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Chestnut Blight Incursion
Chestnut blight has been confirmed on nine properties in the upper Ovens Valley catchment area, in Victoria’s north-east.
Please click here to view the latest Chestnut Blight Industry Update, February 2012. This update includes farm hygiene techniques and movement restrictions.
After nine weeks of intensive activity DPI has advised as of 16/12/11 Spring surveys have been completed. Those surveyed included 396 properties from Harrietville/Wandiligong/Eurobin/Buffalo Creek/Keiwa Valley to Beechworth and Stanley. 110,267 trees were inspected. Nine commercial nurseries were also inspected. On behalf of the Chestnut Industry, CAI praise the efforts and diligence of inspection teams, carrying out this work in most instances in what can only be described as challenging terrain!
Spring Surveys commenced 4th October, 2011. Please CLICK HERE to view an important biosecurity message for all chestnut growers from VicDPI.
Please CLICK HERE to view a DPI Presentation on Blight on the Horticulture Industry Network, Online Resource Library, July 2011.
A new order regarding the movement of Chestnut Blight host materials in North East Victoria has been declared for March 2011. Please CLICK HERE to view the new Order and the latest update from VicDPI.
Dr Cecile Robin an expert on chestnut blight from Bordeaux, France visited North East Victoria on Tuesday 22nd February, 2011. Growers invited to a presentation at DPI Ovens, were encouraged to hear her positive comments on the $4.5m eradication plan enacted by VicDPI, which is in the final stages of the destruction and disposal stage. Dr Robin's 10 day visit to Australia was funded by VicDPI through a Research Fellowship program. Please CLICK HERE to view the entire presentation.
DPI also also presented a Response Update. Please CLICK HERE for the lastest as of 22nd February 2011.
DPI are currently in the destruction and disposal stage of an eradication response. It is vital that biosecurity practices be maintained at all times and under no circumstances should unauthorized persons enter infected premises.
As of the 11th January 2011, 3,391 trees have been removed and burnt out of a total of 3707 diseased and at risk trees affected by the response plan. Continuing wet weather has so far created favourable conditions for burning the trees but this situation could change later in January and delay the burning process.
 
"Destruction of blight infected orchard, Ovens Valley 3rd December, 2010. These activities and smoke are due to be present at various locations in the Ovens Valley up until the end of December and possibly into January, 2011"
An emergency permit for the use of copper for the control of chestnut blight in chestnuts has been applied for and granted in NSW, dated 6th December, 2010. Please
It was decided at the CAI Blight IncursionTaskforce meeting held Monday 20th December, 2010 to dissolve the Taskforce Committee and appoint a Blight Co-ordination Committee as a replacement. This Committee has been appointed to respond to the next stage of the incursion. Persons appointed are; CAI President John Morton, Andrew Hall, David McIntyre and Tanya Edwards.
CAI thanked the members of the Taskforce for their expertise and commitment in achieving the goal of eradication, in the interests of the Industry at large.
Please CLICK HERE to view the NMG Chestnut Blight Communique dated 10th December, 2010
A very informative grower and community meeting was held Monday 6th December, at the Myrtleford Savoy Club where the Victorian DPI informed industry of their response plan to eradicate chestnut blight from North East Victoria.
Other presentations were given by the CAI Blight Taskforce which incuded the response from CAI, information on Plant Health Australia and the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD).
Destruction of infected orchards has already begun, and weather permitting should be completed by the end of the end of December. DPI have been tireless in their efforts to survey and manage the disease up to date and are now focusing their efforts on eradication.
CAI thanked DPI for all they have achieved, and assured them that industry would do all they could to support their efforts. To achieve the goal of eradication all growers need to remain vigilant for any signs of the disease and report immediately anything suspect to DPI and apply good biosecurity measures on their properties.
Below are presentatations given by DPI which contain vital information on the DPI response to date, the eradication process, a proposed new quarantine area and details of the long term surveillance plan.
Growers have been encouraged to contact DPI if they have any comments regarding the eradication plan. Also if you have any questions regarding the eradication process please contact DPI Ovens 03 5731 1207.Biosecurity signs are also available free of charge from DPI Ovens.
Any new information/directions will be updated daily on this website or as it comes to hand. Please CLICK HERE to view persons appointed to the Chestnut Industry Blight Incursion Taskforce.
DPI strongly encourge growers to request a survey of their orchards by calling the DPI Customer Service Centre 13 61 86.
The following 5 presentations were delivered to Chestnuts Austraila Inc AGM attendees Sunday 10th October, Bright NE Victoria. Chestnut Blight Outbreak - A Short History
See below for the latest word on Blight from Chestnuts Australia Inc.
Update from Information Meeting held Wednesday 22nd September, 2010
Please read the following douments for more information:
CLICK HERE to view the NSW permit and conditions of use. Victorian growers are able to apply copper to their trees using an 'off label' permit. Please CLICK HERE to view the VIC permit and conditions of use. CAI advises growers that they use copper at their own risk as anecdotal evidence suggests that there may be side effects on trees in early to full leaf/blossom stages. |
Chestnut Blight Info
