HortCast Episode 9 - July 2022

HortCast Episode 9 is hosted by Craig White - Market Development Agronomist for Bayer Crop Science AustraliaHortCast E9 Craig discusses the achievements and challenges of the Australian macadamia industry over the years, with Jolyon Burnett, CEO of the Australian Macadamia Society and Bayer Business Development Manager Tim O’Grady explains how new SIVANTO® prime (New Group 4D insecticide) can safely help manage the devastating macadamia lace bug (Cercotingis decoris) from causing significant nut losses. In this episode We discuss how the macadamia industry has grown since the 1950s to become Australia’s fourth largest horticultural export. Australia macadamias are exported to over 40 countries all around the world, supporting thousands of jobs. Macadamia lace bug (MLB) is a devastating pest which pierces the plant tissue to feed on sap, damaging the leaves and flowers, preventing nut set and triggering out of season flowering issues. This is a critical time for macadamias and SIVANTO prime insecticide offers rapid protection through direct or systemic activity on MLB, flexibility over flowering with low toxicity to most bee species, and safety to other beneficial species that are present during flowering. Tim O’Grady explains each of these features in detail and how it benefits macadamia production, and the need for careful stewardship and use of any crop protection products. Further development of SIVANTO prime is currently underway in conjunction with industry. Labels and Safety Data Sheets are available on the Bayer Crop Science website. Some products mentioned may still be under development with an application for registration submitted. Such products will not be available for commercial use until APVMA registration approval is granted. SIVANTO prime information: www.sivantoprime.com.au/ Australian Macadamia Society australianmacadamias.org/ Hort Innovation www.horticulture.com.au