ABANDONED orchards in the Victoria's northwest are harbouring pests and diseases and causing problems for nearby growers.
Pest and disease management company IK Caldwell is general manager David Jobling has called for government funding to remove the abandoned orchards, a call backed by Victorian Farmers Federation Swan Hill branch president Gaye Tripodi.
There are at least 17 abandoned orchards in the state's major horticulture region.
"Abandoned orchards breed coddling moth and oriental fruit moth. In pome fruit, they can be sources of black spot and powdery mildew," Mr Jobling told The Weekly Times.
"Growers in financial destitution still like to do the right thing by their neighbours . . . but it costs about $4000 a hectare (to bulldoze)."
Ms Tripodi said funding should be available to help growers rip out unwanted trees.
"This is a major problem and has the potential to be a major disaster, particularly for the export market," she said.
A State Government spokesman said while the removal of problem orchards was the responsibility of the landholder, it would work with property owners to remove orchards.
