New carbohydrate project seeks grower participation

Did you know that the interaction of light and temperature around flowering could influence your fruit set and yield?

What if you could use weather data to help make a yield prediction?

QAAFI’s Anthony Van Herwaarden wants the opportunity to test this theory in the avocado industry and is seeking growers who are interested to put their hand up.

 Click here to register your interest – open until Monday, 5 October.

Grower’s commitment – providing consecutive years of yield data, an indication of flowering time, preferably irrigated, but reliable rainfall is okay, and some standard orchard practice information. All data provided by growers will remain confidential and a confidentiality agreement can be entered into if desired.

In return for sharing this information, participants will be provided with a summary of the findings from their farm, highlighting regional differences.

Your participation in this process is very much appreciated and will make the outcomes of this Hort Innovation avocado levy-funded project practical and relevant.

The project Carbohydrate monitoring to predict yield and understanding fruit set (AV19006) is examining the methods and tools needed to monitor carbohydrate status in avocado orchards, as a way of predicting yield and understanding fruit set. It is led by the CSIRO in co-operation with the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI). QAAFI is an alliance between The University of Queensland and the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries

More information

Contact QAAFI’s Dr Anthony van Herwaarden on 0438 983 227 or Liz Singh, Avocados Australia Industry Development Manager, on 0499 854 111 (Mon-Thurs 9am-3pm).

Acknowledgement

The Carbohydrate monitoring to predict yield and understanding fruit set (AV19006) project is funded by Hort Innovation, using the avocado research and development levy, and contributions from the Australian Government.

Hort Innovation - Strategic Levy Investment (Avocado Fund)

 

This article was prepared for the Guacamole of 18 September 2020.

New Phytophthora highly resistant rootstock released for use by the Australian avocado industry

By Dr Anthony Whiley and Dr Elizabeth Dann

The first commercial planting of 600 Hass trees grafted to a new rootstock selected and evaluated in Australia, occurred near Childers in the Central Queensland growing region in July 2020.

The rootstock was recovered and clonally propagated from a surviving Hass tree in an avocado orchard at South Kolan, Queensland. Surrounding trees had succumbed to Phytophthora root rot. Identified as ‘SHSR-04’ for evaluation purposes, it proved to have a high level of resistance to Phytophthora root rot, in repeated trials conducted between 2006 and 2015 under high disease pressure (Smith et al, 2011).

Rootstock trial at Duranbah, New South Wales, demonstrating healthy Hass on the SHSR-04 rootstock (left) among declining trees on other rootstocks. The site had a very high Phytophthora cinnamomi disease pressure, and was known by the research teams as the “Killing Fields” since most rootstocks had succumbed to Phytophthora within two years.

At Childers, the trees on SHSR-04 have been planted alongside rows of Hass grafted to Dusa, Velvick and other rootstocks, and the owner has generously agreed to provide access and assistance with the collection of comparative performance data. Tree health and growth rates across the block will be monitored along with the collection of yield and fruit size data. The site is a replant block in a commercial orchard, where 30-year-old trees had significantly declined from Phytophthora root rot.

The site will also test the tolerance of the new rootstock to high chloride concentrations in irrigation water. To retain Phytophthora resistance, SHSR-04 is produced as a cloned rootstock since its seedlings were shown to have no significant resistance when grafted to Hass. The new rootstock does not have complete resistance to Phytophthora cinnamomi, but will be a key component to establishing and maintaining healthy, productive orchards. Remember the Pegg Wheel for integrated management of Phytophthora root rot! (You can find the Pegg Wheel on the Manage Phytophthora root rot poster in the Education Materials area of the BPR Library, or in the Growing section here.)

The Intellectual Property owners of SHSR-04 (George H. Green, Horticulture Innovation Australia Ltd and Sunshine Horticultural Services Pty Ltd) have secured protection under Plant Breeders Rights and are progressing the commercialisation of SHSR-04 to provide broad access for Australian avocado growers. Propagation licenses have been signed with two ANVAS nurseries, Anderson Horticulture Pty Ltd at Duranbah, New South Wales and Turkinje Nursery at Walkamin, North Queensland. Licensing negotiations are continuing with other ANVAS nurseries.

The IP owners have also applied for a US Patent for the rootstock and are considering other opportunities for international licensing. The latter is believed necessary since past experiences have shown that unauthorised transfer of elite plant material across international borders will occur if IP protection has not been taken out. A Trade Mark (rootstock name) has had preliminary approval, with final approval expected to be granted in November 2020 and the name announced in a subsequent publication.

More information

Dr Anthony Whiley and Dr Elizabeth Dann are preparing a detailed article about the new rootstock for the Summer edition of Talking Avocados (out in early 2021). Watch this space!

You can also find the final reports for AV07000, AV08000 and AV10001 in the R&D Reports area of the BPR Library, and read more about the various projects via Hort Innovation (AV07000, AV08000, AV10001 and AV15005).

References

Smith, L. A., Dann, E. K., Pegg, K. G., Whiley, A. W., Giblin, F. R., Doogan, V. and Koppitke, R. (2011). Field assessment of avocado rootstock selections for resistance to Phytophthora root rot, Australasian Plant Pathology, 40:39-47. (Read the article here.)

Pegg, K. G., Dann, E. K., Coates, L., Whiley, A. W. (2008). Phytophthora resistance in rootstocks, Talking Avocados, 19 (2):23-25. (Read the magazine here.)

Acknowledgement

The research leading to this result was funded by the Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) project Rootstock improvement for the Australian avocado industry – phase 3 (AV08000), that recovered and clonally propagated the rootstock in collaboration with George Green and Sunshine Horticultural Services. (As IP owners, George Green and Sunshine Horticultural Services provided resources supporting the development of the rootstock, including recovering the original rootstock and subsequent propagation of the rootstock allowing it to be field tested.) The HAL/Hort Innovation funded projects Improving yield and quality in avocado through disease management (AV07000 and AV10001) carried out field evaluations of Phytophthora root rot resistance.

The Avocado rootstock SHSR-04 commercialisation (AV15005) project was funded by Hort Innovation, using the avocado research and development levy, and contributions from the Australian Government. Its main role was to assist with securing the Intellectual Property vested in the rootstock and negotiating commercialisation agreements with nurseries in collaboration with the other parties with IP ownership.

Hort Innovation - Strategic Levy Investment (Avocado Fund)

This article was produced for the Guacamole of 18 September 2020 and the Spring 2020 edition of Talking Avocados.

Monitoring avocado quality in retail

Australian avocado production and consumption continues to climb year on year, but what does this mean for stakeholders? For a fresh produce category to grow, consumers need confidence and positive experiences of fruit purchases that meet their expectations.

Fruit quality is one of the biggest issues currently facing the avocado industry. Domestic consumption of avocados needs to increase significantly during the next four to five years. Why? To meet increasing supply based on current plantings.

At the same time, imports of avocados has been increasing and Chile now has access to the Australian market. Customer satisfaction with Australian avocados is therefore critical to increase sales.

Surveys of avocado quality undertaken by Avocados Australia from 2011 to 2015 found 20-25% of fruit in stores had unacceptable levels of bruising, internal rots, or other disorders. Poor fruit quality reduces consumer satisfaction and sales. The avocado industry continues investing to improve fruit quality, and this project will help measure the effectiveness of those investments.

During the next three years, Applied Horticultural Research (AHR) will be funded via the Hort Innovation Avocado Fund to measure avocado fruit quality nationally at supermarkets, independent fruit stores, and speciality retailers.

What to expect from the project

Regular assessments are planned for retailers in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide (at the same stores each time to reduce variability). The timing of the sample collections will be staggered so that the industry receives feedback from at least one location nearly every week throughout the year, capturing change of supply regions.

Hass and Shepard avocados will be purchased from retail displays, as presented to consumers. The quality of store displays will be assessed, and fruit supplier details, including pack-date will be recorded. Fruit samples will then be returned to the laboratory for assessment of firmness, dry matter, bruising, rots and other internal defects.

Wherever possible, sampling will include as many different packhouses as can be sourced from the targeted retailers on each sampling event.

Stakeholder benefits

Rapid feedback to growers, packers, retailers and marketing groups will provide real-time reports on fruit quality at retail. This continuous feedback mechanism will enable problems to be addressed to help improve the quality of avocados.

Reports will be tailored to specific stakeholder groups, and where possible, results will be confidentially benchmarked against other suppliers, growers and retailers, providing a ranking for the season.

The project will provide an objective measure of how well the industry is tracking on their mission to improve the consumer eating experience of avocados.

Where to find results

Sampling will commence once COVID-19 related restrictions are lifted, and non-essential work activities can resume.

Regular communication and updates with de-identified results will appear via the Avocados Australia website. Keep an eye out for ongoing findings from the project in Talking Avocados magazine, as well as Guacamole newsletter.

Confidential reports will be emailed to specific stakeholder groups.

AHR will participate in extension field days and industry events, presenting findings with a strong focus on specific regional issues.

More information

Adam Goldwater, Applied Horticultural Research (AHR), 0466 080 693 or adam.goldwater@ahr.com.au

Acknowledgement

The Monitoring avocado quality in retail (AV19003) project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the avocado research and development levy, and contributions from the Australian Government.

Hort Innovation - Strategic Levy Investment (Avocado Fund)

This article was prepared for the Autumn 2020 edition of Talking Avocados.

Airfreight capacity vital for horticultural exports

Export airfreight capacity for the Australian horticulture sector has undergone severe disruption under the spread of COVID-19. A recent report from Hort Innovation projects up to 83,000t (including avocados) will be looking for a way to reach markets overseas.

In delivering the final report for Understanding export supply chain logistics, matching production and export aspirations with airfreight capacity (ST19034), the Centre for International Economics found the current airfreight availability might not be sufficient to meet market opportunities.

The report, which you can find in the BPR Library (or search for ST19034), has found the export market impacts of COVID-19 include:

  • reduced airfreight capacity across all port locations
  • limited to no passenger planes exiting the country
  • high cost of airfreight — at times up to 8 times pre-COVID levels
  • reduced ability to communicate on the ground with in-market partners and uncertain social, political and economic conditions.

In total, it is projected that around 83,000 tonnes of airfreight capacity will be required for horticulture, with fruit accounting for about 72.9% of that total.

The report found the open ports of Singapore and Hong Kong will have the highest airfreight requirements followed by China, United Arab Emirates and Malaysia. (You can read a pre COVID-19 assessment for Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia, with regard to avocados here in the BPR.)

Australia’s fresh horticulture exports were strong in the 2019/20 financial year, according to Hort Innovation. Information provided in Thursday’s Insights webinar, showed the value of exports reach $2.85 billion in 2019/20.

Hort Innovation Insights Webinar series, 3 September 2020

This was a growth of 3% year-on-year, and a growth in value of 39% in three years. The increase in 2019/20 was driven by the fruit category, which grew 11% year-on-year. This included a contribution of $25 million from avocado exports.

Hort Innovation Insights Webinar series, 3 September 2020

The ST19034 report found that restricted access to airfreight and increased airfreight charges through 2020/21 had the potential to impact on horticultural export volumes and divert them to the domestic market, with potential impacts on domestic prices. This may not be reflective of the expected situation for avocados, given a lower than expected harvest is now forecast for the summer months. (Read more in this new article.)

However, the report does make it clear that 100% of our current avocado exports are airfreighted, and despite the Australian Government’s International Freight Assistance Mechanism (IFAM), capacity for airfreight remains low, as passenger flights have been severely curtailed by COVID-19.

International travel still subdued

The latest International Air Transport Association report into passenger flight volumes (click here for these reports) makes it clear there has been limited recovery in the passenger market, with passenger-kilometres contracting 79.8% year-on-year in July 2020. There was a slight rise in demand but this was driven by domestic travel (mainly in Russia and China), not international travel.

IATA report, July 2020

Record Australian avocado exports in 2019/20

This is a disappointing situation for the Australian avocado industry, coming as it is off a record export level in 2019/20 of 4,052 tonnes. This was a 26.8% increase, and achieved despite the impact of the global pandemic in the first half of 2020. (You can find the latest Australian avocado exports and imports report here. If you want to see previous editions, these are in the BPR Library.)

Trade to Hong Kong more than doubled while Malaysia and Singapore, the key markets both recorded higher volumes in 2019/20. Middle East markets increased three-fold off a low base, and trade to Japan lifted 10-fold from three (3) to 40 tonnes.

Avocado exports from Western Australia increased 73% to 1,370 tonnes and accounted for 34% of Australian exports. Queensland, the leading export state decreased 5% to 1,560 tonnes and 38.5% share, and New South Wales increased 6%. Victoria increased by more than 200% to 493 tonnes.

Want regular export news?

Sign up for Export Coordinator Joy Tang’s regular email updates on avocado export related news and grants. Email your contact details to export@avocado.org.au to be subscribed. (Note, you must be a participant in the Australian avocado industry to subscribe.)

First Chilean avocados arrive in Australia

This article was produced for the Guacamole of 4 September 2020.

Well, as Avocados Australia accepted as a possibility in several media interviews last week, it seems the first Chilean avocados have landed on our shores.

Avocados Australia understands an importer has landed its first shipment of Chilean avocados in Queensland this week.

Avocados Australia CEO John Tyas says the imported fruit will still need to be of high-quality and in good condition for it to be attractive to Australian consumers.

Mr Tyas was interviewed by ABC Country Hour reporters from Western Australia and Victoria last week, after they saw speculation about interest from importers on social media.

“The Australian Government determined the import conditions earlier this year for fresh avocados from Chile. So (Chilean avocados) are now legally able to be imported into Australia, as long as they meet our strict quarantine requirements,” Mr Tyas said in the interview (13.05 mark).

As noted in last week’s media interviews, Mr Tyas said he expected some importers would look to capitalise on the opportunity presented in the Australian market this year.

“This year Australia supply is down a bit, so prices in Australia are likely to be very attractive later this year. I think the costs and logistics to get avocados onto Australian shelves in peak condition shouldn’t be underestimated.”

When questioned by ABC journalist Angus Verley last week (week of 24 August 2020) about reports up to five importers were looking to bring in Chilean avocados, Mr Tyas said he had heard rumours. It was not until this week that any sort of confirmation of imports came to light.

“New Zealand is the only other country that supplies our market and traditionally, New Zealand has played an important role in supplementing our market through the summer months when we weren’t able to meet the high domestic demand.

“There’s been a lot of expansion in south-west Western Australia and other parts of southern Australia that can produce avocados in that spring and summer period now, and we’ve seen supply in that period increase. I think in time, the need for any imported product to supplement our market across the year will certainly diminish.”

Mr Tyas said the potential shortfall in the summer of 2020/21 was the result of some cold conditions at flowering and fruitset in Western Australia last year, followed by storms in 2020 that knocked some fruit around.

“It is a bit unusual. There’s still going to be pretty good volumes out of Western Australia, but just much less than what they were originally hoping for this year,” he said.

Asked if Chile would be able to compete on price in the Australian domestic market, Mr Tyas said he expected prices would push up, based on supply and demand but that he didn’t have a “crystal ball”.

“It’s not just the cost of supplying the product from Chile, it’s also the logistics. The last investigation that we had done indicated there were fairly limited shipping routes and they need to go via New Zealand and be trans-shipped through New Zealand, and then you obviously have the border clearance.

“This product is going to be pretty old by the time it gets onto a retail shelf. It will come down to consumers as to whether they think that’s good value or not.”

Promotion of Australian Avocados to continue

In Australia, promotion for the domestic product will continue. The consumer-facing marketing, funded by grower levies and managed by Hort Innovation, continues under the Australian Avocados brand.

You can read more about the activities of Australian Avocados in this blog, in each edition of Talking Avocados, as well as in the Guacamole and Infocado.

“In 2018/19, Australian growers contributed $4 million via the marketing levy, to Hort Innovation, for the Australian Avocados activities,” Mr Tyas said.

“This commitment from growers to the marketing levy – which is largely focused on the domestic market but also now includes work in our growing export markets – is significant.”

In the latest report from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) from May 2020, for the 2018/19 financial year, the avocado industry contributed $6.8 million in levies, between the R&D and marketing levies. The industry fund report from Hort Innovation shows of this, $4 million was for marketing, and $2.66 million for R&D. (The Australian Government provides an additional contribution toward the R&D activities only; in 2018/19 this was $1.6 million.)

Within horticulture, avocados are the third-highest levy payers, after bananas ($11.33 million in 2018/19) and vegetables ($10.2 million). The top 10 is rounded out by mushrooms, macadamias, apples, citrus, nursery products, almonds and table grapes.

In terms of all of the levy-paying agricultural industries or industry segments, avocados are actually in the top 20: cattle transaction ($78 million), wool, wheat, lamb transaction, dairy produce, coarse grains, sugar cane, pig slaughter, oilseeds, beef production, wine grapes, bananas, grain legumes, vegetables, cotton, avocados, egg promotion, mushrooms, forest products, macadamia nuts ($4.4 million).

You can find the DAWE levy reports here.

 

New resources coming for exporters

Two new projects secured by Avocados Australia will help support the industry’s growing export efforts.

Avocados Australia CEO John Tyas said the two Australian Government Package Assisting Small Exporter (PASE) grants would help streamline the registration process for protocol markets, and provide specific information for those seeking to access the Japanese and New Zealand markets.

“Export represents less than 5% of our production at the moment, but global pandemics aside, we fully expect to see a growing interest in coming years,” Mr Tyas said.

The first of the two projects involves the adaptation of an online export registration system for use by the avocado industry.

“At the moment, growers and packhouses register for exports to protocol markets with Avocados Australia via a time-consuming process of completing and scanning paperwork,” Mr Tyas said.

“Adapting the existing Australian Table Grape Association (AGTA) online system will make that system more efficient.”

Mr Tyas said the project would include a training program for current and potential avocado exporters on how to use the online system.

This project will deliver improvements to the current export registration process by providing:

  • an online registration, mapping and phytosanitary data recording platform
  • an improved, consistent approach for generating and collecting map information to enable traceability of avocados from the tree to the table, that complies with the current export requirements for protocol markets
  • an improved, consistent approach for documenting and collecting phytosanitary data (such as information related to pests, diseases and treatments) that complies with the current export requirements for protocol markets.

The ATGA in conjunction with Avocados Australia will provide on-going support for the platform of on-line registration, mapping and phytosanitary data collection support to small exporters to complete the process each year.

Mr Tyas said the second PASE project would allow Avocados Australia to develop two new modules within the Best Practice Resource, to provide clear guidance to export capable growers and packhouses with regard to exporting to Japan and New Zealand.

“We will be adding information such as registration requirements, the export process, online registration system, maximum residue limits, export packing requirements, and inspections and audits,” he said.

The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment’s PASE grants are designed to support small exporters overcome the barriers they face when exporting.

Australian Avocados Marketing Update 2020

About the marketing program

This is the latest marketing activity that’s helping Aussie consumers connect with (and eat!) Australian avocados. The industry’s marketing is managed by Hort Innovation and funded by the avocado marketing levy. Hort Innovation develops consumer-focused promotions using a variety of mediums including social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, as well as targeted partnerships with consumer-related publications and platforms.

Hort Innovation - Strategic Levy Investment (Avocado Fund)

Keep scrolling to see more great marketing activity in 2020! Latest items: avocado beer (yes, really!), radio spots, new marketing plan, and more!

Check out our 2021 blog!

It’s hello to a new year, and new update page for all the great marketing activity for Australian Avocados. Click here.

New “hands in pan” video out (15 December)

The latest of the “hands in pans” videos with 9Honey is out – a minty avocado ice cream. Click the image to check out it, and scroll down to our 11 December post for more about this partnership between Australian Avocados and 9Honey.

Click here for a video/article from 9Honey - minty avocado ice cream

Want more? Click here for the campaign’s dairy-free avocado and chocolate muffins.

Avocados and the festive season! (11 December)

Australian Avocados has a partnership with 9Honey to produce six “hands in pans” videos, featuring recipes and content. The first three videos have been released, with another three going live between 11-17 December. Click the images to check out the videos, recipes and content.

Avocado and beer (23 November)

Aussie Avocados make everything better, even beer! Australian Avocados have brought together two icons: avos & beer for the ultimate summer pairing in partnership with craft beer legends Grassy Knoll Brewing. The fresh drop is a refreshing full-bodied cream ale brewed with fresh Australian Avocados and best served cold alongside one of the many avocado recipes. Available for a limited time!

 

 

Turning winter comfort into summer love (19 November)

Pasta is most often considered a winter treat, but the lightness of avocado can turn a typically-heavy meal into a summer-y delight. From avocado and crisp prosciutto pasta and avocado risotto, to squashed potatoes with avocado salsa and sausage snakes on avocado-potato mash, carb-loaded meals can be given a fresh summer twist with a little help from Aussie avos. Read more in goodfood.

Hort appoints new creative agencies (19 November)

Hort Innovation has appointed TBWA Sydney and Eleven to its roster of agencies following an extensive pitch process. TBWA’s remit for the initial three-year contract will include integrated creative, social and PR. Read more in Campaign Brief.

Getting avocado on the airwaves (10 November)

The latest phase of marketing from Australian Avocados aims to start to drive emotional connection with consumers by tapping into the undeniable love consumers have for Australian Avocados through radio spots and social media activity. This includes a competition that’s just kicked off, encouraging radio listeners to share how they like to Have-A-Cado for the change to win a share of $5,000, check out some of the promo here. Oops! that link doesn’t work, so here’s a screenshot!

There’s also recipe content being promoted, including this example from kiis1065.

Avos making everything better on radio (27 October)

Listen to the latest radio ad, letting avo lovers know about how avo makes everything better.

New marketing phases (26 October)

The Australian Avocados marketing program will be split into two phases for 2020/21. In the first phase, the premium and iconic of avocados from Australia will be defended, highlighting why Australian avocados offer the best total value (check out this Facebook post), encouraging consumers to actively choose Australian avocados, and reminding consumers about why they love Australian avocados (check this Instagram post).

Budgy Smuggler winner! (15 October)

The winner of the Budgy Smuggler competition (read more from 15 September) was this creative entry from Linday Luczak. You can read more of the comments here on Facebook, and here on Instagram.

The competition attracted 5,460 likes and 97 comments on Insta and 3,300 reactions and 220 comments on Facebook.

Enjoy a smashed avocado summer (15 September)

Australian Avocados is asking consumers “why you love Australian avocados?” in the latest social media competition. The competition, running from 14-28 September is a partnership between Australian Avocados and Budgy Smuggler, and gives one lucky winner a prize pack including:

  • two pairs of Smashed Avo Budgy Smugglers or Smuglettes
  • two Smashed Avo bucket hats
  • two Smashed Avo towels
  • a tray of Australian Avocados.

The objective of promotion is to drive top of mind awareness of avocados coming into spring when consumers start feeling positive about the weather and getting their beach bodies into shape. It’s also a good opportunity to engage with avocado fans in the lead up to the high-demand summer season. Entries will be judged on creativity the week commencing 28 September.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Do you think you can take the crown as Australia’s #1 avocado fan? ? We have teamed up with the legends at @BudgySmuggler to offer one avocado lover the perfect summer avo prize for you and a friend! To enter all you have to do is tell us why you love Australian avocados and how they make everything better. ? You must be following @australianavocados to be eligible to win ? The huge prize pack includes: 2 pairs of Smashed Avo Budgy Smugglers or Smugglettes 2 Smashed Avo bucket hats 2 Smashed Avo towels A tray of Australian Avocados Terms and conditions can be found at the link in our bio. Competition closes 28 September. #australianavocados #smashanavo #budgysmuggler #smugglette #avocadolovers #avocadolove #competition #giveaway #prize #summer #avocado #buyaustralian #localproduce #freshproduce

A post shared by Australian Avocados (@australianavocados) on


 

Retail promotion (2 September)

Australian Avocados has recently featured in Woolworths stores at the point of purchase to encourage shoppers to place more avocados in their baskets more often. As part of the campaign, Woolworths featured Hass avocados across front of store bollards, basket liners, recipe cards featuring Australian Avocado’s grilled chicken avocado rice bowl (located next to product on shelf), and digital screens. The campaign celebrated Hass avocados, provided inspiration across meal occasions and educated consumers on the features and benefits of Hass avocados.

 

Avocados on My Market Kitchen (17 August)

Avocado growers Katrina and Tim Myers showcased their operation at Barham, NSW, as part of the 10 August episode, and Hort Innovation Research and Development Manager Jemma O’Hanlon demonstrated how to make an avocado chocolate mousse. You can click here to watch the segments.

Guacamole winner (3 August)

While lots of delicious entries were received, the winner of the Australian Avocados guacamole competition has been announced! The winner of the competition submitted their take on an avocado lovers ultimate dream with this Margarita Guacamole, earning themselves a guacamole & cocktail starter kit, including a guac maker, a 13-piece bar mixology and a tray of Australian avocados.

Instagram user wytrabit was the winner of the 2020 Australian Avocados guacamole recipe comp

If you want to make this bit of deliciousness at home, here’s the full post from wytrabit:

Who needs a cocktail on the side??? … when my favourite Margarita Guacamole, is made with yummy fresh @australianavocados, orange & lime juice & my magic ingredient TEQUILLA , it multi-tasks so deliciously … but this cook’s, not going to refuse a cocktail, if someone feels like spoiling her with one ????????????? ??.
2 Ripe Avocados
1 Tbs Lime Juice
1/2 Tbs Orange Juice
1 Tbs Tequilla (good quality) to taste ?
1 clove Garlic (finely minced)
1 1/2 Tbs Red Onion (finely chopped)
1 Tbs Coriander (chopped)
1 tsp Jalapeno Chili (finely chopped)
1 tsp Salt Flakes
1 tsp Orange Zest (finely grated)
Mash the avocados with the lime juice, orange juice & tequilla.
Add the garlic, onion, coriander, orange zest & salt.
Gently stir to combine, check the seasoning.
Serve in a salt rimmed glass bowl, with crunchy corn chips on the side ??? #australianavocados #avocado #smashanavo #smashanavoathome #guacamole
@australianavocados #goodmoodfood #mexicanfood #cookingathome
#healthysnacks #funinthekitchen

Buzzfeed’s avo toast reviews (2 August)

Cna you come up with 21 ways to have a #smashedavo? The team at Buzzfeed could, and they’ve reviewed them all, including a tasty avocado and mushroom combo from Australian Avocados. Read the Buzzfeed article here.

DIY Guacamole & Margarita (16 July)

Avo lovers within 15km of Sydney’s CBD can have everything they need for their next Mexican night delivered, thanks to a new partnership between Australian Avocados and alcohol-delivery service Boozi.

Read more on our 24 June entry (below) and read the full Broadsheet article here.

That winning feeling (6 July)

Australian Avocados is giving one lucky avocado lover the chance to win a guacamole and cocktail starter kit, including a guac maker, a 13-piece bar mixology set and a tray of Australian avocados by sharing their favourite guacamole recipe, here.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

? GIVEAWAY ? Who doesn’t love guacamole and a cocktail on the side? We are giving one lucky person the chance to WIN the ultimate guac and cocktail starter pack ? ⁣ ⁣ The prize includes a guacamole maker from @cookut, a 13-piece cocktail making kit from @thedecorhouse.com.au and a tray of Australian-grown Hass avocados. Everything you need to #smashanavoathome!⁣ ⁣ It’s easy to enter, all you need to do is share your favourite guacamole recipe (and a pic) with us for your chance to win. ⁣ 1. Upload a picture of your favourite guacamole recipe to your public account⁣⁣ 2. Use #australianavocados #smashanavoathome⁣ 3. Tag @australianavocados *T&Cs apply, see the link in our bio for more details.⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #australianavocados #smashanavo #guacamole #win #competition #avocados #goodmoodfood #cocktails #delicious #tasty #cookingathome #guac #guacmaker #win #giveaway

A post shared by Australian Avocados (@australianavocados) on


Woman’s Day features avocado toast (3 July)

With more than 800,000 weekly readers, the Woman’s Day magazine certainly helps spread the message that avocados make everything better. As part of the current marketing strategy, Australian Avocados is helping consumers improve their confidence in selecting the perfect avocado. And there’s nothing easier than deciding to #smashanavoathome.

Australian Woman's Day (scan from 6 July 2020 edition)
Australian Woman’s Day (scan from 6 July 2020 edition)

According to Woman’s Day, its readers spend an average $216/week on groceries, 81% are the grocery buyer in their household, and are mostly between 35-65+ in age. Importantly for the goal of increasing domestic consumption, 88% of readers report having cooked or made something from a recipe in Woman’s Day.

Avocado in fine form, says Guardian Australia (1 July)

The Guardian has an audience of 9.7 million in Australasia, and the Guardian Australia Facebook has 760,000+ people who like the page.

Guac and margaritas, hello (24 June)

A partnership between Australian Avocados and Sydney-based drinks delivery company Boozi, has launched to inspire consumers to extend the use of avocados at home into more meal occasions. The partnership involves the delivery of a guacamole and margarita pack including avocados, limes, chillies, corn chips and a 500ml bottle of pre-batched margarita to Sydney residents. The campaign will be supported with media (like these articles from TimeOut and Eat.Drink.Play) and influencer outreach to encourage consumers to make their own Guacamole & Margarita night at home. Let the fiesta begin!

Keeping avos on the front foot (12 June)

The team at Australian Avocados has generated 163 pieces of media and social coverage to date, supporting the current campaign as the season changes from Shepard to Hass, earning more than 28.4 million opportunities to see.

Here’s an example of the generated content, from Interiors Addict’s Foodie Friday. This blog has 100,000 readers each month, and a sizeable following on Facebook and Instagram. This blog has 100,000 readers a month, 70,000+ on Facebook and 94,000 on Insta.

Also popular has been the #smashanavoathome campaign, which has so far had the potential to be seen by more than 15 million consumers across media and social media-specific to this campaign. To support the #smashanavoathome campaign, Australian Avocados is planning a new social competition on the Australian Avocados Facebook and Instagram. Details to come. Australian Avocados marketing activities are managed by Hort Innovation and funded by the avocado marketing levy.

Hort Innovation May marketing update (12 May)

In response to the unfolding COVID-19 situation, two priorities have been identified for Australian Avocadoes and the aim to continue driving in-home consumption:

  1. ensuring consumers understand how and why avocados can positively benefit them and their health during this time
  2. educating consumers how to use avocados at home, on Shepard avocados and the differences from Hass (and the change in season when it comes) and the versatility of the product across a range of meals/occasions (including replicating eating out at home).

Click here to read the full report over at Hort Innovation.

Food service state of play

As at 15 May, 2020. Please use the links to check for updates.

Well, provided there are no spikes, we now have a staged plan to reach what the Australian Government is calling a CovidSafe economy.

Importantly for the avocado industry, this includes a partial re-opening of food service, a sector that uses an estimated 10-20% of our production, but this opening is very slow and steady and unlikely to provide a large demand spike in the early stages.

We’ve compiled a state and territory rundown of current plans for food service (below) but in summary:

  • in all states and territories where food service has been re-opened there are restrictions on the number of patrons and physical distancing requirements that will need to be met. This means pre-COVID customer levels are not to be expected,
  • with limits in most cases at up to 10 patrons (based on 4 square metres per person), it won’t be economically viable for many eateries to re-open yet,
  • in all cases, any outbreak has the potential to set back the easing of restrictions, and
  • working from home continues to be encouraged in most states, limiting the number of people out and about for café lunches.

Research says at-home trends will stay

The trend toward increased in-home dining prompted by COVID-19 lockdowns, is set to continue into the future as restrictions ease, with value and innovation set to drive results in this category, a UBS report finds. UBS is a global wealth manager, incorporating corporate banking, asset management and investment banking.

In an inside FMCG article, UBS said consumers were also likely to be cautious about returning to restaurants due to the potential increased exposure to germs.

“We believe we will see fewer, but more planned, eating-out occasions, further exacerbated by industry consolidation. The net impact will, in our view, see a better educated, more decisive shopper that has higher expectations. We believe businesses that can operate a true pull (vs. push) model should win,” insider FMCG quotes from the report.

This is backed by the results of a national Food Industry Foresight survey (more below), that found around 40% of both restaurant and café operators believe they will not return to normal trading once lockdown is over, while around 30% believe they will.

Quality will be key to selling to food service

The latest COVID-19 Foodservice Bulletin from Food Industry Foresight surveyed cafes and restaurants in April, with 415 responses.

The survey found that while hardly any reported permanently closing their doors to date, cafes were proving more resilient than restaurants. Only 35% of cafés report they have currently closed temporarily, the equivalent figure among restaurants is a significant 20 percentage points higher at 55%. A majority report their turnover has declined dramatically.

You can read the full report here, but some key points of interest for the avocado industry are:

  • a reduction in demand for pre-prepared foodstuffs could lead to an increase in fresh sales to this sector, but (and it’s a big but)
  • this change is because fresh is cheaper, but the fresh product will need to always be usable. These businesses are unlikely to be able to take a chance on paying for a product with internal defects.

As an extra for smaller growers, it seems there’s been a spike in new takeaway operations in regional areas, and a focus on sourcing local, fresh product from other local businesses. Nielsen reports this same “shop local” approach also applies to consumers.

And what about their customers?

Well, Thursday’s unemployment numbers from the Australian Government were far from cheery. According to this ABC report, nearly 600,000 Australians lost their jobs in a four-week period this year, and as many again had their hours slashed. (There’s now 1.8 million Australians underemployed; they want more hours, they can’t get them.) In addition to this, more than six million are on JobKeeper, which runs out in October.

The current Australian unemployment rate is 6.2%, and it’s possible this rate is higher as the official unemployment rate only includes those looking for work, and many can’t do that during a pandemic. About 490,000 Australians gave up on looking for work during April, and are not counted in the official unemployment figure. (Note, there could be a range of reasons for this, including the shutdown of the industry in which they trained, additional caring responsibilities etc.)

State of play for COVID-19 food service restrictions

**This summary of restrictions was prepared on 15 May 2020 and may now be out of date. Please confirm up-to-date details with your relevant state/territory government website.**

Tasmania

From 18 May, restaurants and cafes can seat up to 10 people at a time, with one person per 4 square metres, and physical distancing of 1.5 metres. There’s also some easing on travel and quarantine, read more here.

In Stage 2 from 15 June, food service can have 20 people dining in, and the same limit applies for gatherings at cinemas, museums etc. And accommodation re-opens.

From 13 July, indoor/outdoor gatherings increase to between 50 and 100 people but this will be determined by Public Health. Food courts and food vans at markets may open during this stage, as can the markets themselves.

At all stages, the Tasmanian border controls remain in place.

Victoria

Victorians have had their health emergency extended from 12 May to 31 May. Licensed premises cannot operate during the restricted activity period, but can continue to provide takeaway food and drink. Market stalls and markets can operate, with no more than one person per 4 square metres. Cafes etc can continue to provide takeaways.

The only slight easing in Victoria so far announced was this week’s decision to allow visits to friends and family, play non-contact sport, and some small indoor gatherings, all with restricted numbers.

On 17 May, the Victorian Premier announced there would be a return option for food service (dependent on community transmission levels and other factors):

  • from 1 June – cafes, restaurants and pubs will be able to reopen their doors to serve meals to up to 20 customers at a time per enclosed space
  • from 22 June – this could increase to up to 50 patrons
  • during the second half of July, up to 100.

New South Wales

In New South Wales, from 15 May outdoor gatherings of 10 people will be allowed, and cafes and restaurants can seat 10 patrons at any one time. However, cafes and restaurants must continue to apply the 4sqm rules and patrons who are not members of the same household must exercise 1.5m in physical distancing. Read more here.

There is no easing on travel restrictions, but intrastate travel was already possible (household to household, and within visitor number limits) throughout NSW.

The NSW Government will consider steps two and three of the Australian Government’s Roadmap to a COVIDSafe Australia in due course.

Australian Capital Territory

As reported by the ABC, food service businesses can re-open tomorrow (Saturday, 16 May) for up to 10 patrons, with physical distancing rules. The Chief Minister expects the “vast majority” of food service to remain takeaway and delivery based for now.

Queensland

The Queensland Government roadmap includes each food service venue completing a COVID SAFE checklist, and submitting a COVID SAFE Plan for a chance of hosting patron numbers beyond those in the roadmap. In all cases, physical distancing has to be maintained, with 4 square metres per person when indoors.

From 15 May, up to 10 people are permitted to dine in at restaurants, cafes, pubs, registered and licensed clubs, RSL clubs and hotels, but there’s no bars or gaming. Day trips of up to 150km within your region are allowed. Check the map of Outback shires below, but essentially, if you are in a coastal or Southern Queensland shire, these are the restrictions that apply to you.

Patron numbers are up to 20 in Outback areas (there’s a list and map of Outback shires here), and Outback residents are allowed to travel 500km within the Outback and can stay overnight.

Provided all goes well, from 12 June the dining limits increase to up to 20 people for dine in, and amusement parks, tourism experiences, zoos and arcades reopen with the same limits. And tourism accommodation will re-open but you can still only drive in your region (up to 250km).

Again, if you live in one of those Outback shires, the limits are higher: up to 50 dine-in, and recreational travel in the Outback but only if you live in the Outback.

Stage 3 is planned to start on 10 July, the dine-in restrictions are for up to 100 people and it looks like bars will re-open, with the addition of clubs and nightclubs to the list.

Additional travel restrictions continue to apply for the Far North and some shires in the Gulf of Carpentaria, as well as Cherbourg, Mornington, Palm Island, Woorabinda, Yarrabah, and Fraser Island, Moreton Island and North Stradbroke Island.

Points of interest:

  • at this week’s Queensland Government Ag Working Group, it was clear the Health Department was not entirely happy with the crowds in shopping centres last weekend, and Avocados Australia would suggest food service outlets will need to abide by the new rules or risk compliance measures
  • the more populated areas are the ones with lower patron limits for food service
  • it’s possible interstate travel will be permitted at Stage 3.

Northern Territory

The NT got a jump on everyone else, with beer trucks heading up the Stuart Highway last week. Still, businesses will need to complete a COVID-19 Safety Plan Checklist, and by 5 June all businesses should have their own COVID-19 Safety Plan.

From 1 May, the NT Government eased restrictions on recreational activities, but not food service as part of its Roadmap to a New Normal.

From noon on 15 May (today), food can be served and consumed in a shopping centre food court, restaurants and cafes will be open, as will bars, sports or RSL clubs (alcohol allowed with the consumption of food). Public sites such as galleries, historical sites and zoos also open. These activities must be undertaken in less than two hours and a minimum space of 1.5 metres must be maintained between people not of the same household, along with other requirements.

For Stage 3 (from noon on 5 June), entertainment and recreational venues re-open, go to the bar without ordering a meal, and attend community and sport events (but if there will be more than 500 people, the organisers have to have an approved COVID-19 Safety Plan).

Designated Biosecurity Areas will be maintained, but there will be some new arrangements. The NT Government has no timeline for re-opening its borders.

Western Australia

From Monday, 18 May Western Australian cafes and restaurants (including those in clubs and bars etc), can seat up to 20 patrons as part of the state’s roadmap. Regional travel restrictions will also be relaxed, except in the Commonwealth biosecurity zones.

Businesses across Western Australia will need to prepare a COVID Safety Plan before they re-open, to protect staff and customers.

Details for Stage 3 have not yet been confirmed, but are likely to include an increase in the number of patrons allowed to dine in.

The Western Australian border closure is expected to be the last restriction lifted.

South Australia

You can find the South Australian roadmap here. Stage 1 started on 11 May with outdoor dining allowed with one person per 4 square metres and 10 people max. From 8 June, seated dining will be allowed for up to 20 people and cinemas, theatres, galleries etc will re-open.

The opening of food courts and easing state border restrictions will be considered after Stage 2.

Prepared for the Guacamole of 15 May 2020. Please seek more up-to-date information.

Learning from workplace outbreaks

Avocados Australia is carefully monitoring instances of COVID-19 in agriculture in Australia, to help the avocado industry be prepared and stay safe. Even if a specific COVID-19 plan or workplace health and safety plan that includes COVID-19 isn’t mandatory for your business, please consider putting such a plan in place, for the continued operation of your business, and the safety of your family, workers and community.

On this page:

  • Learnings from Bundaberg, Queensland (2020)
  • Learnings from Cedar Meats, Victoria (2020).

Do your planning to keep operating

Yes, we breathed a sigh of relief the June 2020 case was on a strawberry farm, but it could easily have been an avocado orchard.

As background, a man in his 20s travelled from the Melbourne CBD, via an overnight stay in Brisbane with friends and family, to Bundaberg to take up a seasonal worker position in the strawberry industry. He was in transit on 1-2 June, and had worked only one shift at the farm before developing mild symptoms and reporting to the local health services for testing. It is very likely he was infected by a confirmed case in Victoria. At this stage, all of the contacts tested (and re-tested) by Queensland health (more than 200 people) have returned negative results. At the time of writing (updated 25 June 2020), the original case remained the only confirmed case.

Learnings for the avocado industry nationally

In this case, the presence of a Health Management Plan (this is mandatory in Queensland for agricultural businesses utilising seasonal workers) for both the farm and the accommodation centre reportedly expedited Queensland Health’s track and trace activities. This worked so well, we understand the farm was able to resume picking within days.

If you do not have a health plan in place, or your state does not require one, Avocados Australia encourages you to develop a Health Management Plan for your orchard regardless.

Click on your state to find the relevant plan template, or further information. Please note, even if your state does not require a specific COVID-19 plan, you may be required to update your existing workplace health and safety plans for COVID-19. Check with your relevant state agency. You can also find a state-by-state list of COVIDsafe planning requirements in the WHS module of the BPR.

Cedar Meats: early learnings for the Australian avocado industry

Please note, there are timeline discrepancies in the available public documents and media reports. The below includes dates from Cedar Meats, departmental websites and media reports but there are conflicting dates online, and this is an evolving situation.

In late April 2020, a meat worker at Cedar Meats, in Melbourne’s west, Victoria was tested[1] for COVID-19 after being admitted to hospital on an unrelated matter (surgery for an injured thumb) and later developing COVID-19 symptoms[2]. Cedar Meats says it was not informed for several days that the worker had COVID-19; although the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHSS) says this notification did occur, along with notification of a second case around the same time. The public was informed on 2 May but the business was not immediately named (this didn’t last long)[4][5].

In responding to this outbreak, the company:

  • sent all 350 staff for testing by 1 May 2020
  • closed down the processing side of the business[6]
  • undertook a staged closing with reduced staffing (to complete processing of animals already at the facility)
  • will undergo deep cleaning before re-opening on 18 May[7].
Additional measures were in place

Based on media reports, it appears that prior to the confirmed case, Cedar Meats had a temperature testing regime in place at the plant, was sending sick workers home, increased cleaning protocols, and staggered lunch breaks to provide separation between teams.

By 7 May, there were 62 cases associated with the plant[8][9]; it appears the initial positive cases all worked in one area of the plant[10] but despite the company’s steps to limit contact, it was not contained to one team/operational area. It’s also important to note that most of the individuals who tested positive early in the response were asymptomatic[11].

It also appears the Victorian department did not tell the Federal Agriculture Department until 30 April, and various inspectors had been onsite during that time, and visited other meatworks. They’ve tested negative to this point[12].

From media reports, it appears another Cedar Meats worker had COVID-19 confirmed on 2 April, but that worker had not been at the plant for four weeks, and does not appear to be the source of this cluster[13]. It also appears Cedar Meats may not have been informed about this 2 April case until after the late April cases[14][15].

Learnings for avocado orchards and packsheds

Regardless of the actual timeline, this was a meat processing facility in a metropolitan area, and it took up to three days for the facility to be notified that one of their staff had COVID-19 (including testing and contact tracing activities).

  • The safety of staff, their families and the community is paramount.
  • Orchards/packsheds should have a workforce/health management plan in place for COVID-19, covering both risk reduction measures, and clear steps about what to do in the case of both suspected/potential and confirmed cases.
  • Orchards/packsheds should have a staff policy requesting the staff member (unless medically incapable of doing so) inform their employer they have reason to be tested, and when results are expected. Read more from the Fair Work Ombudsman on health and safety in the workplace during COVID-19.
  • Orchards/packsheds utilising labour hire providers should ensure open lines of communication with regard to positive test notifications.
  • Orchards/packsheds should have in place sufficient records to take immediate reasonable actions to proactively protect their workforce at the point of notification of testing, not results.
  • Orchards/packsheds should not assume the state health department has informed relevant non-health federal department and agencies, and proactively notify any inspectors/auditors themselves, if visits are due.
  • Given the high number of low-symptom or asymptomatic cases with COVID-19, ensure all staff are sent for testing if a case is confirmed.
  • Take all necessary steps to protect employee privacy. You can read more about ensuring privacy is maintained from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner here.

There will be confusion and questions about who knew what, and when, and a lively local rumour mill that will play out in national media if a larger cluster emerges.

  • Provide any and all records to relevant authorities and restrict public comment (to the media, on the company social media, in conversations at the supermarket) only to hard facts about dates and that you are implementing your existing workplace management plan to protect your staff, their families and the local community.
  • Update your website/social media page with a point of contact for the media. This could be either someone from your company or, if they agree, your peak industry body.
  • If possible, provide a written statement/video on your website or social media page. News outlets with less available capacity will rely on this statement for their coverage.
  • Again, take all necessary steps to protect employee privacy. You can read more about ensuring privacy is maintained from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner here.

Don’t leave your staff uninformed, or concerned about their health, job security etc. In the case of Cedar Meats, one worker was quoted in the Sydney Morning Herald[16] saying he could not get information about his pay, benefits or if he had been closely exposed to a confirmed case. Concerned staff will talk, if not to the media then to their friends and family.

  • Ensure your staff members are also provided with a point of contact for their queries, especially if your workplace is completely closed for deep cleaning.
  • Provide updates in an appropriate and timely manner. EG, staff meeting (with distancing) in the initial stages, regular emails/texts/phone calls afterward, especially if the site is closed.

You can find links to useful resources (including health management plans, and a checklist of processes to have in place, including confidential reporting policies), in our Staying safe in the orchard/packshed guide. This article is a compilation of resources from various state and national groups, agencies, and departments. Please ensure they meet the WHS and industrial relations requirements of your state.

References

[1] http://cedarmeats.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/MEDIA-STATEMENT_Cedar-Meats.pdf

[2] https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/may/06/cedar-meats-coronavirus-cluster-victorian-business-says-it-was-not-told-until-three-days-after-diagnosis

[3] https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/may/06/cedar-meats-coronavirus-cluster-victorian-business-says-it-was-not-told-until-three-days-after-diagnosis

[4] https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-update-victoria-02-may-2020

[5] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-06/coronavirus-cases-in-victoria-rise-including-meatworks-cluster/12218540

[6] http://cedarmeats.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/MEDIA-STATEMENT_Cedar-Meats.pdf

[7] https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/may/06/cedar-meats-coronavirus-cluster-victorian-business-says-it-was-not-told-until-three-days-after-diagnosis

[8] https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/may/06/cedar-meats-coronavirus-cluster-victorian-business-says-it-was-not-told-until-three-days-after-diagnosis

[9] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-07/coronavirus-cases-increase-at-melbourne-meatworks-cedar-meats/12219472

[10] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-04/coronavirus-victorian-cases-climb-cedar-meats-abattoir-brooklyn/12209776

[11] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-04/coronavirus-victorian-cases-climb-cedar-meats-abattoir-brooklyn/12209776

[12] https://minister.awe.gov.au/littleproud/speeches-and-transcripts/interview-neil-mitchell-3aw

[13] https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/may/06/cedar-meats-coronavirus-cluster-victorian-business-says-it-was-not-told-until-three-days-after-diagnosis

[14] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-06/coronavirus-cases-in-victoria-rise-including-meatworks-cluster/12218540

[15] https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/early-warning-system-could-result-from-cedar-meats-cluster-20200506-p54qg5.html

[16] https://www.smh.com.au/business/workplace/we-all-eat-together-cedar-meats-worker-tells-of-fear-and-uncertainty-20200506-p54qhq.html

Demonstrating pest-freedom from avocado sunblotch viroid with a smartphone app and improved detection methods

By Dr Louisa Parkinson and Dr Lara-Simone Pretorius, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), and A/Prof Andrew Geering, The University of Queensland

Avocado sunblotch viroid (ASBVd) has the potential to disrupt trade in fresh fruit, particularly to pest-free countries such as New Zealand. As such, a new biosecurity surveillance project (AV18007) for demonstrating pest-freedom from ASBVd is underway in Australia.

This project aims to map all avocado orchards and nurseries in the country, testing thousands of trees and conducting statistical analyses to demonstrate pest-freedom at farm or regional-level, so that growers can meet export conditions and nurseries can obtain NIASA accreditation.

We are collaborating with experts in epidemic modelling from Cambridge University in the UK and in disease management from South Africa.

In collaboration with CSIRO, we are also trialing a novel surveillance strategy using honeybees, which do the leg work by collecting pollen samples from dozens of trees. If the viroid is present, it should be detectable in the pollen samples using our highly sensitive molecular diagnostic tools. A key industry partner for us is AgKonect Pty Ltd, which has made large-scale surveillance and data recording simple and accessible for researchers and growers. Outcomes of the project will be that the Australian avocado industry can enter new export markets and will be better equipped to respond to all types of biosecurity threat.

Symptoms and mode of spread of ASBVd

Symptoms of ASBVd include abnormally shaped fruit with deep scarring beginning at the petiole; variegation, bleaching and deformation of the leaves; a stunted and decumbent growth habit; and in some cases, bark cracking or ‘crocodile skin’ on the trunk and branches (Figure 1). There are also asymptomatic strains of the viroid that nevertheless, still result in yield losses. Root grafting is thought to be the principal mode of transmission in the field, although there is likely inefficient transmission of the viroid on sap-contaminated pruning blades. The major point of infection is in the nursery, as the viroid is transmitted at a very high rate through seed, and can also be introduced through use of infected budwood. Growers are recommended to use NIASA (previously ANVAS) certified nursery plants.

Figure 1. Symptoms of ASBVd infection. Malformed fruit and yellow sunblotch streaking at the stem (left); yellow streaking and curving of leaves (right).

How is surveillance conducted with AgKonect?

We identified that data management would present some challenges in the project: in capturing field data, tracking diagnostic samples, reconciling results with tree observations, analysing and presenting the data, and reporting back to growers. Thus our surveys are conducted in collaboration with Brisbane company AgKonect Pty Ltd, which provides custom software for agriculture, with the QLUMP national avocado farm layer (a map of all avocado orchards and nurseries in Australia) already added to their software platform.

AgKonect is a software program that simplifies field work using custom forms in a map-driven smartphone app. The software enables users to create customisable survey forms on a computer (Figure 2) and subsequently capture all data, photos, precise GPS locations and sample details in the field using a smartphone or tablet (Figure 3).

Figure 2. Screenshot of computer software interface where the survey form can be created and edited. The smartphone image (right) displays the survey form interface on the app.

The AgKonect app is user-friendly, making collecting data in the field quick and easy, eliminating sources of error; the user does not have to juggle paper records, cameras, GPS equipment and writing instruments while collecting data in the field. The app also has data caching capabilities, allowing the app to be used in remote, poor mobile coverage areas (Figure 3). Once in the field, GPS points are created for each tree and saved as colour-coded dots on the map (Figure 3). When sampling is complete, data is synced from the phone to the computer software where the data can be exported as an excel spreadsheet for further analysis or record keeping.

Figure 3. Smartphone screenshots of the app interface with a GPS point recorded for an individual tree (red dot).

AgKonect is used in our project for precisely tracking the GPS location of every single tree that is tested so we have an auditable record of the tree location and label, observations made, samples taken, photographs of symptoms and diagnostic test results. The software also enables growers to collect samples for testing and directly input the data, and for the diagnostic team to link results as they are obtained. Industry-wide use of the app can enable our research team to collect detailed and accurate data for demonstrating freedom from ASBVd.

We are exploring further uses for the app and another advantage of AgKonect is its customisable features for traceability – its use can be applied for almost any kind of data collection or record keeping. For research or on-farm records, it can be customised for recording dates and details of field sprays; which trees have pest and disease issues; nursery records such as sources of budwood and what screening tests have been done prior to dispatch; and finally, record-keeping for fruit in the supply chain. The app can be used by pathologists for routine inspections or used by growers to demonstrate that industry standard protocols are being followed. Moreover, the NIASA certification form has been converted into a digital format using AgKonect, and could potentially enable NIASA accreditors to complete an inspection and certify on-site.

Implementing improved diagnostic methods

The highly sensitive and specific molecular test for ASBVd, a reverse transcription quantitative PCR assay (RT-qPCR), was developed by A/Prof Andrew Geering and has become a global industry standard. Dr Lara Pretorius, a new member of our research team, has developed an improved nucleic acid extraction method (the first step in the molecular diagnostic test), utilising filter paper. The viroid nucleic acids have high binding affinity to the cellulose fibres in the filter paper under high salt conditions, but are reversibly eluted under low salt conditions (Figure 4). This extraction technique improves the sensitivity of the molecular test and enables fast, inexpensive, high-throughput processing of a large number of plant samples, making testing of thousands of trees feasible by a small research team.

Figure 4. Extraction procedure with avocado leaf tissue and filter paper disks for use in the ASBVd molecular diagnostic test.

Another diagnostic component of our project is to trial the use of honeybees for monitoring the incidence of ASBVd in avocado-growing regions. When managed honeybee hives are used for horticultural crops to deliver pollination, the bees can also provide valuable pathogen surveillance services by effectively ‘sampling’ entire crops as they collect pollen and nectar. Research by Dr John Roberts (CSIRO) has demonstrated that a wide diversity of viruses can be detected in pollen samples, and exotic viruses can be discovered before they are recognised using traditional methods of surveillance. We will be trialling the usefulness of this surveillance method in South Africa where ASBVd is widespread, and as well as in the Tristate area of Australia, which historically has had the most records of ASBVd in the country. We are also collaborating with citrus pathologists in New South Wales to validate the method using citrus viroids.

Interested in having your orchard or nursery tested for ASBVd?

Please contact our research team (Dr Louisa Parkinson, l.parkinson@uq.edu.au) for your orchard or nursery to be tested for ASBVd. For further information about using AgKonect in your orchard or nursery, please contact Dr Peter Whittle (office@agkonect.com).

Acknowledgements

This project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the avocado research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government.

Hort Innovation - Strategic Levy Investment (Avocado Fund)

This article was prepared for the Autumn 2020 edition of Talking Avocados.