Horticulture professionals in New South Wales (NSW) can now enhance their practices with the release of two updated guides from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD). The latest editions of the Orchard plant protection guide and the Grapevine management guide are now available online, providing essential resources for temperate fruit and winegrape growers across the state.
Key Updates for Horticulture Professionals
The Orchard plant protection guide serves as a crucial tool for growers of deciduous fruits in NSW. According to Jessica Fearnley-Pattison, a Temperate Fruit Development Officer and co-author of the guide, it delivers the most current integrated pest and disease management (IPDM) practices. This edition includes updated chemical registrations and features articles detailing the latest research.
“This guide is tailored for apple, cherry, summerfruit, and persimmon growers, as well as agronomists, advisors, and industry stakeholders,” Ms Fearnley-Pattison stated. The current edition includes four new feature articles showcasing research projects conducted by NSW DPIRD, highlighting innovative approaches to crop protection.
Support for the Viticulture Sector
In conjunction with the orchard guide, the Grapevine management guide 2025-26 continues its tradition as a flagship publication for the viticulture sector. Penny Flannery, a Viticulture Development Officer at NSW DPIRD, emphasized the guide’s role in providing practical, trial-based information to wine industry professionals.
“This Grapevine management guide offers insights into various aspects of vineyard management,” Ms Flannery said. “Having been in existence for over 30 years, this annual guide includes critical topics and significant developments relevant to winegrowers.” The latest edition addresses various important issues affecting the wine sector, ensuring that growers remain informed and competitive.
Hard copies of both guides will be available at local agricultural retailers and regional associations starting in late September 2025. For those seeking immediate access, digital versions can be found on the NSW DPIRD website.
