Pesticides are the backbone of crop protection systems. However, as this backbone becomes weakened by chemical resistance, product withdrawals and residue limits, some growers are combining chemicals with biological and cultural options in an integrated system where compatibility is the key. Chemical resistance is a widespread issue that has...
Curtin University PhD student Joshua Kestel was out in the field recently collecting data for the SWCC eDNA Avocado Pollinator project. He used cameras to record which insects visit avocado flowers, as well as pan traps to identify insects found in the orchard. Joshua also collected flowers for eDNA...
, , News, Engagement, Pollination
Avocado growers are invited to attend a free webinar on avocado pollination that is taking place on Wednesday August 12. The webinar is being hosted by South West Catchments Council (SWCC) and will detail the projects SWCC and its’ partners are currently undertaking. “There’s lots of work going on...
, , News, Pollination
A survey of avocado growers in the South West Region found that three-quarters of the 20 respondents encourage pollinators such as insects and birds onto their properties, mainly by maintaining ‘weeds’ in their inter-rows. Only 5 percent of those surveyed described their understanding of pollination of their crop as...
, , News, Pollination
A survey of canola growers in the South West Region found that about two-thirds of respondents encourage pollinators such as insects and birds onto their property through trees, shelterbelts and biodiversity corridors. The same percentage also practice Integrated Pest Management, particularly visual assessment of the number of pest insects...
, , News, Pollination
New research into the pollination of avocado trees in the South West Region is soon to be underway thanks to a Smart Farms Grant received by the South West Catchments Council for $510,788. Pollination of avocados in Western Australia is currently considered to be inadequate due to a lack...
, , News, Pollination
This survey is now closed. South West Catchments Council is implementing a 4-year project with farmers to improve crop pollination in canola, avocados, and orchards (apples, stone fruit). If you farm one or more of these crops, and would like to take part in the project, please email Mike...
More than 30 people from across the region joined Wadandi/Pibulmun cultural custodian Iszaac Webb at Barrabup Pool Nannup this week to learn more about native plants and trees and the pollination benefits to agriculture. Participants relaxed in a magnificent bush classroom fringed by tea-trees while Mr Webb of the...
Exploring the connection between Aboriginal culture and pollination is the focus of a SWCC workshop on Wednesday 5 June at Barrabup Pool near Nannup. Wadandi/Pibulmun cultural custodian Iszaac Webb of the Undalup Association will share his traditional ecological knowledge and understanding of the location with participants. SWCC project manager...
Farmers can learn more about the benefits, costs and risks associated with forage shrubs and what varieties best suit soils and climate at a SWCC workshop in Woodanilling on 16 April. Keynote speaker and animal research scientist Dr Dean Revell will share insights into his Eureka Prize-winning ‘Enrich’ project...
