Deciduous fruit growers have access to the latest information on all aspects of protecting orchards from pests and diseases in the new Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Orchard plant protection guide for deciduous fruits in NSW.

DPI Development Officer Temperate Fruits, Kevin Dodds said the guide will assist commercial orchardists to control common pests and diseases.

“The guide outlines a variety of issues affecting growers that will assist to increase orchard production and market access, either domestically or internationally,” Mr Dodds said.

“The deciduous fruits covered in the guide include apples, apricots, cherries, pears, pome fruit, plums, prunes, peaches and nectarines.

“The main feature article in this year’s guide is provided by well-known temperate fruits entomologist and research scientist David Williams of Agriculture Victoria.

“The article provides an insight into the parasitic wasp Mastrus ridens, a new biological control agent for the Codling Moth pest.”

Mr Dodds said another highlight is NSW DPI Plant Biosecurity Officer, Lloyd Kingham’s updates for growers on the progress toward improving market access protocols for mainland fruit.

“Also, Dr Manu Saunders, Ecologist at the University of New England, covers the results of her research into pollinators, predators and parasitoids in pome fruit orchards,” he said.

“A section in the guide provides details for the control of Queensland fruit fly, a prominent pest in orchards, and it is everyone’s responsibility to manage them.

“To assist in suppressing Queensland fruit fly populations, growers are advised to continue with protein bait sprays, use male annihilation technique and follow good hygiene practices throughout the year, not just when the crop is susceptible.”

The Orchard plant protection guide for deciduous fruits in NSW is available for download from the NSW DPI website www.dpi.nsw.gov.au.

Commercial temperate fruit producers can collect a copy at their Local Land Services office and selected rural retail outlets.