PAGE 1 NEWS and INFORMATION FOR THE PROCESSING TOMATO INDUSTRY ISSN 1038-3522 Another season is now well underway, which once again brings a new set of challenges. This season has seen low irrigation allocations on both the Victorian Murray and Goulburn Irrigation Systems (see page 5), with inflows into Lake Eildon being well below the long term average and also below the levels experienced during the 2007/08 season. 2008/09 Season A graph depicting the breakdown of the water commitments for the Goulburn Irrigation system is shown on page 5 of this newsletter. This also provides an estimate of the quantity of water required to cover channel, storage and river losses to the 15th May 2009. Unlike the previous season the price of temporary water has decreased. Approximately 73 GL of water has been traded out of the MIA, with approximately 58 GL of interstate water being traded into the Goulburn Irrigation system. With all processing tomato crops now in the ground it is estimated that the industry will produce approximately 240,000 tonnes of processing tomatoes for the season. This is a 60% increase from the previous season. Inside This Issue Page Maximising Nutrient Use Efficiency and Improving Soil Health in the Processing Tomato Industry 2 Review of Resistance Management Strategies (Herbicides and Insecticides) 3 Western Flower Thrips 4 Upcoming Events 5 Strategic Agrichemical Review Process 6 Funding Available 6 Review of Fruit Fly Management in Victoria and Options for Future Management 7 Investment Allowance to Boost Business Investment 8
PAGE 2 Maximising Nutrient Use Efficiency and Improving Soil Health in the Processing Tomato Industry prior to planting on a commercial processing tomato farm in North-central Victoria. The Processing Tomato Industry has recently been successful in obtaining funding through the Caring For Our Country Open Grants program. The industry has received a total of $141,279.09 to undertake work aimed at maximising nutrient use efficiency and improving soil health. The aim of the project is: To utilise innovative farming practices to improve processing tomato productivity and sustainability, by (1) improving nutrient use efficiency; (2) identifying benefits of, and management impacts on, soil health (including salinity and mycorrhizas) (3) assisting in reducing farm greenhouse gas emissions through a reduction in the amount of nitrogen applied. This project will also minimize soil organic matter degradation and nutrient loss, in continuously (~4 year) cropped ground containing subsurface drip irrigated systems. The project consists of 2 components. The first includes the biological component of healthy soils, in particular Arbuscular mycorrhizas (AM). AM are increasingly seen as an important component of sustainable production systems, through their ability to reduce the amount of N & P required to be applied to the crop and increase water use efficiency. This project will continue investigations, via applied field research into the role of AM in improving plant nutrient use efficiency and crop yields. Previous work conducted on arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) through the University of Adelaide, has indicated a potential tomato yield increase (of up to 38%) and a reduction in the need for applied phosphorus and nitrogen when tomato transplants were pre-inoculated with AM fungi The APTRC has expressed interest in pursuing this arbuscular mycorrhizal work for some time but due to the drought and reduction in levy funds had not been in a position to fund new research projects. The occurrence and functioning of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on North-central Victorian and Southern NSW tomato farms will be assessed during this project. Colonisation of field collected roots by AMF will be quantified, and the ability of indigenous AMF to colonise tomato roots validated in glasshouse based infectivity assays. This data will be integrated with other ancillary field data (collected during this project and from growers) to identify factors that influence on-farm AMF infectivity. Mixed cultures of AMF will be isolated from field soils. The establishment of these cultures will provide a valuable resource for ongoing research into the benefits of AM for sustainable tomato production, and the possibility of practical management tools. The work proposed here seeks to get practical outcomes from these earlier experiments. Since the majority of terrestrial plant species (including many crop species) form these symbiotic associations with mycorrhiza, this research also has benefits that can be extended to other crops. Outputs from the Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi work conducted during this processing tomato season include: 1. A comprehensive assessment of the colonisation of roots by mycorrhizal fungi on Northcentral Victorian and Southern NSW tomato farms and its relation to edaphic and management factors. 2. Isolation of field adapted mycorrhizal fungi for inoculating crops in the future. 3. A detailed assessment of the inoculums potential of AM fungi in soils collected from a range (Continued on page 3)
PAGE 3 (Continued from page 2) of representative tomato farms in North-central Victorian and Southern NSW. 4. The knowledge required to capitalize on the functioning of AM in Australian sustainable processing tomato production. The second component of the work involves Doris Blaesing. The aim of this is to further assist growers to improving their nutrient use efficiency to minimise off farm losses. Doris will continue to work closely with growers to assist them in understanding the interactions between soil health (soil physics, chemistry and biology) and sustainable production practices. As growers aim to match fertiliser applications to crop requirements the risk of nutrient loss off farm through leaching, denitrification or volatilisation will be decreased along with the potential pollution of water ways or greenhouse gas emissions. The Outputs from the nutrient use efficiency and improving soil health work conducted during this processing tomato season from will include: 1. Develop nutrient management plans and decision making tools for processing tomato growers, detailing the amounts of nutrients removed from farms as produce, waste or as losses. 2. Practical nutrient management sessions will be held with processing tomato growers to introduce the principles of nutrient management & nutrient use efficiency and to produce site specific nutrient budgets for the season. 3. Conduct field day with processing tomato growers to demonstrate what works. Train field staff and agronomists involved in the industry. Funding for this project has only recently been announced. This has created a few difficulties in getting the project up and going, but work is now underway. A number of tomato paddocks from across the industry will be studied during this project. At this stage Ashley Martin will be in the region from late January collecting soil samples for the arbuscular mycorrhizal work. Plant tissue samples will also be collected periodically throughout this project to increase our understanding of nutrient management. Review of Resistance Management Strategies (Herbicides and Insecticides) CropLife has recently undertaken a review of its Resistance Management Strategies (Herbicides and Insecticides). The revised strategies can be downloaded from the CropLife website at http:// www.croplifeaustralia.org.au/default.asp? V_DOC_ID=1792. CropLife Australia is the voice and advocate of the plant science industry in Australia. As the industry's peak body, they progress the interests of member companies by engaging with decision makers and other stakeholders and influencing the development and implementation of government policies. The documents are guides only and do not endorse particular products, groups of products or cultural methods in terms of their performance. CropLife recommends that you always follow the product label for specific use instructions. Readers should check with the Australian regulator s (APVMA) product database for contemporary information on products and actives. The database can be sourced through www.apvma.gov.au. Advice given in these strategies is current as at 10 September 2008. All previous versions of these strategies are now invalid. In respect to Fungicides, please note that in September 2008, CropLife Australia completed a review of the Australian Fungicide Activity Groups classification system. The current general intent of activity groups based on their risk has not changed. There are now 27 activity groups designated by number (and letter) codes, and aligned with those of the international Fungicide Resistance Action Committee. Most active constituents have not changed activity group (only the code has changed). CropLife has also finalised the supporting Resistance Management Strategies (with the new activity groups).
PAGE 4 Western Flower Thrips Western Flower Thrips have been found in a small number of processing tomato crops this season. It is important if you begin to notice a higher thrip number than normal or a higher than normal incidence of TSWV that you contact Liz Mann to get a thrip sample identified. If WFT are present it may be necessary to alter your spray program to achieve effective control. WFT have already developed resistance to a number of insecticides. When insects develop resistance, the grower needs to apply more frequent applications of the insecticide to kill the pest as the registered rate of the insecticide starts to become less effective. More frequent applications means increasingly higher chemical costs. It also further speeds up resistance development. Eventually the old insecticide essentially becomes ineffective and a new insecticide is needed. As a result the 3 spray strategy is recommended. The 3 Spray Strategy explained The 3 spray strategy is an essential part of managing WFT effectively. It takes into account several important factors: the life cycle of WFT the time it takes for the pest to complete its life cycle at different temperatures the timing of sprays for the range of temperatures usually experienced during the season For WFT, sprays are only useful against larvae and adults. Sprays do not affect eggs which are laid inside the leaf. Nor do they affect pupae which live in soil and debris. Three sprays of the same chemical are applied consecutively to target all the individuals within a generation. 1. The first spray is targeted against existing larvae and adults 2. The second spray targets adults hatched from pupae and larvae hatched from eggs 3. The third spray is applied to clean up any remaining larvae and adults This approach gives the best chance of killing all the individuals in one generation that are susceptible to the chemical before alternating to another chemical group The spray intervals between the 3 sprays depend on prevailing temperatures and have been calculated to cover the time for eggs to hatch into larvae and for pupae to develop into adults. To calculate the average daily temperature, add the daily maximum to the daily minimum and divide by two. If average daily temperatures are above 20 C use a 3 day spray interval If average daily temperatures are below 20 C use a 6 day spray interval What s wrong with using a different chemical each time you spray? To best manage WFT, use a series of sprays of the same chemical followed by a series of sprays from another chemical group if needed. This strategy is most likely to kill all susceptible thrips from the one generation. Do not use different chemicals in a 3 spray series. This will increase the chance of resistance developing by exposing the same generation to two or more different chemicals. This has the same effect as tank mixing the chemicals and speeds up resistance development. To make sure that there is no overlap in generations, there must be at least a 2 week break in warm weather (above 20 C) before the next series of sprays is applied. In cooler weather this break should be extended to 3 weeks. If monitoring results show that sprays are needed earlier, then insecticide resistance, poor spray application or lack of adequate farm hygiene should be suspected. Check the farm for host weeds and destroy them, get rid of old crops promptly and look for ways of improving spray coverage. For additional information http:// www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/horticulture/ pests-diseases-hort/multiple/thrips/wft-resistance/ tomatoes
PAGE 5 UPCOMING EVENTS Sustainable Farm Families - Part 2 For all people who participated in the first part in April 08 Change of date Tuesday 7 th April 2009 and Wednesday 8 th April 2009 The program in 2009 is a 1 full day and ½ day on the second day (finish at lunch time). (Continued from page 1)
PAGE 6 Strategic Agrichemical Review Process Peter Dal Santo A Strategic Agrichemical Review Process (SARP) assesses the importance of the disease, insects and weeds (plant pests) that can affect a horticultural industry; evaluates the availability and effectiveness of fungicides, insecticides and herbicides (pesticides) to control the plant pests and determines any gaps in the pest control strategy. SARP was conducted in January 2007 in Echuca Victoria, as part of the Australian Processing Tomato Research Council meeting. The results of the process will provide the processing tomato industry with sound pesticide options for the future that the industry can pursue for registration with the manufacturer, or minor-use permits with APVMA. The diseases identified as a high priority were: The weeds identified as a high priority were: Target disease Blackberry nightshade (Solanum nigrum) Barnyard grass Herbicide option No new options available No new options available The results of the process will provide the processing tomato industry with an understanding pesticide use and possible future strategies that the industry can pursue for registration with the manufacturer, or minor-use permits with the Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). Disease (common name) Bacterial canker Bacterial speck Bacterial spot Botrytis rot or Grey mould Phytophthora rot Powdery mildew Tomato-spotted wilt virus Disease (scientific name) Clavibacter michiganensis ssp. Michiganensis Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria Botrytis cinerea Phytophthora spp Leveillula taurica The insects identified as a high priority were: Insects (common name) Helicoverpa (and other Lepidoptera) Onion Thrips Plague Thrips Insects (scientific name) Helicoverpa armigera Helicoverpa punctigera Thrips tabaci Thrips imaginis Funding Available DAFF has responsibility within the Australian Government for food industry policy and programs that support a globally competitive and sustainable Australian food industry. Key areas of focus include fostering innovation, food regulation reform, improving the environmental performance of the industry and expanding market access. We are also committed to the development of an Australian standard for organic and biodynamic produce. The department has finalised two new Australian Government grant programs, totalling $40 million, to help boost the productivity, profitability and global competiveness of Australian food businesses. Guidelines have been released for: Regional Food Producers Innovation and Productivity Program Promoting Australian Produce Promoting Australian Produce (Major Events) For Additional Information http://www.daff.gov.au/agriculture-food/food
PAGE 7 Review of Fruit Fly Management in Victoria and Options for Future Management (taken from the Review Document November 2008) Victoria is currently undergoing a review of its fruit fly management program. This is the result of the number of fruit fly detections, declared outbreaks and costs associated with eradicating these outbreaks in both Victoria and the Southern Riverina having significantly increased in the past 5 years. The projected cost to DPI Victoria for the 2008/09 fruit fly management program is estimated to be approximately $7 million. This figure has increased dramatically from approximately $2 million in 2000. Relevant industries have indicated a strong desire for the retention of area freedom for Queensland Fruit Fly and Mediterranean Fruit Fly across all Victorian production regions in order to facilitate trade to both domestic and international markets and reduce productions costs. Government has indicated a willingness to continue to work with industry to maintain area freedom arrangements but has also indicated that the current management regime and funding arrangements are no longer sustainable. The Department s Economics Branch has commenced a Benefit Cost Analysis to help identify the beneficiaries and develop appropriate government and industry co-funding arrangements for the future state fruit fly program. A range of risk mitigation treatments exist as alternative measures to fruit fly area freedom certification and each has clear benefits and costs. Whilst a detailed benefit cost analysis has not been completed it would appear that fruit fly area freedom remains the most viable long term option for Victorian industries to continue to maintain and develop market access arrangements to sensitive markets. Previous fruit fly reviews support this position and also indicate the need for the adoption of a broader national approach to fruit fly management. The National Fruit Fly Strategy is in the early stages of implementation and it would be beneficial for Victoria to align any determined strategy with this. The review proposes three possible options for a long term fruit fly management strategy within Victoria. Fly Exclusion Zone Retain state wide area freedom arrangements and import controls on fruit fly host materials. Provide appropriated funding and resources required ensuring a Code of Practice compliant pest monitoring, reporting and eradication program is delivered across the State. Maintain area freedom certification for the majority of Victorian producers. (This is similar to the current situation.) OPTION 3: Area Wide Management Based on the Adoption of the New Code of Practice and Phytosanitory Principles Establishing a series of Pest Free Areas within the Fruit Fly Exclusion Zone and Greater Victoria in order to protect key production regions as well as key distribution centres and markets. With the exception of designated Pest Free Areas, Victoria is managed as a an area of low pest prevalence by maintaining low population levels rather than adopting costly State wide eradication programs. It is the opinion of the management review working group charged with the preparation of this document that option 3 be considered as the preferred model for adoption for fruit fly management in Victoria. Impact on the industry To date the processing tomato industry has been able to move fruit produced in Victoria along the necessary routes without any restrictions. Fruit brought in from some regions in NSW has required a dimethoate spray approximately 3 weeks prior to harvest. Dimethoate is currently going through a review with registered use patterns likely to be affected in the future. If option 3 was implemented then it may result in additional requirements and costs being placed on processing tomato growers in NSW and perhaps also in Victoria, depending upon which zone the grower and processing company is located. OPTION 1: Establishment and Maintenance of Specific Pest Free Areas Cease fruit fly controls in Victoria and deregulate effectively making the State a non sensitive market, excepting for any future Pest Free Areas yet to be determined. OPTION 2: Establishment of State Wide Area Freedom Including the Victorian Component of the Fruit The draft review is currently available with comments required by the 2 March 2009. If you would like to obtain a copy of the review please contact Liz Mann (lizmann@aptrc.asn.au). Liz will also be compiling a submission on this document, so any comments from growers or processors on this matter would be greatly appreciated.
PAGE 8 Investment Allowance to Boost Business Investment By boosting business confidence and encouraging business investment, this measure will provide an important short term stimulus to the Australian economy in the face of the global financial crisis. The investment allowance is in addition to the Rudd Government's $10.4 billion Economic Security Strategy designed to bolster households and businesses, strengthen the economy and support jobs during the global financial crisis. It will also complement the major investments in infrastructure that the Government is undertaking. The allowance will be in the form of an additional tax deduction equal to 10 per cent of the cost of an eligible asset. The allowance will be applicable to most new tangible depreciating assets - which includes most items of plant and equipment - over $10,000 which are acquired or ordered by the end of the current financial year. The investment allowance will be available for businesses who start to hold or start to construct the asset after 12.01am AEDT 13 December 2008 and before the end of June 2009. Assets must be ready for use by the end of June 2010. The investment allowance will be confined to new assets and new expenditure on existing assets, used in Australia. Assets that have previously been used or held for use will be excluded. Land and trading stock are excluded from the definition of depreciating assets, and will not qualify for the investment allowance. Assets to which Division 40 does not apply will not qualify for the investment allowance. This means capital works for which you can deduct amounts under Division 43 of the ITAA97 will not qualify for the investment allowance. This means a business can receive an additional 10 per cent tax deduction - available immediately - for investment brought forward and in place by 30 June 2010. In practical terms, this is an added incentive for businesses to proceed with their investment plans in this difficult environment. Assets for which deductions can be obtained under other Subdivisions will not qualify for the investment allowance. These assets are already subject to special treatment. Information obtained from Media Release 141 http://www.treasurer.gov.au ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: Funding from Horticulture Australia Ltd. (HAL) for the Technology Transfer project (TM05007) is acknowledged. Tomato Topics is a quarterly newsletter compiled and edited by Liz Mann, Industry Development Manager, APTRC Inc., P.O. Box 2293, SHEPPARTON, VIC 3632. Phone: (03) 5825 4633, Fax: (03) 5825 4725, Mobile: (0427) 857-578, E-mail: lizmann@aptrc.asn.au Opinions expressed in Tomato Topics are not necessarily those of the APTRC unless otherwise stated. Sender: APTRC Inc. P.O. Box 2293 SHEPPARTON, VIC 3632 S U R F A C E M A IL P o s t a g e P a i d M o o r o o p n a V i c t o r i a A u s t r a li a 3 6 2 9 Print Post Approved PP343935/0060