INDUSTRY NEWS
From page 25 Also included are several species of clover and medics . I think that this mixture is important to achieve biodiversity in the soils and in the orchard , but in particular , it provides a habitat for over-wintering predatory mites for control of Bryobia mite . They appear to be feeding on the Red-legged Earthmite found on the leaves of the medics . One of the end results is that we do not need to apply a winter oil spray to control Bryobia mite . At this stage because of our IPM methods , we also do not need to employ any extra operations to remove mummies from the trees or dispose of them on the ground for control of Carob Moth and Carpophilus Beetle . This is despite the presence of much of our planting being trees 30 to 33 years old . The biodiversity achieved in our orchard also appears to help in reducing the number of fungicide sprays . In fact , we only get our spray rig out three times a year in a normal year , and four to five times in a wet year such as this last one . Nutrient sprays potassium , and chelated iron and zinc , are added to the fungicide sprays with the exception of the pinkbud copper spray . Rust is easy to control as we can also fall back on an eradicant such as propiconazil ( Tilt or other systemic fungicides ) and spraying within four to five days of a significant rainfall event . Otherwise , if there is the slightest sign of any rust in the orchard , there is the possibility of
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In the long term for the almond industry , reducing our carbon footprint and chemical usage is going to be important in achieving global sustainability accreditation .
extensive widespread infection . For reducing rust spread we work on spraying being needed if there is a maximum leaf wetness period of eight hours of greater than 85 % relative humidity . Otherwise , extensive rust infection will rapidly occur . We have also found that keeping on top of rust every year means that we have been able to eliminate the June or July zinc sulphate defoliant spray . The shallow-rooted system of the perennial ryegrass with its prolific growth of hair roots , contributes to improving the soil carbon and reduces irrigation requirements and weedicide sprays . I believe that the biodiversity of the orchard also contributes to a natural resistance to the hard to control fungus diseases causing hull rot and dieback . In the long term for the almond industry , reducing our carbon footprint and chemical usage is going to be important in achieving global sustainability accreditation .
- Peter Freeman , grower + IPM advocate
Growers like Peter have been implementing sustainable practices for years . However , sustainability has become a growing priority in food production systems across the board . As a result , we have seen a shift in attitude towards traditional pesticide use due to concerns for human health and the environment . Tightening regulations around chemical use will have implications for market access , as growers must be able to manage chemical residues at appropriate levels for domestic and international markets . Simultaneously , Australian almond growers continue to face unprecedented challenges with the potential to pose threats to the longterm sustainability of the industry . As growers face rising input costs and reduced yield and returns , keeping costs low is a priority now more than ever . An increased focus on IPM principles has the capacity to contribute to the environmental and financial sustainability of the Australian almond industry .
industry . australianalmonds . com . au
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