Plant Health Australia (PHA) has moved to safeguard one of the country’s key horticultural export sectors through the publication of the Biosecurity Manual for Citrus Producers.
Alison Saunders, PHA’s biosecurity planning and implementation manager, said the manual explains the basic principles needed for citrus growers to protect themselves and their industry against a range of incursions.
“Pests, weeds and diseases can severely affect production if they enter and establish on your orchard,” Saunders said. “It makes good business sense to take measures to improve biosecurity and the manual takes growers through step-by-step how they can do this.
“Key measures include regular monitoring of orchards and reporting anything unusual without delay, using reputable sources for propagation material brought onto the property, good orchard hygiene and reducing risks posed by people, vehicles and equipment.”
The manual also describes the symptoms and appearance of exotic pest threats. The publication is part of Australia’s Citrus Biosecurity Project, which is being funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia and jointly managed by PHA and Citrus Australia.
