AUSVEG has today launched a special biosecurity edition of ‘InfoVeg Radio’, as part of the increasingly popular series of research and development focused podcasts produced specifically for Australian vegetable producers.

“Maintaining Australia’s biosecurity is crucial to safe-guarding the future of the Australian vegetable industry,” said AUSVEG spokesperson, Mr Kurt Hermann.

“This podcast will help to remind growers of the need to be vigilant when it comes to pests and diseases, and provides invaluable insight into the work being done by industry in this area,” said Mr Hermann.

AUSVEG is the leading horticulture body representing Australia’s 9,000 vegetable and potato growers.

In Infoveg Radio’s feature interview, Dr Denis Persley, Principle Plant Pathologist at DAFF Queensland, explains how growers can minimise the effects of virus diseases in their crops.

“AUSVEG continues to work with Australian vegetable growers to ensure that biosecurity best practice remains a priority for the industry. In this edition, AUSVEG Biosecurity Coordinator, Dr Jessica Lye, discusses the importance of implementing an On-Farm Biosecurity Plan,” said Mr Hermann.

“The podcast also features Professor Phil Taylor from Macquarie University, who details his work developing new chemicals for use as attractants in Fruit fly traps,” said Mr Hermann.

“Additionally, Dr Tim O’Hare, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Queensland, talks to Infoveg Radio about breeding a Zeaxanthin Rich variety of sweet corn that may assist in combatting eye disease such as Macular degeneration,” said Mr Hermann.

InfoVeg Radio has been developed to enable growers to access the latest industry R&D while on-the-go.

InfoVeg Radio is available to stream online or download via the AUSVEG website (www.ausveg.com.au/infovegradio) or via iTunes.

Growers who have tractors equipped with a USB input in the cab stereo, such as those in the John Deere range, can also listen to the programs while out in the field.

This communication has been funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited using the Vegetable Levy and funds from the Australia Government.

ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT: Kurt Hermann, Design Team Coordinator, AUSVEG
Phone: (03) 9882 0277 | Mobile: 0421 007 510 | E-mail: kurt.hermann@ausveg.com.au.