3727 research projects
Research project
eDNA analysis of plant-pollinator relationships to improve Hass avocado production in south-west Western Australia
Hort Innovation
Inadequate pollination has been identified as one of the main contributors impacting fruit production in avocados, an issue experienced in south-west Western Australia where avocados typically produce large numbers of flowers but consistently yield low crops. This project is using a method known as eDNA metabarcoding to determine which insect...
26 Nov 2020 - 30 Nov 2023
New South Wales, Australia
Research project
Loss of horticultural pollination services from wild insects following bushfires
Hort Innovation
Extreme weather events, such as bushfires and floods, are important features of the Australian environment and are predicted to increase in frequency with climate change. However, little is known about how this may impact crop pollination. This investment is conducting a case study of the impact of a major bushfire...
16 Jun 2021 - 4 Nov 2023
New South Wales, Australia
Research project
Insect survey within Pistachio farms/orchards
Hort Innovation
This project increased knowledge about pest and beneficial species of insects and mites in Australian pistachio orchards. It looked at pests that currently pose a risk to pistachio production, or that have the potential to move into orchards. While the project team found the pest status of surveyed pistachio orchards...
12 Sep 2017 - 13 Jun 2020
New South Wales, Australia
Research project
Causes and management of dark staining on pistachio shells
Hort Innovation
This project investigated dark staining of pistachio shells and nuts – an issue that leaves produce unmarketable and that has been tentatively linked to fungal pathogens Fusarium and Alternaria in preliminary studies. The aim was to investigate the causal organism associated with dark staining, evaluate when pistachios are most susceptible...
25 Sep 2017 - 30 Sep 2020
New South Wales, Australia
Research project
Extension of the Predicta Pt Potato Diagnostic Service
Hort Innovation
This project expanded the PREDICTA® PT testing system to help minimise the impact of soil and seed borne diseases on commercial Australian potato production. Available through accredited providers in south-eastern Australia since 2013, PREDICTA Pt is a commercial DNA-based testing service that identifies pathogens and helps potato growers manage risks...
8 May 2016 - 23 Oct 2020
New South Wales, Australia
Research project
Investigating soil pH and nutrition as possible factors influencing Pink Rot in potatoes – a pilot study
Hort Innovation
This project is investigating how soil pH and nutrition may play a part in reducing the impact of pink rot disease in potatoes. By furthering the industry’s knowledge on this soilborne disease, the work will provide direction for future research priorities and recommendations on how to best manage pink rot.
30 Jun 2020 - 31 Jul 2022
New South Wales, Australia
Research project
Integrated Farm management to control nematodes in sweetpotato crops
Hort Innovation
This project aims to both extend existing knowledge and develop new knowledge on soil health and nematode management in the Australian sweetpotato industry. The work will include surveys to identify region-specific nematode species and issues facing the Australian sweetpotato industry; the investigation of management approaches including cover crops, soil amendments,...
15 Jun 2017 - 25 Aug 2023
New South Wales, Australia
Research project
Quality improvement across the sweetpotato industry
Hort Innovation
This project will investigate pre- and post-harvest quality issues for Australian sweetpotatoes and develop a business case for quality improvements in the supply chain. This will be developed through supply chain quality reviews on-farm in Queensland and at retail level in Victoria, mimicking a typical supply chain. Ultimately the aim...
28 Jun 2021 - 1 Jul 2024
New South Wales, Australia
Research project
A review on the scientific literature on the health and nutrition of sweetpotato
Hort Innovation
This literature review is to help identify gaps in industry knowledge about the health benefits of sweetpotato and provide health professionals and stakeholders with evidence of beneficial health attributes to help drive consumer demand.
1 Jul 2021 - 15 Jun 2022
New South Wales, Australia
Research project
Integrated disease management in pyrethrum
Hort Innovation
With an increasing number of foliar and flower diseases placing constraints on pyrethrum production – reducing yields and the lifespan of crops – and fungicide resistance a rising cost and risk, this three-year investment worked to aid pyrethrum growers in minimising these issues.
21 Jul 2017 - 21 Jul 2020
New South Wales, Australia