Appendix

23 Template for Project Brief and Example

Example of Completed Template

Project Title:                   Commercial Evaluation of Green and Gold

Grantee:                          Persimmon Growers Group

Grant Number:               03/133

Contact Person:             Gavin Loudon

Address:                         PO Box 1244, Gisborne

Telephone:                     06 986 1545

Facsimile:                       06 867 4715

Email:                             gavinloudon@clear.net.nz

Quarterly Update:         December 2004

Related website links:

Other links:                    Commercial Evaluation of Green and Gold (PPT)

Project description

The project aims to reduce the industry dependence on the insecticides Attack and chlorpyrifos by:

  • developing more efficient spraying techniques to optimise spray coverage in persimmons
  • evaluating “Green & Gold” integrated pest management programme on a commercial (grower) level.

The issue/opportunity

The NZ Persimmon Industry currently relies on Attack (28%) and chlorpyrifos (20%) for nearly half of all insecticide applications. Both these insecticides may be withdrawn from the NZ market within the next few years.

The persimmon industry has the opportunity to:

  1. Learn to use more selective, less disruptive (and sometimes less effective) insecticides (e.g. oils, Bt, Applaud)
  2. Further develop and refine monitoring techniques, action thresholds, and justified use of insecticides in the lifecycle to provide effective insect control.

The industry has already developed the Green and Gold IPM programme. However, to date there has been little commercial use of the programme and it has not been revised since it was first published.

The context/background

In 2002, the persimmon industry exported 615,000 trays at an average orchard gate return of $14 per tray. In the absence of improved spraying techniques and a successful Green and Gold IPM programme, the industry is likely to be shut out of the higher returning markets – potentially reducing the returns per tray to $10.

Methods

  1. Investigate techniques to improve spray coverage e.g. optimise sprayer configuration, water rates and the use of adjuvants.
  2. Implement, monitor and evaluate “Green and Gold” in commercial orchards.
  3. Undertake technology transfer activities e.g. regional field days, providing Advanced Growsafe training for registered growers.

Contents | Appendix 24

 

Contact for Enquiries

Fund Administrator
Sustainable Farming Fund
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
PO Box 2526
Wellington

Tel: 0800 100 087
Fax: 04 894 0741
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