. It also provides a decision aid for use in the selection of QA software/tools.
QA is a time consuming process for growers and packers, so any software they can use to reduce time input is beneficial and can increase traceability.
Contact: Belinda Hazell, TQA Australia Inc. - belinda.hazell@tqaaustralia.com.au
Interim reports are available from this project which detail financial performance of vegetable farms by state and size for 2013–2014. Updated data for 2015–16 will be available at the end of the project and would be a useful benchmarking tool for growers.
Contact: Australian Bureau of Agricultural & Resource Economics & Sciences
This project undertook an in-depth market analysis to determine if potential existed for Australian broccoli exports to Japan. The research focused on the current market size and growth trends of the broccoli market (fresh and frozen); market access; market segments; competitors; supply chains; consumer research; and economic analysis. The project concluded that a combination of factors had placed Australia in a position to re-enter the Japanese fresh broccoli market. A desktop research booklet provides a useful summary of the market analysis undertaken.
Contact: Bronwyn Warfield, Trade and Investment Queensland - Bronwyn.Warfield@tiq.qld.gov.au
This project looked for potential to optimise portion sizes to drive increased purchase and consumption. The research focused on six vegetables including carrots, pumpkin, cabbage, cauliflower, celery and broccoli.
Overall, findings support four recommendations to industry, all of which can lead to increased purchases and consumption:
1. Retailers will benefit from offering more fairly basic portion options
2. Removing excess parts of the vegetable will enhance perceived value
3. Smaller versions of vegetables should be considered
4. Industry should provide greater inspiration about how to prepare and store vegetables.
Summary factsheets on each vegetable are available at the end of the final report.
Contact: Georgina Woodley, BDRC Australia - georginawoodley@bdrc.com.au
This project evaluated and summarised findings from three projects completed by different providers on the barriers and drivers of vegetable consumption and purchase. The final report provides a useful summary of barriers and drivers of vegetable consumption and purchase of capsicum, Asian leafy greens, pumpkin, beans, cauliflower and broccoli. The summary can be found as part of the executive summary.
Contact: Paul Costantoura, Review Partners - paulc@reviewpartners.com.au
This project provides a statistical overview of the Australian vegetable industry, value of vegetable trade, value of the vegetable industry by region, modelling the economic value of the vegetable industry, and summaries by vegetable (presented in factsheet style).
Contact: Paul Costantoura, Review Partners - paulc@reviewpartners.com.au
This project had two objectives. The first was to examine the attitude of consumers to insect contamination in vegetables. The second was to determine whether there is likely to be a specific, value added market for vegetables grown using integrated pest management under a sustainability or “ecolabel”. The project involved a bench-top study of these issues and literature review, focus groups with consumers, a national survey and finally the production of a series of short, consumer focused videos which explain the use of beneficial insects in growing vegetable crops.
Contact: Jenny Ekman, Applied Horticultural Research - jenny.ekman@ahr.com.au
This market research project tracks consumer attitudes and trends, as well as conducting customer market research on areas of interest to the industry. Colmar Brunton is the project service provider and copies of the monthly reports produced over a three-year period from June 2013-June 2016 are available on the links provided on the AUSVEG website.
Contact: Colmar Brunton
This project provides important insights into consumer behaviour when purchasing green leaf salads. The final report contains plenty of results – some of which will still be relevant for grower-marketers.
Contact: Treena Welch, Harvest FreshCuts Pty Ltd - treena.welch@oneharvest.com.au
A simple computer program was developed to assist vegetable growers with making decisions about what to grow, based on an analysis of potential income and likely operating costs. A link to the tool is available on the AUSVEG website. Factsheets are also available that explain how to use the tool. Check with Gerard Kelly if the tool has been updated since it was produced.
Contact: Gerard Kelly, NSW Department of Primary Industries - gerard.kelly@dpi.nsw.gov.au
The Guidelines for Environmental Assurance in Australian Horticulture provide a mechanism for all horticultural producers to assess their level of environmental credentials and to develop a pathway for continuing to improve their on-farm environmental performance. The guidelines contain useful grower resources and links to other resources that could be used directly or modified for future extension material.
Contact: HAL
This project will build on the findings of VG14024, and will look at distribution channels, smaller vegetable product forms and overcoming issues and challenges related to using locally produced vegetables in processed snack form.
Contact: Martin Kneebone, Freshlogic Pty Ltd - info@freshlogic.com.au
This report will examine the impacts of increasing vegetable exports on the domestic vegetable market, so that the industry can prepare and plan for the forthcoming changes.

The project will involve desktop research, industry consultations and economic modelling, supplemented by detailed case study research into individual segments of the Australian vegetable market.
Expected outcomes will be industry being armed with information so as to prepare for forthcoming changes in vegetable exports, especially being informed to make business decisions that will improve profitability and productivity under different export scenarios.
Contact: Deloitte Access Economics Pty Ltd
This project will complete three further economic surveys of Australian vegetable growers, in the financial years 2016-17 to 2018-19. The proposed three surveys will be an extension of the nine surveys already conducted by ABARES for Horticulture Innovation Australia (Hort Innovation) and its predecessor Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL).
The surveys are designed to collect comprehensive production and financial performance data, production intentions and issues of particular interest to industry stakeholders.
The surveys will be conducted in March to June of each financial year and results will be presented to Hort. Innovation in September.
Contact: Australian Bureau of Agricultural & Resource Economics & Sciences
This project is looking into the triggers and barriers to consumption of Asian and Indigenous vegetables.
Contact: Colmar Brunton

Research & development projects

PRODUCTION / POSTHARVEST

VISION SYSTEMS, SENSING AND SENSOR NETWORKS TO MANAGE RISKS AND INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY IN VEGETABLE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS (VG15024)

USING AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS TO GUIDE VEGETABLE DECISION MAKING ON-FARM (VG15003)

EVALUATION OF AUTOMATION AND ROBOTICS INNOVATIONS: DEVELOPING NEXT GENERATION VEGETABLE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS (VG13113)

REVIEW OF CURRENT IRRIGATION TECHNOLOGIES (VG14048)

SCOPING STUDY OF A DISORDER THAT REDUCES SHELF-LIFE AND CONSUMPTION OF GREEN BEANS (VG14040)

PRE-HARVEST PRACTICES THAT WILL INCREASE THE SHELF-LIFE AND FRESHNESS OF VEGETABLES (VG14025)

EVALUATION OF COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE FARM MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE PROGRAMS FOR THE VEGETABLE INDUSTRY (VG13106)

IDENTIFY PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS FOR PRESERVING PEAK FRESHNESS OF BROCCOLI (VG13086)

IDENTIFYING AND SHARING POSTHARVEST BEST PRACTICE ON-FARM AND ONLINE (VG13083)

PRIORITISATION OF VEGETABLE CROP COMMODITIES AND ACTIVITIES FOR MECHANISATION (VG13081)

GLOBAL SCAN FOR VEGETABLE INNOVATION - FRESH AND MINIMALLY PROCESSED (VG13080)

SOIL WEALTH - SOIL CONDITION MANAGEMENT - EXTENSION AND CAPACITY BUILDING (VG13076)

AN INVESTIGATION OF LOW-COST PROTECTIVE CROPPING (VG13075)

GUEST WORKER SCHEME DESKTOP STUDY (VG13063)

BUILDING CODES AND GREENHOUSE CONSTRUCTION (VG13055)

CONFIRMATION OF ULTRA FILTRATION AS A VIABLE LOW-COST WATER DISINFECTION AND NUTRIENT SOLUTION RECYCLING OPTIONS (VG13052)

PRODUCTION OF FISH FOOD FOR AQUACULTURE FROM VEGETABLE WASTE FEASIBILITY STUDY (VG13050)

INTEGRATING SUSTAINABLE SOIL HEALTH PRACTICES INTO A COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE FARMING OPERATION (VG12115)

INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY AND EXTENDING SEASONALITY IN SOIL-GROWN VEGETABLES USING CAPSICUM AS A CANDIDATE (VG12103)

IDENTIFYING NEW PRODUCTS, USES AND MARKETS FOR AUSTRALIAN VEGETABLES: A DESKTOP STUDY (VG12046)

CONTROLLING MULTIPLE HEADING AND TRANSPLANT SHOCK IN LETTUCE (VG12017)

BENCHMARKING UPTAKE OF SOIL HEALTH PRACTICES (VG11034)

ON-FARM DEMONSTRATION OF CONTROLLED TRAFFIC FARMING FOR VEGETABLES (VG10080)

ISSUES FACING VEGETABLE PRODUCTION IN PERI-URBAN AREAS - REVIEW AND SCOPING STUDY (VG10059)

THE PRODUCTION OF BABY-LEAF LETTUCE UNDER FLOATING CROP COVERS (VG09188)

INCREASING ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND ASSESSING AN ALTERNATIVE ENERGY OPTION FOR AUSTRALIAN PROTECTED CROPPING (VG09124)

EVALUATION OF VEGETABLE WASHING CHEMICALS (VG09086)

MANAGING A GREENHOUSE CAPSICUM CROP - INTERACTIVE DVD DEMONSTRATION AND RESOURCE PACKAGE (VG09070)

DEVELOPING A SUSTAINABLE SOIL MANAGEMENT MODEL TO INCREASE FARMGATE RETURNS IN TASMANIA (VG08106)

DESIGN AND DEMONSTRATION OF PRECISION AGRICULTURE IRRIGATION APPLIED TO DIFFERENT VEGETABLE CROPS (VG08029)

IMPROVING GREENHOUSE SYSTEMS AND PRODUCTION PRACTICES (GREENHOUSE PRODUCTION PRACTICES COMPONENT (PARENT - VG07096) (VG07144)

BEETROOT STAND MANAGEMENT (VG06117)

DEVELOPING TECHNICAL GUIDELINES AND A BEST PRACTICE EXTENSION TOOLBOX FOR GREENHOUSE CONSTRUCTION AND SAFE OPERATION (VG16004)

DATA ANALYTICS AND APP TECHNOLOGY TO GUIDE ON-FARM IRRIGATION (VG15054)

INVESTIGATING NOVEL GLASS TECHNOLOGIES AND PHOTOVOLTAICS IN PROTECTED CROPPING (VG15038)

OPTIMISING THE BENEFITS OF VERMICULTURE IN COMMERCIAL-SCALE VEGETABLE FARMS (VG15037)

PRECISION SEEDING BENEFITS FOR PROCESSING PEA PRODUCTION (VG15039)

PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT

A STRATEGIC APPROACH TO WEED MANAGEMENT FOR THE AUSTRALIAN VEGETABLE INDUSTRY (VG15070)

FACILITATING ADOPTION OF IPM THROUGH A PARTICIPATORY APPROACH WITH LOCAL ADVISORS AND INDUSTRY (VG15033-VG15036)

IMPROVED MANAGEMENT OPTIONS FOR CUCUMBER GREEN MOTTLE MOSAIC VIRUS (VG15013)

A MULTI-FACETED APPROACH TO SOIL-BORNE DISEASE MANAGEMENT (VG15010)

IMPROVED SOIL-BORNE DISEASE DIAGNOSTIC CAPACITY FOR THE AUSTRALIAN VEGETABLE INDUSTRY (VG15009)

VIRUSES OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE TO THE VEGETABLE INDUSTRY (VG15008)

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS TO MANAGEMENT OF TOSPOVIRUSES OF VEGETABLE CROPS (VG14063)

MANAGEMENT AND DETECTION OF BACTERIAL LEAF SPOT IN CAPSICUM AND CHILLI CROPS (VG14010)

SUMMER ROOT ROT IN PARSLEY SCOPING STUDY (VG12102)

EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF PARSLEY SUMMER ROOT ROT (VG13101)

WEED MANAGEMENT FOR THE VEGETABLE INDUSTRY - SCOPING STUDY (VG13079)

INTEGRATED CROP PROTECTION: EXTENSION OF INTEGRATED CROP PROTECTION INFORMATION (VG13078)

IDENTIFICATION OF POTENTIAL ALTERNATIVES TO METHAM SODIUM (VG13045)

ADAPTIVE PEST MANAGEMENT FOR HORTICULTURE UNDER CLIMATE CHANGE - PILOT PEST SCOPING (VG13029)

MANAGEMENT OF INSECTICIDE RESISTANCE IN THE GREEN PEACH APHID (VG12109)

IMPROVING THE MANAGEMENT OF INSECT CONTAMINANTS IN PROCESSED LEAFY VEGETABLES (VG12108)

UPDATING AND REPUBLISHING VEGETABLE INDUSTRY RESOURCES (VG12087)

PLANT HEALTH DESKTOP STUDY (VG12048)

REVIEW OF SOIL-BORNE DISEASE MANAGEMENT IN AUSTRALIAN VEGETABLE PRODUCTION (VG11035)

DEVELOPING A STRATEGY TO CONTROL ANTHRACNOSE IN LETTUCE (VG10123)

MANAGEMENT OF VIRUS DISEASES IN VEGETABLES (VG10104)

BREEDING CAPSICUM FOR TOSPOVIRUS RESISTANCE (VG10081)

SCOPING STUDY FOR SUSTAINABLE BROADLEAF WEED CONTROL IN CUCURBIT CROPS (VG10048)

INTEGRATED WEED MANAGEMENT IN VEGETABLE BRASSICAS (VG09137)

BRASSICA STEM CANKER: PHASE 2 (VG09129)

INVESTIGATIONS FOR MASS REARING OF ORIUS ARMATUS FOR CONTROLLING WESTERN FLOWER THRIPS IN THE AUSTRALIAN VEGETABLE INDUSTRY (VG08186)

MECHANISMS AND MANAGEMENT OF INSECTICIDE RESISTANCE IN AUSTRALIAN DIAMONDBACK MOTH (VG08062)

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF ERETMOCERUS HAYATI, AN EFFECTIVE NATURAL ENEMY OF THE SILVERLEAF WHITEFLY (VG08051)

IDENTIFICATION OF IMMUNE-SUPPRESSORS OF DIAMOND-BACK MOTH (VG08048)

INVESTIGATIONS AND DEVELOPING INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR CARROT POWDERY MILDEW (VG08044)

DEVELOPMENT OF METHODS TO MONITOR AND CONTROL APHANOMYCES ROOT ROT AND BLACK ROOT ROT OF BEANS (VG08043)

IDENTIFICATION OF IPM STRATEGIES FOR PYTHIUM INDUCED ROOT ROTS IN APIACAE VEGETABLE CROPS (VG08026)

IDENTIFICATION AND MONITORING OF RESISTANCE IN VEGETABLE CROPS IN AUSTRALIA (VG07119)

THE DELIVERY OF IPM FOR THE LETTUCE INDUSTRY - AN EXTENSION TO VG05044 (VG07076)

BENCHMARKING PREDICTIVE MODELS, NUTRIENTS AND IRRIGATION FOR MANAGEMENT OF DOWNY AND POWDERY MILDEWS AND WHITE BLISTER (VG07070)

THRIPS MANAGEMENT IN THE GREEN BEANS INDUSTRY (VG07017)

INCREASING ADOPTION OF IPM BY WA VEGETABLE GROWERS AND DEVELOPMENT OF AN ONGOING TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICE (VG06037)

GROWING LEADERS 2015 (VG15030)

NUFFIELD SCHOLARSHIPS (VG14065)

DEVELOP VEGETABLE INDUSTRY OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY RESOURCES (VG13053)

Acknowledgement
of country