Digital Commons Network^™

Geology, Soils And Climate Of Western Australia's Wine Regions, Peter J. Tille, Angela Stuart-Street, Peter S. Gardiner

Bulletins 4000 -

This bulletin details what is special and unique about the geology, soil and climate of the south-west of Western Australia (WA), an area that encompasses the state’s 9 wine regions.

We have arranged the information into 2 parts:

• In Part 1, we broadly describe the special geological, soil and climate features of the south-west of WA to provide context for the wine regions.

• In Part 2, we describe the geology, soil and climate of the regions and subregions of the Geographical Indications (GI) scheme (administered by Wine Australia) for WA.

Through this work we have found that the wine regions …

Environmental Weed Risk Assessment Protocol For Growing Non-Indigenous Plants In The Western Australian Rangelands, Geoff A. Moore Mr, Christine Munday Ms, Papori Barua Dr

Bulletins 4000 -

This bulletin is a post-border environmental weed risk assessment (WRA) protocol which is based on the Environmental WRA Protocol developed for the Future Farm Industries Co-operative Research Centre (FFI CRC), but with some changes to reflect the different environment and objectives.

The WRA protocol was developed specifically as a post-border assessment of non-indigenous species that may have agricultural value in the WA rangelands and the risk that they may become environmental weeds. Weeds can occur in many land-use systems including agriculture, horticulture and forestry; however, the focus of this protocol is on the risk that non-indigenous agricultural plants may become …

Snapshot And Trends In The Production And Overseas Trade Of Vegetables From Western Australia, Manju Radhakrishnan, Rohan Prince

Bulletins 4000 -

This publication provides a snapshot and trends in the production and overseas trade of vegetables from Western Australia.

WA’s total vegetable crop reached 328 857 tonnes in 2015–16, worth an estimated $490 million. This was a 33% increase in wholesale value from levels of 2011–12.

Quantity increased by 24% during the same period. Production and export of vegetables have experienced strong growth in Western Australia in recent years, predominantly driven by continued expansion of the local carrot sector. There have also been solid gains in the quantity of beans, broccoli, celery and mushrooms produced, underpinning a positive outlook for the …

Snapshot And Trends In The Production And Overseas Trade Of Fruits From Western Australia, Manju Radhakrishnan, Rohan Prince

Bulletins 4000 -

Western Australia produced 129 046 tonnes of fruit in 2015–16, worth $477 million. This was a 62% increase in the value of the industry in a five-year period, driven by strong growth in sales to eastern states and overseas markets. Production expansion in the fruit industry is being led by continued growth of the avocado sector, which was worth an estimated $193m in 2015–16 and now accounts for just over 40% of WA’s total fruit production value. Increased production, WA consumption and demand from the eastern states have led to a 780% increase in the value of avocado sales from …

Market Opportunities For Wa Fruits, Manju Radhakrishnan

Bulletins 4000 -

The purpose of this analysis was to identify potential high-value markets for selected WA fruits. The limited size of the domestic market, coupled with slowing population growth, makes a robust increase in export necessary to achieve the aspirational goal of ‘doubling the value of agriculture’ by 2025 (Radhakrishnan 2017). Building opportunities for WA produce through identifying export markets with the best potential return, underpinned by demand, is of prime importance. This report analyses the market opportunities for seven fruits — apples, avocados, grapes, melons, oranges, plums and strawberries. These fruits were selected in response to an earlier analysis by Radhakrishnan, …

Wa Horticulture Export Markets, Manju Radhakrishnan

Bulletins 4000 -

No abstract provided.

Markets For Western Australian Seed Potatoes, Manju Radhakrishnan, Peter Dawson

Bulletins 4000 -

Western Australia has a major share (70%) in seed potato exports from Australia. However, exports from WA have declined by 56% from 3703 tonnes in 2010 to 1302 tonnes in 2015. In addition, Australia experienced a fall in the consumption of potatoes during recent years reducing local demand for seed potatoes26. Identification of potential new overseas markets is required if WA export seed production is to increase.

Renewable Chemicals And Bioproducts: A Potential For Agricultural Diversification And Economic Development, Henry Brockman

Bulletins 4000 -

Renewable chemicals are a new category of novel products: building blocks and ingredients for the production of chemicals produced from renewable feedstock and sustainable advanced manufacturing processes, leaving a smaller environmental footprint than traditional petrochemicals. Biologically based products are mainly non-food products derived from biomass.

Renewable chemicals represent a market opportunity predicted to grow from US$2.8 billion in 2011 to US$98.5 billion by 2020, driven by consumers demanding safer and more environmentally friendly products and the creation of a market advantage by using novel products in the manufacturing process. Renewable chemicals are a sustainable diversification option for rangeland irrigation precincts, …

Comparative Assessment Of Crops To Use Potential Additional Water Resources In The Warren–Donnelly Catchments, James Dee, Ananda Ghose

Bulletins 4000 -

Through the Royalties for Regions funded Southern Forests Water Futures Project, the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia undertook a study to understand the economic benefits of developing new water resources in the Warren–Donnelly catchments in the south-west of Western Australia.

The Warren–Donnelly catchments have long been associated with intensive horticultural activities. The major perennial crops are pome fruit (apples and pears), avocados, stone fruit and wine grapes. The major annual crops are ware potatoes, seed potatoes, processing potatoes and brassica crops for the Perth Market over summer. There are emerging new industries including truffles, summer strawberry production, processing …

Market Opportunities For Western Australian Mandarins And Oranges, Manju Radhakrishnan

Bulletins 4000 -

Citrus growing in Western Australian (WA) is concentrated north and south of Perth and in the north around Kununurra and Carnarvon. WA currently produces about 18 000 tonnes (t) of citrus each year. Most production is sold on the local Perth market, with negligible exports. State production is expected to grow from 18 000t in 2014 to 35 000t by 2015 as large plantings come into full production (DAFWA). If local consumption and processing grow only modestly, the WA industry seeks to replace current supply of mandarins and oranges from interstate with WA product as well as identify export opportunities …

Audit Of Wa Agricultural Lime Quality 2013, Chris Gazey

Bulletins 4000 -

Applying agricultural lime is the most economical way of ameliorating low soil pH in broadscale agriculture in Western Australia (WA). In WA, agricultural lime is usually limesand from coastal sand dunes, crushed limestone from coastal deposits or crushed dolomitic lime (usually marketed as dolomite) from old lake and inland drainage systems. Other sources are Cretaceous chalk and lake bed marls.

WA agriculture is well serviced by lime suppliers, although the quality of lime varies markedly around the State, and cost does not always reflect quality as measured by neutralising value and fineness. Neutralising value and particle size distribution (fineness) are …

Effect Of Smoke In Grape And Wine Production, Kristen Brodison

Bulletins 4000 -

Smoke exposure of grapevines and the development of smoke-related characteristics in the resulting wines is an increasing issue for the wine industry. As Australia faces a warming climate with more bushfires, smoke exposure in vineyards is becoming more regular.

Wines made from grapes exposed to smoke during sensitive growth stages can exhibit aromas and flavours resembling smoked meat, disinfectant, leather, salami and ashtrays. Where unfavourable smoke characteristics are detected by consumers at high concentrations the wine may be unpalatable. Unsalable wines result in financial losses for producers with costs flowing on to wine brands, market presence and future sales.

Few …

Selections Of The Houghton Clones Of Cabernet Sauvignon, Glynn Ward, Ian Cameron, Richard Fennessy

Bulletins 4000 -

Cabernet Sauvignon is the premium red wine grape variety grown in Western Australia. The high quality wines produced have won prestigious awards and accolades nationally and internationally. The first clonal selection of Cabernet Sauvignon in Western Australia was conducted by the Department of Agriculture at the Houghton Vineyard in the Swan Valley from 1968 to 1970. The objective was yield improvement, vine health and fruit flavour. Twenty-one high performing vines were identified from vines planted in Houghton Vineyard in the 1950s as cuttings sourced from vines planted in the 1930s. These high performing vines became known as the ‘Houghton clones’. …

Evaluation Of Alternative Wine Grape Varieties In Manjimup, Western Australia, Kristen Kennison, Richard Fennessy

Bulletins 4000 -

Since 1998 the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA) in conjunction with the Western Australian Vine Improvement Association (WAVIA) have imported over 60 new varieties and clones of wine grape material into Western Australia. These new varieties and clones were identified by the wine industry as having both domestic and international wine market potential to enhance the production and development of premium WA wine.

The grapevine material is currently located in the Foundation Collection at the Manjimup Horticultural Research Institute (MHRI). In 2003 a trial of 18 of these varieties was established in order to gain an understanding …

Subsurface Compaction A Guide For Wa Farmers And Consultants, Stephen Davies, Alison Lacey

Bulletins 4000 -

For plants to grow in agricultural soils, roots and emerging shoots must be able to force their way through the soil. In soils of high strength, this growth is physically restricted. High strength soils may be due to natural soil characteristics and conditions or develop as a result of agricultural practices and may be in layers or throughout the soil profile.

In agriculture, high strength soils commonly occur as a result of compaction. Compaction of agricultural soils can be in the surface (often caused by stock trampling or rain drop splatter) or in the subsurface (usually in a layer at …

Adoption Of Sustainable Farm Management To Improve Tailwater Quality - A Plan For The Ord River Irrigation Area, Tara Slaven, Rebecca Heath, Jamie Bowyer

Bulletins 4000 -

The overall purpose of this plan is to provide a clear pathway to improve adoption of sustainable farming practices. The focus of the plan is to develop and encourage adoption of practices that minimise sediment, nutrient and chemical export from agricultural land within the Ord River Irrigation Area (ORIA) (Figure 1). The plan aims to build on the significant work done by growers, government agencies and community groups over the years to manage the off-site impacts of irrigated agriculture.

A broad consultative approach was used to develop the plan. Workshops, meetings and oneon- one discussions were held with the local …

Carbon Capture Project, Final Report. An Evaluation Of The Opportunity And Risks Of Carbon Offset Based Enterprises In The Kimberley-Pilbara Region Of Western Australia, Mark Alchin, Elizabeth Tierney, Chris Chilcott

Bulletins 4000 -

Commercialisation of carbon in the Australian Rangelands could lead to the development of a multi-billion dollar industry, and Western Australia has the potential to capture a significant share of this revenue. A significant proportion of the WA Rangelands is degraded which is the legacy of the exploitative practices of historical pastoral development and the mining industry. Full environmental restoration of these areas is well beyond the fiscal capacity of land managers and the WA State Government. Carbon based enterprises have the potential to restore large tracts of degraded land in a cost-effective manner and can deliver a number of other …

Production Of Premium Waxflowers, Kevin Seaton, Nikki Poulish

Bulletins 4000 -

The cut flower trade is a highly competitive global market. Waxflowers are grown around the world—often in countries with lower cost structures or closer proximity to our main markets. Western Australian producers can only compete if their product stands out from the crowd in terms of quality, presentation and uniqueness, however, it still has to represent good value for money.

Exporting Vegetables In Bulk : Reducing Supply Chain Costs Without Compromising Quality, Helen Ramsey, Dennis Phillips

Bulletins 4000 -

Increased competition, a strong Australian dollar and increased production costs have seen Australian grown vegetables steadily lose their share in traditional export markets.

As competition increases, we need to investigate production and handling techniques that improve our price and quality competitiveness.

Improving the effi ciency of the supply chain to export markets is one way Australian growers can reduce production and shipping costs and improve product quality.

Vegetable Growing : A Guide For Home Gardeners In Western Australia, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

Bulletins 4000 -

DAFWAs popular publication about vegetable growing for home gardeners.

Diagnosing Crop And Pasture Problems With Detective Doug, Doug Sawkins

Bulletins 4000 -

There are numerous publications for diagnosing crop and pasture growth problems. Although they are excellent for experienced people, they can be time consuming and possibly misleading for the less experienced.

Many guidebooks assume that the user has already decided that their problem falls into the category covered by their particular guidebook, for example, a disease, pest or herbicide problem.

Guidebooks are often based on plant symptoms. However, in the field, symptoms vary and different problems can have similar symptoms.

This bulletin presents a problem diagnosis method that uses plant symptoms and paddock clues. It can be used to draw up …

Compost Production And Use In Horticulture, Bob Paulin, Peter O'Malley

Bulletins 4000 -

Maintaining and improving soil organic carbon levels is becoming an increasingly important aspect of modern farming. Compost provides potentially one of the most effective ways of applying organic matter to soils and improving organic carbon levels.

Improving soil organic carbon is directly related to soil quality and performance. Increased quality reflects improved biological function (soil health), fertility and physical attributes that include better drainage, reduced compaction and erosion, and improved moisture-holding capability, at least for lighter soils.

Compost is not the only option available. Others include the use of cover or break crops, reducing the use of cultivations, selecting safe …

Greenhouse Roses For Cutflower Production, Aileen Reid

Bulletins 4000 -

Roses can be one of the more profitable flower crops to grow, but also one of the most difficult. Intensive, on-going management is necessary to obtain quality flowers.

The number of rose growers in Western Australia has declined. Many older growers have retired and are not being replaced by newer growers. Increasing competition from imports means that operations need to be highly efficient and it is increasingly difficult for small enterprises to survive. The high capital cost of installing and operating heating for winter production, in combination with cheaper imports from areas with warm winter climates and low labour costs …

Growing Olives In Western Australia, Richard Taylor, John Burt

Bulletins 4000 -

There are about 9 million hectares of olives in the world, with the largest areas in Spain, Italy, Greece and Tunisia. Olives are grown between the latitudes of 30° and 45° from the equator. In Australia, the main producing areas are between latitudes 31° and 38°S. Production in Western Australia ranges from Chapman Valley, Northampton (29.5°S), to Albany (34.5°S). Olive production has increased markedly in Australia in the past ten years with a large increase in managed investment scheme olive groves. The Moore River region of the Shire of Gingin accounts for over 70 per cent of olive trees and …

Organic Apples A Production Guide, Steven Mccoy

Bulletins 4000 -

The belief among some conventional apple growers that it is not possible to reliably produce profitable yields of good quality apples under an organic system in Western Australia is being reconsidered. There are now very good examples of successful commercial organic apple orchards in many parts of the world, including WA. The organic production systems developed by these dedicated growers are showing that yields and quality are comparable to conventional systems.

Organic Mangoes A Production Guide, Steven Mccoy

Bulletins 4000 -

Mangoes have been identified as a prospective crop for conversion to organic production, particularly at Kununurra in the Ord River Irrigation Area.

Mangoes can also perform well under organic systems in other regions of WA, however variations in pest and disease pressures may require additional attention to these problems.

Downy Mildew In Vineyards, Diana Fisher, Andrew Taylor, Colin Gordon, Peter Magarey

Bulletins 4000 -

Downy mildew, caused by Plasmopara viticola, is a major fungal disease of grapevines that originates from North America. This disease was first detected in a commercial Western Australian vineyard in October 1998 and has since been found in most grape growing areas within the State. It is found in all other grape growing areas of Australia.

Plasmopara viticola is specific to grapevines (e.g. Vitis vinifera), although not all Vitis spp. are susceptible. The American rootstock species and hybrids are less susceptible or are resistant (refer to ‘Varietal susceptibility’). Other species of downy mildew, such as those found on …

The Banksia Production Manual, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia

Bulletins 4000 -

There has long been a need for a Banksia Production Manual. The benefit of such a manual is the ability to bring together the material written and published in a range of other publications and reports.

As far as possible the latest information has been reviewed and incorporated. Some of these areas have a limited set of information available and are accordingly brief. We have tried to incorporate grower information where possible to ensure that what is discussed has a practical grounding. While regulations and information was correct at the time of publication (April 2007), it is recommended that people …

Returns To Research And Development Investment Of Department Of Agriculture And Food Western Australia : Benefit Cost Analysis 2005-2006, Nazrul Islam, Francis Bright, Peter Coyle, Peter Eckersley, Louise Evans, Joseph Gaffy, Allan Herbert, Ross Kingwell, Emma Kopke, Peter Tozer

Bulletins 4000 -

Programs of the Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia apply benefit-cost analysis to assist in the allocation of funds to those areas likely to make the largest contribution to the rural economy and thus to achieve the Department outcome of increased market competitiveness and profitability. To learn lessons from the completed projects the Programs also use ex post analyses. Information collected in the course of the ex post analyses can usefully improve the assessment of proposed projects.

Returns To Research And Development Investment Of The Department Of Agriculture And Food Western Australia : Benefit Cost Analysis, 2006-2007, Peter Coyle, Editor, Roslyn Blanchard, Francis Bright, Paul Mattingley, Manju Radhakrishnan

Bulletins 4000 -

Strategic decision making is enhanced by the consideration of benefit cost analyses of many projects. Each year a selection of projects is evaluated to assist in the determination of the most appropriate allocation of funds. This is only one of the methods that are employed by the Department’s Executive to increase market competitiveness and profitability in agriculture and the pastoral industries. This report includes both ex post and ex ante analyses, as they are complementary processes.