Research Scientist - Perennial Horticulture

Plant Production Sciences

cathy.taylor@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Type of Research / Topics:

  • Investigating the effect of irrigation and nutrient inputs on almond spur productivity.
  • Developing an integrated pest management program for the Australian almond industry with key areas of activity including spatial distribution of pests and crop damage, and field-testing lures to develop an efficient attract and kill system for carob moth and carpophilus beetle.

Relevant experience:

  • 20 years’ experience in pistachios and almonds including research into the effect of sustained and regulated deficit irrigation in almonds.
  • Researching the epidemiology of bacterial dieback in pistachios, identifying the causal agent and trialling various control methods.
  • Conducting surveys for insect pests of pistachios and established damage thresholds for the main pest species.