What was it all about?

In 2009, this project provided a coordinated response to key environmental and technical issues that impact the sustainability of the Australian nursery industry. This project built on the successful achievements of earlier environmental and technical extension projects to equip the nursery industry with the tools and knowledge required to address key environmental issues.

Primary areas of focus included:

• Climate change
• Invasive species
• Biosecurity
• Natural resource management.

The following outputs were delivered:

• The development of four key pest contingency plans for high-risk biosecurity pests to the Australian nursery industry. This included: Glassy-winged sharpshooter – Homalodisca vitripennis (and Pierces disease), Guava rust – Puccina psidii, Sudden oak death – Phytophthora ramorum and Citrus longicorn beetle – Anoplophora chinensis.
• A literature review on ‘Plant Growth Impacts from Water Contaminants’ that identified improvements in current industry best management practices in relation to disinfestation.
• A technical report on the response of plants grown in blends of potting mix and ameliorants under restricted watering.