Improving the sustainability of Plant Protection in TTO production systems

Summary

The project will run for 1012 months. The project aims to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of insect pest and weed control systems in Tea Tree Oil production. The current systems are only partially effective and their long term sustainability is in doubt. Improvements in this key management area are needed for growers to remain viable and sustain production during expected future price fluctuations. This project will use a series of laboratory and field trials to determine effective alternatives to the current insect management systems.

Program

Tea Tree Oil

Research Organisation

North East Agricultural Services

Objective Summary

To enhance production systems and to maintain the competitiveness of Australian Tea Tree producers by: 1. Identifying more effective chemical control options for Pyrgo beetles in Tea Tree. 2. Determining any risk of chemical residue in Tea Tree Oil from these control options. 3. Obtaining permits from the APVMA for the selected effective insecticides 4. Identifying safe and effective selective broadleaf herbicides for use in Tea Tree. 5. Identifying safe and effective post harvest preemergent herbicides for use in Tea Tree. 6. Identifying safe and effective in crop directed spray herbicide options for use in Tea Tree. 7. Obtaining permits from the APVMA for the selected effective herbicides. 8. To determine the suitability of emergency fungicides for Myrtle Rust control in Tea Tree.