AU: Understanding key to treating avocado root rot

A better understanding of phosphonate fungicides in avocado is thought to hold the key better treatment of pytopthora root rot, which is damaging yields and quality of fruit.

Studies have already established the best practice in regards to treatment for the variety Hass, but the Shepard variety has a different life cycle and therefore, usage of fungicide needs to be tailored.

The Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation has initiated a study in conjunction with funding from the Atherton Tablelands Avocado Growers Association and Horticulture Australia into the best uses for this variety.

Shepard avocados comprise 18 per cent of the total Australian avocado crop with 45 per cent of Australia´s Shepard avocados grown on the Atherton Tablelands, and worth about $15 million dollars to the local economy at the farm gate.

A field day to outline the aims of the project for Atherton Tablelands producers will be held on Friday 3 February at 3pm at The Bees Knees orchard, Jennings Rd, Mareeba

Source: qcl.farmonline.com.au