Weed information

Diseases of fruit crops in Australia is a plant disease handbook edited and produced by plant pathologists from the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Queensland. It is the third in a series of plant disease handbooks the purpose of each being to provide a diagnostic guide and key reference for diseases affecting fruit and nut crops in Australia.

 

The first was compiled by Noel Vock and published in 1978, a second edition was published in 1982 and revised in the mid 1990s and published as two separate volumes: Diseases of fruit crops and Diseases of vegetable crops edited by Denis Persley.

 

This current edition has been extensively revised and expanded with the contributions by plant pathologists throughout Australia. It contains the latest information on diseases recently emerged in Australia as well as exotic diseases that are a biosecurity threat to fruit and nut production in Australia.

 

This book provides essential information and images of the important diseases affecting most fruit and nut crops grown across Australia’s diverse horticultural production areas.

 

The first chapter is an introduction to plant diseases examining the causes, nature and principles underlying plant disease management and includes a list of reference material about pathogen groups and plant diseases in general. The second chapter reviews common diseases affecting perennial fruit crops and points to specific additional information. The remaining chapters discuss the diseases of specific crops organized firstly by pathogen type then by disease under each type of pathogen. Sources of more detailed information are provided at the end of each chapter and a glossary and index complete the book.

 

Descriptions of each disease usually include the cause, symptoms, source of infection and spread, importance, and finally management. An integrated approach to disease-management is strongly emphasized, especially the need to apply appropriate cultural management and chemical methods enabling the grower to become cost-effective and sustainable. Specific chemical recommendations are not included because they change regularly, and can vary between regions and States. Disease descriptions are illustrated with colour images throughout the book and are an invaluable aid in disease identification, showing distinguishing features and early symptoms.

 

Diseases of fruit crops in Australia is a worthy addition to the bookshelves of all those involved in the fruit industry business as well as the enthusiastic home gardener and hobby farmer.

 

Table of contents

 

Foreword

Preface

Contributors

Acknowledgments

1. Plant diseases – an introduction

2. Common diseases of perennial fruit crops

3. Apple and pear

4. Avocado

5. Banana

6. Citrus

7. Coffee

8. Custard apple

9. Grape

10. Lychee

11. Macadamia

12. Mango

13. Olive

14. Papaya (pawpaw)

15. Passionfruit

16. Pineapple

17. Stone fruit

18. Strawberry

19. Other fruit crops

Glossary

Index

 

About the editors

 

Tony Cooke is a Senior Experimental Officer with Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries (QPIF).

 

Denis Persley is a Principal Plant Pathologist with Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries (QPIF) and

 

Susan House is a specialist in information extension with Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries (QPIF).