Vegetable Diseases in Australia

Regarded as the Vegetable Grower’s Bible, the newly released Diseases of Vegetable Crops in Australia is a comprehensive guide to diseases affecting vegetable crops in Australia.

Editor, Denis Persley said “the new book would be Australia’s standard reference in the identification and management of diseases in vegetable crops”.

“Early detection and treatment of diseases, as well as adopting preventative measures can significantly reduce crop losses and costs to Australian vegetable growers each year,” he said.

“Diseases of Vegetable Crops in Australia is an essential reference for all involved in crop protection as it reflects the changing pattern of disease occurrence and management in the vegetable industry.”

Authors from across Australia provide essential information about the important diseases affecting most vegetable grown across Australia’s perse horticultural production areas.

The book includes an account of the causes of important plant diseasescommon to many Australian vegetable crops and the principles underlying their control.

Causal pathogens, symptoms, source of infection, how the diseases are spread and recommended management are described for 36 major and specialty crops.

Special reference is made to exotic diseases that are biosecurity threats to Australian vegetable production.

“The book has a chapter on diseases affecting herb and speciality crops, which are an increasingly important sector of the industry, and emphasis on an integrated approach to disease management,” he said.

“It’s an easy-to-read, practical guide to understanding, identifying and managing diseases of important vegetable crops, with more than 500 high-quality colour photos clearly illustrating disease symptoms and distinguishing features.”

Diseases of Vegetable Crops in Australia was edited by Denis Persley, Tony Cooke and Susan House from Agri-Science Queensland, a part of the Queensland Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI).

“The compilation of this book has been a collaborative national effort by plant pathologist’s in the various state departments supported by Horticulture Australia Limited through the vegetable industry pathology program and by the Australasian Plant Pathology Society,” said Dr Persley.

Diseases of Vegetable Crops in Australia retails for $150 and is available from CSIRO Publishing and good booksellers on the web.

Source: Louise Morgan , QLD DEEDI – 28 May 2010