A study commissioned by Horticulture Innovation Australia (Hort Innovation) and its partners has shown that blow flies in the Sunraysia region are the chief pollinators of avocados, despite bee hives regularly featuring in orchards.
Beekeepers are a step closer to protecting themselves from the devastating Varroa mite, with a new test likely to allow imports of honey bee semen from resistant breeding stock without putting the industry at risk from another pest – Africanised bees.
Scientists have identified four new pathogens previously not found in Australian chillies, raising the stakes for the country’s quarantine and disease resistance efforts.
Cows that pass you on the right might be giving you the “evil eye”, according to an international study that could help cattle breeders reduce animal stress and anxiety levels.
The fastest route to happiness may be through the veggie patch, with a study indicating that consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables can substantially increase consumers’ happiness levels.
Research is demonstrating the potential for sowing strategies to significantly improve crop productivity on sandy soils in the southern cropping region.