HORTICULTURISTS can have their say on a review of farm-chemical product labels and buffer zones to prevent spray drift.
Growers can anonymously provide information via an online survey about industry practices, including typical water rates used to apply products with volumetric application rates, such as 100ml per 100 litres.
The survey is available until June 30. For details, visit www.waterrate.questionpro.com
Partnership launched
A FIVE-YEAR, $12 million research partnership between Australia and New Zealand was launched last week.
The Productivity, Irrigation, Pests and Soils Program aims to improve production in apple and pear orchards by helping growers minimise water and chemical use.
It is being funded by Apple and Pear Australia and Horticulture Australia, with matching funds from the Federal Government.
Don't do parsnips
VEGETABLE growers should avoid sowing parsnip crops in heavy soils during autumn.
Department of Primary Industries researcher Liz Minchinton said West Australian research also recommended planting broccoli before parsnips, while field trials found applications of a pythium selective fungicide could reduce parsnip canker by 30 per cent on sandy soils, but the fungicide was ineffective in clay soils.
Apple taskforce
APPLE and pear growers across Australia have formed a new group, the Apple Import Taskforce, to lobby for fair trade.
Chairman Cam Stafford, of Lenswood in South Australia, said the taskforce was set up to protect members against potential environmental and food safety threats posed by imports from China and New Zealand.
For more details, phone Mr Stafford on 0408 838 983.
- Send your horticulture news to Sandra Godwin, The Weekly Times, PO Box 1728, Swan Hill 3585, email godwins@theweeklytimes.com.au or fax to (03) 5032 9352.
