Japan PASE Project
Vietnamese translation of the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries fact sheet - Potential impact of fall armyworm on melon and vegetable crops (other than sweet corn)
Make sure that biosecurity threats are kept at bay on your farm. Templates help you implement a Farm Biosecurity Plan.
Presentation by Dr Shaker Kousik, US Department Agriculture on the latest research in the southern United states.
Examines the mechanism for spread of CGMMV.
List of watermelon, rockmelon and honeydew melons grown in Australia as of July 2017.
Research report that explains the way CGMMV is managed in greenhouses in Israel.
Understanding how pesticides interact and resistant in pests develops.
Understanding the pressures on farmers after disasters strike.
The majority of viruses infecting plants are spread by insects, and aphids are the most common group of virus vectors or carriers. All potyviruses (the largest group of plant viruses) are transmitted by aphids.
Explains Melon Necrotic Spot Virus and the impact that it can have on melon growing.
Lighting is a vital part of packhouse and grading operations. On average, lighting uses 3% of total electricity. Audits identified that whilst there are opportunities to improve the energy efficiency of lighting, savings will be small.
This publication includes information on a number of significant melon diseases found in Australia and includes images to assist growers recognise their symptoms. Table 1 lists the significant diseases that are an issue for melon production in Australia.
Waterlogged soils are deficient in oxygen as the oxygen between soil particles is replaced by water. Oxygen is essential for healthy root growth and the lack of oxygen in soils over a period of time results in root and eventually plant death. As flood damaged crops may have extensive root death, irrigation timing is vital to recovery and to avoid ongoing plant stress.
An explanation of the Melon Card, a workplace health & safety program for farm workers.
Report on in-country visits to Japan, Singapore and Malaysia.
National plan to manage biosecurity issues in the Australian melon industry.
Symptoms and signs of Melon necrotic spot virus on melons
In-market visit (Sept 2019) report for export melons to Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait
Vietnamese translation of the Plant Health Australia fact sheet - Melon necrotic spot virus
Planting vegetation to encourage native predatory insects that assist in crop management of pests.
A review of the crop protectants already used in the melon industry and possible future requirements for managing melon pests & diseases.
This report is an output of MT17015 Consumer Behavioural and Retail Data for Fresh Produce and intended for use by Hort Innovation, the Australian melon industries, and other stakeholders in the context of understanding and diagnosing market performance and shopper behaviour.
Information about sudden wilt and vine decline caused by Monosporascus.
Planting vegetation to encourage native predatory insects that assist in crop management of pests.
A no-till farming system has been developed for horticultural production, utilizing permanent beds that are not cultivated after initial land preparation. Cover crops are established on beds, grown to maturity, killed and then flattened into an organic mulch. Commercial crops are directly sown or transplanted into this cover crop residue. This system aims to increase sustainability in relevant horticultural industries through the long-term maintenance of soil health and stability, as well as eliminating reliance on plastic mulch, which is difficult to dispose of, in an environmentally responsible fashion.
Good post-harvest management extends the time vegetables stay fresh and alive by avoiding damage, limiting water loss and reducing metabolic activity. Poor post-harvest management leads to premature deterioration, and therefore waste and extra costs
As a response to markets demanding greater diversity of this commodity, growers have experimented with growing a greater variety of fruit types. Galia melons have been evaluated in field crops in North Queensland but yield and quality were reduced by variable climate conditions, foliar diseases, and decaying fruits in contact with soil. Overseas, it is common practice to grow some of these melon types using protective cropping systems. These systems involve growing plants under a frame structure covered with a film or screen material.
Neonicotinoid pesticides have been identified as connected to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) of bees. However, research strongly contradicts this. Research suggests that CCD of managed hives is likely caused by a combination of factors, including the 1987 introduction of the destructive Varroa mite, bee pathogens and the constant stress of transporting hives to new locations by beekeepers.
Examines whether bee populations in Australia are in decline.
Frequently asked questions about Papaya Ring Spot Virus and the effects on melon production.
An explanation of the pollination requirements for the Australian melon industry.
Maximise your melon crop with better pollination.
Explains some of the post-harvest diseases affecting melons.
Dealing with soil infected by CGMMV in greenhouses.
Problem solver.
Contacts and references.
Visual guide to crop stages.
Manual update.
Field trials with new tomato, melon and watermelon varieties in south-east Queensland over 2 years (2011/12 and 2012/13) clearly demonstrated the value of running local variety trials before committing to the large-scale import of seed of new fruit and vegetable varieties. Around 40% of imported melon varieties were not resistant to local races of powdery and downy mildew diseases. A number of other watermelon, melon and tomato varieties proved to be poorly adapted to the new environment here and so were less productive than expected.
Guide to repairing on farm structures after flood events.
Summary of biosecurity status in Australia.
Latest information from Dr Len Tesoriero NSW DPI.
This guide describes how fresh produce growers can use compost without affecting their food safety assurance program.
Viruses are a major cause of loss in many Australian vegetable crops. Often the intricate relationships between the virus, host plants and the vector, or carrier, create problems in developing effective management systems. This reference note provides information on plant viruses and how they are transmitted, and lists viruses of importance to the Australian vegetable industry.
The Australian Melon industry consists of approximately 250 growers who produce approximately 217,000 tonnes of Melons annually, with watermelon, rockmelon and honeydew melons being the nation’s most popular exports. From 2010 to 2015, Australian Melon exports increased by 60% with almost half of Australian households purchasing the fruit in 2014/15. Through Colmar Brunton’s bespoke research approach; Hort Innovation, Melon levy payers and all other relevant stakeholders will be provided with the crucial data and timely insights that will future-proof the success of Australian Melon sales now and into the future.
Media article from the United States.
Fact sheet - Biosecurity guidelines for contractors
Deciding whether melons are the crop to grow.
Frequently asked questions about growing practices.
Growing the crop.
Key issues.
Refrigeration is the biggest energy cost for fruit production, storage and packing businesses. On average, 64% of the audited businesses' electricity was consumed by refrigeration, costing $85,000 a year. However, energy efficiency of refrigeration systems can be improved and costs saved.
Weeds are a significant problem for many Australian cucurbit producers (including in pumpkins, melons, cucumber, and zucchini), given the sprawling nature of cucurbit vines and the lack of registered herbicides suitable for selective control of broadleaf weeds. This report is a first step in identifying the impact of weeds in cucurbit production, and areas in which weed control may be improved.
Description of vegetable leafminer and the risk it poses to the Australian melon industry.
A report from project VM18005 by Wayne Prowse. In the year ending 30th June 2020 Australian melon export volumes reached 21,772 tonnes, which was 1.6 per cent higher compared to the previous year and valued at AU$39.3 million. Unit prices were 5 per cent higher at AU$1.80 per kg.
Managing pollination in Griffith, NSW.
Silverleaf whitefly Bemisia tabaci B biotype is a major global pest and is widespread in northern Australia. In addition to direct damage from feeding, this species is the only carrier of begomoviruses which are common and extremely damaging worldwide.
Information about bees and neonictinoids in the United States.
Farm Biosecurity gate sign 900x600
Information about bees and neonictinoids in the United States.
Latest information on managing honeybees and native pollinators in the NT.
Brief explanation of Fusarium Wilt in watermelons.
Research project to understand the spread of different strains of Fusarium in Australia.
This report highlights individual industries dependence on honey bee pollination and evaluates the effect a Varroa mite incursion may have on short term and long term pollination services. The report provides eight recommendations that could be employed to mitigate the effect of a Varroa mite incursion and improve pollination dependant industries overall preparedness.
CGMMV Minimise in honey bee hives - Mgt Practices (NT DPI)
CGMMV Symptoms - Factsheet (NT DPI)
HPP Cucurbit bacterial wilt - Pest alert (NSW DPI)
HPP Exotic leafminers - Factsheet (PHA)
HPP Fall armyworm - Factsheet (AUSVEG) 2020
HPP Fall armyworm - Factsheet (DAFQ)
HPP Melon fruit fly - Factsheet (PHA)
HPP Melon fruit fly - Factsheet (PHA)
HPP Orthospovirus - Factsheet (AMA) 2020
HPP Tobamovirus - Factsheet (AMA) 2020
Insect pests of cucurbit vegetables - Factsheet (NSW DPI) 2009.
Melon necrotic spot virus - Factsheet (NSW DPI) 2013
Melon necrotic spot virus - Factsheet (PHA)
Melonfruitfly - Factsheet (Cesar)
Papaya ringspot virus - Factsheet (Bio Qld)
QFly and Medfly - Factsheet (PHA)
Serpentine leaf miner - Factsheet (PHA)
Serpentine leafminer - Factsheet (AUSVEG PHA)
Serpentine leafminer - Factsheet (AUSVEG)
Serpentine leafminer - Monitoring for in Australia (Cesar UOM) 2021
Serpentine leafminer - Monitoring for in Australia (Cesar UOM) 2021
Solanum fruit fly - Factsheet (NSW DPI) 2018
Vegetable leaf miner - Factsheet 1 (AUSVEG PHA)
Vegetable leaf miner - Poster (Cesar UOM)
Vegetable leaf miner - Project (Cesar)
Vegetable leafminer - Factsheet 2 (AUSVEG PHA)
Western flower thrips - Factsheet (PHA)
Whitefly viruses in vegetable crops - Mgt (DAFQ)
CGMMV - Factsheet 1 (DAFQ)
HPP Exotic leafminers - Management of (Cesar AUSVEG UOM) 2020
HPP Fusarium root rot of melons - Factsheet (NSW DPI) 2018
CGGMV Farm Biosecurity Planner
Fact sheet - Emergency Plant Pest reporting
Fact sheet - Zoning
FARM BIOSECURITY PLANNER for the melon industry
Pest and Disease Preparedness
HPP Monosparascus root rot - Factsheet (PHA)
HPP Orthospovirus - Factsheet (AMA) 2020
HPP Tobamovirus - Factsheet (AMA) 2020
Insect pests of cucurbit vegetables - Factsheet (NSW DPI) 2009
Mediterranean fruit fly - Pest Alert (NSW DPI) 2016
Melon necrotic spot virus - Factsheet (NSW DPI) 2013
Project VM22001 ‘Identification and management of a fungal disease complex in melons’
Melon Quality Project
Melon necrotic spot virus - Factsheet (PHA)
Melonfruitfly - Factsheet (Cesar)
Courtney Archer Contract 2022 v2
QFly and Medfly - Factsheet (PHA)
Serpentine leaf miner - Factsheet (PHA)
Serpentine leafminer - Monitoring for in Australia (Cesar UOM) 2021
Turnipmoth - Factsheet (Cesar)
Vegetable leaf miner - Poster (Cesar UOM)
Vegetable leaf miner - Project (Cesar)
Silverleaf whitefly - (NSW DPI) 2015
Solanum fruit fly - Factsheet (NSW DPI) 2018
Vegetable leaf miner - Factsheet 1 (AUSVEG PHA)
Vegetable leafminer - Factsheet 2 (AUSVEG PHA)
Western flower thrips - Factsheet (PHA)
Whitefly viruses in vegetable crops - Mgt (DAFQ)
CGGMV Farm Biosecurity Planner
A concise guide to growing rockmelons, focussing on maintaining sugar levels in fruit.
A Melons Australia fact sheet describing the Tobamovirus genus that is a biosecurity risk to Australian melon growers.
Report on the 2019 Asia Fruit Logistica trade show - Australian melon trade show and retail visits in Hong Kong.
Practical guidelines for the implementation of a permanent bed system for vegetable production.
Guidelines for managing irrigation in windy conditions on sandy soils.
This report presents findings of a desktop review into biochar, covering potential applications, benefits, costs and risks, and future research required to realise the agricultural productivity improvement and environmental sustainability potential of biochar. This report focuses on production and application of biochar to soils to improve soil function and the ancillary benefits that may arise. Use of biochar as a way to abate greenhouse gases and sequester carbon is discussed in only general terms.
how to clean down a vehicle for biosecurity purposes
For growers to plan a specific CGMMV biosecurity for their farm
Presentation by Dr Aviv Dombrovsky, Volcani institute, Israel
Presentation by Dr Aviv Dombrovsky, Volcani institute, Israel
Presentation by Dr Denis Persley QDAF to Ayr growers meeting.
Presentation by Dr Aviv Dombrovsky, Volcani institute, Israel
Presentation by Dr Aviv Dombrovsky, Volcani institute, Israel
A Melons Australia fact sheet describing the Orthotospovirus genus that is a biosecurity risk to Australian melon growers.
Australian Melon Association’s BISOP documents how the organisation delivers on its roles and responsibilities as a Party to the EPPRD, with specific emphasis on undertaking its role in a response to an incident.
Australian melons - background and food safety.
Explains Bacterial Fruit Blotch, symptoms and treatment.
Vehicle Washdown Designs
Contractors and their staff have a responsibility to prevent the spread of unwanted pests, such as insects, weeds and diseases when they work on farming properties. Pests can be spread between farming regions or even paddocks, through the movement of machinery, vehicles and staff. The following simple guidelines will assist contractors to minimise biosecurity risks when working on farms.
Biochar is a new, high-carbon soil amendment that has shown promise in improving soil and increasing yields in crops. Biochar is created by heating organic biomass, such as chipped tree prunings, garden waste, chicken manure, rice husks and other agricultural by-products at high temperatures and with no oxygen. Preliminary research into biochar application to soil has found improvements to soil structure, fertiliser and water efficiency. Biochar increases soil carbon immediately after addition, and studies have estimated that biochar will remain in soil for hundreds of years.
Presentation by Dr Aviv Dombrovsky, Volcani institute, Israel
Presentation by Dr Aviv Dombrovsky, Volcani institute, Israel
Vietnamese translation of the Northern Territory governments fact sheet - CGMMV: improved management options.
Short checklist to identify where improvements need to be made to on-farm biosecurity and aid in protecting against Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus.
Presentation by Dr Aviv Dombrovsky, Volcani institute, Israel]
Comparison table of farm management software
Consumer research in the melon industry 2007
Consumer research in the melon industry 2008
Consumer research in the melon industry 2008
Consumer research in the melon industry 2008
Consumer research in the melon industry 2008
Guidelines for vehicle washdown in biosecurity situations.
A number of products have been evaluated during this project, to identify potential replacements for polyethylene mulch films in irrigated vegetable production. These replacement films need to have the same desirable traits, with the benefits of no disposal issues and costs.
Consumer research in the melon industry 2008
Consumer research in the melon industry 2008
Consumer research in the melon industry 2008
A review of the temperature thresholds for a number of major horticultural commodities. Understanding the specific impact of temperature change on horticultural commodities is a necessary step in providing growers with the decision making tools to manage and adapt to climate change.
Describes the main viruses present in Queensland: 1. Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) 2. Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) 3. Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV). Lists symptoms and control methods.
Investigation of milk powder as a control measure for Tobacco Mosaic Virus.
Presentation by Dr Aviv Dombrovsky, Volcani institute, Israel
Discusses common pests and how to manage them in a integrated way.
Active edible coating is a novel promising approach for extending shelf life of fresh agricultural products. This method is based on the use of natural components without artificial supplements.
Saving costs with grading and packing lines
Explaining the differences in electricity tariffs.
A report by the ARC Training Centre for Food Safety in the Fresh Produce Industry highlighting that food safety risk mitigation strategies associated with the use of manures in fresh produce production need to be improved by addressing factors such as climate, soil management, application method, and initial microbial levels. These findings may be used to support guidelines establishing exclusion periods between manure fertilisation and the grazing or harvesting of crops, and may be useful for the generation of quantitative microbial risk models for fresh produce.
Report on meeting to discuss the importance of the begomoviruses which are transmitted by the silverleaf whitefly. This group of viruses is a major threat to Australian vegetable, cotton and grain legume industries.
The project aimed to supply fruit with a Brix of 10% or above, suitable varieties and picking indicators that could accurately identify fruit which meets the quality specification. The project identified the presence of netting around the peduncle of LSL varieties could be used to accurately identify fruit which met the quality specification of more than 10oBrix. These varieties can be stored for at least 2 weeks without adversely affecting Brix or visual quality.
This project integrated whitefly parasitoid releases with selective chemicals and best farm management practices. This provides growers with a sustainable and commercially viable IPM program for silverleaf whitefly and insecticide resistance management.
Cover crops are an essential part of best management practice for horticultural cropping systems in the Northern Territory, particularly in the Top End. They are typically grown during the wet season to protect soil from erosion and to improve the structure, chemistry and biological health of soils.
Presentation from the University of Florida
A basic explanation of the Emergency Plant Pest response Deed and what it means to growers.
Presentation on different fruit flies that could threaten Australia's horticultural industries.
David Daniels, Citrus Australia discusses the development of the citrus export industry.
Michael Rogers outlines the assistance that Hort innovation provides to exporters.
Main Australian watermelon, rockmelon (cantaloupe), honeydew melon and other types as at June 2017
Toshiya Kobayashi, Euromonitor International discusses the potential for Australian melons in Japan and outlines the requirements of the Japanese melon market.
An overview of Australia's domestic market and market snapshots of the Middle East, China, South Korea and Japan, examining their domestic markets and vegetable trade with Australia
Report on the identification of necrotic spots on the peduncle of watermelon as a means to successfully identify and eliminate symptomatic watermelon fruits in the field before harvest. The early elimination of low-quality fruits prevents purchasers from refusing or returning produce thus reducing unnecessary costs (harvest, packing, delivery etc.) and helping to protect the growers' reputation.
Review of literature to determine the benefits of grafting for soil-borne pathogen management.
Step by step guide for exporters of plant products.
Examines the risk of spray drift for horticultural industries. The report found that a key issue that needs to be addressed in many areas is land use planning because urban encroachment into rural areas can have impacts on spraying activities, even if only through perceived risk of chemical exposure and complaints of nuisance from noise and machinery.
Melon export update for March 2021
Melon export update for August 2021
Melon export update for July 2021
Melon export update for September 2021
Melon News February 2021
Hort Innovation SIP Performance Report
An online survey was conducted to understand the current status of traceability and labelling in the Australian melon industry. Nineteen melon growers, who account for the majority of the melon production and export, responded to this survey. This report is the summary findings of this survey that aimed to understand the current status of traceability and labelling in the melon industry 2021.
Melon export update for June 2021
Melon export update for November 2021
Melon export update for January 2021
Melon export update for January 2021
Melon export update for March 2021
Melon export update for YTD - July 2020 to March 2021
Melon export update for April 2021
Melon export update for May 2021
Melon export update for November 2020
Melon export update for July - December 2020
Melon export update for December 2020
A report from project VM18005 by Wayne Prowse. In the year ending 30th June 2021 Australian melon export volumes recorded 13,046 tonnes, which was 40% lower compared to 2019/20 and valued at AU$26.8 million. Japan exports increased 45% to 4,470 tonnes and was the leading destination in 2020/21, while Singapore volumes declined 23% to 4,277 tonnes. Hong Kong and UAE were both also lower compared with volumes of 2019/20.
Melon export update for April 2020
A report on the opportunities for Australian melons, including watermelon in Japan
Melon export update for June 2020
Melon export update for October 2020
A report from project VM18005 by Wayne Prowse. In the quarter ending 30th September 2020 Australian melon export volumes were 73 per cent lower at 969 tonnes compared to the same quarter in 2019. The value was 66 per cent lower at AU$2.37 million. Unit prices were 25 per cent higher at AU$2.44 per kg.
Melon export update for September 2020
Come Clean Go Clean poster A
Farm Biosecurity Visitor Register
Aphid transmitted viruses - Mgt of (DAFQ) 2009
Bacterial fruit blotch - Factsheet (PHA)
CGMMV - Factsheet (NT DPI)
CGMMV - Factsheet (WA DAF)