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Workshops across Australia aim to help growers with pest and disease management

A series of free workshops to be held across Australia in August and September will give growers help with pest and disease management.

They will have the opportunity to hear from leading entomologists on how they can use integrated pest and disease management to help maintain orchard health and viability.

The nine workshops will focus on pests and diseases affecting local orchards in each state, including control measures and chemical interactions.

The workshops form part of a pest, disease and weed management program for the Australian apple and pear industry, which is a levy-funded project delivered under the management of Agriculture Victoria entomologist, David Williams.

READ: Hybrid mega-pest threatening global food crops

Williams is recognised nationally and internationally for expertise in integrated pest and disease management development and adoption.

Williams will be the key speaker at the nine workshops being held around Australia in August and September.

He will be joined by Australian experts and fellow entomologist, Christopher Adams, from Michigan State University.

The free workshops start on the 21st of August in Tatura, Victoria and on the 22nd of August in Bundoora.

There will also be workshops in Tasmania, SA, WA, NSW and Queensland.

Orchardists will hear case studies of successful initiatives and be guided through a process of developing their individual integrated pest and disease management plans for the coming season.

Participants will also have an opportunity to identify a local pest or disease management issue for further study.

The workshops are part of a project funded by Hort Innovation using the Apple and Pear research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

The Victorian Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources is delivering the project in collaboration with Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Western Australia Primary Industries and Regional Development, Tasmania’s Institute of Agriculture; and Lenswood Cooperative.

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