TOMATO TOPICS
PAGE 1
NEWS and INFORMATION
FOR THE PROCESSING TOMATO INDUSTRY
ISSN 1038-3522
SEPTEMBER 2013
VOL. 22 NO. 3
Australian Processing Tomato Research Council Inc. (APTRC)
On 26 November 2012, the Associations
Incorporation Reform Act 2012 (and its associated
Regulations) replaced the Associations Incorporation
Act 1981. This resulted in the APTRC reviewing their
Rules of Association, and committee structure. With a
decline in grower and processor number it was
decided that the committee should consist of 3 grower
representatives and 3 processor representatives, but to
ensure greater transparency the committee would
incorporate an Independent Chair.
The updated Rules of Association also clearly define
the purposes of the Association as being:
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To allocate funds for and to oversee various
research and industry development projects
pertaining to the tomato processing industry and
to administer funds for those purposes.
To promote and encourage interest in all aspects
of the commercial tomato processing industry.
To maintain and improve the sustainability and
profitability of the Australian processing tomato
industry through the provision of cost effective
administration of project management services
which will directly or indirectly benefit the
Association.
To conduct its operations in a non political
manner.
On 11 September 2013 the new Rules of Association
were put to a Special Meeting. At this meeting all
members voted to adopt the new rules. An election of
office bearers then occurred at the AGM. The
APTRC officer bearers and committee consist of the
following:
SEPTEMBER
2013
Independent Chairperson – Charles Hart
Vice Chairperson – Jim Geltch
Secretary/Treasurer - Liz Mann, Assistant Secretary
Marg Nicoll. Assistant Treasurer Peter Gray
Grower Reps – Tony Henry Bruce Weeks, Jim
Geltch, with Pat Kennedy and Brad Stillard still
receiving meeting materials and act as observers.
Pat and Brad will have voting rights if one or
more of the above growers are unable to attend.
Processor Reps – Andrew Ferrier, Jason Fritsch, Matt
Wright will act as processor representatives on the
council. Bryce Merrett to receive all meeting
materials and attend meetings as an observer
(Continued on page 2)
Inside This Issue
InfoPest
Round 4: On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency
Program Introduction
2013/14 Research Trials
Expiry of Chemical Permit
Thimet and Metham Training
TM12012: Improving the Sustainability of the
Australian Processing Tomato Industry
Upcoming Events
Useful Apps
Thrips and Aphids
Chemical Applications and Record Keeping
WPTC Crop Update
On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Program
Vehicle and Machinery Handbook
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TOMATO TOPICS
(Continued from page 1)
I would like to take this time to thank Jason Fritsch for
his time as chair. He was first elected as Chairperson in
2008, and has assisted to reunite both growers and
researchers to support the Industry Research and
Development Program. The APTRC has gone through
a difficult period over the past 5 years with limited
funds, but is now better placed to assist in driving the
Australian processing tomato industry forward.
I would also like to welcome the new Independent
Chairperson, Charles Hart. Charles has been a director
of Dawes & Vary Pty. Ltd. since July 2003. Originally
from South Africa his first Degree was a Bachelor of
Science (Agriculture), after which he completed a
Bachelor of Law. Along with his wife Leslie, he also
owns and operates an irrigated property on the edge of
Shepparton, growing a range of winter crops. Currently
they are upgrading their on-farm irrigation
infrastructure, converting from border check flood to
sub-surface drip irrigation. This will enable them to
also focus on summer cropping options in the future.
Charles’s passion is in agriculture, and with his
professional back ground the APTRC committee all feel
that he will be a valuable addition to the industry, and
will help drive the industry forward. I hope that you
will all make Charles feel welcome and take the time to
get to know him over the coming 12 months.
InfoPest
Registration for Infopest online is completely free.
Users enjoy access to the best search engine for
registered agricultural chemicals in Australia. This
website includes labels and MSDS’s. For more
information:www.infopest.com.au
Round 4: On-Farm Irrigation
Efficiency Program Introduction
The On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Program supports
irrigators to modernise on-farm irrigation infrastructure
to improve the efficiency and productivity of on-farm
water use. Water savings generated by these projects
will be shared between proponents and the
environment, with at least 50 per cent of savings
transferred to the Australian Government.
PAGE 2
2013/14 Research Trials
A number of trials are currently being established
across the processing tomato region. The cultivar evaluation program is being ramped up this season, with the
following trials planned:
Early Sites
Kagome
Geltch
Mid Season
Wolfe
Weeks
Direct Seed
Kagome
Wakeman
Small Plot looking at TSWV resistant varieties
Wakeman
Jerilderie
In addition a couple of fertiliser trials are planned, looking at the addition of zinc, potassium and Biomix compost.
A 2m bed trial (TM11000: Improving the productivity
of processing tomato crops by investigating alternative
agronomic practices) will also be established once again
near Echuca, in a Geltch Investment tomato crop.
Results from these trials will all be made available to
the wider industry at the May 2014 Annual Processing
Tomato Forum.
Expiry of Chemical Permit
PERMIT NUMBER -PER11483
For Products Containing: 600 g/L PHOSPHOROUS
ACID as the only active constituent.
To control Phytophthora Root Rot on field grown tomatoes which are grown for processing purposes only
Has now expired. To obtain a new permit residue data
from a minimum of 4 trials conducted on tomatoes for
must be obtained. The trials would need to be undertaken in accordance with the AVPMA Residue Trials to
Obtain Permanent MRL's for crops. Guidelines.
The cost of undertaking these trials is expected to cost
in excess of $30,000, hence no further action is currently being undertaken.
If you would like to register your interest for Round 4
please contact Liz Mann ASAP.
SEPTEMBER
2013
VOL. 22 NO. 3
TOMATO TOPICS
PAGE 3
Thimet and Metham Training
Recently the APTRC in conjunction with Kagome organised a training afternoon for growers and their employees on the correct use and handling of both Thimet
and Metham. This training was done by Barmac and
Nufarm respectively. A number of important points
were mentioned during the afternoon, reminding growers on the correct application methods to ensure efficacy and safety. The following is a summary.
Thimet
The Active Constituent of Thimet is Phorate.
This is a Group 1B Insecticide, belonging to the
chemical family, Organo Phosphates. It is available as 100 g/Kg Granule in Bag in Box format, or as a 200
g/Kg in Lock and Load System. It is used to control various
insects in tomatoes.
Thimet is taken up by the plant via roots and translocated
throughout the plant to provide whole of plant activity. It
also has contact activity in the soil. Thimet also has low water solubility and high Partition Coefficient, therefore little
movement occurs through the soil profile.
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Atropine Sulphate is an effective antidote
Only administer Atropine under medical advice
Activated Charcoal may be recommended for ingestion – keep a supply in First Aid kits
Metham
Metham is a broad spectrum soil fumigant,
used in tomatoes to control fungi, germinating
weed seeds and insects.
Metham is a stable, non-volatile solution. Upon contact with
moist soil the decomposition to MITC gas, the highly effective fumigant rapidly occurs, taking between 1 and 5 hours.
The MITC gas is degraded into the soil to non toxic compounds within a few weeks. The correct application of the
right concentration of Metham over the required time span is
the key to best results.
Metham is a concentrated aqueous solution that is stable
whilst in it’s concentrated form. It is moderately toxic – S6
poison, and contact with skin will cause reddening and then
blisters. Metham does have a slight odour in a concentrate
form that is non toxic.
Hence, for maximum effectiveness it MUST be placed in
the soil, near the plant roots.
To ensure worker safety:
Thimet is Classified as S7 – Dangerous Poison. Acute Poisoning is the main hazard, as Chronic (long term) toxicity is
lower risk as Thimet does not accumulate in the body. Monitoring of Acetyl Cholinesterase levels in workers exposed to
organo phosphate pesticides is recommended (and a legal
requirement in some states).
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To ensure worker safety:
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Always wear correct PPE and ensure it is clean and in
good condition
Replace respirator cartridges regularly in accordance
with manufacturers instructions
Wash all PPE separately from other clothes – take
care when handling PPE which is contaminated
Ensure other people, pets and wildlife are removed
from area
If exposure does occur:
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If skin contact occurs immediately remove all contaminated clothing and wash skin thoroughly
If in eyes wash in running water for 15 minutes
If swallowed, inhaled, on skin or in eyes or if symptoms are experience immediately contact Poisons Information Centre or doctor or hospital
If not breathing commence CPR – take care not to
become exposed to chemical when rendering assistance
SEPTEMBER
2013
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Always wear correct PPE and ensure it is clean and in
good condition.
DO NOT use by hand directed spraying.
DO NOT apply by flood irrigation, or overhead sprinkler systems
Trickle irrigation application may only be used with
plastic sheeting, and drip tube should be buried up to
10cm in depth.
DO NOT apply to waterlogged soils.
ENSURE excess runoff product does not contaminate
waterways.
CONSIDER your neighbors when applying and wind
direction.
DO NOT enter treated fields for at least 48 hours
DO NOT enter treated hot houses for at least 7 days.
Treated soil must be sealed by either irrigation and
rolling, or by covering with plastic sheeting.
If exposure does occur:
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There is a known reaction in the body when Metham
and alcohol are mixed. Do no administer alcohol to an
exposed person.
MITC gas is a poisonous gas ,if inhaled it will attack
the mucus membranes in the nose, mouth and throat
and can cause asthma like symptoms.
MITC causes severe irritation to the eyes, causing pain
and forming tears, eye irritation is a warning that that
the product has not been sealed into the soil correctly.
VOL. 22 NO. 3
TOMATO TOPICS
PAGE 4
TM12012: Improving the Sustainability of the Australian Processing
Tomato Industry
The primary objectives of this project are to:
1.
Coordinate the development and implementation
of a Sustainability Plan encompassing the whole
supply chain from seed to finished tomato product delivery to end customers.
2.
Liaise between growers, the APTRC, tomato processors (primary and secondary).
The project proposes to take the outputs initially developed by previous sustainability projects and other initiatives to assist all Australian processing tomato growers
to address the sustainability gaps in their current practices. The first stage of this project will be to compile a
manual specifically for processing tomato growers
which includes information on how growers can assess
their soil structure, life cycles of processing tomato
pests and diseases, and risk assessments; addressing
generic issues across all growers. This will assist Australian processing tomato growers to ensure they are
able to demonstrate they are producing tomatoes sustainably and in line with worlds best practice.
At the end of the 2011/12 season all growers were assessed against a range of criteria. This covered topics
including:
1.
Overall Continuous Improvement
2.
Agrochemicals and Fuels
3.
Soils
4.
Water
5.
Biodiversity
6.
Energy
7.
Waste
8.
Social and Human Capital
9.
Animal Welfare
10. Value Chain and Local Economy
11. Training
Pesticides
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Pest Monitoring Records for Pesticide Applications, i.e. IPM Reports
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Maintenance Records for Sprayer
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Calibration Records for Sprayer
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Chemical Store Inventory
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Chemical Storage – Disposal of Chemicals
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Spray Record Diary
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Record of Accident or Spillages
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Records of Disposal of Used Chemical Containers (i.e. drumMUSTER ® dockets)
Fertilisers
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Nutrient Budget (input and output of crop)
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Sap or Tissue Testing Reports
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Fertiliser Record Sheet
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Maintenance Records for Fertiliser Application
Equipment
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Calibration Records for Fertiliser Application
Equipment
Irrigation
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Irrigation Application Record
Staff
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Training Record
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Job Responsibility Record
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Injury or Incident Report
Soils
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Soil Cover and Compaction Record
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Soil Tests (keep for 5 years)
In addition some improvements are still required in the
area of On-farm Chemical Storage. Upgrading chemical storage sheds can be costly, but minimum standards
to meet all legal obligations must be maintained.
In each of these areas a number of questions were categorised into 3 categories, with growers having achieve
a certain percentage of each:
1.
Mandatory (100% target)
2.
Must Haves (80% target)
3.
Should Haves (50% target for each section)
A folder providing additional resources for each of the
topics has been distributed to all growers. This folder
will continue to be updated during this project as additional resources are developed.
Based on the audit that was conducted immediately prior to the commencement of this project growers are
continually improving their on-farm practices, and documentation, and currently meet the minimum requirements as detailed above. But, there a still a number of
areas that growers must continue to improve. These
include record keeping. Records are a core component
of all accreditation programs. The following records
must be kept by all growers:
On September 20, 2013, Kagome agreed to acquire 70%
of the shares of United Genetics Holding LLC, which
operates businesses in five countries including the US,
and develops, produces, and sells seeds for tomatoes,
vegetables, and fruit on a global basis.
SEPTEMBER
2013
Kagome Update
After the acquisition, 30% of UG's shares will be owned
by the Remo-Norma Ludergnani Trust, which is controlled by Dr. Ludergnani and his spouse.
VOL. 22 NO. 3
TOMATO TOPICS
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UPCOMING EVENTS
IPM Training Course Update
Monday 7 October 2013, Mecure – Port of Echuca (High St)
8:45am to 3:00pm
RSVP required by Thursday 3rd October for Catering purposes
th
Annual Processing Tomato Crop Inspection and Dinner
24th January 2014
Venue and additional details will be provided in December
11th World Processing Tomato Congress & 13th ISHS Symposium on the
Processing Tomato
8-12 June 2014, Larke Garda, Italy
http://worldtomatocongress.com/
HAL funding is available to attend this. So, if you are interested in attending please let Liz
know by 30 October 2013 to ensure you are registered at the early bird rate. The APTRC has
also developed a new policy for all participants who wish to access funding.
29th International Horticultural Congress
17-24 August 2014, Brisbane
www.ihc2014.org
Useful Apps
GRDC have recently developed a number of useful apps.
These replace the ute guides that were previously available.
The Apps not only provide a collection of photos of weeds
and insects, but also allow you to:
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take a photo and compare it with the app’s image library;
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email photos to an agronomist or local pest specialist;
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download content and image updates; and
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save time with predictive text
Go to www.grdc.com.au/apps for more information
CropMate™ Variety Chooser is an App to help you analyse
climate and weather information for your location. It is designed to provide timely and accurate information to help you
make informed planning and management decisions during
the crop cycle.
Go to: http://cropmate.agriculture.nsw.gov.au/ for more information
SEPTEMBER
2013
Thrips and Aphids
As everyone has either commenced planting or not far
from starting I would like to remind everyone of the
damage that insect pests can do to an establishing tomato crop.
Thrips
Early detection of thrips and correct identification are
vital. The chemical control options available to processing tomato growers will vary depending upon the
thrip species present.
Sticky traps around the edge of paddocks, or inspecting
weeds (if you haven’t already removed them!) may help
to determine what thrips are present before you are able
to find them in an establishing crop.
Aphids
Aphids may be establishing on neighbouring canola
crops while processing tomatoes are establishing. Once
the canola is cut then the aphids may move into establishing processing tomato crops, transmitting CMV. It
is important that aphids are controlled in neighbouring
crops to prevent this occurring.
VOL. 22 NO. 3
TOMATO TOPICS
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Chemical Applications and Record Keeping
In 2008, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) published the Operating
Principles in Relation to Spray Drift Risk. These principles require new products and existing actives under
review to be assessed for the potential impact of spray
drift caused by approved use patterns. If spray drift is
considered to have an adverse impact, labels will specify mandatory downwind no-spray zones.
The Victorian Department of Environment and Primary
Industries (DEPI) is assisting the APVMA to implement these principles by working with industry to improve their awareness and understanding of the new
spray drift principles.
The new requirements will be located on product labels
before the Directions for Use table, under the headings
of ‘Spray drift restraints’ and/or ‘Mandatory no-spray
zones’. Mandatory no-spray zones have been introduced to protect sensitive areas from the effects of
spray drift by imposing a separation between them and
the location of spraying. Mandatory no-spray zones
specify a distance down-wind (direction of the prevailing wind at the time of spraying) from a sensitive area
that cannot be sprayed while the wind continues to
blow in that direction. The distance is established according to the potential impact a product may have on
one or more of the sensitive areas identified by the
APVMA.
Not all products will have a mandatory no-spray
zone and the mandatory no-spray zone distances
will vary. They will only be incorporated on a label
when a sensitive area has been identified to be at risk.
Some products will have a number of identified sensitive areas, while others may only have one or none.
There are many good reasons for keeping chemical use
records. In addition to being a legal requirement in Victoria to keep chemical use records, they also provide
useful data that can be used to assist chemical users
with their business and to demonstrate that due care has
been taken with the application of chemicals.
DEPI is taking stronger enforcement action on individuals not complying with record keeping requirements. Individuals continuing to not comply may
receive an infringement notice or face court action.
these records must be kept for a period of two years.
This applies to all agricultural chemicals used, including poison baits used for pest animal control. This requirement came into effect on 24 July 2007.
The records for agricultural chemicals must include:
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the product trade name
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the date the product was used (not required when
using poison baits)
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the application rate of the product
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the crop/commodity that was treated or the situation in which the product was applied
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the extent of use (the area of land treated, or the
volume of water treated, or the volume of stored
commodity treated, or the weight of the commodity treated) (not required when using poison
baits)
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the location where the product was used
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the name and address of the applicator/supervisor
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the name and address of person for whom the
application was carried out.
Where a product is being sprayed outdoors (e.g. a crop
insecticide), the following record must also be made:

the wind speed and direction at the time of application.
The statements that will start to show up on labels about
having to spray between a minimum and maximum
wind speed are enforceable and may require the grower
to purchase an anemometer to be certain that the wind is
within these boundaries and regularly monitor for
change. The minimum and maximum wind speeds have
been set to manage spray drift and inversion layers.
Chemical Standards Officers when conducting an audit
on a grower will ask the question of “How do you monitor the wind speed?” Having some electronic device on
the farm is also going to assist you as a grower if an
investigation was to take place and you can prove that
the wind speed you recorded was taken from a device
on farm.
One way of monitoring wind speed on farm is with a
hand held electronic anemometer. A number of different types are available on line starting from around
$100 each, these may also measure temperature.
Agricultural chemical use records
It is compulsory to make specified records within 48
hours of using an agricultural chemical product and
SEPTEMBER
2013
VOL. 22 NO. 3
TOMATO TOPICS
SEPTEMBER
2013
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TOMATO TOPICS
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On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Program
Vehicle and Machinery Handbook
Flexible tax treatment options now available for irrigators and irrigation organisations
Diseases, pests and weeds can enter a farm and be
spread by equipment and vehicles, either directly or in
plant material, soil or manure. It is important to maintain equipment hygiene and ensure all vehicles that visit
your property are clean and well maintained.

Limit the number of entry and exit points (one is
preferable).
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Examine each vehicle entry and exit point for the
risk they pose, particularly in relation to the distance from livestock and crops.

Display biosecurity signs, with clear instructions
and contact details, at all vehicle access points.
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Clearly sign and lock restricted access areas.
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Keep a visitor register.
To help producers manage vehicle and equipment biosecurity on farms, the NSW Department of Primary
Industries has prepared a handbook in the AgGuide series, Machinery hygiene: Inspecting and cleaning machinery to prevent the spread of weeds, pests and diseases.
Recent changes to income tax law now mean that taxpayers have a choice in how water infrastructure improvements are treated for income tax purposes.
It applies to taxpayers who are eligible participants in a
sustainable rural water use and infrastructure program.
They can choose to have their eligible payments treated
as either:
 ordinary income, in which case they can include the
payments and any related capital gains and losses in
their tax return; or
 non assessable non-exempt income (NANE), in
which case they do not include the payments in their
income tax return. Any related capital gains and
losses, or any deductions that are connected to these
payments, are also excluded from their income tax
return.
If they choose the NANE option it only applies to eligible payments received on or after 1 April 2010. This
choice of tax treatment only applies to eligible payments received from the Commonwealth directly or
indirectly through a regional water supplier or irrigation
organisation.
To find out more about the changes and how to make
your choice, refer to www.ato.gov.au/water
There are sections that define weeds, pathogens and
insects, how they can enter and spread on a property.
Other sections include how to inspect and clean vehicles and machinery, how to dispose of soil and plant
material, and how to report unusual weeds, pests and
diseases. There’s also a sample checklist for cleaning
and inspection to make sure nothing is overlooked.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:
This project [Australian Processing Tomato Industry Development Program (TM09000)] has been funded by Horticulture
Australia Ltd. (HAL) using the APTRC levy and matched funds from the Australian Government. “Tomato Topics” is a
quarterly newsletter compiled and edited by Liz Mann, Industry Development Manager, APTRC Inc., P.O. Box 2293,
SHEPPARTON, VIC 3632.
Phone: (03) 5825 4633, Fax: (03) 5825 4725, Mobile: (0427) 857-578, E-mail: lizmann@aptrc.asn.au
Opinions expressed in “Tomato Topics” are not necessarily those of the APTRC unless otherwise stated.
Sender:
APTRC Inc.
P.O. Box 2293
SHEPPARTON, VIC 3632
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VOL. 22 NO. 3