ISHS Acta Horticulturae 273: V International Workshop on Fireblight
THE POTENTIAL VULNERABILITY TO FIRE BLIGHT OF PEAR AND APPLE CROPS IN THE GOULBURN VALLEY, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA |
| Authors: | D.L.S. Wimalajeewa, K. Atley |
| Abstract:
Although Australia has hitherto remained free of fire blight the risk of it being introduced into the country is now increasing owing to the increased volume of pome fruit propagating material imported into the country, especially illegally, from countries having fire blight. The proposed importation of apple fruit from some of these countries, currently under consideration, may also contribute to this risk, though it may only be minimal. To determine the potential impact of fire blight on the pome fruit industry in Australia, especially the pear industry, a study was carried out to assess the potential vulnerability of the pome fruit crops in the Goulburn Valley in Victoria, where a major proportion (83%) of the pear industry in Australia is located. Published predictive models, based on weather data, were used in this assessment. Results indicate that conditions conducive to severe fire blight activity occur both regularly and frequently during the blossoming period. On the average there were 13.5 single infection days and 5.7 multiple infection periods in one of the locations in this region. It is concluded that with over 50% of the pears grown in the Goulburn Valley being of the highly susceptible cultivar Williams' Bon Chretien (Bartlett), the pome fruit crops here would be highly vulnerable to fire blight if the disease is introduced into the country. | |
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