Regarded as the vegetable grower´s Bible, the newly released Diseases of Vegetable Crops in Australia is a comprehensive diagnostic guide to diseases affecting most vegetable crops grown in Australia.

Book editor and Agri-Science Queensland principal plant pathologist Denis Persley said the new book would be Australia´s standard reference in the identification and management of diseases in vegetable crops.

"Early detection and treatment of diseases, as well as adopting preventative measures can significantly reduce crop losses and costs to Australian vegetable growers each year," he said.

"Diseases of Vegetable Crops in Australia is an essential reference for all involved in crop protection as it reflects the changing pattern of disease occurrence and management in the vegetable industry."

Mr Persley said the release of the book continued the Queensland Government´s strong tradition of supporting the vegetable industry with key information on disease management.

"The book has a chapter on diseases affecting herb and speciality crops, which are an increasingly important sector of the industry, and emphasis on an integrated approach to disease management," he said.

"It´s an easy-to-read, practical guide to understanding, identifying and managing diseases of important vegetable crops, with more than 500 high-quality colour photos clearly illustrating disease symptoms and distinguishing features."

Highlights of the book include:

• causes, nature and control of plant diseases
• diseases that are common to many vegetable crops
• specific diseases of over 36 vegetable crops including Asian vegetables, herbs and speciality crops
• disease descriptions: symptoms, means of spread, disease development and survival, significance and management
• biosecurity threats to Australian vegetable industry.

"This book is an essential tool for growers, horticulturists, plant pathologists, plant protection diagnosticians, integrated pest-management specialists, educators, students, as well as the enthusiastic home gardener and hobby farmer," Mr Persley said.

Diseases of Vegetable Crops in Australia was edited by Denis Persley, Tony Cooke and Susan House from Agri-Science Queensland, a part of the Queensland Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI).

The authors are experienced plant pathologists from throughout Australia.

"The compilation of this book has been a collaborative national effort by plant pathologist´s in the various state departments supported by Horticulture Australia Limited through the vegetable industry pathology program and by the Australasian Plant Pathology Society," he said.

Diseases of Vegetable Crops in Australia costs $150 (retail) and is available from CSIRO Publishing and good booksellers on the web.

Order your copy online from CSIRO Publishing at www.publish.csiro.au

Media contact: Louise Morgan, (07) 3896 9778
louise.morgan@deedi.qld.gov.au