Investigating threats to Our Green Gold: blight and dieback of avocado
Abstract
In late spring 2019 several growers and agronomists in the Bundaberg/Childers region reported necrosis (death) of vegetative shoots and panicles (flowers), resulting in retarded growth and reduced fruit set. Several samples were sent to our lab for diagnosis. While several fungi were isolated, none of the known pathogens were consistently associated with the symptoms, and questions around links to environmental stress arose. Heightened industry awareness resulted in similar reports from other major growing regions. This seminar presents our trial work to investigate the potential cause/s and management options for this yield-limiting and complex syndrome.
Associate Professor Elizabeth Dann, Dr Akila Prabhakaran & Montana Hickey.
Three members of the avocado pathology team will present this seminar. Liz Dann has led the avocado industry pathology and disease management projects for several years. The program covers soilborne as well as foliar and fruit diseases, which impact orchard productivity and fruit quality, from nursery stages through to postharvest diseases of fruit. Akila Prabhakaran undertakes key diagnostic work on samples from commercial orchards and nurseries, and conducts glasshouse trials to determine pathogenicity and management options. Montana Hickey has recently completed her Honours project with the team focusing on the recent panicle blight/dieback issue.
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Contact: Associate Professor Elizabeth Dann, Principal Research Fellow, Centre for Horticultural Science, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, Email: e.dann@uq.edu.au
For any questions, please contact the QAAFI Science Seminar Committee.
About Science Seminars
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation hosts science seminars across the disciplines of animal, horticulture, crop, food and nutritional sciences.
With a range of speakers from Australia and abroad, the series explores how high-impact science will significantly improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the tropical and sub-tropical food, fibre and agribusiness sectors.
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The Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation is a research institute at The University of Queensland supported by the Queensland Government via the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.