Latest updates
Latest news and events
Field trials and research on display at South Johnstone
Field walk - 22 September 2023
Commercial banana growers and industry stakeholders are invited to attend a field walk at South Johnstone Research Facility on the 22 September 2023. Come along to see and hear about the latest variety trials, research on bunch pest management and new fertiliser rate trial.
Click here to RSVP and for more information.
Finger on the pulse with the latest climate and seasonal forecasting information
New planning tools are available from Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) to assist farmers and agribusiness plan for extreme weather conditions. The NextGen group and industry stakeholders recently met at South Johnstone to investigate the new tools available.
Some of the new tools can be used as a pre-emptive strategy, mapping out weather predictions and forecasts and its potential impact on fruit quality.
On-farm biosecurity, check out what other growers are doing!
Need some inspiration for your on-farm biosecurity? Why not have a look at what other growers have implemented. Our new biosecurity section features image galleries of different practices to help inspire and get you started.
The National Banana Development and Extension Team is also available to help develop a biosecurity plan tailored to your farm or discuss how you can improve existing practices. Contact the team via email betterbananas@daf.qld.gov.au or phone 07 4220 4152.
Getting the best from your tissue culture
At a recent field day at South Johnstone Research Station, Research Horticulturist Shanara Veivers gave an overview of a recent desuckering trial. Results indicate that undertaking an additional early desuckering application in the plant crop of tissue-cultured plants can significantly improve yield and stability in the following ratoon crop.
Better Bananas is an initiative of the National Banana Development and Extension Program (BA16007). This project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the banana research and development levy, co-investment from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.
The project is supported by the Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC).
