March Field Day: Are Plants from Production Nurseries using Best Management Practices ‘better’?
March 6 2024
Best Management Practices (BMPs) are structured techniques and processes that can increase efficiency, reduce waste and ultimately boost your bottom line. If you’re in the nursery sector, industry-specific BMPs can help you minimise pests and diseases, resulting in healthier plants – and taking your nursery to the next level.
Need more evidence that BMPs are the way to go?
Over the past three years, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in Queensland (DAF), in collaboration with the University of Queensland (UQ), conducted extensive evaluations of over 3,400 plants sourced from accredited and unaccredited production nurseries.
This assessment compared the plant health, and pest and disease incidence between Nursery Industry Accreditation Scheme, Australia (NIASA) accredited and unaccredited nurseries.
The evaluation covered various plant types sourced from 57 businesses across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Additionally, 800 native and landscape plants were planted at the Redlands Research Facility to assess growth and survival rates.
Initial findings suggest that plants from NIASA production nurseries generally exhibit higher health levels and experience fewer pest and disease issues on receipt by DAF, although there are exceptions.
DAF is inviting growers and nursery industry stakeholders to a field day which will discuss the projects findings.
Event Details:
- When: Wednesday, 27 March 9AM – 12PM
- Where: Redlands Research Facility, 26–40 Delancey St, Cleveland, QLD
- Cost: Free
- RSVP by: Friday, 22 March 2024
- How to register: email Andrew.Manners@daf.qld.gov.au and include:
- attendee names
- business name
- phone number.
What you can expect
- A data presentation
This focuses on herbs and vegetables, potted colour and landscape/native plants. It compares the health, survival and pest/disease incidence between NIASA and non‑NIASA nurseries.
- A field trial walkthrough
A guided tour of the trial grounds will feature a map of NIASA‑sourced native and landscape plants.
- Expert consultations
Plant pathologists and entomologists will be available for plant health advice.
- Laboratory testing
Attendees can bring plants for further testing – production nurseries are eligible for six free samples annually through Grow Help.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain valuable insights into nursery plant health and vitality. Register now by emailing Andrew Manners at andrew.manners@daf.qld.gov.au with your attendee details.
Attendees are encouraged to bring sun protective gear and water bottles (a light morning tea will be provided). See you there!
