Fact sheet

28 October 2024

Downy Mildew Factsheet

Downy mildew is a plant disease, caused by a fungal-like water mould known as Peronospora destructor. The disease thrives in cool, wet conditions and can cause […]
28 October 2024

White Rot Factsheet

White rot is a plant disease, caused by the fungal pathogen Sclerotium cepivorum in onions, leeks and garlic. Sclerotium cepivorum forms small black bodies which are […]
28 October 2024

Fusarium Basal Rot in Onions Factsheet

Fusarium basal rot (FBR) is a plant disease, most commonly caused by the fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum forma specialis cepae (FOC). The pathogen can cause basal […]
30 October 2024

Onion leafminer grower guide: English, Vietnamese

Three new species of Liriomyza leafminer flies are now present in Australia: American Serpentine Leafminer (ASLM (Liriomyza trifolii)) Serpentine Leafminer (SLM (Liriomyza huidobrensis)) Vegetable Leafminer (VLM (Liriomyza sativae)) […]
30 October 2024

Potato leafminer grower guide: English, Vietnamese

Three new species of Liriomyza leafminer flies are now present in Australia: American Serpentine Leafminer (ASLM (Liriomyza trifolii)) Serpentine Leafminer (SLM (Liriomyza huidobrensis)) Vegetable Leafminer (VLM (Liriomyza sativae)) […]
9 April 2024

Spray water quality

WHY SHOULD YOU CARE ABOUT THE QUALITY OF SPRAY WATER? Poor spray water quality can cause the following: reduced product efficacy i.e. poor pest control. change […]
9 April 2024

IPM and spray management

Integrated Pest Management (IPM), or Integrated Crop Protection (ICP), is an effective combination of chemical, cultural and biological methods to keep weeds, insect pest numbers, disease […]
9 April 2024

Clubroot management in brassica vegetables

In favourable conditions such as warm, wet, and acidic soils, Clubroot can be a devastating soil-borne disease affecting both Western brassica vegetables (e.g. cabbages, cauliflower, broccoli, […]
19 September 2018

iMapPESTS program factsheet

iMapPESTS was a national program of research, development and extension designed to put actionable information into the hands of Australia’s primary producers to enhance on-farm pest […]
1 April 2023

Fact Sheet: Potato Virus Y (PVY, PVY-NTN)

Potato virus Y (PVY) infects many Solanaceous plants including potato, tomato, pepper, eggplant and weeds such as Solanum nigrum (nightshade). The virus has many strains and […]
1 March 2023

Fact Sheet: Guava root knot nematode

Guava root knot nematode (GRKN; Meloidogyne enterolobii) is a microscopic plant pest found in the soil, mostly commonly in tropical and subtropical regions. Its broad host […]
1 July 2019

Fact Sheet: Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) is one of Australia’s most unwanted exotic pests. It eats over 300 plants, including fruit and vegetables. Affected crops include […]
1 July 2019

Fact Sheet: Colorado Potato Beetle

The Colorado potato beetle is one of Australia’s most unwanted exotic pests. It affects potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, capsicums, wild weeds and other nightshade plants. If Colorado […]
1 April 2020

Fact Sheet: Fall Armyworm

The fall armyworm (FAW; Spodoptera frugiperda) is a destructive exotic moth. It attacks more than 350 plant species in several families. It impacts grasses such as […]
1 July 2019

Fact Sheet: Giant African Snail

The giant African snail is one of Australia’s most unwanted exotic pests. It affects over 500 plants including a variety of fruits and vegetables. If the […]
13 January 2025

The Onion Report for Health Professionals

This comprehensive report summarises more than 100 studies, over nearly 30 years, on the nutrition and health benefits of onions. Accredited Practising Dietitian, Teri Lichtenstein, reviewed […]
20 October 2024

Fact Sheet: Colorado potato beetle

LarvaeColorado potato beetle (CPB; Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say, 1824) isglobally considered to be one of the most economically damaging pests tothe potato industry and is one of […]
3 February 2025

Fact sheet: Onions for healthy ageing

Onions are a nutrient-dense vegetable with a unique bundle of vitamins and antioxidants that support your body and brain health as you age. Onions contain nutrients […]
3 February 2025

Fact sheet: Onions and Quercetin

Onions are a versatile vegetable that make it easy to add extra goodness to your meals. They contain a unique combination of plant compounds called flavonoids, […]
3 February 2025

Fact sheet: Onions for heart health

Most Australians are falling short of eating the recommended five serves of vegetables a day, yet most don’t realise onions are a heart-healthy vegetable that can […]
3 February 2025

Fact sheet: Onions for weight loss

Did you know that onions, an ingredient which is used in almost every household on a daily basis, can help you lose weight? Yes, you read […]
3 February 2025

Fact sheet: Onions and low FODMAP diets

A low FODMAP diet is used to help people manage the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Onions are often avoided during the elimination phase of […]
3 February 2025

Fact sheet: Onions and diabetes management

Following a healthy diet and lifestyle is a critical factor in managing diabetes. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, managing your blood sugar levels is […]
3 February 2025

Fact sheet: Onions for gut health

Eating more plants is one of the best ways to improve your health. Plants are rich in dietary fibre that provides numerous gut health benefits and […]
3 February 2025

Fact sheet: Viruses infecting brassicas

This fact sheet summarises the symptoms, spread and control measures for viruses affecting brassicas. Related ProjectsArea wide management for vegetable diseases: viruses and bacteriaThis project has […]
22 January 2020

Fact sheet: Virus diseases of cucurbits in Australia

This fact sheet summarises the symptoms, spread and control measures for viruses affecting curcurbits. Related ProjectsArea wide management for vegetable diseases: viruses and bacteriaThis project has […]
9 April 2020

Fact sheet: Managing virus diseases on zucchini

This fact sheet summarises the symptoms, spread and control measures for viruses affecting zucchinis. Related ProjectsArea wide management for vegetable diseases: viruses and bacteriaThis project has […]
5 February 2025

Fact sheet: Guava root-knot nematode

Guava root-knot nematode (GRKN, Meloidogyne enterolobii) was detected in Australia in late 2022. This microscopic pest, primarily found in tropical regions, has rapidly spread around the […]
25 February 2025

Stemphylium leaf blight in onions

Stemphylium leaf blight, caused by Stemphylium vesicarium, affects onions by creating yellow spots on leaves that expand, causing dieback and reducing yield. The fungus spreads via […]
30 April 2025

Protecting pollinators from pesticides

Insecticides are essential for protecting crops against pests and ensuring bountiful harvests, yet they also pose significant environmental hazards. Insecticides kill insects, but the vast majority […]
20 June 2025

Fact sheet: onion fly

The onion fly (Delia antiqua) is a major pest that infests onions, shallots, and leeks. Currently not present in Australia, its introduction could severely impact the […]
12 August 2025

Fact sheet: Potato Mop-Top Virus

Potato mop-top virus is a plant virus that can affect the leaves, shoots and tubers of potato plants. It causes distortion during plant development and reduces […]
12 July 2025

Guava root-knot nematode sampling guide

Guava root-knot nematode (GRKN, Meloidogyne enterolobii) is a damaging microscopic pest, found mainly in tropical areas. In Australia, it has been found in residential gardens and […]
22 May 2025

Fact Sheet: Soilborne diseases in onions

This fact sheet defines the soilborne disease, germination/emergence, crop establish to bulb initiation through to maturation and appropriate management approaches that can be used. Related ProjectsAccelerating […]
27 January 2026

Global Scan: Stemphylium leaf blight in onions

Updated 2026: Stemphylium leaf blight (SLB), caused by Stemphylium vesicarium, is a destructive foliar disease affecting onion crops globally. It also infects other Allium species like […]
25 November 2025

Interactive Farm Biosecurity Manual

The best defence against pests and diseases is the integration of biosecurity practices into your everyday business operations. Biosecurity is about managing the risk of pests […]
9 December 2025

Future leaders on the Horizon

Delivered through AgriFutures and supported by Hort Innovation, the program nurtures emerging leaders by pairing university students with industry mentors, networks, and hands-on experiences. Scholars gain […]
16 December 2025

Farm Biosecurity Manual

The best defence against pests and diseases is the integration of biosecurity practices into your everyday business operations. Biosecurity is about managing the risk of pests […]
16 December 2025

Farm Biosecurity Planner

The best defence against pests and diseases is the integration of biosecurity practices into your everyday business operations. Biosecurity is about managing the risk of pests […]
12 January 2026

Fact Sheet: Lifecycle of Stemphylium

This fact sheet was prepared as part of the VN21000 project ahead of the Stemphylium Leaf Blight Workshop held at Gatton AgTech 2025. You can also […]
17 February 2026

Fresh Vegetables: A Full Year in Review – 2025

Get a quick snapshot of the biggest trends shaping Australia’s fresh vegetable performance in 2025. This article unpacks the standout categories, shifting shopper behaviours, and the […]