Australian horticultural scientist Alison Mathews discusses six-spotted mite

New Zealand Avocado and Plant & Food Research invite you to a presentation from Alison Mathews on Thursday 23 June (1:30 – 4:00pm) at St Paul’s Presbyterian Church, corner Mail Road and Mulligan Street, Katikati.

Alison Mathews is a research scientist in the Horticulture & Irrigated Agriculture division of the Western Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) based at Manjimup in Western Australia.

Alison is currently leading a project on six-spotted mites in Western Australian avocados funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia. The aim of the project is to develop sampling methods, identify risk periods and test management tools for growers including the use of mite predators. The project began in 2019 and is due to be completed in August this year.

Alison has a degree in agriculture from the University of Tasmania and took honours in entomology. She joined the Western Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development in 2006 and has worked on salinity management, vegetable crop nutrition and irrigation. Alison is now focussed on pest management in horticulture and has worked on projects with the pome fruit, olives, wine grape and truffle industries. She is keen to connect and work with growers and learn about the challenges of growing different crops.

The aim of this visit is to understand the life-cycle of six-spotted mite in New Zealand and to learn how it is managed. Alison will also provide information on her findings, challenges and management strategies used in Western Australia.

Everyone attending this event must register using the form below – Please observe Covid-19 guidelines.