HANDS-ON REFRESHER FOR FIELD OFFICERS

On-farm biosecurity is a grower’s best defence against pest and disease threats, including Panama TR4. In Far North Queensland, to support management of the disease, trained field officers (FOs) are on the ground working towards industry-set surveillance targets. FOs are part of the Grower Support (Biosecurity) team with the Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC), with surveillance forming part of an overall TR4 Disease Management Plan. The officers’ job is to keep a close eye out for signs of the disease - and they do it with the backing of ongoing, hands-on training that ensures their methods remain current, consistent and grounded in the latest science.

Read the entire article in the online edition of the 74th edition of the Australian Bananas Magazine on page 29