Puff balls of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Rhizopogon luteolus (left) and an inoculated Pinus seedling (right) photos courtesy of HVP forestry nursery Victoria
INTRODUCTION – to nursery plants, most of the microbial life in the environment poses no danger to production nurseries or to the greenlife growing in them. However, the organisms that do cause damage to plants are generally very destructive.… Continue reading
Read MoreGROWERS IN THE HOT SEAT AT NGIQ’S GREEN EXPO – We’ve just wrapped up filming an exciting new project at this year’s Green Expo – “A Peony for Your Thoughts.” This upcoming series features experienced growers who share easy gardening tips on camera.… Continue reading
Read MoreFungi are highly diverse organisms that readily colonise both growing media and soil.
Some fungi, like mycorrhizae and Trichoderma, are beneficial to plant growth, aiding in nutrient uptake. Others, however, are plant pathogens that can damage ant tissues, while a third group, saprophytes, thrive by feeding on dead and decaying organic matter.… Continue reading
Read MoreWhat ethical sourcing means for your bottom line
These aren’t just idle thoughts for consumers. They are important criteria for making buying decisions – and businesses are increasingly aware of the need for making ethical sourcing decisions.
Australian markets are becoming more and more connected to international systems, organisations, and influences.… Continue reading
Read MoreIntroduction: Nursery hygiene is the most basic platform for ensuring pest and disease-free growing areas and producing the best quality stock for sale to customers. Nursery hygiene issues in the propagation and production phases can cause problems that persist for the lifespan of the plants, which may be several decades in the case of woody species.… Continue reading
Read MoreIntroduction: Greenlife businesses must prioritise sustainability for long‑term success.
Post-pandemic, sustainability has become one of business’ top investment priorities, on par with maintaining a strong financial position and staffing.
By improving sustainability, you can better attract and retain staff, build brand reputation and customer demand, find new opportunities and emerging markets – ultimately increasing your productivity to gain a competitive advantage.… Continue reading
Read MoreThe Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has updated protocols to handle the threat of Xylella fastidiosa, a significant bacterial pathogen, in imported nursery stock.
Effective December 2023, regulatory measures are enforced for plants within the Simaroubaceae family to mitigate the risk of Xylella.… Continue reading
Read MoreSnapshot of the Nursery Industry in 2022
The nursery industry makes a significant contribution to Australia’s economy. In FY2022, the CIE estimated the industry had a farmgate gross value of production (GVP) of $2.78 billion, directly and indirectly supported 12,506 FTEs, and directly and indirectly value added $2.49 billion to Australia’s economy.… Continue reading
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A winged fire ant queen preparing to fly to her mate and begin a new colony. Photo by
Johnny N. Dell, BugwoodWiki
Summary: The red imported fire ant eradication program has been tackling Queensland’s fire ant infestation since 2001, but recent reports show infestation areas have grown from 40,000 hectares to more than 750,000 hectares over the past 22 years.
Of Australia’s invasive ant species, fire ants pose the most serious threat to our biosecurity status because they move and colonise quickly, and have significant environmental, social and economic impacts.… Continue reading
Hort Innovation
In July 2023, the World Meteorological Organisation, an agency within the United Nations, officially declared an El Niño. For most of Australia, this typically brings hotter and drier weather, with increased risk of droughts as well as bushfires. At time of writing, the Australian government is yet to declare El Niño, it is expected
to do so in the coming weeks.… Continue reading
