Improvements needed in ... Post-harvest pest management
By Jo Holloway , NSW Department of Primary Industries , Wagga Wagga
ALMOND growers direct considerable effort towards managing pests in the orchard , but post-harvest pests also require attention . In this article , Jo Holloway , a member of the research team for Hort Innovation Project AL16009 ‘ An Integrated Pest Management program for the Australian almond industry ’ discusses her work on management of postharvest pests , and issues with current fumigation practices . Once harvested and removed from the orchard , in-hull almonds are still subject to attack by insects , and significant damage can occur while the crop awaits processing . Rapid processing or treatment against insect infestation is vital to minimise the continual loss of yield or quality . Most damage , and subsequent yield loss , is caused by orchard pests that infested the almond fruits before harvest ; so the management of post-harvest pest issues in almonds ideally begins with high quality pest management in the orchard . By reducing pre-harvest infestation of the crop , growers can limit the potential for damage by those pests after harvest .
Protecting stockpiles Preventing insect pests from colonising stockpiles is difficult , as many species can disperse over large distances . Tarpaulins may be used as a physical barrier , but these can adversely affect almond quality by increasing temperatures and moisture levels . These conditions not only favour the development of moulds and fungi but are also ideal for increased population growth of any insects present . Consequently , chemical control of live insects within stockpiles is often the best option .
Almond fumigants Fumigants are toxic gas formulations that are used to disinfest or purify an area by creating a lethal modified atmosphere . They leave little or no
DRIPPER PINS
The Creswick
450 Pins per Box 32,400 Pins per Pallet
Proven to work
20,000,000 Pins Can ’ t be wrong
Ian 0409 329 223 Peter 0427 925 176
( 03 ) 5032 9222 sales @ vernonsteelyards . com . au Swan Hill Vic .