An Australian biosecurity team has visited Fiji to inspect the ginger farms. Fiji would like to break into the Australian market with its fresh ginger. At present it only supplies processed ginger which currently is being well received because of its texture and fibre. The biosecurity team will analyse all aspects of the farms to assess the risks of any potential pests and infectious diseases.
The fungus which affected Queensland’s ginger last year now appears to be spreading after recent wet weather. The Sunshine Coast, renowned for its ginger products, has suffered more than its fair share of inclement weather of late. The current conditions are proving ideal for the spread of pythium soft rot, a highly destructive disease which some of you may have encountered with your tulips. According to Bioversity International "Pythium soft rot is notoriously difficult to manage...all ginger cultivars available today are highly susceptible to soft rot and no resistance or tolerance source has yet been identified". Bioversity continues "Recent progress...suggests the possibility of broadening the genetic base of ginger...in order to locate a suitable donor for soft rot resistance". I'm sure I speak for all of us in wishing Bioversity International well in its endeavours.
It has been announced that Crabbie's Alcoholic Ginger Beer will be the title sponsor for the Perth Festival, a three-day horse racing event. This year's meeting will be held from April 27-29. Crabbie's will also sponsor next year's meeting.
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