Horticulture Commons^™

Eradication Of Apple Scab, John Cripps, Ralph Doepel

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The detection of apple scab in two orchards at Pemberton and New/ands in December 1989 ended Western Australia's 41-year, scab-free span for apple growers .

Without eradication orchardists would have had to apply up to 20 fungicidal sprays a year, at an annual cost of $1-2 million, to be able to market a high proportion of scab-free fruit. The industry chose eradication as the cheaper alternative, but the location of infected orchards at Pemberton in particular, with its high rainfall, suggested that it would be difficult .

Scab, or black spot, is the most serious fungal disease of apples in …

Export Of Rockmelons From The Ord River, John Bonnardeaux

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The Ord River Irrigation Area and Carnarvon are the main production areas for cucurbits in northern Western Australia. Cucurbits are also grown in Derby, Broome and around Lagrange, south of Broome.

The area planted to rockmelons in the Ord River Irrigation Area has increased from 20 ha in 1980 to 425 ha in 1992.

Rockmelon production, the most important horticultural industry in the Ord River Irrigation Area, is worth about $9 million. It accounts for about 25 per cent of the Ord's dry season value of production

Production And Marketing Of Vegetables And Fruit, John Burt

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Vegetable and fruit production in Western Australia is a diverse, high value industry. Up to 75 different crops are grown from Kununurra in the north to Albany on the south coast.

Our horticultural industries were worth $238,127,000 in 1990-.91, which represented 18 per cent of all crops produced in Western Australia.

Markets for horticultural produce are volatile. For most lines, produce has been well supplied for the past four years, owing to an increasing area of production, higher yields, improved postharvest technology and reduced consumer demand in the recent recession.

Bulletin 4247 - Introduction To Commercial Mushroom Growing, Margaret Graham

Bulletins 4000 -

Mushroom cultivation began in Australia in the 1930s in the then incomplete and unused Circular Quay railway tunnel in Sydney. In the 1950s most mushrooms were grown in heaped or 'ridge-beds' of compost in disused railway tunnels.

In the last 15 to 20 years there has been considerable technical change in the method and degree of sophistication of mushroom cultivation techniques. Most growers have invested large sums of capital in specially designed and insulated buildings that control temperature, humidity and ventilation and where pest and disease prevention and control is less difficult.

The bag method also helps to alleviate pest …

The Export Carrot Industry, Angie Galati, Allan Mckay

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Carrots are the single most important horticultural export commodity from Western Australia.

In 1991-92, over 23,000 tonnes of carrots worth more than $12 million (fob) were exported. The State now exports about 70 per cent of its carrot production to Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and the Middle East (see Table 1). These exports account for more than 90 per cent of Australian carrot exports. The State's carrot exports started in the mid 1970s. In 1977-78, only 2170 tofcarrots were exported, but exports have increased steadily since then (see Figure 1).

Mango Exports From Western Australia, Peter Johnson, John Gallagher, Terry Hill

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The Department of Agriculture has been at the forefront in developing a mango industry in Western Australia.

In Camarvon, the Department is concentrating on developing an export industry, while in the Ord River Irrigation Area trials have identified suitable domestic and export varieties for that environment.

The effect of planting density, hedging and pruning techniques on yield is being examined. Research has also started on identifying superior selections of the Kensington Pride variety, the most commercially important variety in Australia. The aim is to improve fruit quality, bearing reliability, and to extend the production season..

Bulletin 4256 - Pecan Nut Cultivation, Aldo Labrosciano

Bulletins 4000 -

Pecans Carya illinoensis, an indigenous species to Northern America, are successfully grown between the latitudes of 25° and 35°. There is considerable variation in size and flavour of the 1000 or more varieties of the nuts.

Large scale production is concentrated in north America, Israel and South Africa. Plantings in Australia are in Victoria and New South Wales, and are developing slowly in Western Australia.

Pecans are well suited to Western Australian conditions where the soil is well drained. Though the trees are deciduous, they have no chill requirement and will flourish if water is not limiting.

Bulletin No 4247 - Introduction To Commercial Mushroom Growing, Margaret Graham

Bulletins 4000 -

No abstract provided.

Bulletin No 4237 - Growing Nashi In Western Australia, Allan Price

Bulletins 4000 -

Nashi is the Japanese word for Pear. It is used in this context to describe pears of Asian origins, developed from Pyrus pyrtfolia as distinct from European pears (Pyrus communis).

Nashi have originated from two major areas, Japan and Korea/China.

Survey Of Irrigation Efficiencies On Horticultural Properties In The Peel-Harvey Catchment, S A. Milani

Resource management technical reports

A detailed efficiency survey of about 30 per cent of the irrigated horticultural area in the Peel-Harvey catchment revealed that only two out of 20 growers operated at the recommended efficiency levels. In addition it was found that the expenses associated with inefficiency were such that 12 out of 18 farmers would be able to recover improvement costs within one year of operation.

Horticultural Capability Study Of Soils Adjacent To Plantations At Carnarvon, Western Australia, M R. Wells, J A. Bessell-Browne

Resource management technical reports

A detailed soil survey and horticultural capability assessment was undertaken over 1,804 ha of land adjacent to existing plantations on levees of the Gascoyne River near Carnarvon. The study provides mapped land resource data and advice in relation to land management and the possibility of further land release for horticulture. In the assessment of horticultural capability primary consideration has been given to the risk of erosion during flood events, to salinity, and to soil drainage conditions.

Phosphorus Retention Of Sandy Horticultural Soils On The Swan Coastal Plain, Ian Mcpharlin, Neil Delroy, Bob Jeffery, Greg Dellar, Maurice Eales

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Soils can be ranked according to their phosphorus retention capacity by the phosphorus retention index (PRI). This is the ratio of phosphorus adsorbed by soil to that remaining in solution under a set of standard conditions. Although it is a laboratory measurement, the PRI seems to be a good indication of what happens in practice.

Bulletin Ma 1/90 - Manjimup/Pemberton Vegetable Variety Planting Guide 1990, J. R. Burt, A G. Mckay, D. R. Phillips, M. A. Hegney

Horticulture published reports

AGDEX NO: 250/30

Manjimup Regional Office

Manjimup and Pemberton vegetable planting guide 1990.

Integrated Control Of Soil Insect Pests Of Potatoes, Stewart Learmonth, John Matthiesson

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

One of the more difficult aspects of growing potatoes in Western Australia is controlling soil insect pests. These pests have become more troublesome because the highly effective and persistent organochlorine insecticides previously used to control the main soil pests, African black beetle and whitefringed weevil, were deregistered for agricultural use in 1987. Entomologists from the Department of Agriculture and CSIRO in Western Australia are collaborating to develop new management strategies for these pests that rely less on the use of chemical insecticides

Bulletin Ma 3/89 - Broccoli Growing In The South West, J. Burt, M. Hegney, H Gratte

Horticulture published reports

Manjimup Regional Office

Agdex No. 254/11

Broccoli (Brassica oleracae, variety italica) is closely related to cabbage, cauliflowers, brussel sprouts and kohl rabi. This group of plants may be referred to as crucifers, brassicas or cole crops.

Broccoli originated in Italy. The head consists of well developed green flower buds on a fleshy flower stalk. It is high in protein, calcium, fibre and vitamins A and C.

Broccoli are produced throughout the year for Western Australian markets, but mainly from January to August as there is more competition from Perth producers in spring. There is potential to export broccoli to South …

Land Capability And Land Use In The Leeuwin-Naturaliste Region, Peter John Tille, Neil Lantzke

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The Leeuwin-Naturaliste region is one of Western Australia's most beautiful areas. Located in the far south-west corner of the State, it is a popular scenis and tourist spot, as well as supporting grazing, horticultureal and viticultural enterprises.

Outside of perth the region is the most popular tourist destination in the state. It is also responsible for about a quarter of the State's milk production, and 15 percent of the state's potato production and a quarter of the State's wine grapes.

Many new agricultural enterprises have opened up in the past 15 years, and the population has increased by almost 40 …

Examination And Development Of An Essential Oil Industry In The Ord River Irrigation Area Of North Western Australia, Jean M.V. Bonnardeaux

Research Reports

The project aimed at establishing an essential oil industry in the Ord River Irrigation Area (ORIA). This industry is particularly suited to the ORIA where transport costs often prohibit the development of some agricultural products. The oils are concentrated and highly valuable. In addition, the ORIA with its abundant water and high temperatures presents a unique opportunity to grow a wide range of crops for the production of essential oils used by the food, medicinal and perfume industries. Australia has therefore an opportunity to initiate a new industry capable of replacing imports and gaining access to world markets representing a …

Improved Fertilizing Practices On The Peel-Harvey Catchment, P T. Arkell

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Broad-acre farmers in the Peel-Harvey catchment have met a challange and achieved a great deal since the fertilizer extension programme started in 1983.

The main objective of the extension programme has been to ensure that every year three-quarters of the farmers make economically and technically sound fertilizer decisions, thus causing a minimum amount of phosphorus to enter the waterways of the Peel-Harvey estuarine system.

Irrigation And Fertilizer Management For Horticultural Crops On The Swan Coastal Plain, I R. Mcpharlin, Greg Luke

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The Swan Coastal Plain is an important area for the production of vegetables, flowers and fruits in Western Australia. The yellow Cottesloe, Karrakatta and the white-grey Bassendean Sands upon which most of this production is based are infertile in their natural state and require large inputs of fertilizer for succesful production of horticultural crops.

Improved irrigation and fertilizer management will be needed to reduce nutrient leaching from horticultural crops on the coastal plain. This will probably involve applying fertilizer and water more frequently, but in smaller quantaties thaan currently practiced. The result should more closely match water and fertilizer supply …

Planning For Horticultural Expansion On The Swan Coastal Plain, P Coghlan, Geoff Moore, Jim Dixon

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Horticulture is an intensive, high value form of agriculture highly dependant on the availability of good water supplies for the year-round production of fresh produce. Production increase in Western Australia and the encouragement and development of export markets has caused rapid expansion if the industry in recent years.

Expansion is expected to continue, placing severe pressure on available water supplies and suitable land close to markets. At present' 90 per cent of the Stase's horticultural land is on the Swan Coastal Plain and minor selected hills areas around Perth.

Benefits And Costs Of Establishing Medic In The Low Rainfall Wheatbelt, D A B Falconer

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

No abstract provided.

Carnarvon's Horticultural Industry, John Roger Burt

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

No abstract provided.

Miscellaneous Publication 11/88 - Manjimup Horticultural Research Centre - A Guide To Activites, David Johnston

Horticulture published reports

Within the south-west of Western Australia, in the area encompassed by Bunbury, Margaret River, Albany and Manjimup, the horticultural industries have become of major importance to economic viability and employment opportunities.

The Manjimup Shire grows45 percent of the State's potatoes, 50 per cent profits cauliflowers and 32 per cent profits apples. Other important crops are onions, beans and peas for processing and Chinese cabbage. A range of other horticultural crops are produced on a small scale.

The recent establishment of an Edgell-Birds Eye processing plant at Manjimup will provide a further significant boost to the region. By 1992 this plant …

Climate Of The Ord River Irrigation Area Western Australia, Implications For Crop Production, Rob J. Delane

Division of Plant Research : Technical Report Series

Management should be aimed at early planting to take advantage of higher soil and air temperatures, promoting rapid canopy closure, high final dry matter production and earlier calendar maturity. This will aid in attaining high yields, good grain quality, and low risk of harvesting delays or crop damage due to rain. However, early dry season planting is hindered by late maturation of some wet season crops, and excessive weed growth and slow soil drying following the wet season. The development (or adaption) of improved crop rotations, improved land utilisation and reduced tillage techniques will likely bring forward dry season planting …

A Spray Programme For Table Grape Production In Western Australia, I. J. Cameron, P. Wood, A. Sproul

Viticulture published reports

This bulletin details the main sprays that can be used in table grape vineyards in Western Australia. Growers are advised to refer to the manufacturer's label for detailed recommendations since rates vary according to formulation. New chemicals are continually being marketed and any omissions are regretted and no preferences for any material or supplier is implied.

Kununurra Region - Land Utilization Report - 1984 Dry Season - 1984/85 Wet Season And 1985 Dry Season In The Ord River Irrigation Area, S. Sandover

Natural resources published reports

Kununurra Region

3rd edition

A small experimental farm was first established on the Ord River in 1941. This farm was relocated in 1945 to what is now known as the Frank Wise Institute of Tropical Agriculture.

The first stage of the Irrigation Scheme which included the Diversion dam was completed by 1963 and by 1966, 31 irrigated farms had been established.

In 1967 the second stage was commenced and by 1972 the main dam had been completed.

Cotton was the major crop until 1974. In the wet season of that year 3642 hectares was devoted to cotton. Various crops such …

Agricultural Progress On The Ord, D A. Mcghie

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

This is the first of occasional articles describing the experimental and commercial activity on the Ord River Irrigation Area (ORIA) in Western Australia's Kimberley region.

Against a background of extensive recources of land and water, a sometimes cimatic advantage and a complementary disadvantage of a remote location, agriculture on the Ord has swung from various monocultures to a broadly based and diversified production. In 1986, the value of agricultural production on the Ord will approach values equivalent to those of the cotton era for the first time since the demise of that industry 12 years ago.

Eradicating Fruit Fly From Carnarvon, Kingsley Thomas Fisher

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Late last year the Mediteranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata Weidemann) was eradicated from Canarvon, Western Australia by using an intergrated programme of sterile insect releases and bait spraying.

The eradication marked the end of a four-year study on the use and effectiveness of the Sterile Insect Technique, a biological control technique which uses an insect pest against itself. such a study can be used as a basis for treating other threatening insect pests, such as the serious cattle pest screw-worm fly, should they be found in Asustralia.

Being a biological control method, the Sterile Insect Technique is an exellent …

The Taarblin Experience : A Planned Approach To Soil Conservation, Greg Astbury, Owner/Manager Of Taarblin, Tim Negus

Bulletins 4000 -

Many farms in Western Australia were cleared and developed before there was a full and clear understanding of the effects of bush clearing - that is salinization of soil and water supplies, wind and water erosion, waterlogging and soil structure decline. The productive capacity and inherent problems of the different soil types was also largely unknown.

Modern-day Conservation Farm Planning aims to provide a blue-print for the redevelopment of properties to ensure long term soil fertility, to prevent soil erosion and degradation by waterlogging and salinity. It also provides for a spread of reliable stock watering points and more efficient …

Shire Of Manjimup : A Brief Assessment Of The Physical Land Resources With Respect To Horticultural Land Use, M R. Wells, K E. Hawley

Resource management technical reports

No abstract provided.