Prioritise good on-farm biosecurity practices

A timely reminder to orchards in all regions.

This season’s weather has created ideal conditions for some pests and diseases across the South West. While most orchards with strong decision‑support tools and effective spray programs report clean crops, a few pest and disease issues have emerged. This reinforces the importance of maintaining a solid on‑farm biosecurity plan to protect your orchard and the wider apple and pear industry.

You can play a key role in protecting your orchard and the wider apple and pear industry from biosecurity threats. These six practices help reduce the risk of new pests and should be part of everyday orchard management:

  1. Know the risks
    Ensure you and your workers understand major exotic pests and follow proper hygiene for people, vehicles, and equipment.

  2. Use clean, certified material
    Source pest‑free propagation material from reputable suppliers and keep clear records.

  3. Maintain good hygiene
    Clean and decontaminate workers, visitors, vehicles, and equipment before they enter or leave the property. Provide a visitor area and disinfecting facilities.

  4. Monitor your orchard
    Check trees regularly and keep written or photographic records of anything unusual for early pest detection.

  5. Follow regulations
    Stay aware of laws that protect the apple and pear industry and your region.

  6. Report unusual pests
    If you suspect a new pest, report it immediately to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline: 1800 084 881 or usethe DPIRD mypestguide

 Create your own biosecurity kit - Farm Biosecurity

Managing people movement
People moving between orchards and horticultural regions can carry pests on vehicles, equipment, clothing, and soil. Reduce the risk by:

  • Keeping a visitor register to track movements and support safety.

  • Briefing all workers, contractors, and visitors on orchard biosecurity measures.

  • Ensuring footwear and clothing are free of soil and plant material before entering or leaving the orchard.

  • Providing cleaning facilities such as scrubbing brushes, footbaths, boot covers, rubber boots, and disposable overalls.

  • Requiring budding crews to clean knives and footwear between cuts (at minimum, between bundles).

  • Displaying simple, effective biosecurity messages in staff and packing areas.

Casual workers and tourists
Casual workers frequently move between orchards and regions, making them a high biosecurity risk. Ensure they understand your biosecurity measures and have clean clothing, boots, tools, and equipment before entering production areas or packing sheds.

Overseas travellers
Visitors returning from overseas may bring in exotic pests. Ask them to thoroughly clean boots and clothing before entering the orchard.

Contractors and utility providers
Contractors also pose a risk due to frequent property movement. Use biosecurity signage at property entrances and require vehicles and equipment to be cleaned before work begins. Provide a wash‑down bay and inform contractors of any declared or notifiable pests present on your property.

Vehicles, machinery, and tools

Vehicles, machinery, and tools can carry soil, spores, and plant material that spread pests and disease. While movement on and off the property is often unavoidable, using dedicated orchard vehicles, wash down areas, and restricting dirty machinery can greatly reduce risk.

Contractors, resellers, service providers, and delivery drivers should clean vehicles and equipment before entering the orchard. Orchards open to the public face higher risk and should provide parking areas away from production zones.

To minimise pest and disease entry:

  • Clean vehicle floors, tyres, and equipment after visiting other properties.

  • Use orchard vehicles for visitors when possible.

  • Limit vehicle movement in production areas and stick to established paths.

  • Wash and disinfect machinery before moving between properties.

  • Ensure contractor and second‑hand equipment is thoroughly cleaned.

  • Regularly clean tools, pallets, boxes, and other equipment with disinfectant.

Designated visitor parking helps contain pests away from growing areas and allows for inspection of tyres, equipment, and footwear. This area should be routinely checked for signs of pests.

 

 

 

 

Nardia Stacy