This is a final research report from Hort Innovation’s historical archives. Please note that as these reports may date back as far as the 1990s, the content and recommendations within them may be superseded by more recent research.

What was it all about?

The Australian passionfruit industry was bringing its pest and disease control program into the new age of targeted pesticide products with shorter residual activity which could be integrated into biological control programs.

This project was the first stage in the overall objective of reducing the industry’s reliance on pesticides and complemented the major breeding program to develop new varieties which had improved pest and disease resistance.

Developing an effective, safe and environmentally sound pest and disease management program was the highest immediate priority for the Australian industry which was focussed on developing a Quality Assurance program to meet the requirements of Workplace Health & Safety, also for retailers and consumers by providing a safe, high quality fruit product.

After reviewing the existing control program, gaps or weaknesses were identified in a comprehensive series of grower surveys and workshops involving industry, QFVG and the APVMA. An action plan resulted from a ‘whole of industry’ strategy in which high priority alternative products were identified in cooperation with plant pathologists and entomologists.

This project presented the progress results of field trials conducted on seven high priority products where residue data was required before applications could be submitted for approval by APVMA.

As the benefits of alternative control products were demonstrated, it was expected that the older generation broad spectrum products would be replaced.

Further field trials were required to establish efficacy data for several other products in 2004/05.